Saddles

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HelenB23

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In the market for a new event, and potentially a new dressage saddle too (although I am only just getting into dressage so I wouldn't want anything too extreme!). Does anyone have any tips on saddles they particularly prefer - whatever the reason! I have never bought brand new saddles before and am getting a bit baffled by doing research!!

My saddle fitting is on the 7th Oct and I'd like to have a bit of background into the different makes etc before I head over there. Cheers guys!
 
umm, it depends on a lot of things. are you tall or short? do you have long thighs? i am going to be in the same position as soon as i get my new horse, and am leaning towards WOW saddles at the moment.
i've tried 2 horses who wore Albion k2 jump saddles, and was impressed with the feel of the saddles. Albion's used to be pretty uncomfy for the horse, but they might have improved a lot by now.
Flair air flocking (apparently much better than Cair, so i've been told) is another thing to take into consideration for horse comfort.
 
Thanks Kerilli, I am only 5"4 but I have relatively long legs - take a 32" breeches. I'm slim build too. If any of that helps! A couple of friends have recommended that I try a WOW saddle - what is the general consensus for these in the eventing community? I am planning to do my first Intro's in the new year with my mare so I am new to all of this! Is it right that a WOW is changeable between dressage and jumping?!
 
I have recently bought an Albion K2 which is very comfy but not ideal for me. My knees come over the panels even though I ride long! It kept slipping so the saddler re flocked it accordingly and marked it badly in the process. He is going to take it back so Im hoping to invest in the most comfy saddle I have ever sat in which is the Sue Carson Harmony.

Hope you get sorted soon.
 
Go WOW! But make sure you get a proper WOW fitter.

Mine is sooo comfy & you can get them micro adjusted to take into account the way you sit. I've got dr flaps (giant block) & sj flaps.

Personally I find it reassuring to use the same seat for both disciplines. When I had 2 saddles, I only used to ride in my jumping saddle when competing/for lessons as it hurts my old bones riding that short, but with the WOW, I don't get the feeling of being in a 'strange' saddle.

If you try one, try to ride on it for as long as poss as it feels a bit like sitting on a wobble board to start with cos of the air bags!
 
I am so unimpressed with Wow sat in Weezys a couple of weeks ago and was not my cup of tea at all. I just do not understand how one minute it can be a flat seated jumping saddle and the next it is a deep seated dressage saddle. I think they seem very expensive for a concept that there are not many good fitters for. I also never see one of their sponsored riders ever using it xc.

Southern Stars have a good rep - based on devoucoux both Fredericks really like them.
I have a prestige Paris K really like it it has wider panels which I think are good for horses backs. Its also lightweight and comfortable to ride in.
Butet are supposed to have latex panels so mould to the horses backs.
I cannot ride in the Albion K2s the knee blocks are in completely the wrong place for me as have long thighs.
Pessoas only fit a very few horses have chatted about this with my saddler and they agree.
For a good price single flap look at Excelles a lot of people really like them. I have a feeling they have been bought out by Ideal though.
BlackCountry saddles are supposed to have a good rep but a bit funny looking!!
 
I have a Black Country - I've had it from new on my old TB, must be about 8 years now. It's very comfortable and I have long legs.
 
Francis Whittington rides XC in his Wow....you are right, Excelle have been brought out by Ideal, and are generally very good saddles. I had a K2 which is fine if you like being locked into place, but just didnt like it on my horse now. I have a Bates Momentum now which I really like for jumping, and riding short, but I did need a Dressage saddle alongside it as schooling in it is difficult!
 
TBH you WILL hate WOWs if you only sit in them for a minute. I hated it the first time I tried it & would quite happily have got off after 30 secs wondering what all the hype was about, but as I was in a lesson I had to stick it out for the hour, and half way thru I started to click with it.
 
Personallly If you are buying a new saddle i would have one made to measure. (sounds expensive but.....)

There is a company in devon (i think) who have reps all over the country, they come out with about 12 different saddles with different seats, panels, cuts, leathers and you basically choose what you want on what. they are excellent, you get two firttings, they make the tree to fit your horse and the saddle is made to fit you both! it is english leather and very good quality. i wouldnt ride my boy in anything else, iwas so impressed i have two (jumping and dressage)

and now the price................. £520!!!!!!!!
 
i am going to try WOWs for my new horse. i agree with the point about the different seats though... unless you go for medium-deep seat for dr and jumping, which i guess would be okay.
i have heard good and bad about the Sue Carson saddles, tbh.
 
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