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| New Saddle! Suggestions?; Back to the show ring, want a new one... | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 2 2007, 05:45 PM (860 Views) | |
| HillcrestPonies | Apr 2 2007, 05:45 PM Post #1 |
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Schooling
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Okay, I posted a very similar post in the "tack room", but I know the "show ring" gets a lot more traffic and I'm looking for some good insight before I shell out the big bucks for a new saddle... I only do H/J, but will primarily be showing Jumpers this summer. I'm 22, and will be needing a 16" or 16.5" would work too. I'm only 5'2" and have pretty short legs, I also ride a variety of different sized horses, so a versatile tree would be good. I also like a close feel, none of those big ol' saddles that make you feel a million miles away from the horses back. I currently ride in a Beval Devon 2000, but for various reasons, have decided to go ahead and start looking for a new saddle. I've been looking at the Pessoa GenX & Bates saddles recently but am open to anything. Price isn't the main issue, comfort is. I'll buy new or used. Any Suggestions or Recommendations? |
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| WalkTheLine | Apr 3 2007, 06:38 AM Post #2 |
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We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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I recently tried a Bates CC, LOVED it, but a new saddle just isn't in the budge right now :-( |
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| 2hsmommy | Apr 3 2007, 07:09 AM Post #3 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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:lol: I love my Devon, wouldn't trade for anything :lol: |
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| Kikki | Apr 3 2007, 08:12 AM Post #4 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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I would recommend you skip the Pessoa saddle - they just aren't made to the same high standards they used to be. The Bates is a good saddle, though I have never sat in one, however they seem to be a lot of saddle, just feeling it. I have a Tad Coffin that I LOVE and would highly recommend. I also like Antares saddles, though they too are more saddle than I like personally. The ultimate in close contact is a Butet, but you will have a hard time finding one that will fit really broad backs. There are lots of good saddles out there, all with their own fan clubs, so the best thing to do is just find a bunch and sit in them. |
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| Gracious | Apr 3 2007, 09:41 AM Post #5 |
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Weanling
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I'm a petite rider as well and I rode in a borrowed Bates once and felt like I was giving birth the whole time. It was far too wide for me. Of course, that could've been that particular make (I didn't look at it enough to see what type of Bates it was), but it was too much for me. I have a Crosby XL and love it. I used to have a Pessoa A/O and couldn't stand it. The quality was horrible and it constantly pitched me forward. There are plenty of nice saddles out there. I would just start sitting in as many as possible and see what's comfortable for you and your horse. |
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| JustWait | Apr 3 2007, 10:21 AM Post #6 |
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We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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Have you tried an Antares? It sounds like we're about the same size. I have a 16.5, 1 flap, E seat (flatter seat). I like the saddle's narrow twist, yet it has a generous gullet width and seems to fit a variety of horses. The saddle broke in really quick and is super, super comfy! I also had a Beval Devon (an OLD one) before getting my new saddle. |
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| Black Tack | Apr 3 2007, 11:47 AM Post #7 |
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You're BANNED!
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My daughter rides in a Childric and loves it
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| Ontherun | Apr 3 2007, 05:49 PM Post #8 |
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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I hated the Bates. It was great to hack in but I hated jumping in it. It seemed to stop me in mid-air if I was jumping anything over 3'. I sat in a PJ lite and liked it, and have ridden in a CWD. I am, myself, trying to decide on a new saddle and have narrowed it down to these two. I have a brand new Beval Natural sitting in my basement that I am trying to sell because it sits on the back of my horse-literally I, too, need a saddle to use on a variety of horse, but also like the close contact. Good luck with the search.
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| Irish Ei's | Apr 5 2007, 09:21 AM Post #9 |
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Grab mane and kick on!
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County...I cannot say enuf about them.. Will never, ever even look at another saddle again... County...I promise you... |
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| macgregor | Apr 6 2007, 03:52 PM Post #10 |
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Schooling
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Irish, Which model county do you have and why do you like it so much (besides the custom fitting)? Also, what type of riding do you use your county for? |
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| Lucassb | Apr 7 2007, 06:51 AM Post #11 |
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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Saddle fit and preference is totally individual. My advice is to try a bunch and see what feels best! That being said, I love, love, love my Antares and the service has also been wonderful. I'd highly recommend adding them to your list. Happy shopping! |
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| jn4jenny | Apr 8 2007, 04:32 AM Post #12 |
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Is the meadow on fire?
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I love the Bates CC BUT I would not recommend it for the jumpers. It's definitely a whole lot of saddle (slightly deeper cantle than many jump saddles) and not the best fit for many high-withered TB's. That cantle and seat make your life difficult if the jumps are too big. For me, as a lower-level eventer, it's perfect because I'm not dealing with huge fences and I need something that's great for flatwork too. But definitely not a saddle for the jumpers! |
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| Melliebay | Apr 8 2007, 07:17 AM Post #13 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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I am also a County fan, I have the Stabilizer, but my next one will be the Stabilizer XTR. It fits a very wide variety of horses, it is comfortable for me, they quality is great, and it keeps my leg in a great position without me feeling like it "puts" it there. The rep in my area is great and will spend as much time as necessary to help you find one that you love and that works. I tried about half a dozen saddles on my old horse (he was hard to fit), including a Tad Coffin, and when I rode in the County, my trainer literally said my horse got "happy". :lol: Now, with 2 new horses, it fits both of them with no problems. I will likely never own another brand. |
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| Nylar | Apr 8 2007, 05:38 PM Post #14 |
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We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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County County County County. I just sold my soul for a County Innovation. It's gorgeous and perfect and prompted offers of dinner dates and makeout sessions (for the saddle, not for me!). It took forever to get to me due to some quality control issues, but I believe no one else in our barn has waited more than 6-7 weeks for theirs. Our rep has been insanely patient with me - I've been using her to fit my saddles for years now without ever actually buying a saddle from County. Prior to now I've been riding in a Pessoa AO that I do honestly love. It doesn't fit me or my horse as well as it could, but I never felt like it got in my way (the flap is a bit short for my leg). If it fit my horse I'd probably have continued using it, but once he got backsore that was the end of it. I also have an old old County that I use for my lesson kids since it's basically a board with leather covering. I love that saddle too, I just don't love to ride in it! |
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| Melliebay | Apr 9 2007, 06:12 AM Post #15 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Nylar, I am serious. I want to make out w/ your saddle! :lol: :lol: Seriously, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
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I, too, need a saddle to use on a variety of horse, but also like the close contact.


12:28 PM Jul 11