[Lauren616713]

Hey, i'm looking at getting a dressage saddle. Just wondering what IYO is the best brand.. Please keep in mind that i am only 15.. and do have to pay for my gear myself.. therefore a saddle over $1000 is unrealistic... Oh and i am looking at 2nd hand saddles. Thanks in advance

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Lauren, I have a saddle I'm looking to sell, that is less then $1000 (and not just under that either )

It was a wonderful saddle for my 1st Dressage saddle, and is a very high quality saddle. The manufaturer is no longer in business (it's from at least the 70's) but was a very well known place in Germany.

PM me if you're looking for more info and photos.

[Dicey]

Well, IMO, County makes the best dressage saddles out there. They are pretty darn expensive brand new, but if you look on Ebay, you can find used ones in the $500-$900 range pretty easily. They are very, very high quality, put you in a very correct position, and are super-duper comfortable.

I, too, have an older dressage saddle that I am probably looking to sell. It's a County, 16 1/2 seat, medium-wide/wide tree. It's been very well loved and needs a small stitching repair on one of the panels, so I'm only asking $250. PM me if you want more info!

[Lauren616713]

I'm in Australia! and don't wana buy anything over sea's or interstate (i'm in WA)... haha... It's officially been Australia day for 2 hours over here! Aussie Aussie Aussie... OI OI OI!!! AUSSIE, OI AUSSIE, OI, Aussie Aussie Aussie OI OI OI anyone in Australia will know what i'm going on about!

[JBandRio]

There are LOTS of high quality brand dressage saddles - County, Keiffer, Bates, and many others. Some of them are are high enough that even well-used are still over $1k. But, many can be found for under $1k. I'd highly suggest taking a look at whatever R&B has, as if she says it's quality, you can be sure it is

But there are also mid-range saddles that could be found newer, for less, than the above types, depending on condition. Don't get tooooo caught up in brand (but don't settle for something from Argentina or India either), when the most important thing is how it fits the horse, and a very close second is how it fits you.

[JBandRio]

Ok, just saw your post about being in Australia - for sure look into the Bates saddles then - made right in your back yard

[Dicey]

Originally Posted by JBandRio

Ok, just saw your post about being in Australia - for sure look into the Bates saddles then - made right in your back yard

I second this!

[idlewild]

Originally Posted by JBandRio

Ok, just saw your post about being in Australia - for sure look into the Bates saddles then - made right in your back yard

And I third it!!
I own and ride in a Bates Isabell, I absolutely love the thing.

[haunani]

Keep your eyes peeled for good deals on the internet. They do pop up every now and then. I was able to get two of my saddles, in practically brand new condition, for 2/3 what they would cost new. (Good brands, too) One of them you couldn't tell AT ALL that it had even been ridden in.

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Thanks JB --ya want a new saddle??? hahahaha

I am riding in a bates right now, and honestly it is a nice saddle....If I had never ridden in a County or a Schleese then I would say it's the nicest saddle I've ever ridden in....sadly I find the Bates Caprilli (and I've ridden in an Isabelle) just mediocore in compairson to the Schleese.....