Cavaletti Saddles

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Anyone have one? If so what model and on what type of horse??

I’ve been recommended this for Faran at the moment Kia’s T6 is doing the job but it’s not going to go wide enough (he’s on the 2nd widest/yellow gullet ATM) and I’ve been told these have an open head plate so will be comfier for both of us. Been recommended the VSD model.

 

[Barton Bounty]

A friend has just changed her T4 to a T4 cob shape. For the reason she can get a silver gullet on the fatty lol

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

A friend has just changed her T4 to a T4 cob shape. For the reason she can get a silver gullet on the fatty lol

That's what we have? a T6 cob ? he’s not even popped a wither yet is still bum high and has some shoulders on him. I’ve not heard much about them so looking for feedback before I get him fitted once I’m back on my feet. Got him booked for the saddler in Nov so aiming to be back on my feet for then ?? I’m hoping to put off a new saddle until spring next year but if I need to get one then I’d rather get something that isn’t going to need sold 6months later if possible ?

 

[Barton Bounty]

That's what we have? a T6 cob ? he’s not even popped a wither yet is still bum high and has some shoulders on him. I’ve not heard much about them so looking for feedback before I get him fitted once I’m back on my feet. Got him booked for the saddler in Nov so aiming to be back on my feet for then ?? I’m hoping to put off a new saddle until spring next year but if I need to get one then I’d rather get something that isn’t going to need sold 6months later if possible ?

Oh definitely’! ?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Oh definitely’! ?

Pray for me ???

 

[Barton Bounty]

Im on my knees ??

 

[webble]

I trialled one and liked it but the horse didn't, that's reflective of the horse not the saddle. I like the cut back head plate. Cavaletti do a two week free trial so you have nothing to lose.

A couple of people on my yard have them and like them

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I trialled one and liked it but the horse didn't, that's reflective of the horse not the saddle. I like the cut back head plate. Cavaletti do a two week free trial so you have nothing to lose.

A couple of people on my yard have them and like them

Thank you ?

Do you mind me asking what version you tried and what versions the people on your used have??

 

[webble]

Thank you ?

Do you mind me asking what version you tried and what versions the people on your used have??

I tried a 16.5" vsd and a 16" monoflap dressage. I found the seat size generous and the quality was good for the price. I felt that both were fairly forward cut compared to vsd and dressage in other brands. Friends have the monoflap jump and a vsd.

Horse and I are used to a Heather moffett flexee which has a leather tree and we decided to stick with that, the switch to a traditional saddle was a bit much of a change for us

 

[ycbm]

Just be aware that when the wither does pop up, they can get narrower!
.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I tried a 16.5" vsd and a 16" monoflap dressage. I found the seat size generous and the quality was good for the price. I felt that both were fairly forward cut compared to vsd and dressage in other brands. Friends have the monoflap jump and a vsd.

Horse and I are used to a Heather moffett flexee which has a leather tree and we decided to stick with that, the switch to a traditional saddle was a bit much of a change for us

Its the VSD I’ve been recommended due to his shoulders.

Thank you that’s helpful ?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Just be aware that when the wither does pop up, they can get narrower!
.

I hope that happens as he’s wide right now ?

The Cavaletti we are adjustable so I’d have that option as well, I don’t think I’d buy anything that wasnt adjustable as I have no idea what he will look like muscled up either ?

 

[sbloom]

I hope that happens as he’s wide right now ?

The Cavaletti we are adjustable so I’d have that option as well, I don’t think I’d buy anything that wasnt adjustable as I have no idea what he will look like muscled up either ?

A wither popping up generally means a different tree and panel shape, not just a narrower headplate.

 

[TheChestnutThing]

I trialled the mono jump and found that it hurt my back. It is a beautiful saddle however and super comfy.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

A wither popping up generally means a different tree and panel shape, not just a narrower headplate.

Thats could be true, he is in a cob saddle just now and it will only go one size wider. I think she is anticipating a wither popping (I hope so at least) but is had big shoulders so whatever I buy will have to be flatter at the shoulders so as not to interfere. It will be interesting to see what has changed in 7months ?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I trialled the mono jump and found that it hurt my back. It is a beautiful saddle however and super comfy.

Im encouraged by people saying they are comfy, especially with my recent back injury although you saying it hurt your back maybe less so ?

 

[sbloom]

Thats could be true, he is in a cob saddle just now and it will only go one size wider. I think she is anticipating a wither popping (I hope so at least) but is had big shoulders so whatever I buy will have to be flatter at the shoulders so as not to interfere. It will be interesting to see what has changed in 7months ?

I hear all the time that saddles need to be straight cut because of large shoulders but IME it's actually not that common to be limited to dressage/VSD, and shoulder freedom and comfort is so often more to do with fundamental fitting of the tree, the panel and the rider. If the horse has a lack of muscle behind the shoulder, and the top of the shoulder is really bulbous, then sure, a jump saddle might be impossible, equally, groundwork would be likely to improve that more than riding. Not aimed at your particularly, it's just an interesting discussion point.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I hear all the time that saddles need to be straight cut because of large shoulders but IME it's actually not that common to be limited to dressage/VSD, and shoulder freedom and comfort is so often more to do with fundamental fitting of the tree, the panel and the rider. If the horse has a lack of muscle behind the shoulder, and the top of the shoulder is really bulbous, then sure, a jump saddle might be impossible, equally, groundwork would be likely to improve that more than riding. Not aimed at your particularly, it's just an interesting discussion point.

im not taking it as aimed at me ?

Saddle fitting is a mine field isn’t it ?

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Any more reviews ?

 

[ChrisHall]

I had a dressage model on a Welsh Cob.
They are made by the same company as the Loxley saddles and are excellent value for money, and put you in a really good position. Just be aware that they only go XXW.

 

[EnduroRider]

I bought a Cavaletti 16.5'' Monoflap Dressage this morning.

I tried the VSD but much prefer riding in a dressage saddle and agree with other posters that Cavaletti VSD is not as straight cut as VSD in other makes. I wasn't too keen on the full grain leather used on the VSD, it looks hard wearing but the covered leather dressage is much softer and more grippy. Horse was more forward with a better stride length in the dressage.

I also tried a K&M dressage but it was not the external block which I prefer and find much more secure albeit it was higher in the cantle compared to the open seat on the Cavaletti. The Cavaletti also feels slightly wider through the twist and the leather significantly softer than the K&M.

We did also try the same Cavaletti dressage in a 16'' on the horse but it seemed much more swept up through the rear of tree than the fitter expected prior to putting it on the horse, and also had a manufacturing error with the girth straps where the numbered holes were significantly out of sync - it had to be girthed on number 6 on the front strap vs number 8 on the back strap so the fitter wan't even happy to sell it if it had fit! If you do buy one make sure you give it a good check over as I've no idea if this is a common issue or not.

Unfortunately I cannot comment on how it would be for a wide horse, this was for an Arab but he is very slight and built far more like a TB than your typical arab that has a wide barrel and well sprung ribs.

 

[Ouch05]

Any more reviews ?

I have a mono flap dressage and I love it. We tried a huge selection and he would have fitted a few, but this one he went well in and I felt comfortable I have AS which can twist me but this and work with my RI has completely changed how we ride together.