Monoflap dressage saddles

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Booboos

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Freddy has a slightly sore back, as noticed by the osteopath and then confirmed as arthritic changes by the vet on X-Ray. Unfortunately the standard treatment for this, cortisone injections, is out as they contain glucose and cripple him because of his EPSM. On the other hand, he is the happiest he has ever been and working beautifully so I am loath to make huge interventions if everything is working. The vet also thinks that his new found ability to build muscle will help support the spine.

Sooooo, (I am getting to the saddle bit, I promise, but if anyone has any ideas on EPSM and arthritis do let me know) I am looking at his saddle to make sure it's 100% comfortable. The saddle fitter is coming out next week but meanwhile my instructor loaned me her Devoucoux. Admittedly it was lovely to ride in, extremely comfortable and I really liked the close contact with the horse. New they are insanely out of my price range, and even second hand they are extremely expensive and difficult to find. In addition I find the aftercare service to be a bit poor. My friend has one, secondhand by the local Devoucoux fitter, and he has done an awful job of fitting it. First time he popped it on the horse and pronounced it perfect without even seeing it ridden. It slips back and the numnah slips so far back you have to stop and reposition everything. Second time out he said the saddle was not being put on correctly despite the fact that the back strap tightens one hole more than the front one.

Devoucoux then are probably out due to high price and unreliability of fitting service. Are there other mono flap alternatives? Any I might have a chance of finding in France?
 
Black Country saddles doe some lovely ones. I believe they do travel to France occasionally. So might be worth an email.
I never thought of monoflap as a good option for dressage u til I rode my friends ID in one fro BC, and wow
 
Thank you all for the suggestions!

Woody what are the saddles without a fixed pommel like? Anything like treeless? I only ask because Freddy hates the Simple Solution and likes a very high clearance at his withers.
 
Style International, I had one and loved it but horse changed shape front to back. You can also send them back to style for adjustment
 
I have an Antares monoflap which I adore, really fabulous saddle. As they are French it might be easier for you to find one?
 
Thank you for all the ideas.

Nothing is easy in France! I contacted a saddle fitter two weeks ago who suggested she could come by the 2nd or 3rd June, then went on holiday and has not replied to any new messages. Her FB posts suggest she is back from holiday but no luck with letting me knowing whether she will be turning up tomorrow! Sigh!
 
Hi there! Sorry i probably expressed myself wrong. The pommel-less saddles do have a tree, just that the metal part in the front that holds it together (and unfortunately blocks the withers if not fitted correctly, is removed thanks To an innovative way of assembling The tree). Have a look at the website (ericmondange.fr) and you will see what I mean.
I saw you mentioned that you are 3 hours away from Geneva, are you anywhere near Lyon? He is based there so might not be too far if you would like to try?
 
I am in the south east near Toulouse, Casey76 is 3 hours from Geneva.

Saddle fitter is coming on Friday with Devoucoux, Stubben and Prestige. I'll see how that goes and go from there. I have also seen an Emporio online that sounds suitable and I can have it on trial if the Friday ones are no good.
 
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