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Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | At one time I had 3 saddles but I've only been riding one horse...so when we were having a little bit of a hard time after moving I decided to sell the two I don't use.
Future hubby, being the amazing man that he is decided that since we are now back on our feet and doin well...I deserve a new saddle.
Now, I just don't know where to start. I would like to have a brand new one..which I never have had before but I don't think that's possible when looking for a good quality saddle . I've never spent more than $500 on a saddle. Almost every saddle I've purchased was from people I've known who were selling.
I can spend around $1,000. I have no idea what brands or where to look or where to start.
Edited by lexyy12 2015-01-31 3:40 PM
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
 
| I would not buy one till I saved up atleast 2k-3k then I could get a quality saddle either used or new that I like and will keep for years |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: lone star state | Borrow from friends. Contact makers and ask to ride one of theirs. Google martin saddlery sherry cervi has a great saddle fit video and martin has a loaner program. Caldwell has a WEALTH of information and resources on their site and they take trades and have used saddles as well. Many places take trade ins such as teskeys and cool horse. Circle Y has a good tip sheet on their saddles asking about ur riding style and suggesting saddles that fit those riding styles. Don't purchase until you are confindent you know what u want and what fits your horse. Be cautious buying online from an individual. Scams are rampant online. Google is the best investigative tool available to individuals. If you find one online do your research before paying. Good luck and happy shopping :) |
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Expert
Posts: 2122
Location: The Great Northwest | If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | skye - 2015-01-31 6:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
I said I would like new but I know that's not possible. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | skye - 2015-01-31 5:40 PM
If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
I disagree. Anything north of $2000 will get you a good one. I know double j, Martin, and some other brands will let you trial saddles. If you're ok with losing the shipping # you can try new ones and then look for used once you know what fits. |
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  A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | lexyy12 - 2015-01-31 2:23 PM
At one time I had 3 saddles but I've only been riding one horse...so when we were having a little bit of a hard time after moving I decided to sell the two I don't use.
Future hubby, being the amazing man that he is decided that since we are now back on our feet and doin well...I deserve a new saddle.
Now, I just don't know where to start. I would like to have a brand new one..which I never have had before but I don't think that's possible when looking for a good quality saddle . I've never spent more than $500 on a saddle. Almost every saddle I've purchased was from people I've known who were selling.
I can spend around $1,000. I have no idea what brands or where to look or where to start.
What styles do you like? High back? Low back? High swell? Low horn? Super deep seat or do you like to "get up and ride"? Do you need a wide or narrow fit?
Just some things to start thinking of and then you can go off of that as far as brands and styles go. |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | I like a higher back, low horn(seems I'm always hitting myself on the one I have now) narrow fit.
i don't need anything fancy, I'm just looking for a good quality saddle that will last. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Contact Meleeta Brown. Her saddles fit the horse really well and it fit me well too. No more hip or knee pain. She has a trial program, too. The saddles are reasonably priced. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1482
Location: on my horse | skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM
If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular)...  2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used.
Circle Y (older models) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM
skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM
If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used.
Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range.
Circle y even the older ones I would say are mid quality, I have an original Marlene, and I love the saddle,
but the quality still doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the Martin's
I also have a courts, the saddle was hardly used, and I had to replace the fenders as the holes were ripped out. Sadly resale value isn't strong on the courts either, it is a nice saddle, but again not top quality.
I also heard the Crown c base price is going up tomorrow, before I placed the order for mine, I was told feb 1 prices were going up.
As I said earlier I would hold off till you have 2-3 k to spend, that way you don't have to settle. That doesn't mean you need to spend all of it.
Edited by cheryl makofka 2015-01-31 10:20 PM
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| cheryl makofka - 2015-01-31 10:17 PM
redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM
skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM
If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used.
Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range.
Circle y even the older ones I would say are mid quality, I have an original Marlene, and I love the saddle,
but the quality still doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the Martin's
I also have a courts, the saddle was hardly used, and I had to replace the fenders as the holes were ripped out. Sadly resale value isn't strong on the courts either, it is a nice saddle, but again not top quality.
I also heard the Crown c base price is going up tomorrow, before I placed the order for mine, I was told feb 1 prices were going up.
As I said earlier I would hold off till you have 2-3 k to spend, that way you don't have to settle. That doesn't mean you need to spend all of it.
Apparently, I live on the cheap planet. I have three Billy Cook saddles that I bought new several years ago. I paid $950 for two of them. My Buster Welch was $1050. I love the Buster Welch tree.
I decided that I actually needed a bigger seat and my trainer recommended a Josey Ultimate. I bought one that was blinged out to the MAX and it was $2200. It was also custom order because of the 16 inch seat. I guess only skinny people buy saddles at Josey's.
If I was going to go buy a new saddle today, I would have to get a 16 inch Billy Cook Buster Welch tree.
These saddles fit nearly every horse. The Josey Ultimate fits all my horses great too.
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I think you should be able to get a nice Billy Cook or Triple Creek for what you're looking to spend. I think $1500 could even get you a nice used saddle if you're okay with used. |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Longneck - 2015-01-31 11:38 PM I think you should be able to get a nice Billy Cook or Triple Creek for what you're looking to spend. I think $1500 could even get you a nice used saddle if you're okay with used.
I'm good with used. I just can't see spending 2-3k on a saddle, no matter how nice it is. I could probably spend a little more maybe $1500. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | lexyy12 - 2015-02-01 10:35 AM
Longneck - 2015-01-31 11:38 PM I think you should be able to get a nice Billy Cook or Triple Creek for what you're looking to spend. I think $1500 could even get you a nice used saddle if you're okay with used.
I'm good with used. I just can't see spending 2-3k on a saddle, no matter how nice it is. I could probably spend a little more maybe $1500.
That would get you a nice Billy Cook (although I'm not sure how good the quality is anymore, mine is a 2002 model and I paid $850 for it new) or a nice Triple Creek. I'm sure you could get a used Double J or Martin (mostly roughout models) for around $1500 if you look hard enough or wait around for it to happen. Those are the only brands I have any experience with or have priced. Good luck! I believe it can happen, just probably not today! |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | I tell you, don't get a new one. They take forever to break in. I would look for a Tod Slone. You can probably find one for around 800-1200. That's all we buy and mine is 12+ old and still squeaks! It will probably last my entire lifetime. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 8:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range.
You live on the same planet as me...but I don't buy new. I find very gently used, quality saddles that hold up well, and they work just as well, and you can find them under $1000. While probably many would not agree, look on eBay.
Definitely look at Courts saddles, Circle Y saddles, Double J saddles used (you can find them for a decent price) and occasionally you can find a quality used Cactus saddle for a good price. Just look carefully and you will find a good buy on a gently used saddle. I will say in my quest I have made some compromises, but mostly it had to do with trophy saddles with writing versus just regular non-trophy saddles. But I haven't sacrificed quality. |
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Expert
Posts: 1482
Location: on my horse | mtcanchazer - 2015-02-01 12:09 PM
redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 8:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range.
Definitely look at Courts saddles, Circle Y saddles, Double J saddles used (you can find them for a decent price) and occasionally you can find a quality used Cactus saddle for a good price. Just look carefully and you will find a good buy on a gently used saddle. I will say in my quest I have made some compromises, but mostly it had to do with trophy saddles with writing versus just regular non-trophy saddles. But I haven't sacrificed quality.
I'm right there with you, I'm still riding and enjoying my 22 year old Courts saddle. It will last me a lifetime I'm sure. |
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Veteran
Posts: 170
| Ed and Martha Wright make a fantastic saddle, and you can get it brand new within your price range. I've seen plenty used CJ and Marlene cactus saddles for $900-$1300... |
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Curve Ball
Posts: 2258
Location: Pelham, TN | Shallow Creek Saddles are reasonably priced and they last! I am riding one that is 20 years old!!! |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | lexyy12 - 2015-01-31 6:55 PM I like a higher back, low horn(seems I'm always hitting myself on the one I have now) narrow fit.
i don't need anything fancy, I'm just looking for a good quality saddle that will last.
A Cactus CJ has a lower horn but not made for narrow horses. Cactus Brandi halls are made for a little narrower horse and a nice seat that holds you in. They don't make them any more but you can find some used ones around. My daughter has one, beautiful leather and quality. Its just too narrow for our horses. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 754
Location: Arkansas | hammer_time - 2015-02-01 11:14 AM I tell you, don't get a new one. They take forever to break in. I would look for a Tod Slone. You can probably find one for around 800-1200. That's all we buy and mine is 12+ old and still squeaks! It will probably last my entire lifetime.
This!!! I wouldn't trade my Slone for anything |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | My advice is to try a few saddles, figure out which ones you like best, then be patient for a deal to come up. I got a used Martin Sherry Cervi for $800 and a used Deb Sibley for $1,200. I wasn't actively shopping when I found them, they just came up for sale and I jumped on them. It seems when you're actively shopping, you never find a good deal :) You just have to be ready to buy when you find the one you want at a price you can't refuse. |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Gunner11 - 2015-02-02 10:00 AM
My advice is to try a few saddles, figure out which ones you like best, then be patient for a deal to come up. I got a used Martin Sherry Cervi for $800 and a used Deb Sibley for $1,200. I wasn't actively shopping when I found them, they just came up for sale and I jumped on them. It seems when you're actively shopping, you never find a good deal :) You just have to be ready to buy when you find the one you want at a price you can't refuse.
That's my plan. I don't NEED to have this saddle. I'm only riding one horse at the moment and I love my saddle I have now, I believe its an older circle y. But I'm planning to start getting back on my gelding this summer so I will need another. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1028
| I'd look at an Ammerman or Ed Wright. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | I much prefer getting used saddles as opposed to new....love not having to break them in!! If you buy a good quality saddle used and take good care of it....then generally you can get your $$$ back if you sell it down the line.
I'd look at Shilohs and I second the Ed Wright. Double Js are also great. Borrow as many saddles from friends as you possibly can and ride in them a bit before you go buy one. If you're patient and do your homework, you can get a good quality used saddle for $1000 -$1500. It just won't be blinged out (which doesn't make it ride any better).
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 915
Location: SE KS | redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM
skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM
If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle.
Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used.
Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range.
Ditto!!!!!!!!
Also, Equifest is next Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Wichita, KS they have tons of saddle displays, go look, sit & see what they cost!!!
Edited by lhighquality 2015-02-02 10:23 AM
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| lhighquality - 2015-02-02 10:22 AM redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range. Ditto!!!!!!!! Also, Equifest is next Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Wichita, KS they have tons of saddle displays, go look, sit & see what they cost!!!
Ohio to Wichita might be a bit far to saddle shop! LOL
I've NEVER spent more than $1500 on a saddle. I'm riding a Tod Slone now that I guess I must have stolen as I got it used for a LOT less than $1500! |
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 Banjo and Baby
Posts: 7259
Location: South of Canada and North of Mexico | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-01-31 6:09 PM skye - 2015-01-31 5:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. I disagree. Anything north of $2000 will get you a good one. I know double j, Martin, and some other brands will let you trial saddles. If you're ok with losing the shipping # you can try new ones and then look for used once you know what fits.
Shilohs start at $1350, VERY nice saddles. 3k and up for a quality saddle? Hahaha |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Griz - 2015-02-02 12:13 PM lhighquality - 2015-02-02 10:22 AM redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range. Ditto!!!!!!!! Also, Equifest is next Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Wichita, KS they have tons of saddle displays, go look, sit & see what they cost!!!
I've NEVER spent more than $1500 on a saddle. I'm riding a Tod Slone now that I guess I must have stolen as I got it used for a LOT less than $1500!
Lol yeah, Kansas is a bit far for a saddle...but thank you for the suggestion!
Im currently searching all brands and options lol
i guess I wouldn't say I need a "narrow" saddle but I don't need a wide one either lol |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Ed Wright/Shiloh might be just the saddle. Used ones are well within your range. My daughter won't ride in anything else as long as it fits her horses. They are really comfortable saddles, too. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | What seat size are you looking for? |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Griz - 2015-02-02 11:13 AM
lhighquality - 2015-02-02 10:22 AM redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range. Ditto!!!!!!!! Also, Equifest is next Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Wichita, KS they have tons of saddle displays, go look, sit & see what they cost!!!
I've NEVER spent more than $1500 on a saddle. I'm riding a Tod Slone now that I guess I must have stolen as I got it used for a LOT less than $1500!
Is the saddle a real today Sloan or is it a diamond s, as Sloan has two lines now, the tod sloan if buying new start 2600-3k, a diamond s starts out at 12-1500k.
When I spoke to the Sloan reps the material used in each line is different. Top end quality for the tod Sloan, lower quality for the diamond s.
To the person I quoted if you got a real tod Sloan, then you did get a smoking deal |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| cheryl makofka - 2015-02-02 10:45 PM Griz - 2015-02-02 11:13 AM lhighquality - 2015-02-02 10:22 AM redmansmyman11 - 2015-01-31 9:22 PM skye - 2015-01-31 4:40 PM If you want new, a quality saddle will start at $3000 for just basic saddle. Apparently I don't live on the same planet as the rest of you guys (not just you in particular )... 2-3 THOUSAND for a quality saddle is absolutely insane. Quality leather and a good fit doesn't have to come with that price tag especially used. Circle Y (older models ) Courts etc. will get you what you're looking for in your price range. Ditto!!!!!!!! Also, Equifest is next Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Wichita, KS they have tons of saddle displays, go look, sit & see what they cost!!!
I've NEVER spent more than $1500 on a saddle. I'm riding a Tod Slone now that I guess I must have stolen as I got it used for a LOT less than $1500! Is the saddle a real today Sloan or is it a diamond s, as Sloan has two lines now, the tod sloan if buying new start 2600-3k, a diamond s starts out at 12-1500k. When I spoke to the Sloan reps the material used in each line is different. Top end quality for the tod Sloan, lower quality for the diamond s. To the person I quoted if you got a real tod Sloan, then you did get a smoking deal
My saddle is a real SLONE, got it used from a tack vendor at a D & G show - it was a trophy saddle and the people who won it didn't want it - their loss. My ONLY complaint is that it is VERY heavy but that's due to the quality leather it is made with. - But I bought it back when people didn't think it was normal to pay $3000 for a saddle, it's about 10 years old.
Edited by Griz 2015-02-03 5:27 AM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 713
Location: ND | I have bought a Billy Cook and Triple Creek for $900 each used.. both are nice quality saddles.. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 746
Location: Missouri | I have had an original Slone and then a Diamond S. I will say this Diamond S is one of the first made under Diamond S from what I have gathered and has the same if not nicer leather than the original Slone. It is heavy, nice deep tooling, and deep seated. I am not saying they haven't cut corners since then, but some of your older Diamond S Slones are good too. 
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Prices for saddles have gone up a TON in the last 10 or so years.
When I was in high school, a new, FANCY circle Y was 900-1200. Those new saddles are now over 2K (and not as nice quality, IMHO) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 746
Location: Missouri | Exactly!
I sat in a new Crown C this weekend and I did like the way it felt, but I will tell you one thing, the leather quality has going down hill in a hurry. My previous Martin is probably 6 years old or so and nice leather. The Crown C nearly had the fake leather feel. I have been told that it does better once oiled, etc, but dang if I am going to spend that much, I want to like it when I bring it home. |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | CYA Ranch - 2015-02-02 11:31 PM What seat size are you looking for?
14.5 |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I just bought this gorgeous Meleta Brown used saddle for $1650. I pick it up tomorrow. You can find some stellar deals on facebook Barrel Saddles For Sale and Wanted and here on BHW too. Just need to know what fits your horse before you go out and buy anything. Meleta is the Queen of saddle fit, and just a super neat person too
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 Ones with the Hotties
Posts: 1451
Location: Centerburg, OH | pro ridders are tough. The flare at the shoulders and fit most average horses great. Wonderful people to work with. They can do a short horn and tall cantle but because they sit so deeply 4 inch is very secure. Very afordable and sky is the limit with options. Also I love my old Ed Wright |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 964
Location: Alberta, Canada | I LOVE my meleta brown! I ordered two years ago right from Meleta. She was amazing to work with!!
I have recently developed a crush on Double j saddles tho and from here on out will never buy anything else. The quality is amazing -- worth every penny. I bought a brand new custom lynn mckenzie and a used standard pozzi. I paid $2000 for my older used pozzi but it is blinged right out... I've come across used pozzi's for under $1500 :)
I won't sell my meleta however because it fits SO many different horses and is my go to saddle for training! You can often find these used in the $1100-1500 range.
I used to ride in cheap saddles and never knew any different. My meleta was my first high quality saddle and the difference is unbelievable. Lynn Mckenzie posted on facebook just a few weeks ago a post about how a saddle is an investment. I couldn't agree more! Try friends saddles and make sure you find something that works for you and your horses and have fun shopping :) |
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 Ace Ventura Pet Detective
Posts: 2411
Location: Wisconsin | I have had about 15 New saddles in my lifetime. If I were to do it again, (which im looking)...I would definately buy used. I HATE breaking them in, hard on both me and the horse. But so hard to find a barrel racer that uses a 16 inch (even tho some could use them, but wont admit). 
Edited by nettieb3 2015-02-05 6:14 PM
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