[i_luv_wildfire]

I've heard of Kincade, but have no idea how they are quality-wise.
And the girth on the first saddle is scary!! Eeek! Go with a leather girth.

[madvoice]

Originally Posted by SammyDoodle

If you dont want to spend much go for a Wintec or a Throwgood synthetic - they are well made, light weight and some models give you the option of changing your gullet as the horse changes shape - saves buying new saddles! They are easy to clean - much easier than leather!

On the subject of the girth - I wouldnt go for a string girth.

I agree with Sammy, Go for a Wintec (not much in the way of Thorowgood here) without the CAIR system (about $100-$200 cheaper) and most Horseland stores have Pay as You Ride which can work out if you pay frequently.
Make sure the girth is either Neoprene or Leather. String chafes really badly I've found.

[TrickPony]

Just an FYI - any saddle that comes as a "package" (with bridle, girth, leathers, irons, all that stuff) is probably going to be pretty cheaply made. Obviously, that's not completely true, but generally speaking it's the case (for brand new saddles).
Something I have learned - If you don't have tons of money, buy your saddle used. A good saddle is still a good saddle 5 years down the road, but often is unaffordable brand new. Saddle are like cars, the moment you use them they drop in price.

[::Miss Kitty::]

I've heard of Kincade, but have no idea how they are quality-wise.
And the girth on the first saddle is scary!! Eeek! Go with a leather girth.

String girths are sometimes better than leather girths. They are stronger than they look and allow much better airflow

[PizzazzandMe]

Not Kincade. I asked about that brand on this forum not too long ago, and everyone said it was cheap leather and poor stitching. I also looked at some Kincade saddles at Petsmart and the leather felt like plastic. I'd stay away from Kincade, even though the prices seem good.

[Quiggles]

Go for a wintec saddle and then buy everything else separately. Wintec are really well fitting and made and they are on the cheaper side but not of poor quallity and they are really easy to clean. Buying a use saddle is also a good idea just make sure the tree is not broken..

[Quiggles]

Go for a wintec saddle and then buy everything else separately. Wintec are really well fitting and they are on the cheaper side but not of poor quallity and they are really easy to clean. Buying a use saddle is also a good idea just make sure the tree is not broken.