Here's a new topic...do you, as consumers, believe that the prices for
new saddles are justified, particularly if the saddle is made in the USA,
rather than imported (with all the attendant import duties)? Yes, we
know that saddles are "hand-made", though in truth many of the parts are
machined. Average price for an OF is $1500-2000, for SR Enduro $1920,
Marciante is a steal at less than $1000, Sharon Saare about $1200-1400.
I can get a custom saddle from Centaur for about $1500--he comes
personally to fit the horse. DeSotos are under $1000. The Boz, etc all
run about $1200 depending on options.
I went to our local English tack store and browsed through their dressage
saddles--I can get a really nicely made saddle for $750-1000. Top of the
line runs $1500+. Many of these saddles are German made so I'd expect to
pay more just because of the $ fluctuations.
I can get a decent Western-style saddle with Arabian bars for $500.
Are we truly getting what we pay for, i.e. value-added?
For the money...what additional items should be included in the purchase
price? E.g. SR Enduro will refit the saddle to another horse. What
kinds of warranties, guarantees, etc. should come with the saddle?
In case you're wondering, I'm adding this item to the evolving saddle
database (which is slow in developing--sorry about that--job, etc).
So that we don't clutter the ether, please email me privately.
Diane @ Safe Haven