I am tossing the idea around of getting an english saddle for Duke, I figure it would be something different for both of us to learn.  I dont want to spend a fortune, but dont want a cheap-o either.

What is a good 'all-purpose' type brand either new or used that wont break the bank??

 Thanks...

Melia

Find a good used brand name like Collegiate or Crosby - that would be your best bet... you can pick older models up under $500.

 

I agree with Collegiate, Crosby, or even the Dover brand saddles. Does your local tack shop sell used saddles? If so, I'd go there first. That way you can get a higher quality saddle that might have some scuffs and wear, but is still better in the long run.

Our large tack shop closed. We have a small one in the area still, I'm not sure if she has used English saddles, she has used western ones, so I'd assume she does.

 What size should I look for?  my reinsman saddle is a 15.5..

There are several online tack places that sell used English saddles. Ricks Heritage , Pelham, and Middleburg Tack Consignment all have a nice selection. I just bought a used Stubben Siegfried from Middleburg Tack, nice condition and a fair price. Also, try Tacktrader. Stubben, Crosby, Collegiate, Wintec AP are all nice saddles and can be found at reasonable prices. Have fun.

I second Middleburg Tack. I got my Crosby Equilibrium from them - and their service is awesome - and they offer a trial period so you can be sure the saddle fits. :)

Most times english sizes are 2" more than western. I ride a 15" western and a 17.5 english. (I have long upper thighs)... :)

 

I would worry less about a particular brand than one that (1) fits your horse and (2) fits you. Depending on your horse's conformation (guessing he's a QH?), some of the saddle brands might not be wide enough in the tree for him. You probably should look at some good used saddles in a wide or xwide tree. You might consider spending a little money to have a saddle fitter out (www.mastersaddlers.org is a good source--or ask your local tack shop for a recommendation). If you don't have someone who can come out, read my article on saddle fitting at http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/tack_apparel/english/eq9points447/index.html. It's pretty easy to understand and perform these things yourself. Heck, if I can learn this, anyone can! ;-) The nice thing about getting a saddle fitter out is that even if they don't have the right saddle for you--or the couple you have for them to try don't work--they can tell you EXACTLY what you need to look for (shallow panels, wide tree, etc., etc., which will help you when searching used saddle listings on the Web, eBay, equine.com or a host of other great sites out there. Good luck!!

The Wintec saddles are well made, nicely balanced saddles that come with the changeable gullet system.  You can also get them with the CAIR panels.  They are sythetic, BUT that means you don't have to worry about them getting wet and they are easy to care for.  The nice thing about the changeable gullet is that you can fit it to any horse.  I have the Wintec 500 dressage and I LOVE IT!  I bought it barely used from a friend and it's the best $200 I've ever spent.  I'm also looking to get one of their close contact saddles.  You can get them brand new on ebay for around $500, some of the sellers have free shipping and include the webbers and irons.  Good luck, let us know which what you end up with. 

 The new Wintecs are very nice, I would highly recommend one of those, even lightly used.  A used Crosby or Collegiate will be very nice too and not too expensive.  I got my lovely Crosby event/AP saddle for $400, that's about average for them.