[Eventer98]

Well, I'm looking for my first dressage saddle, and my first choice would be an albion, buuuut, they're so expensive, so does anyone know of a good knock-off?

I'm going to start looking in tack shops, but I'm sort of at a loss. When I bought my jumping saddle, I knew exactly what I wanted and what I wanted to pay. Now, I'm not sure.

I want a saddle that's going to put me into the right postion and I definatly want thigh blocks. I want decent quality, but I'm more worried about fit than whether it will last forever. I don't want to pay more than $700, and I'll be looking at used saddles.

Anyone want to recommend some brands?

-thanx

[CowGirlUp1833]

I recently bought the Circuit by Dover. I think they run about $600 in the catalog. I have been REALLY impressed by the quality and comfort of it! It is VERY similar to the Keiffer which runs about $2500!!!!

You can probably find one used for $500-600.

[AQHA Hunter]

You should be able to get an older Albion, like the Original Comfort for your price range. I've seen them for sale for $600.

For that price range, I'd definitely go used. You can often find used Kieffers, Stubbens and so on for under $700.

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Eventer, PM me, I have a saddle that I can no longer use that is in wonderful condition! It's a really nice great quality one too, and it's within your budget.

PM me if you're interested, as I do have photos.

[haunani]

Thornhills came very highly recommended to me and I'm now the proud owner of one. I'm very impressed at the quality I got for the price I paid and even though I haven't ridden in it yet (have sat in it a lot, though) due to weather, it seems to be quite comfortable, too.

[cowgirlek7]

you can get an older passier for that, my jumping passier is 23 years old, and except for a few wear marks from stirrup leathers and some scratches could look brand new.

[Kissitgoodbye]

Athur Kottas My favorite!

[Andalucian]

I'll also vouch for the Thornhills - I bought four that I use for lesson students. I have a Vienna II dressage and a Pro-Am all-purpose, and those two are okay for the money; however, I also have the Germania Klasse and the Germania CCD dressage models, and I love both of those. The students do remarkably well in the Klasse and claim it helps them find their seat and open their hips. I bought mine very lightly used for $650.

I do agree that you can often find older Albions, Passiers, and even County saddles in your budget. I bought my first County Competitor on eBay for about $500, an old Passier dressage for about $300, and an Albion Legend 5000 for $450. I had to do a little work on all of them (reflocking, billet alterations, etc.), but they all worked out quite well for me.

[Dicey]

County! Ebay usually has a selection in the $500-$700 range, and no matter how old and beat-up they may look, they are awesome quality and very comfy. County saddle fitters are also really great and can get them flocked and adjusted to fit your horse's back wonderfully.

I <3 County!

[Eventer98]

Wow, thanks for all the great responses guys!
I'm going to start researching all of those brands.

RnB- Thanks for the offer, but I think I need to sit in a few different saddle and try them on my horse before I decide what I want to buy. His back is kind of funny so I like to try saddles on him first.