saddle company saddles and competitions

Firewell

Firewell

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Hi everyone,

I put a post on here a while ago about my saddle slipping forward and some people advised to try a saddle company saddle. Ive had the fitter out and they seem intresting. The problem is there is not much information on how they cut the mustard in a competition environment. They are not endorsed by any competition riders or anything...

I dont compete at a massively high level but do need a saddle thats going to be able to help me compete BSJA/XC etc (horse can stick in some humoungous leaps time to time). What are people opinions on these saddles?? are they tough enough?? Do some of you use them in competitions, how do you find them?? Also how do they wear after a couple of years hard use?

Im worried because if I pay for one, I wont be able to sell it if it doesnt work out (they mould to the horse they are made for) therefore I to make sure its right.

Any experiences welcome

Thank you!!
 
The quality is certainly up to competing, the problem that many come up against with them is that they do not help the rider as much as others do, which causes some to come unstuck as you move up the levels, as other saddles will help legs and seat whilst the Saddle Co ones don't help as much. I wouldn't say they hinder a good position, they just don't help a normal one.
 
I wouldn't worry about reselling if it doesn't work out, there appears to be an active market for second hand ones on Ebay and elsewhere. I bought a Saddle Company dressage saddle on ebay recently and almost straight away got a message from another bidder offering me more than I had paid. Unfortunately for them it fitted mine.

They aren't that expensive new either, so not such a gamble as buying something top end that doesn't work out.
 
Thanks, the fitter wondered if i would feel a difference riding in it but i just liked that i felt close to me horsey. I did wonder bout doing a big drop or having baby jumps over ditches though!!

They do seem reasonably priced but im 2k down on saddles that dont fit properly so i really want this one to work out!
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They offer very little support, and I wouldnt look at one from a competition perspective, because I like to have something that means I dont have to think about where I am, but what the horse is doing instead?!! The Saddle company ones would make me worry about where I was all the time
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I have the Saddle Company Event for jumping in and really like it.... It offers me plenty of support when I need it and my horses both go well in it. I find I'm really secure in it when my mare launches over stuff... big thumbs up from me...!
 
I also have an even model and feel no less secure than in any other saddle (and I've ridden in pessoas, butets etc). I do showjumping and XC, and have sat on some rather massive spooky ditch leaps.

I have to say, the event model is much much better than the GP and close contact ones (both of which I have ridden in a lot). The suede seat and knees are good as well. I've had mine over a year with almost daily use, have cleaned it 4 times and it still looks new. The leather is excellent.
 
i have one of the jumping ones and i love it...i find it very comfortable but i would agree with others that it doesnt hold you in position like some saddles do but it fitted the horse and i dont mind too much either...it is very comfy so i comprimise for that reason.

Suzysparkle- i cant believe you have only cleaned your saddle 4 times!!!
 
Thanks for your experiences
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Apart from the Albion i treated myself to a yr ago (the one that didnt fit and ended up causing my horse pain) ive mainly jumped in ancient old synthetics and hand me down saddles so hopefully wont notice too much if it doesnt support me in the way some other saddles might
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If my horse will be comfortable thats the main thing, no point being wedged in place with a posh albion if my horse hates it and wont jump lol

I'll def consider getting the event saddle now.

Thank you
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I fit saddles for the Saddle Company and lots of my clients have used them in comps. And they do better than most other saddles on the second hand market, as the tree is adjustable 3 sizes up and down.

Yes, the flocking moulds to the shape of your horse - but that should be the case for all saddles.

I only really recommend 2 models when being asked: the dressage and the event (I have one each for both of mine).

The event is good to do flat work in and is excellent for jumping and the dressage suits me for serious flatwork. I find my position is good in it - yes, the stirrup bars arent really far back like the Isabelle Werth but then I thought that saddle was too extreme.

There are so many additional options (if you getting a new one) - I would go for the nubuck seat and rolls if going brown, otherwise suede if black.

By the way - not surprised by the Albion!
 
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