[Jrchloe]

Well I am a big Shivley advocate espically since I have always had leg issues till my MMX. If you are interested in finding a used Shivley I can post some places that might or does have used ones for sale.

TackCollecter is very knowledgable but she and I come from different schools I guess. I have a deep equitation background so having a saddle that makes sitting correctly as easy as possible and that looks pretty has been drilled into my head. Both of my trainers ride in MMXs so it can fit many horses and everyone at the barn I grew up in has an MMX or 2000 no matter what division they show in.

The first thing though is find out what size you are and then work from there.

[SaddleUp158]

Originally Posted by Tack Collector

FWIW, I learned to ride saddle seat in a 21" flat seat Borelli. Talk about no support. Saddles don't get any flatter than that one, plus I took bad advice and bought a 21" when 19" or 20" would have fit. I could not sit back to reach the cantle, lol. So, I really had it tough. Had to ride uphill, in both directions, in cheap sleezy polyester knit homemade jodphurs, without suede knee patches , etc, etc. Kids these days are so spoiled.

Lol, I am sure you appreciate the knee patches and quality saddles so much more because of your past experiences! I know what you mean, though, I feel the same way about the kids who have never gotten to pay for everything to do with their horses and showing.

Anyways, off topic! lol

After looking at all the pictures and information you and JrChole have given me, I think I will be looking for a saddle with the equitation seat or one that is not totally flat, but little deeper than the flat pancake ones. Luckily I have until at least August before I will be in the position to purchase one, so I have plenty of time to think about it and research it more and more. Possibly try some out!

[SaddleUp158]

Originally Posted by Jrchloe

Well I am a big Shivley advocate espically since I have always had leg issues till my MMX. If you are interested in finding a used Shivley I can post some places that might or does have used ones for sale.

TackCollecter is very knowledgable but she and I come from different schools I guess. I have a deep equitation background so having a saddle that makes sitting correctly as easy as possible and that looks pretty has been drilled into my head. Both of my trainers ride in MMXs so it can fit many horses and everyone at the barn I grew up in has an MMX or 2000 no matter what division they show in.

The first thing though is find out what size you are and then work from there.

I do like the look of the Shively MMX, it appears to have a bit deeper seat without appearing to the extreme. You also said that it helps with leg issues. I do not know if this helps or not, but my hunt saddle is a 16.5 and my western saddle is a 15.5. In the western saddles I can manage fine in a 16" but it is a little big. The cutback saddle that I have ridden in is a Barnsby either 20 or 21 inch. It did not feel too big, it was also on a very round horse, not like my itty bitty boy. lol.

I was talking to my friend and she agreed that I might find one of the equitation seats more to my liking coming from a Close Contact hunt saddle and most recently dressage saddles.

I would love to have some links or names of places that would have some used ones for sale. However, what are the typical purchase price of a used Shively MMX? I do not plan on showing saddleseat for years and years to come, but I DO want to purchase a good saddle; however, I cannot afford to spend an arm and a leg either.

Thanks for all your help JrChloe, Tacktrader thank you too! You all have been a lifesaver!

[Tack Collector]

Originally Posted by Jrchloe

Well I am a big Shivley advocate espically since I have always had leg issues till my MMX. If you are interested in finding a used Shivley I can post some places that might or does have used ones for sale.

TackCollecter is very knowledgable but she and I come from different schools I guess. I have a deep equitation background so having a saddle that makes sitting correctly as easy as possible and that looks pretty has been drilled into my head. Both of my trainers ride in MMXs so it can fit many horses and everyone at the barn I grew up in has an MMX or 2000 no matter what division they show in.

The first thing though is find out what size you are and then work from there.

The problem I had with the Shively 2000, the MMX, and the Barnsby Battaglia is that the shape of the seat just does not work for me. It's too narrow through the twist (straddling the fence rail, lol) and the seat is wide at the back and kind of has corners or dropoffs at the edges. There is no place that I can sit that's comfortable. If I slide forward, I'm on that really narrow part. If I move back, the edges of the seat literally gave me a bruising that I felt for 3 days, after only a 1-hour ride in the 2000. I need a wider twist. I tried a new 2000 21" made in 2002, an older 2000 21", a Battaglia 20", and I sat in a MMX 20". None fit. The only thing I didn't try is dropping down to a 19" b/c I thought that would be too small.

I like the Barnsby regular seat square cantle saddle, but can only ride a 19 or 20 size in it. I like the Barnsby round cantle equitation seat saddle, and can ride either 20 or a 21 if has adjustable bars. And I like the flat Arab Pro type tree like the LaCroix.

I ran into a similar problem with close contact saddles. Many are too narrow through the twist and too uncomfortable if I try to ride without stirrups. The modern Crosby Prix de Nations fits, as does the Northrun Ashland I. Collegiate Conniseur, too, but the flap is not quite forward enough for my long thigh.

Used MMX - Rarely turns up. One really nice 21" sold on ebay for $1500 back in January or February, I think. I've seen them go for as low as $1000 if listed in the off-season, listed in the wrong category, and doesn't say MMX or Shively anywhere in the desription. Probably closer to $1800 to $2000.

[Buckshot]

Shively is great, but expensive. It works on Morgans. (At least the newer-style Morgans...)

Barnsbys are really nice too.

[morgangirl]

Originally Posted by SaddleUp158

Do any of you have morgans? If so what size of tree do you use in the cutbacks? With our hunt saddles and western saddles we use wide trees and full qh bars for the most part.

My daughter rides her morgan in classic pleasure classes. Her saddle is a Crosby and fits the horse fine. I am not sure what the tree size is but I could find out for you. We got her saddle from tacktrader.com.

[Jrchloe]

To find used MMXs can be hard. You just have to look for people who grow out of theirs or are getting out of the business but you have time to get the word out. If you go to a show with World Champion there Chuck might let you take a 2000 and an MMX out for a test drive without having to buy. I wouldn't recommend a round equitation seat for you with your huntseat background because since you are used to sitting slightly in front of the vertical the high seat may help you stay in that habit instead of helping and training you out of it. I'm not saying get a super flat seat but something a little flatter than a traditional equitation seat to help you stay more upright. Nice saddles also hold their resale value. So if you can find a used 2000 or MMX when time comes to sell you should be able to get your money back fast because they are in high demand. If you measure yourself according to the guide on the equitation website that should give you your correct size. Also look at the pictures of the riders in their saddles on the equitation website to see how a saddle should fit and look.

It sounds like a 21" will work for you but you might be able to get away with a 20" if you have to if your horse has a short back. Smooth leather should be your first choice as well (unless you find an MMX) since it is easier to break in and soften (research and experience). If you do decided to get a traditional equitation seat you'll definately want to get a 21" since the height of the seat will make it smaller (if that makes sense haha).

This Blue Ribbon Saddle (http://www.4showhorsetack.com/produc...products_id=54) if you can find it might work as well since the seat is slightly higher than the "Classic" Blue Ribbon. Its nice I have ridden in one and the seat cradles your butt nicely haha.

Check ebay often to see if they have any Shivleys in your size. Theres also a few for sale on extendedtrot.org. Tacktrader.com has saddle seat saddles for sale but looking now none that would be ideal for you currectly but check back periodically to see if they have any. Since you are not in a rush you can find your ideal saddle so don't comprise. You can also check these websites out for saddles: http://www.bitsandbridles.com/cgi-bi...query=category

http://www.proudheritagetrainingcent..._equipment.htm

You could also try calling World Champion (http://ehorseequipment.com/), Bennett's Tack (http://www.bennettstack.com/), and Shelby Horse Supply (http://www.shelbyhorse.com/) to see what used saddles they have for sale. Just remember you want a saddle with adjustable stirrup bars.

[SaddleUp158]

Ok, thanks! I will check out extendedtrot.org and will remember adjustable stirrup bars!

[SaddleUp158]

Originally Posted by morgangirl

My daughter rides her morgan in classic pleasure classes. Her saddle is a Crosby and fits the horse fine. I am not sure what the tree size is but I could find out for you. We got her saddle from tacktrader.com.

That would be great! Thanks!

[Jrchloe]

Crosbys have a round cantle and a very flat seat. Something that you stated before you are not looking for.

Also the saddle size for you is very important as well.