devoucoux tack

[georgiegirl2]

Was just wondering if this brand is all its cracked up to be? Am considering buying the kolibri breastplate once ive got christmas out of the way though the price tag does put me off! Love the look of the chiberta saddles to but never had a chance to see one p close in the flesh - only at a mere distance away! So, peoples thoughts on devoucoux - worth the money? or hyped up due to the name?

 

[KatB]

Lovely in one word. Fab quality, but dont always fit aswell as they should. I love the Kolibri too, but cant really justify the expense TBH when a hunting breatplate and breat girth would do the same for half the price. They are nice, but you do definitely pay for it.

 

[georgiegirl2]

well im glad to hear its good quality. the only thing that worries me is how fine / delicate the leather is? if im paying that amount for a greastplate i want to know that it will last! I do really like the design though - i think it looks like it will free up the shoulders more than a breastplate / breastgirth combo.

 

[KatB]

Yeah I agree. I thinik they stand upto work well, all the tack I have seen by them does last and look good, obviously if you look after it! But alot of eventers use them and they will get used ALOT, so speaks for itself me thinks!

 

[Iestyn]

My saddle broke back in May and my trainer lent me a devoucoux XC saddle- can't remember the make! I loved the close contact feel of it and the quality was just amazing! I went to a clinic (organised by BBs) and unfortunately had a fall with the saddle on - luckily it wasn't damaged (I was though) thank goodness as this saddle meant a lot to my instructor as it has been round Burghley 3 times and Badminton!!!

I'd love a devoucoux dressage saddle now - trying to save up for one! Hoping to get a good deal through my instructor as all her tack is devoucoux - she's like a walking shop!!!

 

[georgiegirl2]

its funny that its so poular with event riders isnt it? does anyone know if it has the same popularity in the sj / dressage field?

 

[Weezy]

The kolibri is not at all delicate - its a fab bit of kit but it does not suit ALL horses

I have ridden in the dressage saddles and been hands on with a lot of their tack (had a bridle) and I love it all - only thing I can say is the dressage saddle wasnt made for me so it wasnt perfect as I am long hip/knee - but boy was it comfy!

 

[Hattikins]

*drools*!!!!!!!!! absolutely LOVE devoucoux tack!! if i ever have the money id spend it on a saddle or two (if i win the lottery

) trainer has won two devoucoux saddles in the last 2 yrs - VERY VERY envious!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sillygillyhorse]

The quality is excellent, super leather with very good stitching. I also have my eye on a kolibri but as yet not ordered one. I have the Chiberta in calfskin, had it nearly four years and absolutely love it and feel really secure on it.

Also have a couple of Makila dressage saddles which again I find superb, unfortunately though one of my horses will just not go a yard in his Makila and despite having the panels changed and fitted specifically for him it just does not work for him.

They are expensive but to me worth it. If you get one second hand you can get Devoucoux to change the panels if need be.

It is becoming more and more popular with the sj fraternity, they do quite a range of saddles aimed at that market. Ellen Whitaker uses them as does Tim Stockdale.

 

[cazza]

The leather is very good quality, don't go for the bridle work though they are oddly sized. The Kolibri is a very good breastplate all in one, if you do get it make sure you fit it properly. It needs to be fitted quite snug, and where the leather/sheepskin shoulder pads are, these slide up and down the elastic to ensure you move them to the appropriate place for your horse. If you don't fit it correctly it will have absolutely no affect on your saddle movement and will probably restrain your horses movement. The saddles they do are lovely, if you do get a chance to get one if you have a choice go for a secondhand waterbuffalo. This leather is the hardest wearing and has the sticky properties. Believe me it's hard to fall out of a waterbuffalo devoucoux (even in the water). Good luck with your search. On the underside of the panel will be printed the saddle name after this are two numbers, this is the date of the manufacture of the saddle. ie. Chiberta 04 was manufactured in 2004. you may occasionally come across a Chiberta 2 03 for example that is a Chiberta saddle built on a Soccoa tree manufactured in 2003.

 

[k9h]

Wonderfull products. Pippa Funnell helpd to design the Kolibri. The demand is high for them & there is a 6 week waiting list at the moment probably more with xmas coming up! Love the saddles to I cant fault them had them for 7+ yrs now very good & still in very good nic!

 

[ann-jen]

I have a kolibri breastplate and really love it. Mind I got mine from www.schockemohle.com and so had to pay I think 30 euros to have it delivered to the UK but it came within 2 weeks and if you got it in the UK I think the waiting list is in excess of 6 weeks. I am still waiting for the UK rep to respond to my inquiry about it so if I was still waiting for her it would be a lot longer!
The quality is exceptional as it is hand stitched - hence the hefty price tag. It is a bit fiddly to adjust initially but once thats sorted its great. The only thing I'm not so keen on is it puts quite a bit of pressure on the top of her neck but I expect all breastplates do this to an extent.
I have ridden in a friends devoucoux saddle - it was a close contact jumping saddle and while it was extremely comfortable I wasn't keen as it encouraged you to lean into the knee roll instead of having your weight into your lower leg. I expect you would be quite secure jumping in it but for the wrong reasons (I only hacked out in it). I know she is wanting to sell hers so she can't be that keen on it either.

 

[evsj]

[ QUOTE ]
its funny that its so poular with event riders isnt it? does anyone know if it has the same popularity in the sj / dressage field?

[/ QUOTE ]

Devoucoux stuff is beautifully made. However, I believe that the likes of Pippa have regular visits from the manufacturers to adjust fits etc and she probably gets it all free so not suprising they love it!! It is always worth remembering that 'celeb' riders get offered tack to use as a marketing ploy - to get the rest of us to believe it is behind their success (and buy it).

Don't mean to sound cynical but it's the way the world works these days.

 

[cazza]

You are correct to a point, although they do have to pay for their saddles albeit they are at discounted rates. If anyone is looking to buy anything from Devoucoux the best thing you can do is buy it from France Direct, it is cheaper than the UK prices and if you are VAT registered, give them your VAT number this will then take 19% off the price.

 

[evsj]

Hmm... Interesting, my parents now live not very far from Saumur (where they make it) - may actually have to pay them a visit next year!

 

[cazza]

Go for it, if you need any advice PM me ( I used to work for them).

 

[evsj]

[ QUOTE ]
Go for it, if you need any advice PM me ( I used to work for them).

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you!