Choosing between equestrian saddles & pads often comes down to a practical tension: one choice may offer a fuller riding package, while the other is a lower-priced saddle with a clearly named use. The right answer is not simply the cheapest option; seat size, saddle type, included fittings, and condition all change the decision. Here is how the Crosby Mark VI Spring Seat package compares with the BT Crump English Riding Saddle 17.
Quick verdict
The Crosby Mark VI is the stronger match for shoppers who want an all-purpose English setup with named fittings included. Its package contains stirrup leathers, Centaur irons, and a Toklat Medallion pad, and its cutback design is described as suitable for horses with prominent or higher withers.
The BT Crump is the more focused choice for a shopper seeking a Jumping/Close Contact saddle and a lower upfront price. Its main drawback is clear: one strap is missing a buckle. That condition detail deserves more weight than the color or country-of-origin attribute.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Listed price | Saddle size | Saddle type | Key listed detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18\" Crosby Mark VI Spring Seat English Saddle Package | USD 350.00 | 18 in | All Purpose | Stirrup leathers, Centaur Irons, Toklat Medallion pad |
| BT Crump English Riding Saddle 17 | USD 199.90 | 17 in | Jumping/Close Contact | Used; one strap is missing a buckle |
The listed-price gap is $150.10. That is a meaningful difference, but it also reflects two differently described buying propositions: a package with fittings versus a saddle identified for jumping and close-contact riding.
Where each product wins
- Crosby Mark VI: It wins for a shopper who wants the purchase to include 56-inch stirrup leathers, 4 3/4-inch Centaur stainless-steel stirrup irons with pads, and a Toklat Medallion shaped fleece pad. Those details make the package easier to assess as a complete setup.
- BT Crump: It wins on listed upfront price. At USD 199.90, it is the lower-cost route, and its Jumping/Close Contact classification gives it a clear use-case direction.
Product notes
18\" Crosby Mark VI Spring Seat English Saddle Package
The Crosby Mark VI earns consideration for its cutback design, which works well for horses with prominent or higher withers. The saddle is paired with a Toklat Medallion shaped fleece pad, 56-inch stirrup leathers, and 4 3/4-inch Centaur stainless-steel stirrup irons with pads, so the included components are clearly defined. The limitation is fit specificity: it is a used 18-inch saddle with a narrow/medium-narrow tree/gullet, and those measurements need to suit both rider and horse. Its brown color and Mark VI model make the choice easy to identify, but they do not resolve fit. Choose it when the cutback profile and bundled components match the job.
BT Crump English Riding Saddle 17
The BT Crump English Riding Saddle 17 makes sense for someone seeking a clearly identified 17-inch English saddle with a jumping-oriented use case. Its brown color, used condition, and United States country-of-origin attribute provide straightforward identifying details. The important limitation is explicit: one strap is missing a buckle. That makes condition a central part of the purchase decision rather than a minor footnote. The title centers on the saddle itself, whereas the Crosby title calls out a package, so the two choices differ in how their included equipment is presented. Choose BT Crump when its seat size and Jumping/Close Contact designation fit the rider's plan, with the buckle issue firmly in mind.
Final choice by use case
- For all-purpose English riding and a bundled setup: choose the Crosby Mark VI package, especially if its cutback design and narrow/medium-narrow tree/gullet align with the horse and rider.
- For Jumping/Close Contact riding: choose the BT Crump English Riding Saddle 17, provided the missing buckle on one strap is acceptable for the intended use.
- For a fit-led decision: prioritize the stated saddle sizes and Crosby's tree/gullet description before letting the $150.10 price difference decide.
