Suede saddles for showing, hate them or rate them?

[Kacey88]

Never owned a suede saddle before, looking at buying a Silhouette one for flatwork/showing. I know they are meant to be good for grip, but are they annoying to look after?

Thanks guys

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Never get them wet!

 

[sbloom]

A large proportion of the saddles I fit are showing saddles and some of those are part suede, but we no longer make, as standard, andy full suede models. The main part of the flap under the stirrup leather wears so quickly there's no point in having it suede, and of course your leg covers most of it. The most grip is given by the seat and knee pads so we have those in suede. Mind you we are selling fewer and fewer part suede saddles, and it seems these days that most of them are smaller pony/child saddles, where the child needs the grip in a minimal showing saddle. Adults seem to prefer all leather.

Suede does need extra care - the flattening is indeed flattening, the suede texture doesn't come off as such. You need to brush it regularly with a suede brush, and in extreme cases, use a gentle leather/wool cleaner to get ride of oils that contribute to the flattening. Definitely use a waterproof saddle cover in rain, suede is like a sponge!

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Clean-Your-Suede-Saddle&id=6823807

I personally recommend these saddle covers:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-RID...t=UK_Horse_Wear_Equipment&hash=item4d0a22f6fb

 

[Orls]

Hate them! Hate the look, hate the feel and hate the maintenance!

 

[Suziq77]

I never thought I would want a part suede saddle but as it happened the best fit and look for my small riding horse turned out to be an Ideal saddle with a suede seat - I love it! I do get the fear when it rains on a show day though

sbloom - please are you able to recommend a good make of suede brush?

 

[twobearsarthur]

I used to love mine but eventually had to swap to all leather as suede makes my mum wretch and that was a sight to behold in the ring at shows!!!!

 

[sbloom]

sbloom - please are you able to recommend a good make of suede brush?

Carr Day and Martin make one with plastic bristles surrounding the brass ones, so protecting any leather parts that butt up to the suede.

 

[holeymoley]

I like the part suede ones- on the seat and knee rolls and have had a lovely one but have sold it on. I think they're suited to children's show ponies and light hacks. Anything bigger or adults do t really suit them. I've just sold mine(it was stunning but just didn't suit us) and bought and all leather ideal Ramsay which is stunning in itself and much better fitting and looking for us. I never really found it any more grippier.

 

[sbloom]

Bear in mind that with bench made saddle such as I fit, you can specify a semi custom saddle with grippy leathers like Scrumpf, or a printed leather, rather than having to have suede. I do find suede very grippy, and being a dressage rider owning mostly full seat breeches, suede is not my first choice as the effect can be rather velcro like

 

[Sprocket123]

I have part suede for showing, the seat and knee rolls , love it, never found it to have more grip tho. Will be getting one for my highland next year

 

[shadowboy]

I had a fylde haydon which is all suede. I have to say despite the flat seat I never ever lost balance on it which I think was due to the grippy nature of suede.

 

[Kacey88]

Mixed reviews then, thanks everyone, lots to think about.

 

[Suziq77]

Carr Day and Martin make one with plastic bristles surrounding the brass ones, so protecting any leather parts that butt up to the suede.

thank you