I want a new saddle...

[Gingee]

And would like you guys advice on the best way to go about it...

My boy currently has a lovely Black Country top end GP saddle that was brought new just over a year ago and was around £1300 new, it is in lovely condition and is a generally very nice saddle....

However as we dont jump anymore and have been trying our hand at a spot of dressage I would like to get him a dressage saddle instead as I find they give me a far better position anyway. My queries are: Will saddlers part exchange in my current saddle against one of theirs? Would I get a good exchange price for it or are saddlers out to 'get' me? Does anyone know any saddlers in Bucks that would have a good selection to choose from? I would love an Ideal as any I have ever ridden in were sooooo comfortable and im not fussed about new or second hand. The only saddler I have personally used specialises in native and showing saddles so he isnt much use to me at the moment!

[wabuska]

I can't answer for saddlers as I'm in Ireland, but I can vouch for the Ideal Jessica. I bought one second hand and it is like riding on a cloud. I have blocks which I put high enough if we want to ride short on a faster hack. Heavier mind you than the Ideal Event GP I once had, but so comfortable. I would try if possible to keep a GP on hand or consider a VSD, as the dressage saddle really will whop you in the backside over any sort of jump and you might want to pop one occassionaly.

The Saddles Direct website is a good place to get an idea of what a make of saddle in great condition would make second hand.

www.saddlesdirect.co.uk.

[jennyb]

I bought a WOW dressage this year and love it, sitting trot has become effortless, even in a medium trot, and my horse is working better than ever.

[wabuska]

Slaver, pant... WOW... ooh! Just popped onto that website and in very good condition the Black Country GP appear to run from £500-£600, which reflects that dramatic fall once you 'drive a saddle off the lot' like a car. They are clearly, highly desirable and flying out of there.

[Deleted]

tbh, if you've got a good saddler then stick with him. If he knows how to fit a saddle then he'll know how to fit a saddle, regardless of the horse type. Yes you should be able to trade yours in but I wouldn't expect you to get more than 50% of it's original cost.

[nich]

I can vouch for Saddlers Direct if you chose to sell, they sold a black country jump saddle for us

[jen1]

i think im going to look into the schleese lady saddle for Fleur , and a farrington should i ever find one for barney,

[specialized]

I agree with the others re part-exchange, it will obviously depend on what you are buying but 50% of new price is probably the best you will get. However it does mean that you get a sale on the day and do not have to worry about selling it privately.

[BJMM]

I was hoping to part ex Blaze's Albion Selecta when we bought a new saddle for Jas, but my saddler wouldn't do part ex, she said she would take the saddle and sell for us in her shop, but I know people whose saddles have been in there for months and not sold. So I sold it privately. £500 - 600 sounds about right for a Black Country, second hand.