[TrickPony]

Um... I have a really nice 17" black cordura - close contact and medium tree. I'd like a little more for it though.
It comes with bridle, leathers, and irons. Lemme know if you're interested.

[Cowgirly]

I prefer a good used set to an inexpensive new starter set. Just my opinion!

[Shannon]

Originally Posted by Shotgun93

The reason why it has been sold for many years isn't because it's a nice saddle, it's because people keep buying them. Do you know what their cost is for that saddle? $45. Yep, $45. When my friend was looking for suppliers for her tack, the people that represent this saddle asked her if she was interested. I saw the catalog, so I know their prices. They tried to sell her on the fact that Jeffers and Country Supply sell these saddles, so they must be good.
You won't find a decent brand of tree for less than $50, that should tell you about the quality of the saddle around it.

LIke JB said, any saddle can put you in the wrong position. But, at least that saddle won't fal apart in the rain.

Good point. Just ditch the idea of this saddle and get a Kincade for a little more, or go to www.tack-wholesale.com. I think they have the same saddle, but they have some nicer ones for decent money as well.

Try calling SLT or going to a Petsmart to ask if they have had any saddles returned recently. I found my saddle at SLT for $650, but they sell it in their cataloges for $899 (MSRP is $1050). The saddle looked BRAND NEW and never used. Saddles sold in the stores only have a 48hr return policy and they must be in new condition, so they should be pretty darn nice still. Most of the saddles are returned for improper fit, too.

[crazy4horses205]

ok guys, I understand that this isn't the best quality (notice my first words on the post) so I don't need a lecture about how bad this saddle is! I am just asking if this saddle will work for what I want to do. I ride 2-3 times a week, I would probably only ride english once a week, and that would be probably in my lesson, the rest I would ride english. I am sure that the most I'd be jumping is 2' because I need to get a lot better at plain old english riding and walk trot canter before I'd even consider going higher. I just need an inexpensive english starter set that I could ride 1 maybe 2 times a week and just jumping crossrails and small verticles. If I decide to go into english more, I will save up my money and buy a better quality english saddle (also notice more of my words) So please, just answer the question I originally asked.
~Rachel

[Shotgun93]

Okay, then to answer the question you originally asked, no, in my opinion this saddle will not work for the job intended.
My reasons are stated in the above posts. I understand that if you decide to pursue english, that you would save up and buy a better quality saddle. But, it would be better to get a used better quality saddle now, than to get stuck with a saddle that will unravel at the seems and have to buy a new one any way.

[Bella]

Originally Posted by crazy4horses205

Ok I know that english starter packages are not good quality at all, but keep in mind that I am a beginner english rider and that this would just be for fun. If I decide I really like english then later I can get a better one, but this is just for fun, english pleasure riding and jumping up to 2'.

I have to strongly disagree here. My very first saddle I bought was a starter package, $250 I believe. That was 6 years ago, and I still have that saddle. I would NOT trade it, I love it.

-Bella

[Cheeky Monkey]

The cheapo saddles are usually not balanced properly for the rider, and are not compfy for the horses withers/back. You will never be in a good position and always trying to get your leg in the right place, trying not to chair seat, etc. I would never buy a cheap leather saddle. I'd go for a synthetic saddle as well, if I didnt want to spend a lot. The Kincade is not bad at all. I taught some little girls in a 15" kincade saddle (it was SOOO cute) and it put them in a pretty good position.

[EquineAddict]

I personally have this saddle and I hate it. I bought it from the Used Tack Store for $150 (ripoff I know) and I really don't like it. Its difficult to jump in, and yes, it DOES put you in a bad position (more then others). What size is your horse? If my saddle fits, i'll give my saddle to you for $30 No joke, I'm trying to get rid of it.

[JBandRio]

Good point about these types of saddles often putting the rider in a bad position - it's just a given because of how cheaply they are constructed. What this means is that you will constantly struggle with your position, and when you're a beginner that is SO frustrating. Not to mention the saint your horse has to be with you struggling like that.

My opinion still stands - look for a well-used, high quality saddle.

[Dawn]

I have a used saddle that would be fine for someone to start learning in. Other than some minor cosmetic issues, the only thing wrong with it is that it minorly needs reflocking, which is easily fixed by using a riser pad. I'd sell it to you for $70 plus s/h.

It's not fancy, but it's decently made and well broken in. It's comfy too as long as you have that riser pad (or you could just go ahead and have it reflocked).