Arena Cob Saddle

[snowcat79]

Considering an Arena Cob GP saddle for my cob but can't find many reviews. I'm currently using a Wintec Wide 500, which fits well, and I like the saddle, but I'd like leather. We tried a Bates Wide AP but it was too curved through the tree for my flat backed horses, I was wondering if the Arena Cob GP fits more like the Wintec or the Bates? What's the quality like? I've tried many other saddles and am struggling, so though this might be a good option given both myself and my horses like the Wintec, and I'd get a nice leather seat.

 

[Elno]

Don't know how it fits compared to the others but I had an Arena wide/ cob saddle for a short period of time last year for a different horse than I have now. It was horrible. I've now tried several Cair/HART whatever saddles from Arena, Bates and Wintec on several horses and I haven't been able to actually get them to fit! None of them! The last one I had- A Bates AP that I bought for my youngster thinking it was a good investment since he'll probably change alot during the coming years was a total shitstorm - even with the help from a licensed Bates fitter. When my horse started to very clearly show that he hated the saddle and at one point actually BIT ME when I layed it on him I said f*** it and sold it ASAP, with a great loss mind you, since the darn fitter wouldn't take the saddle back even though it was just a couple of weeks old.

Personally I'm done with them and will never buy again.

 

[sbloom]

I don't fit Bates, and barely see them, so this is just my thoughts but I'd be very surprised if the Bates, Arena and Wintec Wide models weren't all on the same tree, and it's actually the panel shape causing the issue. We assume that it's always tree shape if too curved or bridging, but often it's panel often combined with tree width that causes the issues.

There are lots of other options for wider, flatter backs depending on budget.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Agree with sbloom in saying there are much better saddles that would probably work.

my flat backed very wide Arab has had Black country, Heritage, Ideal and currently wears a Lavinia Mitchell, you can get all of the above second hand and in my opinion they are much better quality saddles.