What to look out for when buying a saddle in general?
We recommend that you pay attention to the following points when buying a saddle:
- There is an on-site service for a non-binding saddle fitting - so you can try out different saddles
- The saddles available are fully customisable and adjustable
- A specialist on site will advise you and fit the saddle to your horse
- The saddles on offer are in good condition and the leather and materials used are of high quality
- You can get matching saddle accessories for your saddle. These include: a girth, stirrups, stirrup leathers and a matching saddle pad
- There is an on-site service for fit checks so that your saddle can be checked again and again over time for its fit and adjusted to your horse
What is my budget for a saddle?
Whether used or new - the price of a riding saddle can vary greatly. Depending on your budget, you can choose between off-the-peg saddles, confection saddles, second-hand saddles and custom-made saddles. There is also the question of whether you want a personalised service on site for fitting and personal support or whether you want to fit the saddle to the horse yourself.
What does a second-hand saddle cost?
Off-the-peg riding saddles are the cheapest option. Off-the-peg riding saddles are available in the usual sizes, as dressage saddles, jumping saddles and eventing saddles, but these are often only customisable to a limited extent and made from simple and cheap materials. Used saddles are often a good alternative to get a high-quality product at a favourable price. A high-quality saddle made of good quality leather can still be adjusted by a saddler years later, giving you a good saddle at an affordable price.
How much exactly does a used OMEGA saddle cost? This depends on the basic price of the selected saddle model, the equipment, the age and the condition. In addition to the purchase price of a used saddle, there may be additional costs for the fitting of the saddle, which should be factored in at the time of purchase. You can find detailed information on the process of a used saddle fitting and the associated costs of an OMEGA custom-made saddle here.
Custom-made saddle or confection saddle
In addition to standard and second-hand saddles, confection saddles are a good solution in the medium price range. These saddles already offer a wide range of customisation options and often individual individualisation options. If you are looking for a high-quality saddle and want more than just a choice between a black or brown saddle, you should opt for a custom-made saddle. With a custom-made saddle, the saddle is built according to the wishes and needs of the horse and rider, the customisation options are the greatest and the design and matching accessories are made according to the customer's wishes.
Confection saddles off the peg
Depending on the scope of the wishes and needs of the horse and rider, different types of saddles are possible. From off-the-peg saddles to custom-made saddles for horse and rider. We always recommend choosing a saddle that can be fully customised to your horse.
This includes the confection saddle, where the rider chooses their favourite basic model and the selected model can then be fully adapted to the horse. In our opinion, this includes an adjustable gullet plate and individually moulded panels.
Individual customisation
If horse and rider have special needs and wishes, a custom-made saddle is the right choice. On the horse's side, this may include a sensitive back, a particularly short saddle position, pronounced withers, a strongly curved back or "problem areas" such as kissing spines.
The rider may require a special seat profile, e.g. a deep seat and knee rolls that fit the leg perfectly for a high level of stability. Health problems such as hip problems can also be the reason for a seat profile that is specially adapted to the rider. Every detail is customised to the horse and rider.
Where can I buy saddles?
Saddles are sold in a wide variety of ways: From the online shop with free shipping, via the dealer or manufacturer and via the mobile saddler or saddle service on site.
When do I need the saddle?
Are you pressed for time and need a saddle that is available immediately? Of course, a saddle in an online shop will be with you in a few days - but there is usually no on-site service. We recommend that you always consult a specialist when looking for the right saddle. Many manufacturers themselves or dealers offer a mobile saddle service. This offers the advantage that you can try out different saddles on your own horse on site. The mobile saddle service usually offers a large selection of saddles.
Do you need a temporary solution until your favourite saddle is available? It is often possible to borrow a saddle until your own saddle has been made or converted. If this is not the case, we recommend our riding pad as an alternative. With this riding pad, which as a treeless version does not require any special fitting, you can bridge waiting times in a relaxed manner. Click here for our riding pads.
Which saddle service would you like?
Would you like to get to know our OMEGA saddles on your horse and try them out without obligation? We are on a nationwide saddle tour every 4-8 weeks and can come to you and your horse for fittings or fit checks. We have the entire range of our confection saddles and custom-made saddles with us. We test the different saddles together, measure your horse and are available to answer any questions you may have about our saddle concept. Click here to register.
