saddle shopping summary

I really want to thank you all so very very much for helping me through this process. This probably feels like the never-ending story - but it IS over now. Phew!

'finally' - isabel

Since I wrote about it extensively, tho, I'm tying the whole process up into one neat and tidy summary for my own future reference - and perhaps for anyone else looking for help.

But again - your insights and comments have been invaluable. Thank you!!

To find posts related to saddle shopping, click here. (be sure to check out the comment threads too for insights from other bloggers)

Resources
-General Info
Beval Saddle Fitting Guide
Google is your friend - google literally every single thing. Forums discussing that exact thing abound!! 

-Sales Sites
All the Best Used Saddles
CWD Sellier
eBay (I only considered options where a trial was available. also good for price comparisons)
Equine Now
Farmhouse Tack
Fine Used Saddles
I Sell Tack
MD Saddlery Butler**
MD Saddlery Crofton
MD Saddlery Hockessin
MD Tack Exchange
Middleburg Tack**
Pelham Saddlery** (ultimately purchased from this shop)
Redwood Tack
Rick's Heritage Saddle Source
The Horse of Course
VTO Saddlery**
Your Saddles

**denotes shops where I spoke with a representative. Without exception, everyone I spoke to was incredibly helpful and friendly - and I would recommend these businesses.

Expenses

This is some real talk here. Because this is essentially a very important piece of equipment and there are a few auxiliary costs along the way to finding the perfect fit. 

To start, my planned budget maxed out around $1,800. That's a lot of $$$. But I *hoped* to spend about half that (and my saddle fitter seemed confident that I would find something nice in the $800-$1,200 range). I looked exclusively at used saddles.

That brings me to the fitter, who gave us a free consultation with some trial saddles we picked up. The expectation was that we'd bring her back for a true fitting/reflocking once we found our saddles - for a cost of $150. This amount was therefore included in all further calculations.

Trial Saddles

My criteria was: 17" seat, narrow tree, wool flocked, and minimal gusseting. True narrow trees seemed surprisingly elusive, and many saddle makers (including most french companies... le sigh) were excluded right off the bat bc they don't use wool flocking. 

#1 - Bates Caprilli

Shipping/Trial Cost: Free from a local consignment shop
Sticker Price: $905 (negotiable)
Auxiliary Costs: 
-$150 reflock (included for all trial saddles - but definitely needed for this one)
-$75-$150 for front/rear blocks
-many hours dedicated to the improvement of this long-neglected saddle's leather
Likes:
-adjustable gullet
-fit on horse (expected to improve after reflock)
-improvement in rider position
Dislikes:
-saddle condition
-wasn't very inspiring to sit in

#2 - Stubben Edelweiss CS

Shipping/Trial Cost: $25 flat rate + $15 return (using a friend's Fed Ex business account)
Sticker Price: $700 (negotiable)
Auxiliary Costs: 
-$150 reflock (included for all trial saddles)
Likes:
-leather quality - which promised to only improve with care
-comfortable
-saddle was in excellent condition
Dislikes:
-didn't fit Isabel; there was movement over fences
-billet straps were sooooo short
-the saddle geometry was reminiscent of the wintec that doesn't do my eq any favors

 #3 - Bates Caprilli (the winner)

Shipping/Trial Cost: $49.95 flat rate 
Sticker Price: $795
Auxiliary Costs: 
-$150 reflock x2 bc the newly converted wool flocked panels will need follow-up attention
-$40-45 for left side head nail replacement (optional but likely to happen)
Likes:
-adjustable gullet
-OMG so comfortable - angels sing when I sit in this saddle
-I feel incredibly secure over fences 
Dislikes:
-N/A :)
-(if we're nitpicking - the saddle length is pushing the acceptable boundaries for Izzy's back)


So there ya have it. My saddle shopping experience! It was kind of fun in some respects - and is SUPER exciting to have found something I love... but I'll also be ok if I don't have to repeat the process for a while :)