Heather Moffat or Ideal dressage saddle??

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MrsMagoo

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looking at buying a dressage saddle and a few have caught my eye - anyone got any views on either the heather moffat or Ideal dressage saddle? And what prices would you expect to pay for a almost new saddle?
Thanks
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The ideal Jessica dressage saddles are amazing. Better on your hanoverian type horses but they are comfy, and place the rider in the correct position and look really good.
Lou x
 
Well, are you looking for a treeless or treed saddle?

The Heather Moffat Fheonix is only half treed, making it rather unique. While some people rave about them it has to be said that some horses just dont take well to a treeless saddle. That being said, its a well thought out design and should sit you in a very good, classical position.

No experience of the Ideal saddles really, although i have heard lots of people rave about the Jessica.

Id establish whether or not you want treed or treeless first though as those two saddles are rather different from both a horse and rider point of view.

ETS the Fheonix retails at around the £1100 mark depending on the model. No clue on the Ideals but I think they're a fair bit cheaper than this.
 
I have 2 ideals one GP one show saddle, they are both fab, I recommend and Ideal saddle as hey are built to last forever, are very comfy and are real quality saddles. I had one for 15 years before it was pinched, and it was still goig strong!!!
 
Get a rep out and give the Fhoenix a go
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I did and put it on my chesnut mare who's usually quite stuffy, within 20 minutes she realised she could actually move! Her trot was fantastic and it became huge and normally I can do sitting trot on her...no chance. Sh was so much happier and with the Fhoenix you will never have to buy nother dressage saddle again as long as you don't go and buy a titchy pony, it will change shape with your horse so it always fit's prefectly and it put's you in the correct position and it's so comfy!
I'm waiting for my new saddle to be delivered and I can't wait! When you first art riding in it I wastol that some people ache because it put's you in a different position than most are used to.
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The ideal Jessica dressage saddles are amazing. Better on your hanoverian type horses but they are comfy, and place the rider in the correct position and look really good.
Lou x

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Totally agree, I love my ideal jessica so much, they are sooo comfy!!
 
Fheonix!!!!!! I've got an Ideal saddle (came with horse) and i hate it with a passion, although my sister loves it sooo much, lol. I've ridden in a Fheonix a few times (instructors saddle) and it does put you straight in the correct position and is sooooooo comfy i could ride in it all day. The horse i rode as well went so well in it. I'm hoping to get one soon, although it will be a GP one.
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I've got a treed, 1/2 synthetic Heather Moffatt & I totally love it. It's got an in-built seatbone saver which really takes the jarring out of riding. I went to see Heather at her yard in Devon & had a go on her Equisimulator - well worth the trip if you're interested in the saddles. She was so helpful & knowledgeable, whereas I'd imagined that she'd be aloof from being 'famous'. I learnt so much about the thinking behind the saddles - far more satisfying experience than just picking a saddle off the shelf.
 
I really like the Ideal Jessicas, they are smart practical saddles and really good value for money! Cant comment on the Heather Moffat because I have never ridden in one but if i was going down that route I would probably go for a WOW
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really depends on you, only think I can say is try both, you may find you hate them both! I tried 7 saddles yesterday before getting it down to two that suited me, and they were all "popular" brands, including the jessica. I had ridden in a jessica before, and liked it, but didnt get on with it on my boy at all. You really do need to try them , although both are lovely saddles.
 
thanks for the comments
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well the 2 saddles are on ebay rather cheap so no way of trying. Not sure if the Heather Moffat is a Pheonix as everyone mentioned, or is that the only model??

Dont wanna post the links incase somone steals the saddles haha
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There are different types other than the Fheonix- or rather there were. Think the Fheonix is the only one from Heather Moffett at the moment but there were several types. Still very good though.
 
I've got a Heather Moffat design made by Barry Swain, and I love it, not sure if it's the design I love or how it's made though..
 
I think the best dressage saddle is the Reacterpanel. Its great for horse and rider. Just one problem - customer service not great. Fitter always late and hard to get followup visits. Shame saddle perfect.
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If you and your horse havent ridden treeless / part treed, I'd definitly get a rep out first before you consider buying one off of ebay!

They really do not suit all horses as the feel for them is completly different to a conventionally treed saddle
 
Fhoenix all the way. I'm a complete convert and have the dressage and GP versions. I couldn't ride in a treed saddle now - urghhh they're so uncomfortable. They put you in the correct position (though my body still complains about it) and you really feel totally connected to the horse and his hind legs.

Both my horses go infinitely better in the Fhoenix... and despite being totally different in shape (high withered arab and broad shouldered flat backed Andalusian) the same saddle fits both with no adjustment needed.

And an added benefit at this time of the year because the seat is made of heat sensitive foam once your bum has warmed it up (takes about 5 minutes) not only do you sink in but it retains your warmth so its like sitting on a hot water bottle.

I bought the dressage version brand new for £1095 just before Christmas and the GP version I got off ebay for just over £800. Its well worth buying new if you can afford it - Heather's customer service is second to none and they will do everything in their power to make sure you and your horse and totally 100% happy. They really can't do enough for you
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Don't know if you are still looking for saddle, I have Bates Caprilli for sale 18" with med and med/narrow front gullets it has Cair fitted. Horse retired no longer needed, almost new. BTW I used to have Ideal Jessica they are great but this one is better by far
 
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