What can you tell me about these saddle brands?
My horse finally outgrew my medium saddle, and I am in the market for a high quality, used saddle that is 1000 dollars or less. I have a spare Wintec close contact that I can use in the meantime, but I'd really prefer a higher quality leather brand - but I do have time to hunt a little bit. I'm close to a number of tack stores, including a Dover and a Beval...so I was planning to pay close attention to what was coming through their consignment - I have never gotten a saddle through either, and was wondering if they sent used saddles on trial? If anyone knows?
Anyway, here are the brands I was mainly interested in - any feedback is appreciated as well as suggestions. I'm only interested in Close Contact - but I have to do a significant amount of flatwork in it, too..so I need to bear that in mind.
http://www.beval.com/Products/Salem-Saddle/1475000.aspx
not sure if I really like that it's an 'Argentine' saddle...I'm concerned with how light the leather is, but it looks like if the leather took oil that it would turn into a really nice color..
http://www.beval.com/Products/Stamford/1465002.aspx
It's 950 new...and I'm not so sure of the quality..
http://www.beval.com/Products/Gladstone/1470002.aspx
Again, only a little over 1000 new, and not so sure of the quality.
Butet, of any sort - Is it realistic to even try to find a used one for under a grand? I've heard that they were a little heavier too..but my current saddle is a little heavy as well.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/pessoa-legacy-xp3-xch-saddle/p/X1-15674/cn/4717/
Obviously, I'd like to see if I could find it used..
Suggestions?
Yeah, I live about a half hour from Gladstone - so I may try out there demo program!