Should I Buy A Pessoa Saddle?

[Vixxy]

I do not normally post in CR but thought I would pop in for some saddle advice from the experienced

I have bought a new Fairfax dressage saddle for my new boy, the dressage saddle I have now is a Keiffer which I love but the open head will not fit the new IDxCob as he has no wither. I am thinking about a new jumping saddle. I do not jump very much any more due to illness but I do have a friend who might do the odd X country or Jumping comp on my horse. Also I like the thought to do a little bit of jumping when my body allows. I use to compete as a kid BSJA before I became ill.

I was thinking Pessoa XPIII or Event, only because I can get them at trade price as I sell them, I would save a lot of money. I have read many a post on here using the search tool saying that Pessoa saddles are not very good.

Please can you offer some advice regarding these Pessoa saddles? I have read about the quality being not as good as was but then I will only be paying around £750 new so I am not so worried about that.

 

[millitiger]

i'm not sure about the quality of new ones- mine are around 5 years old.

i do know that imo they are fabulous saddles to jump in but it really depends on what you like.

i hate saddles which hold you in and are full of stuffing like a beanbag which rules out Albions, Black Country and a few other big brands.

the Pessoas don't have much in the way of knee blocks, have a very flat seat and can tae a bit of getting used to if you aren't used to riding in a real close contact- but i really love mine now, feel very secure on it and it is one of the few saddles which can fit my very long thigh bone!

i think Tarrsteps may have the new Legacy model so perhaps try and hunt her down??
i think she posted on one of my threads and was v.pleased with the new saddle.

 

[Meandtheboys]

I have a Pessoa Event.....and love it - I use it for SJing

 

[TarrSteps]

i'm not sure about the quality of new ones- mine are around 5 years old.

i do know that imo they are fabulous saddles to jump in but it really depends on what you like.

i hate saddles which hold you in and are full of stuffing like a beanbag which rules out Albions, Black Country and a few other big brands.

the Pessoas don't have much in the way of knee blocks, have a very flat seat and can tae a bit of getting used to if you aren't used to riding in a real close contact- but i really love mine now, feel very secure on it and it is one of the few saddles which can fit my very long thigh bone!

i think Tarrsteps may have the new Legacy model so perhaps try and hunt her down??
i think she posted on one of my threads and was v.pleased with the new saddle.

Nope, not me, sorry. I think you probably have it in your mind because I have a Passier obsession.

The Pessoas were super popular in North America, starting about 10-15 years ago and seen as a good "step down" from the Crosbys etc that dominated the "flat" saddle market previously, before the European saddles, particularly the French ones gained popularity. The older ones were decent quality and quite sturdy.

I think they've changed manufacturers though, and people I know who've looked at newer ones have not been impressed with the quality. Also, one of their benefits used to be a generous flap size but, as in most lower end leather saddles, that doesn't seem so much the case now.

The fact of it is, though, if you're not going to be doing a lot with it, you can no doubt get by with something a bit more reasonable. Have you sat in one? As above, they aren't for everyone, particularly here where flat saddles have never been the default general jumping saddle.

 

[Vixxy]

What would you suggest to buy? I am worried the saddle might seem a bit too open for me as I am used to the big knee rolls and deep seat of my Kieffer saddle. I could use the same money for a 2nd hand quality jumping saddle of a different make. I do not want to spend a fortune as it will mainly be used for hacking and odd bit of jumping at home. On ocassions a friend might take my new horse to a X country or jumping comp but not so often at all.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

i used to SJ in them, and loved them, but i hate being held in and much prefer open flat seats.

i would have had one for my new boy but they dont suit his high TB withers