Impulse Buys and Brand Loyalty

Well, I have done a bad thing. You would think that a recent college grad with no real job and no horse of their own would find no need to purchase a SECOND saddle.Well, oops. A boarder posted two dressage saddles on Instagram and my heart almost stopped when I saw one. It was a Stubben Tristan, basically new (purchased new last year for over $2,000 I believe), 17.5" seat, medium tree, and $500.

*Swoon*

I guess some background is in order: I own an older Stubben AP saddle and it's held up remarkably well and has fit every horse I have put it on so far. My trainer had an old Stubben Genesis dressage saddle for awhile that he bought a LONG time ago but still looked pristine, and was lovely to ride in. I know it's not a trendy brand, and its design is pretty simple, but I like that. Rambling over...

The other saddle was a Jaguar. It was definitely fancier-looking, but it didn't fit the boat AT ALL, and I had my heart set on the Stubben so I was glad that it didn't. The Stubben had no gaps, a perfect amount of room between it and his back, and looked great!

I rode in it, it was comfy, and after spectators left and we were alone he gave me the best dressage work we have had since I moved back... so no complaints from him! I could go on about it forever, but will refrain. I am riding in it again today and getting my trainer's opinion tomorrow in a lesson before I make the decision, but I love it and am happy for it to join the family if all goes well. 

Awkward picture so I could see how I fit in it.

The Boat being incredibly bored while I took pictures of it.

This leaves me with one question (if you made it here). Are there any brands that you have loyalty towards? What are they, and why?