show saddle help - suede or leather

[pink_princess]

ive been looking at getting a real show saddle as currently have a vsd but now looking for something straight and show ring correct - my local sadler only has a silhoutte suede saddle second hand or he can get me a new ramsey / black country or ideal and i really like the look of the ramsey but all three leather ones are double price as new so considering having the suede - does anyone know what they are the like to ride in and clean, also does they rain or mud ruin them (after weather we had last season) - and are they liked in the show ring?

 

[Jane_Lou]

I have the silhouette brown suede working hunter saddle, its straight cut but has a soft knee roll. I have had no problems with it in all weathers, I have a soft suede brush and that keeps it looking good. (its for looking for a new home by the way as we have given up showing!) Its not as comfortable as the ramsey bit as you say - half the price!

 

[dsophiea]

ive got a leather derby house sambre? and its a lovely saddle and really comfy, but when i get on steep slopes downhill i have to grip or i fly down his neck, out of choice i would probably consider a suede for this reason but price does play a big part. leather does personally look nice and do tend o be easier to clean

 

[Samcook]

I have a Fylde Ray show saddle with the suede seat and knee rolls. It is the most gorgeous thing I have ever sat on, and well worth the money. I had to have it made to measure for my very wide cob, and got an excellent service from Fylde.
We have been out in all weathers this season, and have been wet a lot, but it still looks like new. The suede is really good quality so hasn't marked at all. i think some of them are made with poorer quality suede, and look tatty quite quickly.

They seem to be liked in the show ring - most ride judges have commented on my lovely saddle - and i think they give a bit more security for the ride judge.

 

[FMM]

I really like the suede saddles but most of ours are leather as they are more often available than the suede. I would go for the suede but only after you have ridden in it with your show jods on - some people don't geton with suede saddles.