AH Saddles vs Chunky Monkey

[Pink Gorilla]

Anyone got any experience, good or bad, with either of these cob type brands?

 

[sbloom]

Happy to answer any questions on AH, I've fitted them for 15 years (or rather Andrea's brands). I'd say consider the fitter too, very important.

 

[teach]

I have 3 chunky monkey saddles, one for each horse (2x highland, 1 Welsh d) and I like them! Fit well, and value for money.
As with any saddle, the most important thing is that it fits horse and rider!

 

[FlyingCircus]

I love my Chunky Monkey saddle Horse it was for is retired so I'm trying to get it refitted to my gelding.

 

[onemoretime]

I have two AH saddles and love them. One is a VSD or I call it my GP its in brown leather. I use it for hacking and my pro rider uses it when we go and play at jumping. I also have the Affinity dressage saddle in black. That is also lovely, my rider uses that for schooling and competing as my old hips dont' allow me to get my leg over the cantle although it is not as high or the seat as deep as many dressage saddles, its my problem not the saddles. They both fit my WB x ISH mare beautifully. Last year we were out competing and in the warm up another horse went straight in front of my mare as she was about to do a flying change, the mare spun, but the saddle never moved! I hear so many people talking about the saddles always moving in situations like this.

Both saddles were fitted by Sam Wiltshire who I found very good. I have also had Clare Scott out to check them, I also found her very good. As Steph above says, the fitter is very important.

 

[Belmont]

I ordered an AH saddle a few years ago. It was made to measure, yet we couldn't get the fit right once it was made, despite all sorts of shims etc. I unfortunately had to return but did get a refund. I then bought a Chunky monkey second hand, had it professionally checked and it fit like a glove. It's still my favourite saddle 5 years on and I've since bought another for my other horse.

 

[dottylottie]

honestly i think both brands have a reputation than speaks for itself - i have a second hand AH saddle that i love, and fits my pony beautifully, but if i had the money i certainly wouldn’t discount chunky monkey saddles!

before i bought mine i rang Andrea to check the serial number, and she was absolutely lovely and very helpful explaining what tree shape she’d use for what horse.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Have no experience of Chunky Monkey, but have seen "sbloom" do a fitting for a client at my yard with the AH saddles a good few years ago now and was impressed with the care taken to get a good fit.

Can't say that about every saddle fitter that's rocked up to my place by any means.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I have a Chunky Monkey because I have a heavy horse and I'm not the most confident rider so Sam is the best saddler for me.

No experience of AH but as others have said, you can't go wrong with either company. They have their excellent reputations for good reason.