Option 2: I pretend new saddles aren't a thing and do my dressage lessons and flat rides in my jump saddle without stirrups.
And.... week one of no stirrups is in the books. This will make me a better rider, right?
I am poor enough and hate saddle shopping enough that I'm perfectly happy to compromise and have my stirrups taken away. It almost feels like I'm paying my dues for having my old jump saddle fit Bridget perfectly from day 1 with only the normal maintenance.
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| Considering a used Stubben roxane dressage...would likely work for us both based on current saddle, also it's not super pricey. An option, but I'm worried about buying something online with even a small possibility it won't work at all in real life. |
Longer term, I realize I do need to save my pennies and buy something. My coach is not at all forcing the issue, and won't be embarrassed if I roll into a dressage show in jump tack...after all, we all know tack is the least of my worries come dressage test time. But I do see her point, life is easier with well fitted equipment suited to the job at hand, and I'm all for making life easier.
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| The County rep visits our barn often and the saddles are very beautiful. I've liked every single one I've sat in...so there's that, but would likely need a new custom one to fit myself and pony. So much money. Next time she's out I'll pick her brain re: used saddles and other brands ;) |
Sadly, for now i just cant get past the part where saddle shopping makes life very painful and expensive in the short term. Help me. I'm not ready.
If you think you'd like to try a Stubben Roxane, see if any tack stores that offer trials have one. Trials are absolutely the best way to see if a saddle will work for you and your horse. Most places will let you have a free trial (you'll usually foot the bill for shipping) for a week or so. Private sellers are more difficult to negotiate a trial with, but it never hurts to ask! :)
ReplyDeleteBeing outside the US and land of awesome tack shops, I've been reluctant to potentially deal with international shipping there and back so kind of gave up. But you make an excellent point, and I'm sure there has to be a tack store somewhere in Canada willing to do trials!
DeleteGreat suggestion from Stephanie about the trial! That way you can still choose from a wider range of used saddles that may not be local to you, but without the risk of buying something privately. Best of luck in the search!
ReplyDeleteI'm selling my dressage saddle - reduced to $1500 and I'd let you do a trial ;)
ReplyDeleteI literally have no money saved at the moment and am still thinking on it (denial is a very powerful thing ;) but thank you for the very kind offer!
DeleteDepending on the size of your budget this can eat into it a little, but I'd HIGHLY recommend hiring Jen from The Saddle Geek to do a digital consult ($97). I hired for for me and Kat for a dressage saddle, gave her a budget of $800-$1200, and she found some really awesome options for me. I ended up spending $650 on a brand she highly recommended that I'd never heard of, and it fits me, it fits the mare, we're all happy.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written about it, but I will. It was a super educational experience.
Wow, thank you for the amazing tip! I will definitely look into her services once I'm serious about shopping!
DeleteLook into the Kent and Masters- they make a cob line and a horse line. They also have the changeable gullet
ReplyDeleteThey looked quite decent for the price at the one trade show I saw them at, thank you for the reminder!
DeleteUghhh good luck :(
ReplyDeleteI won't lie, your saddle saga instantly came to mind :(
DeleteI'm wishing you luck as well. I think that my new saddle will get here tomorrow so I'm sending you all my good new saddle vibes :)
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed your new saddle is everything you're hoping for!
DeleteOn an unrelated note, how is Ginger going, I would love an update.
ReplyDeleteShe's doing super well! I am past due to write a proper update...look for one soon! :)
DeleteUgh. Saddle shopping is the WORST. Wanna share some wine?
ReplyDeleteLet's! Wine makes all the things better!
DeleteI am starting to saddle shop for my Cob mare - have been using my County Perfection on her shimmed up a bit. Love my County - may end up getting another one or seeing if my current one can be refit for my Cob. Pricey, but I think they are worth it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the perfection I tried and am very tempted to just save for that
DeleteNothing wrong with flatwork in a jump saddle, but you're coach isn't wrong! Save them pennies! I could never afford super high end and had a budget of $800. Found a really lovely County on Ebay for $680+ shipping...it was perfect! try English Tack Trader on FB and Ebay as last resorts, they've never let me down!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, that's a great deal and exactly what I'd love to find! I guess the one super good thing is dressage in a jump saddle is possible, so I can bide my time and look and save for the right dressage saddle.
DeleteSaddle shopping is the absolute worst :( Definitely put it off as long as you can - then you will have more money for it! which might make it more fun... :)
ReplyDelete