The BUA saddles 2020

[just_wanna_ask]

Hi! I wonder if anyone here has any recent experience with the BUA saddle? If yes, I'd be really grateful if you could share it.

I'd also like to know:

- what type of horse it is/was used on (any past saddle-related issues?)
- what type of riding discipline
- how tall is the rider
- how long have you had the saddle

Thank you!

 

[Equi]

Ok so I’m cheating as I don’t actually have one or ever sat in one lol but the only time I’ve ever seen one was a lady at my last yard. Her horse was an ish type who competed to 1.20, had a back issue that a normal saddle made worse (can’t give more info on that I’m afraid) she was probably about 5’6? She absolutely swore by it. I believe she also used it on her new horse quite easily, who was much bigger.

 

[Steerpike]

I know a couple of endurance riders that have/still use them, both on Arabs for the longer distances, one woman is quite tall the other is average height I'd guess. Sorry I can't be any more help!

 

[Red-1]

I looked at them first time round, was a bit suspicious of the whole cantilever thing but would have liked to have a sit to see for myself.

However, when they had an issue and simply told people to stop using them as they weren't safe (IIRC) with no redress, that would put me off buying one now. No way would I spend thousands to be told to not use the saddle a few months down the line.

Maybe they did offer refunds in the end?

I would need to now why this model is so different, but more importantly I would need to know that their approach to customers was different this time round.

 

[ycbm]

I looked at them first time round, was a bit suspicious of the whole cantilever thing but would have liked to have a sit to see for myself.

However, when they had an issue and simply told people to stop using them as they weren't safe (IIRC) with no redress, that would put me off buying one now. No way would I spend thousands to be told to not use the saddle a few months down the line.

Maybe they did offer refunds in the end?

I would need to now why this model is so different, but more importantly I would need to know that their approach to customers was different this time round.

Red are you confusing Bua with another saddle (I can't remember the name right now) where the bridge broke in use and they were withdrawn? I'm not aware of Bua ever having had issues, but maybe I've missed something? I agree though, I would not have bought a Bua until they had been in use for a long time already, because of the problems with the other of similar sounding design.

 

[ycbm]

Found it. Quantum. The bridge broke in use and the company folded leaving everyone stuck with extremely expensive saddles that weren't safe to use.

WOW had a similar issue with their lightweight gullet plates but at least they are replaceable with a steel one.

 

[Auslander]

A friend has used one on several different horses, all of whom really liked them. She's had failed spinal fusion, so needs to be as comofrtable as possible, and she really rates the Bua for rider comfort.
Her only qualm is about using them on horses who buck, as they act a bit like a trampoline, so she reverted to a "normal"saddle on a particularly pingy one!

 

[Red-1]

Found it. Quantum. The bridge broke in use and the company folded leaving everyone stuck with extremely expensive saddles that weren't safe to use.

WOW had a similar issue with their lightweight gullet plates but at least they are replaceable with a steel one.

Ah, my bad. Sorry Bua. Looks similar and has a cantilever..

 

[ycbm]

Ah, my bad. Sorry Bua. Looks similar and has a cantilever..

Very similar and would want a good base number in use for 5 years before I'd buy one.

 

[Zuzan]

Tried one but it wasn't wide enough for my horse.. I felt like I was sitting about a foot off her back.. until they understand that they need to have different widths it's a no from me .. great idea but poorly executed.

My horse is a CB x TB about 16.1 with high long and wide withers
I'm 5'11
I only tried it riding in walk as it felt wrong as was sitting ontop of her withers.. they said that wouldn't be a problem .. I know better.

 

[just_wanna_ask]

Thank you guys very much for your answers!!

I'm thinking about ordering a BUA on trial as my horse wasn't satisfied at all with his very expensive and custom fitted/adjusted dressage saddle that also happened to be very heavy. I have never heard of any BUA saddles in the country where I live in, so there are no saddle fitters working with the brand either.

I have read so many different BUA stories (not any recent though, most from around 2016-2017) and many of them are positive. My horse has a sensitive back, he's actually a rehab project (working closely with a vet) who has previously had bad experience with bad fitting saddles that did some damage. Yeah, bad riding/training as well.

After I got him I decided that I wanted the best for him, so I ordered that expensive saddle that was fitted/adjusted to him (and me). But he never seemed to like the saddle, and I felt that one of the problems possibly was the big weight of it. So I thought that I want to try something "out of the box" - something that would be lightweight and maybe softer and more comfortable for him. He's 16'3 with long and high withers - so there's a risk that the saddle wouldn't fit :/

 

[MagicMelon]

I cant afford one, but if I could then I would definately trial one. I like the idea behind the design. Its a shame its not easier to get hold of them though. I did speak to them for a while about becoming a fitter for them but I couldnt afford buying them (even at trade prices) to set up in the first place.

 

[RachaelJC]

I trialled one a few months back and, whilst I thought it was really comfortable, my main horse didn't like it. I think it had to do with the additional forces because of the cantilever that wasn't his cup of tea.

But they are like sitting in an arm chair and I really wish he had liked it!