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I'm currently in the market for a schooling saddle- something that I don't have to worry about riding in the rain in, etc. I found an affordable St. Lourdes brand saddle for sale on ebay. Does anyone know anything about the quality of these saddles? Thanks!
The leather is okay on them (durable, not horribly cardboard-y stuff like you see on some cheap saddles), trees tend to fit wide variety of horses fairly well, BUT--
The balance on them is horrible! I had one last year that I'd picked up used for practically nothing (never would have bought it otherwise). I wound up selling it around Christmas last year for just that reason. (And made a tidy profit while I was at it;) )
I brought one home to try from Middleburg tack. Leather was quite nice, thicker but pliable. Fairly deep seat, was comfy to sit in at the store but the panels in back sweep up quite a bit and there was too much curve to the tree for my flatter/broader backed TB. Didn't ride in it since it was an obvious no fit.
It's advertised as a "starter" saddle :)
I have the Joaquin Larrain model and I actually like the leather, the balance and the fit. It is more of a deep seat (but that is my thing) and it has knee blocks which I find necessary for the jumper ring. I like the leather for the price, I felt comfortable in it from day one and needed practically no breaking in (maybe one ride?).
I don't know the model you mention but I think they are great quality for the price tag.
My two cents.