Kieffer/Zaldi Saddles

[Lyssatra]

Hi all,

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, new here and still learning my way around.

Saddle fitter was due yesterday as I am in the market for a GP saddle for my mare, unfortunately he couldn't come in the end but after a chat on the phone he told me he has Kieffer and Zaldi GPs and gave me the price range I can expect to pay.
Having moved from Ireland with the horse (and she being my first one) I am not overly familiar with all tack brands, has anyone any experience with these saddle brands?
I have googled them and found the makers sites and seen what those saddles are selling for online...I know I'll go with whatever saddle suits my mare and myself best, but background info or other peoples experiences are welcome,

A friend at the barn has a Sommer jumping saddle and loves it, so i asked the saddler if he had any GPs in this brand - he told me he has the Sommer Exclusiv - this is a German brand that google hasn't given me much on and another forum i post on hadn't really heard of them either. But my friend who's opinion i really value and trust loves her saddle and would never sell it.
But again all opinions appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[xspiralx]

I had a Zaldi jumping saddle for my last mare and I really liked it. It was comfortable and secure to ride in, and nice quality

 

[jhoward]

ive got a kieffer aachen, I love the saddle, it has a fully adjustbale tree (not just the gullet ) but it does need to be sent off to be adjusted, which can vary between 40 quid and 70 if you buy one off your saddler well worth asking if they can adjust it of it it has to be sent off,

you can also play around with seat depth etc so in a way getting the perfect saddle,

I would suggest shopping around, as they vary in price between 1000-1500 hehe i got mine new half price

the zaldis.. i was lookign at the website the other day, they say they are adjustble, but looking on the website i couldnt find any further information.

 

[SophieLouBee]

I have a Kieffer munchen GP, and it is the best GP saddle I have ever sat in. Sooo comfortable and really encourages you to sit properly.

I got mine second hand off ebay in pristine condition, it was an absolute steal and is worth triple what I paid for it!

 

[Lyssatra]

Thank you all very much for the responses.

My first attempt at purchasing a new saddle resulted in my buying a brand that i knew nothing about, which i now believe never fit my mare correctly at all! As I've had substantial under saddle issues with her since we started working in it. This is why I was trying to get as much info on the brands mentioned to me by saddle fitter as i could before trying them, I hope to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them!

So far what I have heard/read about the Kieffer saddles is very consistent so that bodes well. Zaldi reviews are a bit more elusive but those who have heard of them/used them have all made similiar remarks also, so hopefully I am on the right path this time. Fingers crossed now that there is a saddle to fit my mare and myself.

All opinions welcome, wouldn't mind hearing if there are any negative reviews as well. I know not every saddle is to everyones taste,