[ShadyGirl82]

OK i am looking for an all purpose saddle for my horse.
I think i would prefer synthetic.. something that will last and look good
color: black
my seat size is about a 16" or 16.5"
he is a thoroughbred so im guessing his size would be narrow? but i truthfully dont know - as i have never had to fit a saddle before..
i am also on a budget.. hopefully with girth/stirrup "leathers" (synthetic also)/stirrup irons..under $500.. or right around there...

what brand/s do you suggest?

where can i get it from...

and if you have a suggestion on size that would be great too!

here he is if it helps

[Fox Glove]

Una,
Have you concidered used ?
There are so many wonderful used saddled out there..
I think this time of year is great for shopping for one !
Shops are full of Xmas presents that did'nt work out..
Saddles that are being sold because someone got a new one for Xmas..

eBay has an amazing selection..
So does Ricks in PA and NY...
Not far from you..
I can get you links..
Bucks County Saddle has a good bunch too..
You would be far better off with a nice used leather saddle...
And I am sure you can find one in your price range.

Happy Shopping!
Paula

[JBandRio]

I would highly suggest looking at a Wintec, either the synthetic looking version or the leather-looking version. They aren't expensive, and are fairly nice quality for the $$.

I wouldn't be so quick to think he needs a narrow tree. I would bet he needs at LEAST a medium tree. You don't want to fall into the common problem of fitting a saddle to his current withers and muscling, as that will either make the saddle too narrow or leave no room for muscle development (which he has a good bit to do).

Beyond that you'll just have to start plopping saddles on him and see how they fit.

Hopefully your local tack shop will let you take saddles on trial so you can put them on him AND see how they fit you. If you take pictures and post them I'm sure you'll get critiques on how well it fits him.

[chocchipcookie]

I have a Wintec 500 AP and I love it. I've only had it two months, but I've heard that they last a long time. Mine cost me AU$850 inc the cair system, but without I think it came to AU$700, so perhaps they'd be within your budget, but I got my leathers etc free with a pormotion package Wintec was running. My tb mare, who's 16hh (she was 460kg when we first got her fitted, but she's puttinng on weight) has a 17inch saddle with a normal tree, but the the saddle has a changeable gullet system, and she has a narrow one atm.

[kvmt10]

i have a wintec2000 all purpose that i use on my big thoroughbred which is a great saddle.
i also had a wintec 500 dressage saddle that fitted him well too!
if i were u i would check out ebay or the wintec internet site!!

[Just_me]

I like wintec or baites(sp?).I have a wintec and had mine for over a year and it still looks like new(I`m surprised cuz my horse and I went through deep puddles etc in this saddle lol).I also have a Pessoa saddle,which scratched after 4 month.

[ShadyGirl82]

thanks everyone!!!

also paula - links would be awesome!!!

and jbandrio - i just got a dressage saddle from a member on here (nothing fancy but something to ride in daily) and it has a medium tree... however its pretty narrow compared to other "medium" tree saddles at the barn. right now it fits him pretty well in my opinion... but i know his muscling is going to change alot once i can actually work him!! (woohoo 9 days till the vet re-checks him and gives me an evaluation!! ok sorry off topic)
have you ever used the changeable gullet system? could i do it myself or would i have to have a specialist do it for me??

[Fox Glove]

Most saddles these days you can change yourself..
Wintecs are easy to change..

Ricks
http://www.saddlesource.com/

Bucks
http://www.bcsaddlery.com/esadu1.htm

I have delt with both of these shops
Very nice, and a good return policy, and shipping!

http://www.mmtackshop.com/index.html

This place has some LOVLEY saddles!

That will keep you busy for a bit
Happy Hunting,
OOOO Do a wither tracing ! it makes buying and fitting much easier !
http://www.pelham-saddlery.com/fitting.html
about half way down the page are great instructions !

Good luck,
Paula

[ShadyGirl82]

THanks a million your awesome Paula!!

[ShadyGirl82]

so i can adjust the gullet on this one am i right?
http://www.saddlesource.com/proddetail.asp?prod=A851