The Collegiate Senior Event model that I bought years ago needs some work (could stand to be reflocked) and is too wide on Lily. I was considering just getting a saddle fitter out, but after riding in my trainer's dressage saddle for months, I've been spoiled and would like to get one for Lily and I rather than going through the trouble of spending money on my old saddle just to save up for a new one in a year or so. I would definitely consider a saddle fitter for a nice used saddle that needs minor adjustments if I can find one Lily and I both like. 

I LOVE my Wintec Dressage Pro (reflocked with wool by me).  I was really stunned at how beautifully it sat on Solo's back, the balance is great and it's helped my position a lot.  For comparison, my jumping saddle is a Collegiate Convertible Diploma -- which I also love, but the Wintec tree does fit Solo a bit better.  Both saddles I fitted to him using my awesome saddle fitter.

I personally don't like the Isabelle because it has big thigh blocks and kind of "locks" you in.  I like an open dressage saddle where I can move around.  Maybe I would feel differently if I was riding some huge moving Grand Prix horse, but, yeah, that's just not going to happen!  That kind of is a personal preference thing some people like that locked in feeling, I find it unpleasant.

My favourites are the Passiers, if you can find an older one, snatch it!  They are indestructible and beautifully made.  I couldn't find any in an 18" under $1000 when I was shopping, sadness.  But I picked up the Wintec with fittings for $500 in sale, so can't beat that!

The Stubbens are nice too, but their tree does NOT fit Solo, it always pinches.

 

Since Lily is pretty young, I'd go with something with interchangable gullet plates, I just got an Isabelle Bates, and it actually comes with two different sets of thigh blocks, although I like having my position "locked in." The Wintec is also nice, but saddle fitters seem to feel like they dont break in properly with the horse. M. Toulouse also makes a nice, inexpensive dressage saddle that is comfy and the leather quality is good. If you come across a used Albion, they are amazing, but I could never afford one!

Solaris, thanks for the heads-up on the Wintec Isabelles. I hate that claustrophobic feeling! Right now I'm spoiled in my trainer's older Courbette. I love it because it has a very clean, balanced feel and is fairly simple in design. 

Ooo, forgot the Toulouses -- they are nice feeling, I've never sat on one on a horse though but the leather is soft.

I like that Passier -- clean and simple!

I like the Passier, too, but the poster is not responding, so I assume it's sold or she has given up on the ad. 

One more question, has anyone heard of www.usedsaddles.com? They say they have a trial program for the used saddles, which is really tempting. Found this great looking Passier for $650... guess the downside is there's no negotiating power from a site like this. Thoughts? 

 Yup, that site has been around for a while.  I am so jealous that you have a seat size that is easy to find -- no one sells their 18's!

Don't be too jealous - it's a pain when my legs are so short I literally have to double roll the leathers on my trainer's saddle to get to the correct stirrup length. (I can buy kids' leathers for my own saddle though!) 

Darn, Solo, I just sold my super nice Toulouse and it was an 18.. I shoulda asked around here but I know we aren't supposed to advertise. I practically gave it away too, sold it for $500 an I paid for the shipping. There are tons of 18s around here, but you never see used Toulouse saddles for sale cause people love them so much, I liked mine, but it was just a little too big for me..

Oh, that's ok FCP -- I actually LOVE my Wintec Pro Dressage, so I'm not shopping anymore, and needed an adjustable gullet for Solo.  But at the time I was shopping, finding stuff for long legs was about impossible!

Flake,

I got my used Big Horn from this site! The people are awsome to deal with. I got to trial my saddle for 2 weeks (had to call for an extra week and they had not problem with it) and then told them I was going to keep it.  Super Fast shipping, and just great customer service!

Hope that helps!

Michelle

Deesmom06:

Flake,

I got my used Big Horn from this site! The people are awsome to deal with. I got to trial my saddle for 2 weeks (had to call for an extra week and they had not problem with it) and then told them I was going to keep it.  Super Fast shipping, and just great customer service!

Hope that helps!

Michelle

Will keep my fingers crossed for you. I know while mine was on trial with me they had someone waiting to get it from me!

I'm still holding out on that PSL (I'm on the waiting list) so I've started looking at bridles. I really don't want a flash. Lily hasn't shown that she needs one at all, and my gut says it would be detrimental to her at this age to put one on her when she's never tried to evade the bit, etc. (I don't like flashes anyway, if you can't tell.)