WOW saddles - are they really that good.

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Dreckly

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Evening all,

Just got back from Burghley and I went along to take a look at the WOW saddles that everyone is raving about at the moment. Had a go on the mechanical horse and can definately say they are v comfortable, and on the horse I definately had a much better seat and position and could maintain sitting trot on the medium setting - but question is - are they really that good?? I am v tempted to have a fitter over and test one on my boy - dressage being my main interest this saddle could possibly be the key to sorting out my problems in sitting trot and allowing him to move more freely.

That are your thoughts??
 
The saddle as an idea is absolutely spot on, you cannot fault the way it is supposed to work - HOWEVER, your saddle is only as good as your fitter, so I would absolutely scream to you to get a PERSONAL recommendation for your fitting. I love my saddle, I find it very comfy but I am still not happy with its fit.
 
Well yes, on paper there is 1 you should use, but I used one that was from out of my area (on recommendation, long story and I do not blame the person who recommended the fitter at all) as I know that my actual local fitter does not specialise in WOW fitting. I am hoping to get another person out to give me their view on the saddle I was sold, and I know that this one DOES know what they are talking about!
 
Got any pics
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It has helped my horse and me big time! Basically I no longer end up on the floor!!! Or hitting the fence when she chucked me off!! It has helped enormously but my horse had a problem. I prefer the Albion Ultima to ride in (for my own position and Im sure theres better than this) but my horse hates it. So I went for a wow and havent regretted it. But a good fitter is essential. (I did a couple of wow demos before I chose my fitter!!
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nope i don't (arn't i useless
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) all I know it is sitting with her fitter (and has done since badders) but a series of things have meant she not sold it as amazes me because thought 2nd hand ones were like gold dust especially considering what she wants for it IMHO! vgc though
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Wow saddles are definitely a mixed bag - in theory they should be great, but the reality isn't quite as good.

I have had numerous problems with mine, which to be fair wow are trying to sort out

Be very careful about your fitter - you are stuck with them and can make the difference between the wow being fab and a nightmare. I feel very bad about recommending my fitter to a friend, as its been a nightmare (didn't know that at the time).
 
Going to echo basically what has already been said. The theory and technology behind these saddles is very, very good but they do need to fit the horse.

Im on my second wow, the first was a GP for my old mare and i never had any problems with it at all (infact, it did her the world of good). The second is for my dressage horse.

The first person I had out to fit this i was not happy with... at all. I explained this to her over and over but got very little feedback aside from "im the fitter..." so i refused to buy it.

I contacted First Thought Equine directly to a) complain about this initial consultation and b) ask them for someone else.

I ended up having the owners of First Thought fit my saddle and ive never looked back. It instantly free'd up his shoulder... it helped me be much more secure in my seat (my boy has massive paces but bigger spooks which was causing me problems). It also solved the issue with needed a 16.5 inch saddle on my very short coupled 16.1hh warmblood who happens to have a 5ft 10 rider
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His topline has increased tenfold since having it and we've changed headplates a few times. It's just about ready for the flair tweaking in it slightly (im 18 months down the line by the way) which should be entertaining since i have to do that myself now im out here!
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I love mine.. Id never have another brand of saddle because I believe completly in the technology behind them and think they they're the most unrestrictive saddle out there in terms of allowing the horse to move and the best designed in terms of encouraging correct muscle development. But they do HAVE to fit like any other saddle.

Its a shame people are having the same fitting issues. Have any of you actually contacted the company directly??
 
I love mine and it is genuinely the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat on. It has saved me a fortune as well as I have one of those horses whose weight is constantly up and down (the minute he stops work he starts piling it on), so I was constantly having to get a fitter out for my old saddle.
You do start taking them for granted, and its only when you ride in someone elses saddle that you realise how comnfy your own is
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The one downside is they are heavy
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My Wow Club dressage saddle is great. Fits him really well (he is not a standard shape as he has a deep shoulder) and suits me (comfy and deep knee rolls).
 
Yes i too recommend Fiona, and my saddle has been a good fit for my horse, and far more comfy for her than others which didnt fit at all.
and i get on with them
i honestly didnt notice much of a difference once riding in them for the 1st time compared to a normal saddle!
 
One of the liveries on the yard I'm at bought one three months ago and the bolts underneath have just fallen out!

I too went along and chatted to fiona the local rep..... lovely saddles to sit in, BUT are they all going to fall apart?

I've now decided to go for a Sue Carson saddle instead!
 
I too recommend Fiona Reddick.... I havent had any issues with our saddles (we ride/compete 3 horses in WOWs). Ive had them over a year now and havent looked back...
 
I think everyone has horror stories about a saddle that someone has had...the only difference with the WOW is that the bolts could be replaced in seconds.... you wouldnt need to replace the whole saddle.

Is it something you could do with Sue carson? they arent a make Im that familiar with (other than knowing an GB Team rider who ended up ditching her hand made Sue Carson after just one competition).
 
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