Albion dressage saddles. Like or dislike??

[asterid]

I am looking into dressage saddles as you know from my previous saddle posts.

Just wondered for those who don't like Albions, why?

I like my old legend dressage saddle, but it is on its way out.

I like the look of the Albion SLK. Although I have seen a farringtons saddle.

However, the new dressage saddles like the Ideal suzannah and new Albions look very bannana shaped and look as if once you are in it, you are stuck. I like a bit more room, so the farringtons or even the bates caprilli looked less banana shaped.

So If you hate Albions and new style dressage saddles, why?

If you love Albions and new styles, why?

As said previously I am going to annoy the saddle man and my horse by trying every saddle on!

Thanks

 

[blitznbobs]

I have a legend (2000 I think) and this is the most comfortable saddle I've ever owned... I love it.

However it doesn't fit my horse so I bought an SLK a few years back which I like and it holds you tight in the saddle so on a big moving warmblood it's great. it depends if you like to be held or like to be able to move more... I liked it a lot more than the Amerigo...

Blitz

 

[spacefaer]

Hate!

I've ridden in several Albions - belonging to other people I hasten to add and have never found one I like

I find them too big and bulky on the horse, and too "boat" like to sit in - I'm too aware of the saddle

I loved my Xenophon, my Jessica, my Amerigo and my Isabel Werth Bates - and I currently adore my Devoucoux.....

Have ridden in a Harry Dabbs/Jaguar and liked that too

I will be looking shortly for a new saddle as my D doesn't fit new ride, but even with owner's generous budget, won't be contemplating an Albion

 

[Luci07]

Albion do a very large range - starting with the K2 and top end is the SL and the SLK. I love albions, nornally end up with them - but they are vastly different in terms of actual fit. So an SLK has broader panels than the SL and a deeper seat. Sat beautifully on my WB x TB but not on my ISH. Had to go down to an SL which I didn't like nearly as much and ended up selling it and having a made to measure

I don't agree with the comment about making you feel away from your horse - I found that was how the Isabel Werth and Wow saddle felt that I tried.

 

[Silmarillion]

I don't get on with them at all. Even in a size that should fit me, I feel like I'm swimming around and feel very unstable, and the seat is so un-padded that my seatbones would actually be happier just sat on the tree. I've just never liked any of them I've sat in (used to be a groom so I've sat in a fair few).

Give me an Ideal or a Wow any day!