Does anyone have a John Whitaker saddle?

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bluej1

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What are your thoughts on the Whitaker saddles especially the Doppiata if you have one? Are they good to ride and jump in etc?
Thanks
 
i sold mine, i couldnt sit in it, especially on a stopper, i would be out the front door..my friend had the same problem
 
Whitaker leather, craftmanship and quality is APPALLING. My saddler (who is a bit of a fanatic about leather) cannot stand them - and refuses to sell them, including the second hand ones he gets given to sell on for other people - they just sit at the back of the shop.

He showed me a whitaker bride and martingale that was a year old, and had been used for showing - the state of it is unimaginable - and it wasn't down to poor leather care.

Then he showed me a saddle he had (because I was thinking of getting one) - it was hard, unforgiving, and had put the back out on the previous horse. The flocking and shaping were all wrong. He couldn't stress enough how much he detested them - cheap and nasty equipment, for the "gear and no idea" types he called them.
 
Ooh I saw a lurvely JW saddle, black with sort of maroon leather pads. It was stunning and the leather was soo soft and supple . No idea about how they are durability and comfort wise - this was £1200 and I am NOT the type of person to spend that sort of money on a saddle. a Horse maybe but NOT saddle! hehe
 
they are cheap crappy leather..100% agree with scribbles
its one of those 'OMG ITS JOHN WHITAKER products haha'
 
I have one and love it. It was one of the very first ones made and bought it at Olympia before they came out in the shops. It dosen't have wool flocking in, it is like a gel and was perfect for Indy as he used to suffer with back problems but was so much better with his JW saddle. After loosing him 18 month ago it has been on three different horses. I'm not sure about the new ones but would never sell mine.
 
thanks everyone, I would never spend that much on a saddle but I found one second hand - doesn't sound like they're worth buying though!
 
Rode in them over the summer on several horses at a pro riders yard - loved them, never had issues with leather quality or workmanship. Bridles seemed good quality and lasted if looked after
 
Hey guys saw your posts and had to reply!! I have had my John Whitaker Doppiata saddle for at leat 6 year its the best thing i have bought for my horse she loves the saddle becasue the panels arent flocked they are latex so move with her muscles.!! I have just updated it for the new full calfskin passion saddle i love that as well i had my old saddle on two different horses and they fit perfectly i sent it back to them when i got my new horse had it adjusted and off i went. I havent got a bad word to say about them and as for the leather its the finest italian leather and i have never had any problems. Hope this helps!!
 
I agree with you Whitaker saddles are fantastic not only do they have an adjustable tree , they dont need flocking. I recently purchased a Junior Pro Team Saddle for my daughter as she grew out of her Milton Saddle (15") , and i find that the quality is great , I ride in the Passion and have a Robert too!!! I think that they are made by Prestige in Italy How can anyone question their craftmanship , I think that these people do not really have a Whitaker saddle.
I dont see how people can blame a saddle for falling off!! Especially if the horse stops - I guess they should change their horse!! Not blame the saddle!!
Whitaker saddles are Great and i will continue to buy them.
 
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