"Chunky Monkey" saddles

F

FfionWinnie

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 July 2012
Messages
17,021
Location
Scotland
Visit site
Does anyone have one of these. Any thoughts? Once again on the "jump saddle for a cob trail" and have seen these on FB. Apart from the name (let's call them CM saddles eh lol) I rather like the look of them. However I've been here before and I'm unwilling to shell out on something that doesn't actually do the job it's supposed to.

I did search the forum before posting but it's amazing how many people refer to their horse as a CM regarding saddles when it's not those saddles they are talking about!

I have spoken to the fitter and been told they are wool flocked. The jump is available in single or double flap. I would like a monoflap but as an every day saddle would a double flap be better?
 
No opinion on the brand but if you want a monoflap, get a monoflap. I thought for years that I ought to have a double flap jump saddle because people kept telling me that.... but I far, far prefer riding in a monoflap and when I changed, I wished I'd done so years before :D
 
A couple of people I know have them and seem very happy! Incidentally, Sam is coming today (hopefully) for me to try a couple of second hand ones as budget is limiting me to 2nd hand at the mo but would love a CM! if you want me to ask any questions I'd be more than happy to!
 
milliepops said:
No opinion on the brand but if you want a monoflap, get a monoflap. I thought for years that I ought to have a double flap jump saddle because people kept telling me that.... but I far, far prefer riding in a monoflap and when I changed, I wished I'd done so years before :D
Click to expand...

I did have a mono and really liked it but two saddle fitters put me off them for the comfort of the horse. Although it wasn't wool flocked and this would be.

emfen1305 said:
A couple of people I know have them and seem very happy! Incidentally, Sam is coming today (hopefully) for me to try a couple of second hand ones as budget is limiting me to 2nd hand at the mo but would love a CM! if you want me to ask any questions I'd be more than happy to!
Click to expand...

I'd definitely like to hear how you get on and if you get a saddle for your horse.

I don't mind second hand but I know it's difficult to get second hand wide flat jump saddles as unfortunately I've been all round the houses many times with my last horse.
 
FfionWinnie said:
I did have a mono and really liked it but two saddle fitters put me off them for the comfort of the horse. Although it wasn't wool flocked and this would be.
Click to expand...

horses for courses, isn't it. I def think some short girths themselves can be uncomfortable for some horses, I witnessed a horse I was riding transform when I changed his thorowgood to my prolite and i think that was just because he could feel the buckles of the thorowgood but not the prolite which is very well padded and fairly stiff by comparison.
 
They look interesting.
I might be up in your neck of the woods for a few days in mid October - I'm happy to bring my Ryder up so you can try it on yours if you want. They're not cheap tho.
 
teach said:
I have one and love it! Fits my section D really well as it is straight cut, but has decent knee rolls for rider security!
Click to expand...

Thanks how long have you had it? Have you had any problems you've needed to go back to the company about?

DirectorFury said:
They look interesting.
I might be up in your neck of the woods for a few days in mid October - I'm happy to bring my Ryder up so you can try it on yours if you want. They're not cheap tho.
Click to expand...

That would be fantastic if you are up, although what seat size is it your bum is a lot smaller than mine!. CM lady is up in about a month. I rode her in my AH saddle tonight but I think it needs some adjustment for her and since I already use that on Dunderheid and Peaches, I'm thinking I probably need another saddle for her. Plus I expect her to be a lot wider when she chunks up.
 
I've had no issues, but I've no doubt that any issues would be resolved very quickly by Sam! I've met her quite a few times and it is very obvious that her priority is the welfare of the horse and not lining her own pocket. Where are you based? I'm in east lancs if you are near?
 
teach said:
I've had no issues, but I've no doubt that any issues would be resolved very quickly by Sam! I've met her quite a few times and it is very obvious that her priority is the welfare of the horse and not lining her own pocket. Where are you based? I'm in east lancs if you are near?
Click to expand...

Thanks. Sounds good. I have had my fingers severely burnt by a "specialist native and cob saddle company" and I don't want to be shafted again!

I'm in Scotland unfortunately lol. She's up in about a month so hopefully I'll get to ride in one then.
 
I'll take some pics if you want me to and can send them over? The thing that really stands out to me is her absolute care for the horse, and that comes first every time for Sam! Meticulous is not the word....
 
FfionWinnie said:
That would be great. Temped by pink piping and stitching :o
Click to expand...
Noooooo :eek:.

FfionWinnie said:
That would be fantastic if you are up, although what seat size is it your bum is a lot smaller than mine!. CM lady is up in about a month. I rode her in my AH saddle tonight but I think it needs some adjustment for her and since I already use that on Dunderheid and Peaches, I'm thinking I probably need another saddle for her. Plus I expect her to be a lot wider when she chunks up.
Click to expand...

I think it's a 17, but it might be a 17.5 - I'll check next time I go to the yard. I'll message you when I have confirmed dates :). If you're expecting her to change shape after you get the jump saddle I'd maybe not go for Ryder as they don't have a great resale value due to not being a 'name'. They can and will change trees and panels but obviously charge extra.
 
teach said:
I'll take some pics if you want me to and can send them over? The thing that really stands out to me is her absolute care for the horse, and that comes first every time for Sam! Meticulous is not the word....
Click to expand...

Which model do you have? Also, I'm in Lancashire too, where is Sam based

I hadn't heard of these saddles, but need something for my new fell pony, the limpet sounds like it would be perfect!
 
Last edited:
I have one (a dressage monoflap) and really like it. The stirrup bars were a little far forward for my liking for a dressage saddle (I suspect it’s made on the same tree as the GP but may be wrong here). Anyway, a couple of rubber tube things on the stirrup bars sorted that out and it’s great now.

I haven’t had any issues with getting appointments but I’ve read quite a few posts on FB by people struggling to get a reply about definite dates after submitting appointment requests.

I think, for the price point, the saddles are really lovely and very nice quality.
 
I have a VSD, very comfy, fits my cob well. I had issues with flocking at the beginning but nothing to do with saddle, just to do with wonky me and wonky horse, Sam was very good at fitting me in and its been great ever since.
 
They are (I think) - I had a Silhouette before and it was super comfy but the style didn't fit my new lad so went for a CM and had it tweaked slightly (shorter panels for my midget legs) - I would buy again, I like Sam, she's very knowledgeable about fitting the chunkier type and will go the extra mile!
 
If they are made by Silhouette do make sure the panels are the same shape

Silhouette keeps the costs down by using different leather for each of the panels underneath so they can never be truly symmetrical
 
Just v recently bought a dressage saddle from Sam and chunky monkey. Absolutely love it, wish I’d bought it years ago! Had it customised too, there are loads of options!

Had to wait a little while for a reply when requesting an appointment but totally understand why, she is so busy. Lovely lady, spent a long time with me and my mare, wasn’t in a rush at all and gave you the feeling that she wasn’t just selling for the sake of selling, if it wasn’t right for you or your horse she would tell you.

She’s always on the end of the phone, you can send her pictures and questions and she always replies.

Would definitely definitely buy another
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top