Albion Selecta saddles

[Scarlett]

Quick question...

Has anyone on here had experience of the Albion Selecta saddles? Are the interchangeble flaps actually any good? Seen one for sale but the jump flaps dont look particularily forward cut although they do have a good knee roll (essential for me!) Can you still buy the other flaps as I'd want dressage ones too....

Any experiences would be greatfully recieved....

 

[Noodlejaffa]

Two of my horses have the selectas and I've never had any problems with flaps. Think you can still get the flaps from Frogpool Manor (on-line).

Only thing I would say about the saddles is they have a tendancy to sit too low down at the back (heard it's a common problem) so both of mine are used with Pro-lite pads.

And they're not as comfy as some saddles to sit in, but apart from that they're great!

 

[cheekycharley]

My pony used to have one, but doesnt any more.... it no longer fitted her, but my instructor said the saddle was trying to be too many things - i.e. jumping dressage etc and this was making it sit a bit odd i think or something? Pony now has a K2 jumping saddle.

 

[Santa_Claus]

I have one with XC pads, I bought it second hand and the pads had been stitched in place so sort of stuck with them. But then I bought it as a jumping saddle not as a dressage saddle as already had a dressage saddle (albeit an isable wintec one!)

Now I wouldn't use it as a dressage saddle as the stirrup bar is in the wrong place but I can easily school in it but only if I work without stirrups, if I take my stirrups back my leg creeps forward as the stirrup bar is wrong. Hence I do a lot of work with no stirrups!! I have even had dressage lessons in the saddle (but again no stirrups!)

Only had experience with the XC pads and must say I don't think the SJ ones would be suitable for me, I am quite long in my leg and at jumpnig length on most saddles my knee would be over the edge of the saddle. On the selecta though with the XC pads it is about perfect to be honest as it is forward cut enough for my leg to have room! Yes there are not so many support pads but it does the job for me.

So yes I like them but I wouldn't use it as a dressage saddle if I had the choice.

 

[Scarlett]

Thank you all...

Santa Claus - I hadn't realised there was SJ and XC pads, ultimately the XC ones would be what I wanted so I would need to figure them into the price. I currently do dressage in an event saddle so I can appreciate what you mean about position, its a nightmare! Currently also still shopping for a synthetic dressage saddle too...

Looks like I will still be better off saving up and getting the a Saddle Co Event as per my original plan!

Thanks all.

 

[henryhorn]

I've got one and bought WH pads for it, as it arrived with dressage ones. It isn't very straight cut and daughter never bothered changing the dressage pads for jumping!
They are dear to replace (think my pads were £135?) but comfy saddles.

 

[CastleMouse]

You can also buy the additional pads here - http://www.saddlery.biz/pp/Saddle_Access...ional_Pads.html

 

[huskimo12]

I have one which is a fab mutli purpose saddle.
the knee rolls are expensive to buy though.

You cant beat having seperate saddles for eaxh disicipline but sometimes you just cant afford it in this case they are good alternative.

These are much more comfy than the GP albions no where near as boat like!