Used Western Saddles

Used Close Contact Saddles

What are some good forward flap, close contact saddles?

I've currently got a Zaldi Royal all purpose saddle, but it's pretty confining. It's got a deep seat and fairly large knee and thigh blocks. I'm looking for a saddle that would be good for cross country and stadium with a more forward flap (it doesn't necessarily have to be a "forward flap" saddle) and a closer feel. I was looking at the Collegiate Finalist, which seems like a decent saddle. I'm looking within the $500-$800 zone, which limits me quite a bit, and I need a saddle that fits quite a few different horses. I don't mind if the saddle is used, either.

Stubben makes ah-mazing saddles, I love them! And I highly recommend them. But they are a bit expensive, it took me forever to convince my parents to buy me one! Why don't you try a Bates saddle or a Henri de Rivel. They are both good quality saddles that have a lot of differrent types and makes to choose from! the Henri de Rivel would probobly be cheaper than the Bates though. Saddle hunting is hard, I know! It took me so long to find the perfect one for my TB. Believe me, when you find the right saddle, keep it in great shape and oil the leather a lot. Then it will last a very long time.
Good Luck on your saddles!

Used Saddle for Sale- Dover Circuit Big Ben # 12864

What Saddle should I use for Hunters?

I plan on doing hunter under saddle, hunter pleasure, huntseat eq, hunter hack and training, maybe 1st level dressage. I need a saddle that can do it all. I see hunters using close contact saddles and I used a stubben jumping saddle for schooling, so can I use this saddle?

For showing in the hunter ring for breed shows, the judges will only "use" a horse in a close contact saddle (has a square cantle). It must be brown. That is very appropriate and well balanced for two point as the stirrup bars are in front of the balance point of the seat.

For dressage however, the close contact saddle is not going to do you any favors, even at training level, and first level would be about impossible. A dressage saddle has the stirrup bars farther back under the balance point of the saddle to aid in sitting trot and decreases the ability to get into two point.

An all purpose saddle is really a no purpose saddle as it doesn't help with forward seat two point balance, and not deep enough to allow good sitting trot work.

To be competitive, you will need two saddles. sorry.