Fitting Saddles What are the best kind of English Saddles?
I am entering the quagmire of saddle buying soon! I have been looking around and would like some opinions on the best type of saddle to buy. Not really what discipline, but more brand and what it is made of. I have always thought leather is best, but synthetics seem much cheaper (always a plus) and more resiliant to rain, cold etc.
What saddle did you choose and why? Also, did the saddle you bought fit first time or did you need to get a new one or have it altered to fit?
Thanks!
My first saddle is on its way over from England and should be here in the next couple of weeks. After a LOT of research, time and test ride saddles, I decided on Exselle Chasseur (close contact) for the following reasons:
1.Seems that every place I've looked, everyone says that it really is 'amazing quality for the price' - they are made in Walsall England and have fallen under the Crosby name
2. The cutback pommel is almost ideal if you are riding horses that typically have higher withers (and I do ride many thoroughbreds) and the flap really does not seem to interfere with the shoulder movement
3. It seems to fit a variety of horses (always a plus)
4. You can get them in either a foam pannel or wool flocked (your choice) whereas many close contact saddles come in only foam
5. Incredibly comfy and puts me in a great place - I have also seen that Exselles tend to be recommended for those with a longer leg (which is me!)
6. I can't find many available used...I have come across many people who have bought this brand but hardly come across any used (I have come across 1 used for $2800 not including taxes...I am therefore getting a brand new 1 for slightly over this price which includes taxes!)
7. It's made from English leather
I would personally never go with a synthetic. You cannot show in them and I find that they get rips/tears in them much easier than any other materials. Quite frankly, if I am going to buy a saddle, I want it to last! I would stick with quality brand names like Crosby, Barnsby, Stubben, Prestige, Passier and for even higher quality brand names like CWD, Devocoux, Childrec, Antares (although I have heard that the newer Childecs don't seem to be upholding the quality that they once used to have).
I would consider some middle-of-the-road saddles to be Pessoa, HDR, Bates, St. Lourdes and Collegiate.
I would consider absolute lowest class saddles as Wintec, Kincade, and Mondega.
Remember....when it comes to buying a saddle (or generally any leather equine product!), price usually really does reflect quality. Also remember that buying a saddle is like buying a car in the respect that don't go for a Rolls Royce if you've only got the funds for a Ford. The difference is almost uncomparable (not that I'd know what it's like to drive a Rolls Royce) but when you've only got so much money it doesn't make sense to go for the Rolls Royce.
Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and renowned saddle-fitter, shows how a horse will perform better and remain sounder longer if his saddle accommodates his conformation.
Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and renowned saddle-fitting expert, shows how a horse will indeed perform better and remain sounder longer when his saddle accommodates his conformation.
The Sarach Dockable case is a part of the unique Sarach Designer Series by Sena. It features a hand-sewn two-tone saddle-stitched design offering a personalized hand stitched look. It enables you to dock your iPad while in the Sarach Dockable case...
GLBC100NLThis is a hand-made personalized all-leather briefcase bag double layered with visible raw edges to unveil the 4-5 ounce full grain Buffalo leather that is used in its entire construction...
The Sarach Dockable case is a part of the unique Sarach Designer Series by Sena. It features a hand-sewn two-tone saddle-stitched design offering a personalized hand stitched look. It enables you to dock your iPad while in the Sarach Dockable case...
The best ideas are often the simplest, which explains why Jorgenson is well known among woodworkers as the maker of some of the best clamps available, and their 3/4-inch steel bar clamp is no exception...
Saddle Mount System - Mossberg 500 BlackManufacture ID: 48341Mount your favorite sight device with ease using the new Weaver no gunsmith mounts. The multi slot bases allow you to mount a variety of optics including scopes red dots and laser sights while obtaining the optimum eye relief...
Saddle Mount System - Remington 87011001187 HW HDManufacture ID: 48342Mount your favorite sight device with ease using the new Weaver no gunsmith mounts. The multi slot bases allow you to mount a variety of optics including scopes red dots and laser sights while obtaining the optimum eye relief...
Mesa Tactical Saddle Rails comprise 6061-T6 aluminum brackets that wrap around the top of the shotgun receiver. The factory trigger pins are replaced by internally thread steel pins, to which both sides of the saddle rail is securely bolted...
GLBC100CNThis is a hand-made personalized all-leather briefcase bag double layered with visible raw edges to unveil the 4-5 ounce full grain Buffalo leather that is used in its entire construction...
GLBC100NLThis is a hand-made personalized all-leather briefcase bag double layered with visible raw edges to unveil the 4-5 ounce full grain Buffalo leather that is used in its entire construction...
Enjoy the optimal stopping power of your disc brake system, and keep your infant secure and comfortable with the Topeak Baby Bike Seat. The only child bike seat on the market offering a full suspension system to absorb road shock and ensure a smooth ride for your child, the Topeak Baby Seat includes a Disc Mount Aluminum Rear Bike Rack so that the bike seat can be mounted easily on bikes with popular disc mounted brake systems...
Pros depend on Andy Pruitt to soothe their aches and pains and help them ride faster and smoother. Now Andy's advice can help recreational and fitness cyclists, too. The world's leading expert in scientific bike fit, Andy Pruitt explains the steps of a complete fit session and the logic behind each adjustment...
The iBert safe-T-seat was designed on the premise that all child bike carriers are not created equal. The safe-T-seat lets you interact with your child while riding. Equipped with a three-point harness and lap bar, the safe-T-seat puts your child at the front of the bike, where she is safe, comfortable, and entertained...
Keeping up with Lutz Exploration LLC is getting more difficult. Lengthy, well written blog posts, multi media video clips, and now poetry. I was a week behind in the journey but now caught up.
Congrats to all – 38 miles in the saddle is very respectable. I am always amazed at how different a journey by bicycle can be as you sense the real sights, sounds and even smells of Vermont. Is Ben and Jerry's on the list?
Keeping up with Lutz Exploration LLC is getting more difficult. Lengthy, well written blog posts, multi media video clips, and now poetry. I was a week behind in the journey but now caught up.
Congrats to all – 38 miles in the saddle is very respectable. I am always amazed at how different a journey by bicycle can be as you sense the real sights, sounds and even smells of Vermont. Is Ben and Jerry's on the list?
Lot's of great things happening at AEC's! Stop by and say hi to Rebecca, she's busy fitting saddles at the VTO tent!