Saddles, Saddles and more Saddles....
This is currently dominating my thoughts so I am blogging about it hoping to clear my mind a bit.
Okay well I have visited a few websites and contacted a few people so folks know I am seriously in the market - but have not found anything that is exactly what i am looking for. I have found a few that come close, one that is real close and I may try to buy it later today.
As I have stated before because I am unable to try saddles out in my area - I am forced to shop online only. There is one shop in my area that sells saddle and they do not sell used saddles at all. But I have learn a couple of thing that may be helpful to others. Unfortuately most folks that read my blog already know these things as they live in the land of the east - the land of jumping, hunt seat, dressage and english saddles. I live in the west - the land of the Quarter Horse, western pleasure, reining, working cowhorse, cutting, roping, rodeo, western saddles, and big heavy spurs where cowgirls drink beer and whiskey.
Although some now drink wine (like me, dispite the teasing). There is only so much beer and whiskey one can drink.
Back on Track: Here is what I've learned:
There are saddles of good brands that are made well and hold thier value. So I am sticking to those for obvisous reasons and also because if I get one and later decide I don't like it - I "should" be able to turn it around quickly. Of these brands I am most interested in:
- Jaguar
- Harry Dabbs
- Beval
- PJ Delgrange
- The Forestier Alliance by Lynn Palm - an english saddle specially made for stock horses
- Pessoa
- Dover Circuit Elite
I found a couple others I would buy but they seem to be too expensive to find used a price that I could even think about affording:
- Antares
- Luc Childeric
- Devoucoux
- And really the PJ Delgrange fits in this area, but I like the looks and what I've read about them so much that I am still hoping I can find an affodable one.
I have also discovered that many saddle companies have try out program in which you can try a saddle out and then maybe buy that same saddle you tried out for a discounted price as it is a demo saddle. There are also some used saddle companies that have programs that like - you basically pay for the saddle - they send it to you in the mail, you try it out and if you like it you can keep it - if not send it back and try out a different one. The companies I checked out don't currently have any of the saddles I would like in my size and my price range in stock. Some have a few that are out on trail but nothing in stock right now.
That given I think I could afford a newer Dover Circuit Elite through that program - I don't know by how much they discount the demo saddles but even a little bit would be nice. If I bought a Dover it would have to be new or almost new as it is not as highly regarded as the other saddles on my list - but highly recommended and enjoyed by its users.
I have learned that ideally, need something with a 17 or 17.5 inch seat. I need something with a 14 inch or longer flap. I need something with a regular tree. In some of the brands I mentioned above I have been advised to get a narrow tree as the trees in europe are designed more toward bigger warmbloods and thoroghbreds than my small compact quarter horses.
I know I would like a saddle that makes me feel really "locked in" and secure. I don't want to be in a position in a couple of years where I need to get another new saddle - this one has to last.
eBay has been a great asset - so has tacktrader.com and equine.com
I have learned the different levels and types of saddles each of those brands produce and which ones would be suitable for my use. So I am feeling more confidient in my decision making skills. 
Now all I have to do is find the right one. On eBay right now there is a used Harry Dabbs I was thinking about getting. There has been a professional repair job done to the knee roll and you can't hardly even tell it was done.
There is also a Beval LTD up for bid later next week that is in great condition - better than the Harry Dabbs. The HD is up today - and is not currently going for much about $515 - $40 to ship. This would fit perfect in my price range, but I worry about it being too "used" for some serious breed showing?...The Bevel is at $400 with a couple of bids already on it so i know it will go up - but its in better shape.
What to do? Is a slightly used Beval or a used Harry Dabbs better than a Demo from Dover? I also found a very slightly used (about 4 rides) Dover Circuit Elite for about $650 - plus shipping - do I just buy that one? Is it better for those saddles to use the try-out program?
There is also a nice Pessoa coming up in 2 days that is currently sitting at $800. Probable won't stay at that price but you never know. As many good things I hear about Pessoa I hear bad things - so I don't know what to think about that brand, I think Sidetracked said she had one and loved it.
What do you think? Should go for the used Harry Dabbs or wait - I can wait that not a problem...yet.