Inspiring saddle, dodgy supplier ... dilemma

Stormin

Stormin

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Jun 28, 2007
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Well I thought I had found the perfect saddle for my youngster who's to be broken next spring (oops, that's soon too ! :D )

I had found a western saddle, partly personalizable (by means of choice in the colour, options, details, etc), exceptionally light even though it's made of leather and most importantly of all - fully adjustable !
The saddle isn't cheap (in the price range of a big branded saddle) so I'm thinking that as you only need one saddle in that it'll always fit, no problem - it's a safe investment.

Now I've started taking serious contact with the supplier with view to finalizing the order and most of the questions that I am asking just aren't being answered :mad:
I don't know if it's just me being a "pain in the bottom" :eek: with maybe obvious questions that I'm asking, or if it's just a bad time of year, or if the supplier isn't interested by my order ?!
(Maybe I should add that this saddle comes from the US and I'm in "mainland Europe")

I'm worried in case I order the saddle and it
a) doesn't fit because I chose the wrong tree size
b) it doesn't fit and I need to reorder extra fitting pads so waste time and postage waiting for these to arrive
c) I don't like it when it arrives because it's not as I had imagined/asked
d) it doesn't arrive at all as the company goes bankrupt etc :eek:

I'm looking at alternatives but then I fall back to a "traditional western saddle" but then I have problems with
a) finding a saddle
b) fitting the saddle (no-one close to home to supply nor fit !)
c) I really had my heart on a black leather saddle with leather seat but not seen many saddles that fit in that description

What should I do ???
 
What saddle had you ordered?

I think if you have any doubts about a supplier you shouldn't order from them, a saddle is a lot of money to mess around with.

Specialized saddles might be another brand to look in to if you want an adjustable treed saddle.
 
Saddle hasn't been order yet (thankfully ?) but I had hoped to have something on order before end of this month (to give time for fabrication, travel, customs etc). Or at least have decided which saddle it'll be.
 
Hi, Stormin you have exactly the same dilemma as me regards firstly actually finding a saddle you like, then someone to fit it. I am in the southwest and there is no one who specialises down here. I have thought of a treeless but feel like I am compromising. I am too chicken to buy off e-bay or order blind - it is so difficult because unlike a normal saddle fitter where they bring a few for you to try, you are unlikely to get to try a few on your horse all in one go so you can choose.

For me it is looking like I will have to stay with the english stylie perhaps until my horse has matured a bit. Time is running out for me to get a saddle as well coz she is going away to be trained and the trainer says I need to provide a saddle for her to go home in so he can see that it is ok. I am even having a problem finding a decent leather second hand one that I don't have to order (I don't want to do this coz its a right pain if it doesn't fit and has to go back etc. )

I think I might wait and see what shape she becomes in a year or so and keep an eye out for a western saddle in the meantime

I hope you get sorted out though.
 
Well my nearest (known) saddle supplier (who has choice and a saddle impression analysis system available) is 273 kms drive - I don't think it's possible to drive horsey out there. Plus he's not backed yet so waste of time too I guess.

I really don't want to go back to an english saddle - I really do hate them (even though I still have my dressage saddle gathering dust here). Too many memories of falls that hurt :eek:
 
Buying a saddle is a big deal, they are a lot of money and as we know can greatly affect your horse's comfort and performance. In my eyes the retailer should be falling over themselves to answer any questions you may have and help you make your decision. This is what a good retailer would do.

TOP TIP
If you ever pay for anything on line or over the phone, try to do it via a credit card, you are covered by your lender for amounts from £100 to I think £30,000 so that would give you more security. But I have to say, I would look around a bit more to see if you get a retailer with better customer service.
Good luck chuck :)

Oh I have written a brief guide to shopping online which gives you top tips for shopping safe and smarter online if you fancy a look.http://www.equinecompare.co.uk/docs/ShopSmartthisChristmas
 
Hi No Angel think its just coz I really want a leather western saddle and if I spend £500-£700 on new treeless which it will be by the time I have bought the pad, cinch and stirrups, it is that much money spent which I could have put towards leather one. Ive decided to wait for a bit and get a synthetic gullet changing one while she is so young and changeable. In a couple of years maybe I will be able to order a saddle to fit her - I was looking at the ones made for arabians on that horsesaddleshop.com.
 
But you can get leather treeless saddles?:confused:

Are you thinking of the barefoot type? Why not look at a startrekk saddle, thats what I have and I fully intend to show my Appy in western classes with it, I have ok'd it with people who already show in western classes.
It doesn't need a special pad (depending on the horse of course) and if you buy the complete one comes with matching fenders and stirrups.
 
yes, thanks I will have a look. I feel that I am being a bit rushed into getting her tack coz the trainer where I am sending her soon wants her to have some to go home in so he can check whether she will go well for me at home.
 
newrider.com
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