Voltaire saddle reviews

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AliTdressage

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Hi, I’ve often browsed the posts on here but have just joined so that I can post. I have paid a deposit on a Voltaire dressage saddle. I have tried to research these as much as I can. Seems the professional riders using them are sponsored. Finding very mixed feedback. I have a fitting appointment on the 18th Jan. Any personal reviews especially with the dressage saddles would be greatly appreciated.
 
I wouldn’t buy a Voltaire saddle- most of their fitters seem to lack experience, they suit a very narrow range of horses and their resale value is very low- the saddle will immediately be worth less than half of what you pay for it new
 
So many posts on FB, replies to queries saying how many issues customer have had, I saw one just yesterday. French brand saddles in general are popular with eventers and jumpers, less so in pure dressage so that limits resale straight away. French saddles tend to have narrow, upright rails that many people feel do not allow the horse to truly lift their backs, I mean look at the eventers' backs in trot ups...thin foam panels that might only last about 5 years before they show significant compression.

The narrow seat and twist will suit some riders, and they then use it on everything...but more British riders than not, in my sample size, have wider, shorter pelvises that are ill served by these shapes of seats.

Tell us your needs, perhaps a location if you need a fitter, and we can help more.
 
TheMule said:
I wouldn’t buy a Voltaire saddle- most of their fitters seem to lack experience, they suit a very narrow range of horses and their resale value is very low- the saddle will immediately be worth less than half of what you pay for it new
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Yes, I’ve realised this. Was trying to gauge if anyone had found them comfortable for themselves and the horse. I’m very worried about the appointment and being pushed to buy, or unable to get my deposit back if it does not seem right.
 
AliTdressage said:
Yes, I’ve realised this. Was trying to gauge if anyone had found them comfortable for themselves and the horse. I’m very worried about the appointment and being pushed to buy, or unable to get my deposit back if it does not seem right.
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Take up sbloom on her offer, she has a lot of experience.
 
Have they taken the deposit before even seeing the horse? From what you say I presume you've not had a fitting and ordered a saddle? Or is it just a deposit for the visit fees (which some fitters charge and you would probably lose, but it needs to be reasonable)?
 
I paid £500 deposit on a used saddle that they had on display at Olympia. They said if it didn’t work out they would refund. So I hope this would work out ok. They said the fitting and 2 refits would be included in the price, obviously the saddle was much more than people are selling privately.
 
Ahh okay, that makes sense and less worrying! I would take the reviews seriously though. No saddle fitter or brand is criticism free, but when you see more than say 25% criticism, tops, then you've really got to think seriously if you want to go that route.
 
AliTdressage said:
I paid £500 deposit on a used saddle that they had on display at Olympia. They said if it didn’t work out they would refund. So I hope this would work out ok. They said the fitting and 2 refits would be included in the price, obviously the saddle was much more than people are selling privately.
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Do you have this in writing?
 
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