Used saddles are amazing! Just saying. I have a really nice Circle Y I got for $50! They are one of the higher end western saddle brands.that particular saddle probably ran $1,700 - $2,000 back in in the day! trust me look around and you can find great bargains!
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter I was wondering what you thought of the premier equine saddle and why they are so cheap new. I can't find out much about this company but the website is www.premierequine.co.uk/collections/monoflap-saddles-close-contact-saddles, I'm especially confused as these are mono flap which I've always assumed are expensive. Thanks
This was 'randomly' in my recommended videos -- probably because I was shopping for a new saddle recently. Thank you SO much for the info, I will definitely NOT cheap out!!
This really makes me wanna go inspect the old half eaten dry rotted saddle I fixed up and used to try teaching my trail horse and myself jumping in lol I was 12 unsupervised and kinda dumb luckily I had an amazing horse and access to google
Yep! Better to wait and make sure not only your horse - but also you - are comfier for longer, since cheap saddles will last you all of five minutes and be agony for that time!
yeah well if saddle fitters didn't constantly push 5k+ custom saddles maybe people would be more likely to have them out plus I mean getting one to come out is like getting a cat to go for a swim
@@NoThankUBeQuiet it’s not hard to learn how a saddle should fit on a horse and there are plenty of clinics held, tutorials, knowledgeable trainers as well as a ‘cut-out’ saddle guide that some saddle makers have that can help. Collegiate and M. Toulouse are a couple of saddle makers that are very good and don’t break the bank and will work with you.
Or good saddles that don’t fit well. They can be equally bad. My fitter doesn’t sell saddles. She measures the horse, tells me which saddles fit my budget then comes back and tweaks it to the horse once the saddle has been procured.
I’ve never appreciated my saddle so much 😳 i have a Bates Liberte AP which I managed to score for $80 AUD from an op shop, and it’s in perfect condition.. I really want to get a crappy saddle to dismantle it now...
Could you do a video on you training and thoughts on fitting the female vs male rider and the female pelvis vs the male pelvis. Many riders, instructors and trainer are not really educated on this topic and with many people, it isn’t even a thought when fitting the rider to the saddle.
The best decision in the tack I have is spending the extra on a quality saddle and bridle. (I have a voltaire design but I’ve personally sat in many others). My horses love it and my saddle fitter is a pleasure to work with.
I have a saddle older than me. The saddler is sadly no more. It’s solid, needs some cosmetic work but was properly fitted to my horse. £200 plus a fitting of 60. Best Buy ever. Super comfy. Safe. Probably not ever going to buy new and this cheap modern stuff is why. If it’s not awful construction, it’s got terrible materials like Eva foam.
I’m mostly a western saddle guy. This video really highlights a lot of things a first time buyer should be aware of. Low cost of saddle is usually not a good thing for the horse.
I got really lucky with my saddle that I bought a few months ago, we got it second hand but my trainer saw it on facebook and said we needed to get it right away it was such a good deal, this lady bought it new and it didn’t fit her horse so she sold it right away and it fit my horse perfectly!!
A Day In The Life Of A Saddle Fitter I’m definitely really lucky with my trainer, she’s run her whole barn since she was a teenager and has taught me everything I know about horses, I trust her to make any decision with my riding and horses and all of her other riders also do, she goes to every vet and farrier visit even for horses that aren’t hers and can make decisions for other peoples horses if they want her to, she’s honestly so great
This saddle looks home-made imo. A lot of those cheap saddles you see on Ebay or similar sites are made by amateur craftsmen who make tack for a quick buck. Always go with a respected brand.
@@MonumentToSin Even an amateur craftsman can't buy the materials this cheap. These are most generally made in India/Pakistan. Their leather (which is not cowhide but from the Water Buffalo instead) used to have a certain smell (you know it when you smell it) and it's because they tanned it with urine.
I was riding in an old wintec saddle for backing my cob. Not even a cheap indian saddle but because the flocking was uneven and it wasn't the best fit he has slight muscle atrophy on his left side. Had the saddle fitter out and she's working with my phyiso. Burnt a good hole in my pocket but it's worth it!! Always thought these cheap saddles are too good to be true. Will cost you more in the long run using these cheap saddles Thanks for making these videos!!
I’ve always ridden in Crosby saddles, but had a chance to buy an English “Anthill” from a leather shop.... only $ 300 USD, are they crap? Dealer touted it as all hand made, yadda yadda yadda, thought I could use it as trail saddle, but not if it’s a death trap! Please let me know if you can . By the way I have an off then track crazy thoroughbred with a very sensitive back (love him dearly).
Lol a lot of those crappy "handmade" saddles are made by amateur craftsmen that don't really know what they're doing and just trying to make a quick buck. Some have probably never even been near a horse in their life.
Issy Bayley thank you! I won’t lie, I nearly cried when I found the maggot thing... hahaha. And my husband asked what I had done with it... I told him I’d left it on the dining table... the oak dining table... haha. *munch munch*
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter I would have done the exact same thing! But then would have refused to touch the saddle haha... hopefully your table wont turn out like this saddle did... haha!
Me again! Love your content, very informative and fun to watch! It has inspired me to check my own gear... and I have since discovered my Prestige dressage saddle has synthetic flocking. What?? Paid thousands and filled with polyester, I had no idea and I couldn't believe it lol. What happens when it comes time to reflock, could this be replaced with wool? I also have a Bates saddle, and they have their foam/air filled panel system. So, I was wondering if you could make a video on the different types of panel material out there and what they offer? Also on the different types of stuff trees a built from? :)
Don’t panic! Not all synthetic flocking is as bad as this awful stuff. Some premium brands use a better quality synthetic flocking. It is possible to get it replaced in the future if you wanted. Ooh yes good idea about the different panels! I’ll do one!
Oh my goodness, this was revealing. Thank you! I'm almost afraid to ask, but what counts as a cheap/crappy saddle. Are any of the higher end Wintech any good? I rode my TB gelding in a Wintech Isabel and it's very lightly used. I'll probably place it for sale some day, so I'd like to know if it's garbage. I wouldn't want to sell it to someone if it's going to hurt their horse.💖 I subscribed, can't wait to see more! I wish I had the foresight to learn a trade working with horses when I was younger and could have made a good go of it. 👍
I will never ever understand people buying saddles like that and never have real professionals doing a saddle fitting. It is so sad and often hurtful for the horses 😒
DeBinga I started riding 30years ago. Saddle fitting was unheard of where I grew up! It’s a big business now. Kicking myself I didn’t follow my dream of becoming a saddler/harness maker. I now work in school finance!
You can’t always believe the saddle sales person. They’re out for the bucks. I bought a I thought a really nice saddle. Not a cheap one. It was a custom saddle. It was hurting my horses back. I bought another one which is much better for him. So don’t always trust a saddle seller.
I could find an older CAIR one and dismantle it - they won't be scary like these ones, because they've got plastic trees, but it might be nice to see the air bags.
I have this saddle or one similer to this. I bought a very fuzzy half pad and it had extra padding where those stitches are on where your leg would go.
Just simply livie here : No really, a pad can actually make things worse. It might shift the pressure from one area to another and cause more problems in the new place. Many many years ago, when I was much younger, we did not use saddle pads and you have to know those saddles were carefully fitted to the horse.
Just a quick question, is Wintec a bad brand? I usually ride in one when at home and my horses seem to be pretty comfortable. The stitching is still good and there is no lumps on the gullet but just thought i would ask anyway.
American Endurance/Trail rider here. I have 5 Wintec saddles, all 20+ years old. Two “all-purpose English”, one “Western“ with a horn, one “Aussie-style” without a horn and one “Endurance” with lots of rings for my trail gear. Never had a structural problem with them. Cosmetically, they’ve suffered a bit from the stirrup leathers rubbing the edge of the panels which are edged with webbing, now frayed a little. They are quite comfortable when you are spending 8-10 hours riding in competitions. They are so lightweight! Fully mounted, the English and Aussie weigh 7-9 pounds. As long as you can get the correct tree width, tell your Mom to go for it!
It looked like there were bugs coming out when you first opened it up for your sake I hope not because god knows what it could be great dye job on the leather that’s fore sure
I just bought an Albion on eBay, for $1000. It needs restuffing to fit my horse, though it was hardly used, and costs $4500 new. Measure your horse, find out what his size is. I know that companies vary, though learn so you can get a good fit. You can find great buys. Cheers.
Well it is absolutely true everything you said! I can’t wait to hear more posts from you! I have owned horses for 35 years. Started adopting and retraining OTTB’s... but I also worked on an ambulance 2 fire departments and volunteered on all of adobe for 22 years. But then was assaulted by an overdose patient and lost the use of my right leg. 14 surgeries and it is fused together. So riding is very difficult? I’m in search of an English saddle .One with some sort of special stirrup for my right leg ,to help me ride again? Do you know of anyone or yourself that could possibly help me? My ankle needs to stayed at a 90 degree angle? I may also be interested in a new career in saddle fitting? Since I will never be able to return to my career... thank you,
That’s not flocking. That’s dryer lint! That’s literally what I get out of the dryer filter after I’ve washed my outdoors clothes and a bunch of saddle blankets.
People are always giving me old tack and I have some saddles laying around that I don’t have a use for. I’m kinda interested to see what’s inside of them now.... hopefully not maggots 😂
I used to have an old Stubben, came with a horse I got, very narrow and didn't fit anyone, ever, not even the horse it came with. I chucked it when we moved the time before last (had to downsize and couldn't sell it, no one interested) but now I wish I'd kept it and taken it apart! I wonder what I might have found?!
the flocking of this saddle reminds me of the sweepings of a dog grooming shop floor - if made overseas perhaps it is dog/cat hair gathered after animal slaughter
Haha, they're my nails... not artificial! I wasn't saddle fitting until this week, so they got long during lockdown. They're always painted and sparkly, but not usually so long... they're short again now for saddle fitting.
Oh gosh. I hadn’t even considered that. Maybe it was. My husband (one of those very handy ones that knows everything) had a look at it and said he thought it was cut out from a barrel of some sort. Eww. People put these on their horse! It’s incredible.
Are there any laws or regulations on saddles or tack? Or would someone who wanted to complain have to report the company to consumer affairs or similar?
Not really... there are rules around the trees that mean they have to qualify to carry the British Standard mark but in reality, the end user doesn't know to check their tree carries the mark.
This is really helpful. Thank you so much. Do u think u could have a look at a John Whittaker saddle. His go up for about £500 to £900. hthat would be rly helpful if you could. Thanks so much again and stay safe! ❤️
Thank you! I stumped through your Channel and let a Like and Abo directly!! For me that looks like a saddle made in China out of dog Skin and Hair😮 Amazing Keep going on, nice greetings from a horse trainer in Germany😘
It looks like the sweeping off the shearing shed floor which is all the short cuts the dirty belly wool and the clip of wool around the bum etc in other words unwanted stuff
My budget isn’t huge but my equipment is the best I can afford, K&M make lovely saddles that don’t cost a fortune. Best thing my mother ever taught me, don’t buy cheap leather and cheap clothes they’re a waste of money.
The cheap flocking looks like it came out of a vaccum cleaner. I always tell people don't buy cheap tack because quality tack costs less than a trip to the emergency room! I wish the US had safety standards for horse tack.
I don't deal with western saddles, personally. But yes i've seen some very bad workmanship in saddles worth £thousands. However, it's not very common. :)
I think the maggot was from moths, we had an epidemic in our kitchen and it was not fun, im telling you Edit: okay I watched further and wood worms make sense too. But I wouldnt be surprised if there was moth maggots in the whool
English saddles are so bizarre to me lol My family has cattle ranches and i was born, raised and still do, work cattle and so ive always ridden western. I use to run barrels as a teen in the late 90s. However, a sh*tty saddle is a sh*tty saddle regardless of style and Id love to know how to construct a saddle from start to finish.
Western saddles evolved from the Spanish saddles coming up from the South. The immigrants founding the Eastern part of the US brought German/English saddlemaking with them when they came and most used what evolved into what were called Kentucky Stitchdown, Kentucky Rollback, Buena Vista, or Plantation saddles. A saddlemaker friend of mine has a Buena Vista that was specifically made and used to work cattle in the stockyards in Kansas City. If you didn't need to be roping then they opted for the comfort of a Buena Vista instead! The popularity of Western cowboy movies and TV spread the popularity of the Western saddle all over because every kid wanted to be like Roy or Gene. If you are interested in historic saddlery there is a wonderful video available on TH-cam called A Quilted History: The Kentucky Riding Saddle.
Thank you for your efforts to show this, it’s a great idea to educate us. Saving horses. But You are game pulling apart the saddle and stuffing inside your house.... yuk who knows what bacteria and viruses and fungus are in it.
I'm in Australia. That saddle is made in India, you can smell it, to get it in this country it must be dunked in insecticide, and it will stink in the shed, forever. They don't ride on the horse properly, the leather goes to cardboard and will not take dressing. I refuse to have one strap of Indian leather, and won't mend it if it is presented for mending, rather break a bridle with my bare hands and give it back to the poor owner who brought it in with a broken strap. Our Australian traditional stock saddles are lined with pure wool serge and stuffed with curled horsehair, carefully teased so not lumpy, stuffed in tight and it rides down. Over the years they pack right down, the serge wears out, and they are counterlined, the original work is not touched, another panel is sewn above it and more horsehair goes in. When a pure wool saddle pad is used, the serge grips to it and the pad never moves. Thanks for this vid, popped up as an ad, and good for people to know. Incidentally, some old Argentinian saddles are stuffed with grass, which is actually serrated tussock, a bad indigestible weed, and responsible for the arrival and spread of that tussock in Australia. It also went into old harness collars.
@Louise Cassidy YES! Indian leather (which is usually made from a Water Buffalo) has, in the past at least, been tanned with urine. Yes, including people urine. That is what causes that uniquely identifying smell! In the US, the early Appalachian saddles panels could also be stuffed with horsehair and "curled" deerhair in the seats.
So if you can't afford a good saddle, cross train your ass and ride with a bareback pad. . . or just bareback. (The horse angels love you for saving some animals from torture.)
I wish u made your channel sooner it is sooo helpful thank u so much for giving us so much info on saddles and stuff ur vids are so helpful let's try and get u to 1k subscribers that would be awesome if u are not subscribed then what are u waiting for!!!!! (subscribing does not cost money)
@@Angelaius you'd be surprised, i see SO many, all loved and looked after - and their owners think they're doing the right thing... the saddles look ok to an untrained eye, on the outside. so they often think they've got a total bargain. but in fact they're riding in a death trap. :( so sad
I’m awfully cringing 😬 like WHY do companies not do a proper job on their products?? It’s causing more trouble rather than money at this point!! People like u can always easily expose them!! It’s sad that many people are not aware of this, I mean poor the horse 🐴😓
I don't think they mind or care... because they aren't branded... so they don't have to put their name to the saddle. If someone isn't willing to put their brand on a saddle then the chances are it's crap... cos if they were proud of the saddle then they'd put the badge on proudly. I know we do!
OMG
THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME THIS BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO BYE THAT SADDLE OMG I AM SOO GLAD YOU POSTED THIS AND I SAW THIS I am so Happy😀😀😀😀😀😀
So glad to have been of some help
If you love your horse, save some money and invest into a good (maybe second hand ) one and saddle fitting
Used saddles are amazing! Just saying. I have a really nice Circle Y I got for $50! They are one of the higher end western saddle brands.that particular saddle probably ran $1,700 - $2,000 back in in the day! trust me look around and you can find great bargains!
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter I was wondering what you thought of the premier equine saddle and why they are so cheap new. I can't find out much about this company but the website is www.premierequine.co.uk/collections/monoflap-saddles-close-contact-saddles, I'm especially confused as these are mono flap which I've always assumed are expensive. Thanks
@@ButterflyonStone omg same! I have been dying to know about the quality of premier equines synthetic saddles
This was 'randomly' in my recommended videos -- probably because I was shopping for a new saddle recently. Thank you SO much for the info, I will definitely NOT cheap out!!
Excellent stuff! So glad to have been able to help!
This really makes me wanna go inspect the old half eaten dry rotted saddle I fixed up and used to try teaching my trail horse and myself jumping in lol I was 12 unsupervised and kinda dumb luckily I had an amazing horse and access to google
Same though honestly! 🤣
I’m currently shopping for a dressage saddle. It’s horrible! Buying tack shouldn’t be harder than buying a horse.
You're SO right! Get a trusted, qualified saddle fitter and hopefully they'll be able to help you!
Welp, there go my saddle plans XD I think I’ll wait until I can get a nicely made saddle from a saddle fitter
Elizabeth Bloom good plan! Definitely worth saving for a good quality second hand one from a saddle fitter instead :)
Yep! Better to wait and make sure not only your horse - but also you - are comfier for longer, since cheap saddles will last you all of five minutes and be agony for that time!
Heheheh
Ruby Ronayne ?
I got so sick of trying to find a decent saddle so I just bought a christ fur saddle 😆
I've done this for clients when they've bought one of these second hand - lol they won't do it again! Great video 👍
Haha, nope they won't do that again!
I bought one too it was Terrible
The stuffing in the cheap saddle is fiberglass . Not wool !
Yes, it was a little like fibreglass!
And people wonder why horses misbehave.... I’ve seen it a lot from crappy saddles.
I can't imagine how it must feel to have this saddle on your back with the weight of the rider on it. It's so awful!
yeah well if saddle fitters didn't constantly push 5k+ custom saddles maybe people would be more likely to have them out plus I mean getting one to come out is like getting a cat to go for a swim
@@NoThankUBeQuiet it’s not hard to learn how a saddle should fit on a horse and there are plenty of clinics held, tutorials, knowledgeable trainers as well as a ‘cut-out’ saddle guide that some saddle makers have that can help. Collegiate and M. Toulouse are a couple of saddle makers that are very good and don’t break the bank and will work with you.
Or good saddles that don’t fit well. They can be equally bad. My fitter doesn’t sell saddles. She measures the horse, tells me which saddles fit my budget then comes back and tweaks it to the horse once the saddle has been procured.
I’ve never appreciated my saddle so much 😳 i have a Bates Liberte AP which I managed to score for $80 AUD from an op shop, and it’s in perfect condition.. I really want to get a crappy saddle to dismantle it now...
Bargain! :)
Could you do a video on you training and thoughts on fitting the female vs male rider and the female pelvis vs the male pelvis. Many riders, instructors and trainer are not really educated on this topic and with many people, it isn’t even a thought when fitting the rider to the saddle.
Have you seen the SaddleFit4Life channel? They have done loads of research over this.
The best decision in the tack I have is spending the extra on a quality saddle and bridle. (I have a voltaire design but I’ve personally sat in many others). My horses love it and my saddle fitter is a pleasure to work with.
Oh yay! Lovely to hear this! Xx
Great, informative video! Thank you, I’m so so desperate to see someone having a look at a premier equine saddle as they are SO cheap it’s ridiculous
I have a saddle older than me. The saddler is sadly no more. It’s solid, needs some cosmetic work but was properly fitted to my horse. £200 plus a fitting of 60. Best Buy ever. Super comfy. Safe. Probably not ever going to buy new and this cheap modern stuff is why. If it’s not awful construction, it’s got terrible materials like Eva foam.
Bloody hell the night after watching this I had a horrible nightmare about your grub! Eeew
Ooopsy! Sorry about that!
I’m mostly a western saddle guy. This video really highlights a lot of things a first time buyer should be aware of. Low cost of saddle is usually not a good thing for the horse.
Glad it was helpful!
Is that saddle stuffed with evidence from a crime scene?.
Nickolette Turner judging by the smell, probably a murder scene 😂
A Day In The Life Of A Saddle Fitter oh gawd 😂
This is a great video to show some of my horsey beginners who want to get saddles!
I got really lucky with my saddle that I bought a few months ago, we got it second hand but my trainer saw it on facebook and said we needed to get it right away it was such a good deal, this lady bought it new and it didn’t fit her horse so she sold it right away and it fit my horse perfectly!!
a good quality second hand saddle is no problem at all - sounds like you're blessed with a knowledgeable trainer too! :) Lucky you!
A Day In The Life Of A Saddle Fitter I’m definitely really lucky with my trainer, she’s run her whole barn since she was a teenager and has taught me everything I know about horses, I trust her to make any decision with my riding and horses and all of her other riders also do, she goes to every vet and farrier visit even for horses that aren’t hers and can make decisions for other peoples horses if they want her to, she’s honestly so great
Can’t believe what you found 😂🙈
*I’d like to know who made this Piece-Of-Crap ‘saddle’, just so I and everyone else can AVOID this company, please?*
The first video might tell you
It doesn't have an official brand. If a saddle doesn't have a brand then avoid them like the plague...
This saddle looks home-made imo. A lot of those cheap saddles you see on Ebay or similar sites are made by amateur craftsmen who make tack for a quick buck. Always go with a respected brand.
@@MonumentToSin Even an amateur craftsman can't buy the materials this cheap. These are most generally made in India/Pakistan. Their leather (which is not cowhide but from the Water Buffalo instead) used to have a certain smell (you know it when you smell it) and it's because they tanned it with urine.
I have learned so much watching your channel! Thank You so much for your time...❤️
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. So kind! 🥰
This is fab Poppy thankyou! Mine got damaged when it was a good make let alone something like this! Scary stuff!
thank you
I was riding in an old wintec saddle for backing my cob. Not even a cheap indian saddle but because the flocking was uneven and it wasn't the best fit he has slight muscle atrophy on his left side. Had the saddle fitter out and she's working with my phyiso. Burnt a good hole in my pocket but it's worth it!! Always thought these cheap saddles are too good to be true. Will cost you more in the long run using these cheap saddles
Thanks for making these videos!!
Yes! You’re right. You’ll end up spending a tonne in vet and physio fees if you use these saddles! Good point! Thank you for your comment xx
I’ve always ridden in Crosby saddles, but had a chance to buy an English “Anthill” from a leather shop.... only $ 300 USD, are they crap? Dealer touted it as all hand made, yadda yadda yadda, thought I could use it as trail saddle, but not if it’s a death trap! Please let me know if you can . By the way I have an off then track crazy thoroughbred with a very sensitive back (love him dearly).
Quesa Dilla bought it new from dealer in the early 80’s -, thank you for info !
Lol a lot of those crappy "handmade" saddles are made by amateur craftsmen that don't really know what they're doing and just trying to make a quick buck. Some have probably never even been near a horse in their life.
If there’s a maggot, wouldn’t that mean there’s rotting flesh inside.... 😱
Tree flesh....
Hayden Tundrawolf eeeeewwww 🤮
Or anything rotting that’s meat or food
L
Yhxndnsnansn
And go so
Brilliant video!
Issy Bayley thank you! I won’t lie, I nearly cried when I found the maggot thing... hahaha. And my husband asked what I had done with it... I told him I’d left it on the dining table... the oak dining table... haha. *munch munch*
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter I would have done the exact same thing! But then would have refused to touch the saddle haha... hopefully your table wont turn out like this saddle did... haha!
The flocking in the cheap saddle looks like the contents of someones' vacuum cleaner. XD
HAHA! Yes! It does! Maybe someone that had a REALLT dirty house before they hoovered it!
I have been searching for a good quality first saddle so this video is really helping me!
Glad I could help!
Me again! Love your content, very informative and fun to watch! It has inspired me to check my own gear... and I have since discovered my Prestige dressage saddle has synthetic flocking. What?? Paid thousands and filled with polyester, I had no idea and I couldn't believe it lol. What happens when it comes time to reflock, could this be replaced with wool?
I also have a Bates saddle, and they have their foam/air filled panel system. So, I was wondering if you could make a video on the different types of panel material out there and what they offer? Also on the different types of stuff trees a built from? :)
Don’t panic! Not all synthetic flocking is as bad as this awful stuff. Some premium brands use a better quality synthetic flocking. It is possible to get it replaced in the future if you wanted.
Ooh yes good idea about the different panels! I’ll do one!
Oh my goodness, this was revealing. Thank you! I'm almost afraid to ask, but what counts as a cheap/crappy saddle. Are any of the higher end Wintech any good? I rode my TB gelding in a Wintech Isabel and it's very lightly used. I'll probably place it for sale some day, so I'd like to know if it's garbage. I wouldn't want to sell it to someone if it's going to hurt their horse.💖 I subscribed, can't wait to see more! I wish I had the foresight to learn a trade working with horses when I was younger and could have made a good go of it. 👍
Wintec are 'proper' saddles, they're not like this inside. Don't panic!
Drop
I will never ever understand people buying saddles like that and never have real professionals doing a saddle fitting. It is so sad and often hurtful for the horses 😒
So sad! :(
DeBinga I started riding 30years ago. Saddle fitting was unheard of where I grew up! It’s a big business now. Kicking myself I didn’t follow my dream of becoming a saddler/harness maker. I now work in school finance!
You can’t always believe the saddle sales person. They’re out for the bucks. I bought a I thought a really nice saddle. Not a cheap one. It was a custom saddle. It was hurting my horses back. I bought another one which is much better for him. So don’t always trust a saddle seller.
What is it about these videos that's so incredibly addictive?
Great video. Super eye-opening!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Subscribed
How didn't I know for this channel sooner?!
Awww Thank you so much!
Would love to see a Wintec Cair inside :)
I could find an older CAIR one and dismantle it - they won't be scary like these ones, because they've got plastic trees, but it might be nice to see the air bags.
Thank you for all your views and comments 🥰
love the advise
thank you Maddy
I have this saddle or one similer to this. I bought a very fuzzy half pad and it had extra padding where those stitches are on where your leg would go.
I just bought a symthetic western barrel saddle. It is a circle p saddle. Its 15 inches. And its symethic
I got my new western saddle for 199.99
You can’t fix a poor saddle with a saddle pad.
@@sherinnovak729 yeah I'm just saying. I have a half pad on her so it helps support her a little bit more than without the half pad
Just simply livie here : No really, a pad can actually make things worse. It might shift the pressure from one area to another and cause more problems in the new place. Many many years ago, when I was much younger, we did not use saddle pads and you have to know those saddles were carefully fitted to the horse.
Just a quick question, is Wintec a bad brand? I usually ride in one when at home and my horses seem to be pretty comfortable. The stitching is still good and there is no lumps on the gullet but just thought i would ask anyway.
Phillip Ellery wintecs aren’t made like these saddles one the video. If you watch part 4, someone asks about Wintecs and I reply to them x
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter Ok thanks
American Endurance/Trail rider here. I have 5 Wintec saddles, all 20+ years old. Two “all-purpose English”, one “Western“ with a horn, one “Aussie-style” without a horn and one “Endurance” with lots of rings for my trail gear. Never had a structural problem with them. Cosmetically, they’ve suffered a bit from the stirrup leathers rubbing the edge of the panels which are edged with webbing, now frayed a little. They are quite comfortable when you are spending 8-10 hours riding in competitions. They are so lightweight! Fully mounted, the English and
Aussie weigh 7-9 pounds. As long as you can get the correct tree width, tell your Mom to go for it!
@@artistwithoutaloft3774 ok thanks so much.
I have an English all purpose aswell
It looked like there were bugs coming out when you first opened it up for your sake I hope not because god knows what it could be great dye job on the leather that’s fore sure
I did think I felt something fly into my face at the start... hahaha GROSS!
I just bought an Albion on eBay, for $1000. It needs restuffing to fit my horse, though it was hardly used, and costs $4500 new. Measure your horse, find out what his size is. I know that companies vary, though learn so you can get a good fit. You can find great buys. Cheers.
I couldn’t hit subscribe fast enough! I try explaining this stuff to ppl all the time!❤️
Awww thank you so much for your lovely comment
Well it is absolutely true everything you said! I can’t wait to hear more posts from you! I have owned horses for 35 years. Started adopting and retraining OTTB’s... but I also worked on an ambulance 2 fire departments and volunteered on all of adobe for 22 years. But then was assaulted by an overdose patient and lost the use of my right leg. 14 surgeries and it is fused together. So riding is very difficult? I’m in search of an English saddle .One with some sort of special stirrup for my right leg ,to help me ride again? Do you know of anyone or yourself that could possibly help me? My ankle needs to stayed at a 90 degree angle? I may also be interested in a new career in saddle fitting? Since I will never be able to return to my career... thank you,
Maybe it was an inchworm?
Ooh i don't know what an inchworm is, i'm off to look now. :)
The stuffing almost looks like mineral wool which is used to insulate walls and floors behind commercial ovens.
It does! you're right!
Love your videos, have you ever reviewed a strada saddle, New to your channel hi from NZ
What would you say about a Cambridge dressage saddle I just bought one but haven’t used it on my horse yet?
Quesa Dilla awesome thank you!
this was a great video. Thank you.
Thank you!
Person who made the saddle off of a TH-cam tutorial: ò👄ó
Haha! There’s lots you can learn on TH-cam... 😂😂
That’s not flocking. That’s dryer lint! That’s literally what I get out of the dryer filter after I’ve washed my outdoors clothes and a bunch of saddle blankets.
Spray the saddle seams with fly spray
Good idea! And bleach... and petrol and a match :D
People are always giving me old tack and I have some saddles laying around that I don’t have a use for. I’m kinda interested to see what’s inside of them now.... hopefully not maggots 😂
Haha hopefully not!
I used to have an old Stubben, came with a horse I got, very narrow and didn't fit anyone, ever, not even the horse it came with. I chucked it when we moved the time before last (had to downsize and couldn't sell it, no one interested) but now I wish I'd kept it and taken it apart! I wonder what I might have found?!
I think the flocking is actually the contents of a Hoover bag!
Ruth Minter that is exactly what nick said! X
LOL, that's exactly what I thought too!
@@GoToPhx As i emptied my hoover out earlier i thought the same too! :D
What would you recommend ? I need one for show jumping and cross-country and trail riding also which saddle fitter company should I contact ?
Ryder saddles, quality and made in England
Contact a recommended saddle fitter, who can bring a variety of different brands.
Do you think CWD and Devoucoux saddles are worth their money or are they just popular because of marketing and such?
Clearly this was made on a Friday after 4:00
Ahahaha! YES!
I’ve never thought of this before, but is it bad if your saddle squeaks when riding. Such as when posting the trot?
I have heard that squeaking can be a sign that the tree is broken. I’m not sure if it’s true or not but I’d look it up if I were you
If your saddle creaks, please get it checked immediately. That can be a sign of a broken tree. And don't ride in it, until it's been checked.
A Day In The Life Of A Saddle Fitter 😮 thank you for replying. I never realized. I will schedule an appointment right away!
I wonder if the maggoty thing was a moth larva
This saddle makes my wintec look like the holy grail
Indeed! :D
the flocking of this saddle reminds me of the sweepings of a dog grooming shop floor - if made overseas perhaps it is dog/cat hair gathered after animal slaughter
That's very much possible. I opened up an old saddle someone gave to me and it was filled with horse hair 😳
I’m so late but what about Prestige saddles? I’m scared now 😂
Are you for real asking if prestige counts as cheap? 😂
Eileen Seabasstiel I’m getting paranoid now 😂
Prestige saddles are not like this. Not at all. They’re well made saddles. Don’t panic.
How can you do something so manual, like saddle fitting, and still wear those artifical nails? Come on...
Haha, they're my nails... not artificial! I wasn't saddle fitting until this week, so they got long during lockdown. They're always painted and sparkly, but not usually so long... they're short again now for saddle fitting.
When the English saddle was upside down it looked like a butterfly
hahaha yes!
How expensive was this saddle?
This one was just over £200
That is very helpful! Now go burn the saddle, lol. Do you suspect the paint on the metal is lead paint?
Oh gosh. I hadn’t even considered that. Maybe it was. My husband (one of those very handy ones that knows everything) had a look at it and said he thought it was cut out from a barrel of some sort. Eww. People put these on their horse! It’s incredible.
I cringe whenever I see one of these cheap saddles being resold, and after watching this video, I now find it horrifying.
Eeww
I just got a new Pessoa and it’s amazing
Oh lucky you!
Thank you for this information!
My pleasure!
Are there any laws or regulations on saddles or tack? Or would someone who wanted to complain have to report the company to consumer affairs or similar?
Not really... there are rules around the trees that mean they have to qualify to carry the British Standard mark but in reality, the end user doesn't know to check their tree carries the mark.
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter Ah I see, so it's a case of "buyer beware". Thank you for this video series, it's good to know what to look out for!
What kind of saddle is that? I have never seen one like that. I grew up on a horse ranch none of my uncles saddles looked even close to this one.
It's an English saddle, well, it's meant to be. Perhaps your uncle's ranch had western saddles - which are much bigger?
Oh damn I need to check my saddle... uff
I don't recommend taking it to bits on your dining room table though... haha
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter Oops
Well.. No I didn't but it seems to be okay 🙃
This is really helpful. Thank you so much. Do u think u could have a look at a John Whittaker saddle. His go up for about £500 to £900. hthat would be rly helpful if you could. Thanks so much again and stay safe! ❤️
I am thinking of doing a weekly 'focus on....' and a brand of saddle - so hopefully I'll look at a JW one :)
Thank you! I stumped through your Channel and let a Like and Abo directly!!
For me that looks like a saddle made in China out of dog Skin and Hair😮
Amazing
Keep going on, nice greetings from a horse trainer in Germany😘
Thank you! Happy horse training in Germany!
I don't use a saddle so I'm good. Just the blanket.
Did you get this from saddle online?
I bought it from eBay in the UK. There are literally hundreds of similar ones on there for sale at the moment. x
A Day In The Life Of A Saddle Fitter oh fun. Yeah that seems like an EBay purchase.
It looks like the sweeping off the shearing shed floor which is all the short cuts the dirty belly wool and the clip of wool around the bum etc in other words unwanted stuff
That would possibly help to explain the maggot, or we hope it would.
Ewwww! I hope not! The 'wool' felt synthetic rather than sheep wool though.
What angers me the most is all those lumps for goodness sakes poor horses!
They're GROSS!
My budget isn’t huge but my equipment is the best I can afford, K&M make lovely saddles that don’t cost a fortune. Best thing my mother ever taught me, don’t buy cheap leather and cheap clothes they’re a waste of money.
The cheap flocking looks like it came out of a vaccum cleaner. I always tell people don't buy cheap tack because quality tack costs less than a trip to the emergency room! I wish the US had safety standards for horse tack.
Have u seen expensive saddle be bad? Specifically western saddle. What's the cheapest price u would buy one? And what price is great quality?
I don't deal with western saddles, personally. But yes i've seen some very bad workmanship in saddles worth £thousands. However, it's not very common. :)
How can anybody be fooled by that workmanship? It's a sucky saddle and I don't even ride, but I can tell
Because... i guess they think it's leather and therefore is nice?
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter something like that
Subscribed well done notify border security about imported saddles containing foreign pests that could harm uk environment
Oooh yes! Good plan!
I think the maggot was from moths, we had an epidemic in our kitchen and it was not fun, im telling you
Edit: okay I watched further and wood worms make sense too. But I wouldnt be surprised if there was moth maggots in the whool
I wouldn't be surprised if there were all sorts of little creepy crawlies in there!
I can spoil what the horrible thing inside is: there is a worm (larva) inside.
That wood worm going to move out and lodge in your dining table because it will be better eating
My husband reckons it has already moved in and made itself at home.
Ive never bought cheap saddles because most things that are too cheap to be true, are, so thanks for showing me I was right 😅😅
Happy to help! You're so right! If it's too good to be true... it probably is!
English saddles are so bizarre to me lol My family has cattle ranches and i was born, raised and still do, work cattle and so ive always ridden western. I use to run barrels as a teen in the late 90s. However, a sh*tty saddle is a sh*tty saddle regardless of style and Id love to know how to construct a saddle from start to finish.
I might do a video of a saddle being made from start to finish! that's a good idea! Thank you x
Western saddles evolved from the Spanish saddles coming up from the South. The immigrants founding the Eastern part of the US brought German/English saddlemaking with them when they came and most used what evolved into what were called Kentucky Stitchdown, Kentucky Rollback, Buena Vista, or Plantation saddles. A saddlemaker friend of mine has a Buena Vista that was specifically made and used to work cattle in the stockyards in Kansas City. If you didn't need to be roping then they opted for the comfort of a Buena Vista instead! The popularity of Western cowboy movies and TV spread the popularity of the Western saddle all over because every kid wanted to be like Roy or Gene. If you are interested in historic saddlery there is a wonderful video available on TH-cam called A Quilted History: The Kentucky Riding Saddle.
Thank you for your efforts to show this, it’s a great idea to educate us. Saving horses. But You are game pulling apart the saddle and stuffing inside your house.... yuk who knows what bacteria and viruses and fungus are in it.
I did have to give my dining room as very good cleaning session after this video!
Howwwwwww is it even possible to make a saddle this wonky!?
The flocking you pulled out looks like a yacked up cat hairball... GAG
Mega GAG!
I'm in Australia. That saddle is made in India, you can smell it, to get it in this country it must be dunked in insecticide, and it will stink in the shed, forever. They don't ride on the horse properly, the leather goes to cardboard and will not take dressing. I refuse to have one strap of Indian leather, and won't mend it if it is presented for mending, rather break a bridle with my bare hands and give it back to the poor owner who brought it in with a broken strap. Our Australian traditional stock saddles are lined with pure wool serge and stuffed with curled horsehair, carefully teased so not lumpy, stuffed in tight and it rides down. Over the years they pack right down, the serge wears out, and they are counterlined, the original work is not touched, another panel is sewn above it and more horsehair goes in. When a pure wool saddle pad is used, the serge grips to it and the pad never moves. Thanks for this vid, popped up as an ad, and good for people to know. Incidentally, some old Argentinian saddles are stuffed with grass, which is actually serrated tussock, a bad indigestible weed, and responsible for the arrival and spread of that tussock in Australia. It also went into old harness collars.
Louise Cassidy Hi Louise where about are you in Australia? I’m in need of a good Traditional Australian made Stack saddle. Do you make them?
Wow! That's fascinating! Thank you!
@Louise Cassidy YES! Indian leather (which is usually made from a Water Buffalo) has, in the past at least, been tanned with urine. Yes, including people urine. That is what causes that uniquely identifying smell! In the US, the early Appalachian saddles panels could also be stuffed with horsehair and "curled" deerhair in the seats.
I ride my horse with a Circle Y saddle.
We don't have many of them in the UK
i boughg a nice racing saddle for 2000 my horse loves it
That's awesome!
Wood worm from another country. Pretty sure the makers could get in trouble for that.
it was a little gross! :/
the 'flocking' looks like the crap you pull out of your vaccuum cleaner hose...
Haha yes! I said exactly that to my husband. X
That's why I would never buy a cheap store saddle...😱😱
You can always get a decent second hand one.
that saddle is scoliosis himself if you ask me.
yup! :D
So if you can't afford a good saddle, cross train your ass and ride with a bareback pad. . . or just bareback. (The horse angels love you for saving some animals from torture.)
Oh truth 😂😂 When I’ve finally scraped together enough money to afford my own horse I’m thinking about getting a secondhand saddle in good condition.
Or get a good second hand one... :)
I wish u made your channel sooner it is sooo helpful thank u so much for giving us so much info on saddles and stuff ur vids are so helpful let's try and get u to 1k subscribers that would be awesome if u are not subscribed then what are u waiting for!!!!! (subscribing does not cost money)
Thank you Maddy 💕
Is it some noname brand what makes terrible quality? Doesnt look used. Looks badly made
Yes these saddles tend to be unbranded, or have brands 'stuck on' after being made. :)
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter thank you. Cant imagine how many horses actually wear theese. Hope not too much.
@@Angelaius you'd be surprised, i see SO many, all loved and looked after - and their owners think they're doing the right thing... the saddles look ok to an untrained eye, on the outside. so they often think they've got a total bargain. but in fact they're riding in a death trap. :( so sad
@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter it is. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🐎
I guess my 3k saddle is worth it😂
Hell yes!
That whole saddle looks like it is made out of stuff recycled from a local dump!
I’m awfully cringing 😬 like WHY do companies not do a proper job on their products?? It’s causing more trouble rather than money at this point!! People like u can always easily expose them!! It’s sad that many people are not aware of this, I mean poor the horse 🐴😓
I don't think they mind or care... because they aren't branded... so they don't have to put their name to the saddle. If someone isn't willing to put their brand on a saddle then the chances are it's crap... cos if they were proud of the saddle then they'd put the badge on proudly. I know we do!