The Saddle Saga Continues - To all those who have rode in the Albion SLK and Ultima

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robthecob

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So on the advice on my last saddle saga post I got our local saddlery out to try on some posh new dressage saddles, typically they had nothing in second hand to try so everything was eye wateringly expensive, however the visit was worth every penny as what I thought pony and I would like (the ideal) we didn't get on with and what I thought I would hate (equipe) I liked but am too long hip to knee for, so we fell in love with the Albion SLK.

It was the first saddle we tried and felt brilliant.... I already knew the price of the Albion new and honestly even though I could afford it with the help of mr MasterCard I just don't know if I'm comfortable paying the 1699 for a new one when as soon as I plonk my bum down it will bs worth 400 quid less..

So I'm going to try and buy second hand and this is the point of this thread (finally ;) ) there are much more SLK Ultima's out there than there are plain old SLK's, I have had the difference explained to me as in the Ultima has the molded knees but what I loved about the slk and disliked about the ideal was the less bully feeling. Will the Ultima feel more like an ideal to ride in or still give me that closer contact feeling that the normal slk had?

The saddler had no Ultima's last night to try and I really don't want to get him out weekly as I may as well just buy a brand new one :)

I'm still 'working' so nothing to offer apart from strawberry Bon Bons if you got to the end of this but as always any advice appreciated!
 
I'm pretty sure my friend has an albion slk for sale! What I mean by pretty sure is that it I know it's for sale, I think its an SLK but don't know whether it's the ultima or not. I think it's about 17"and will be either medium or may be medium-wide fit. Her horse has been retired recently with navicular and it's sitting in the tackroom doing nothing. If you want me to find out more, get pics, let me know and I'll sort it. I think she wanted about £900 for it, but I again I can find out if you're interested.

PS the saddle is near Huddersfield if that's any use to try on?


Update: Thought I might as well text friend and ask. It's the plain old SLK, 17" and a medium wide. She says it can come with the 26" albion dressage girth she has and a couple of nuumed saddle cloths too!
 
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Just to add another thought - I have an Albion SLK Ultima made with non-mounded knee blocks. I have velcro attached so i can put the knee blocks wherever I like. Its a 17" Wide (seems like more MW to me) with narrow seat. It is just over 12 months old and is for sale. Not sure if this is the type of thing you would be looking for?
 
I used to ride an ex racer I was schooling in the ordinary SLK and absolutely loved it. When I got my mare (TB type) my saddler had a second hand SLK for sale that I tried but just didn't work for us so I ended up with a new SLK Ultima. which suited us both. Before trying them I would have been quite happy with the SLK, so basically, yes, they do feel quite different to ride in
 
I have tried all three saddles, I don't have them any more so I can't try to sell you one ;-) !!

What I found with the Ultima was that it was physically a lot heavier than the SLK or the Ideal. I think the Ideal is sort of half way between the riding feeling of the SLK and the Ultima with the SLK feelling less supportive and the Ultima feeling more supportive. It depends what you want to do as well, and have a good look on ebay and the BD website - there are always plenty popping up for sale.
 
Thank you :-) I think I'll just consider my search for an slk then as it gave me the best ride. I didn't feel comfortable with the locked in feeling of the ideal and both saddler and horse agreed it was tipping me forward.

I have come to the conclusion that saddle shopping is like jean shopping. A complete pain in the arse!!!
 
If you are interested in a secondhand SLK, 17.5in medium, I have one in good condition very reasonable priced. Am in Essex if of interest.
 
I an Ideal but they didn't suit my mare I decided on an Albion SLK and I've not been disappointed and more importantly it suits my mare. I feel totally secure when riding and it's so comfy. My friend bought the SLK Ultima becasue she wanted one where she could adjust the gullet and have more knee support.

Hope you get fixed up.
 
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