Synthetic saddles can offer so much more than just good value for money...
In terms of cost, there really is no question, that
are by far the cheapest option. With modern technology and materials, as well as consumer demand, synthetic saddles are available in almost every style and size imaginable. They are lightweight and easy to keep clean, but perhaps, more importantly, allow for changes to be made should you change horses or if your horse changes shape.
Like many people, I have always bought leather saddles in the past. This was mainly due to tradition, what I knew most about, the fact that I tend to buy second hand saddles (due to budget) and the fact that I have been lucky enough to own horses that have been relatively straightforward when it came to saddle fitting. More recently, however, I bought a young warmblood and boy have I had problems getting saddles to fit! The main problem is that warmblood horses tend to be late developers and therefore continue to change shape until they are anything up to about 10 years old! This can then obviously be a nightmare for saddle fitting, as although many modern leather saddles do allow for some alterations to their shape to be made, they are not as versatile as a
. As such and having taken advice from saddle fitters, I decided to go for a
, which was fitted specifically to my horse. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical at first, but I now love my saddle. It’s comfortable, lightweight to carry (and so less weight for my horse to carry) and easy to clean, which is always a bonus. Crucially though, it will enable me to keep the saddle and simply have it adjusted as my horse changes shape, rather than having to continually buy a new one (and try to sell my old saddles)! Having already bought two used leather saddles in a period of two years due to my horse changing shape, I am thrilled with my synthetic model.
There are many different styles and sizes of
and as with leather saddles, some styles, sizes and makes will be a better fit for your horse than others. For this reason it is always advisable to get the help of a qualified saddle fitter to assist you with the task of choosing the correct saddle for you and your horse.
Like many people, I have always bought leather saddles in the past. This was mainly due to tradition, what I knew most about, the fact that I tend to buy second hand saddles (due to budget) and the fact that I have been lucky enough to own horses that have been relatively straightforward when it came to saddle fitting. More recently, however, I bought a young warmblood and boy have I had problems getting saddles to fit! The main problem is that warmblood horses tend to be late developers and therefore continue to change shape until they are anything up to about 10 years old! This can then obviously be a nightmare for saddle fitting, as although many modern leather saddles do allow for some alterations to their shape to be made, they are not as versatile as a 
