Arena Saddles

[mustardsmum]

Does any one have one of these? My saddler has recommended one for my horse?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

They are made by Bates and Wintec I think so are probably a similar quality and shape I would think but never seen one or have any experience of them.

 

[poiuytrewq]

They sell them at my local saddlers. I believe they are a middle ground between the Wintec and Bates range.

 

[sbloom]

Yep, set up to compete head to head with Kent & Masters, with Wintec Vs Thorowgood and Bates Vs Fairfax in the different price ranges. Two.companies with three brands each, basic tree shoes across the ranges tend to be the same or very similar, panel shape with be a little less similar but still not massively different. Construction very similar, plastic trees with changeable heapdlates.

 

[JackFrost]

I tried one (Arena Cob). It wasn't quite the right shape (tree?) so I didnt keep it. I looked up other posts on here and someone commented that there weren't many horses they really did fit.
Apart from that it was quite a nice saddle, good for the price.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Yep, set up to compete head to head with Kent & Masters, with Wintec Vs Thorowgood and Bates Vs Fairfax in the different price ranges. Two.companies with three brands each, basic tree shoes across the ranges tend to be the same or very similar, panel shape with be a little less similar but still not massively different. Construction very similar, plastic trees with changeable heapdlates.

What is your opinion on this kind of saddle?

 

[mustardsmum]

Yep, set up to compete head to head with Kent & Masters, with Wintec Vs Thorowgood and Bates Vs Fairfax in the different price ranges. Two.companies with three brands each, basic tree shoes across the ranges tend to be the same or very similar, panel shape with be a little less similar but still not massively different. Construction very similar, plastic trees with changeable

@sbloom do you know if they are better quality than the Kent and Masters? I have always had ideals, but sadly the tree really doesn’t suit my new pony - he needs a flat tree, with deep gussets and saddler recommended all of the ones you quoted, different models of each. I am trying to be a bit more open minded despite my head yelling wooden tree and fully leather saddle. For someone a bit older who normally embraces new tech, I seem unable to accept the newer types of saddles As I haven’t needed to buy a new saddle for twenty years, my head is spinning with the number and types out there!!

 

[mustardsmum]

Cross posted with @poiuytrewq ….

Thanks all for your replies, all really useful!

 

[sbloom]

@sbloom do you know if they are better quality than the Kent and Masters? I have always had ideals, but sadly the tree really doesn’t suit my new pony - he needs a flat tree, with deep gussets and saddler recommended all of the ones you quoted, different models of each. I am trying to be a bit more open minded despite my head yelling wooden tree and fully leather saddle. For someone a bit older who normally embraces new tech, I seem unable to accept the newer types of saddles As I haven’t needed to buy a new saddle for twenty years, my head is spinning with the number and types out there!!

Few of them are truly flat trees, imo most people are better off with wooden trees. Have you looked for brands with flatter trees? Which Ideal do you have that is too curvy (bear in mind many are made with custom trees)?

 

[sbloom]

What is your opinion on this kind of saddle?

Sorry on phone and missed it. I'm generally not a great fan of plastic trees, very few seem to work to really help the horse work in the way I'm looking for (pushing up in front, and the back lifting directly under the rider).

 

[poiuytrewq]

Interested in this thread as after lengthy chats and photo exchanges with a new saddle fitter they are coming out to see us.
She said she was feeling one of the adjustable ranges might suit.
I’m not a fan of TG or K and M, presume I won’t like Fairfax.
Not keen on Bates or Monarch.
Fussy? Maybe
She has mentioned an Ideal on a T and T tree which is a wooden tree but has an adjustable head. I’m really interested to see it in reality.

 

[mustardsmum]

I have a very ancient Ideal event, which up to now, has been successfully fitted every horse I have own til this one! Which I guess is just luck. TBH I am overwhelmed and don’t know which wooden trees are flatter, although I have asked my saddler so hopefully I will find out. I am just not convinced of synthetic stuff - I used to exercise endurance horses back in the early late 80s/early 90’s and experienced riding on the first Thorowgood and Wintecs that came out. Back then they were lovely for six months then the plastic went hard and shiney and they did not have the pliable nature of leather. Some left a very negative impression on me which I have struggled to erase I know it’s daft because clearly saddle design has come along way in 30 years but ……

 

[mustardsmum]

Interested in this thread as after lengthy chats and photo exchanges with a new saddle fitter they are coming out to see us.
She said she was feeling one of the adjustable ranges might suit.
I’m not a fan of TG or K and M, presume I won’t like Fairfax.
Not keen on Bates or Monarch.
Fussy? Maybe
She has mentioned an Ideal on a T and T tree which is a wooden tree but has an adjustable head. I’m really interested to see it in reality.

I totally agree - this is exactly how I feel. i want to believe an adjustable will be a good option. I can get that a plastic tree is lighter etc, but I just don’t look at these saddles and feel like they are the same quality.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I totally agree - this is exactly how I feel. i want to believe an adjustable will be a good option. I can get that a plastic tree is lighter etc, but I just don’t look at these saddles and feel like they are the same quality.

It may be too late for you but this saddler is coming to me the week after next. I can check in with you after and let you know about this T and T if you like

 

[poiuytrewq]

However I bought, accidentally a Wintec that is really lovely. It’s just too long for the horse. Unfortunately it’s one that seems no longer made and impossible to find second hand. I love it

 

[onemoretime]

I have a very ancient Ideal event, which up to now, has been successfully fitted every horse I have own til this one! Which I guess is just luck. TBH I am overwhelmed and don’t know which wooden trees are flatter, although I have asked my saddler so hopefully I will find out. I am just not convinced of synthetic stuff - I used to exercise endurance horses back in the early late 80s/early 90’s and experienced riding on the first Thorowgood and Wintecs that came out. Back then they were lovely for six months then the plastic went hard and shiney and they did not have the pliable nature of leather. Some left a very negative impression on me which I have struggled to erase I know it’s daft because clearly saddle design has come along way in 30 years but ……

Have a look at the Andrea Hicks saddles. I have two, one dressage and one I call my GP its VSD. Lovely quality, wooden tree and come in 8 different width fittings. Also reasonably priced.

 

[mustardsmum]

It may be too late for you but this saddler is coming to me the week after next. I can check in with you after and let you know about this T and T if you like

Yes def would be interested in what your saddler says! I can’t imagine I will find anything very quickly - am currently looking online and am just seeing saddles every time I blink…..

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Have a look at the Andrea Hicks saddles. I have two, one dressage and one I call my GP its VSD. Lovely quality, wooden tree and come in 8 different width fittings. Also reasonably priced.

Was going to suggest the same they are much better quality and are designed for natives so the tree will be flatter.

I honestly can't see how an Arena saddle will be a better fit than an ideal saddle if you need a flat tree.

 

[sassandbells]

I had an Arena GP for my TB (she had a high either and wasn’t particularly flat backed) was the only saddle that didn’t move on her after trying probably about 50 saddles. I’d never heard of Arena before but absolutely refused to have a Wintec as didn’t like the materials they used and didn’t have the budget to stretch to a Bates after multiple vet interventions.

I had the brown version and actually was pretty nice, quite comfy to ride in (although nothing compared to some of the more high end saddles, but far comfier than the Wintecs). Cleaned well and stayed looking good as new for the 6 months we were able to use it. It has the air panels which I wasn’t sure about but my mare seemed happy with them. They’re about I think they’re around £900/1000 new, but sell quite regularly for between 4-500 online.

My other mare needed a fairly wide / flat tree so we’ve gone with Ideal, as the Arena was nowhere near suitable & didn’t go wide enough. IIRC some of the ideals were only around £1700 with a custom tree so may be worth looking into that option. That’s being said I’m still waiting for it to finish being made so no idea what it’ll be like when I finally get it

 

[poiuytrewq]

Yes def would be interested in what your saddler says! I can’t imagine I will find anything very quickly - am currently looking online and am just seeing saddles every time I blink…..

It becomes a bit obsessive doesn’t it!

 

[pinkfluffy]

I've had an Arena GP since Jan. It was the first saddle the fitter tried, didn't need adjusting (yet) so guess we were lucky. Very comfy and looks brand new still.

 

[AmeliaA]

I tried an arena and only sat in it for 5 minutes. They have a very odd feel to them with the CAIR! If you like a close contact feel they probably aren’t for you I think they’re a bit like marmite to ride in. I ended up with a Fairfax which is a lovely saddle

 

[Widgeon]

I have a very ancient Ideal event, which up to now, has been successfully fitted every horse I have own til this one! Which I guess is just luck.

I'm not convinced it is just luck - the older saddles seem to have flatter trees and somehow fit more horses. We have an old Ideal jump saddle on our yard and it fits half the horses there. It's a lovely saddle. I'd be interested to hear a saddle fitter's take on that....I know that older saddles tend to have more open seats but what else is it about them that makes the fit more forgiving? And why do modern saddles have such curvy trees?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I'm not convinced it is just luck - the older saddles seem to have flatter trees and somehow fit more horses. We have an old Ideal jump saddle on our yard and it fits half the horses there. It's a lovely saddle. I'd be interested to hear a saddle fitter's take on that....I know that older saddles tend to have more open seats but what else is it about them that makes the fit more forgiving? And why do modern saddles have such curvy trees?

I think its most of the new companies that have invented new types and ranges of saddles that seem narrower especially if they are the adjustable type, the old makes like Ideal, black country do still make the flatter wider types or you do have alot of specialist like AH, LM and those makes that have hoop trees or freedom trees.

I think its just how the saddle industry is now it seems if you want flatter wider specialist saddles are the way to go.

 

[Milliechaz]

I've had a Saddle Company, Kent and Masters, John Whittaker and an Arena and by far the Arena is the best in terms of quality, fit and comfort.