I found someone with an old 18" Wintec saddle for sale. It is synthetic, no CAIR panels, adjustable gullet, has the medium wide in and she has the wide, but the rest are missing (I have a full set, so not that big a deal). She's not sure how old it is. It's just stamped Wintec so she's not sure which model it is. She wants $285 for it. Is it worth that much? If it didn't work for us would I be able to resell it and get my money back? It's seems like such a good deal, but I am so leery of buying saddle sight unseen from people I don't know! Also any other questions I should ask her? Please help!
I think it's a fine deal. I occasionally see them for 250 but I are them up to 400. I would question it being a dressage saddle. It looks more all purpose. The flap is forward and the billets are short. That isn't necessarily a bad thing unless. Means you can ride with a little shorter stirrup on the trails.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about it being an all purpose. I couldn't tell for sure because of how it was sitting on the couch, but all of the other stuff makes sense. I was wondering why there were no knee blocks. I think I'm going to pass on it. I really need a dressage saddle with nice knee blocks. :)
DeleteIt does look much more "all-purpose" to me, and those you can buy new from Smartpak for under $400. Especially since it's missing some of the gullets and the seller doesn't know how old it is, I would pass. Plus, you can't even try it on Chrome first.
ReplyDeleteI actually got a great deal on a dressage saddle on ebay, but I had to search a LOT. It's a little-known name that's made in Argentina and popular in Australia, where they sell new for $2000-4000. I got mined used, in great condition, for $225. I could tell from the pics that it was a very nice, well-made saddle, and it had a nice wide gullet (anything with a tiny gullet, run screaming, lol!). And it actually fits Salem quite well. So, there are deals out there, but you really need to look look look.
Wow Frizzle! Thank you! You're really good at saddle shopping. Maybe I should hire you to find one for me LOL!!! Thank you for all of the great info. I'm going to pass on it.
DeletePass on the one I found I mean. I'm showing all these others to my husband to see what he thinks lol.
Deletehttps://www.smartpakequine.com/mobile/product/9252?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=googlepla&utm_content=TES&utm_campaign=2109717125&cm_mmc=Google-_-googlepla-_-TES-_-2109717125&source=pla&kpid=2109717125&gclid=CNuQoeeBncICFXES7Aodf1kAFg
ReplyDeleteHere's a brand-new wool-flocked (better, IMO) Wintec dressage saddle 18". I have no idea what seat size you need, but you're tall, so I assumed larger (does NOT mean you have a big a$$ lol). http://m.ebay.com/itm/141482713291?nav=SEARCH
ReplyDeleteLOL!! I do need an 18" seat. Also I've been told by men that I have no ass so I'm not offended by your comment! :D
DeleteAnd here's an older, slightly dinged-up Stubben for $250 http://m.ebay.com/itm/191424875195?nav=SEARCH
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a dressage saddle, that's an AP saddle. I absolutely hate CAIR so the fact that it doesn't have it is appealing, but these are really easy to find for cheap so I wouldn't feel pressured about it.
ReplyDeleteYeah the lack of CAIR panels did make it appealing, but I think I'm going to pass on it. Thanks!
DeleteGlad you're gonna pass on it--I really don't think it's a deal at all. Plus, there is that saying that an all-purpose saddle serves no purpose well. I think you should be able to find a nice dressage saddle, even though it might take a little while to find the perfect one. Glad I could help!
ReplyDeleteI really do appreciate the help, especially letting me know it's an all purpose. I was suspicious, but I didn't know for sure, so thank you. :)
Deletegood luck saddle shopping! sounds like you already got a lot of good advice on this one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks you! I'm not actively looking because I don't have much money to spend, but when I saw that I thought I would check it out. Oh well.
DeleteLate to the party...I vote to pass. Test riding is a must for saddle shopping.
ReplyDeleteTrumbull Mountain Tack Shop has very knowledgeable fitters and they ship their saddles and allow you to test ride them. I had an excellent experience with this company and highly recommend them.
Buy the best quality saddle that you can afford. It is THAT important.
Thanks for the link. I've never heard of them. I'll check it out.
DeleteTotally second Trumbull Mountain--they have an excellent reputation and are knowledgable saddle fitters. They will have you do wither tracings, take pictures, etc., and find the perfect saddle for you AND the horse. You might need to save up for a little while, but it really is worth it (and, as Val said, VERY important!).
DeleteOk, I think I will be done blowing up the comments on this post! ;-p
Another vote for pass. English Tack Trader is a great Facebook group for finding affordable, quality used saddles. I have found many great deals on the group!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find "the one" soon :)
Thank you!!
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