Questions about Duett dressage saddles....

[kansasgal]

I have a call in to Nancy at Duett, and should hear from her soon, I'm sure.
But in the mean time, I'm wondering if anyone here could share their ideas/ experiences in fitting Duett saddles.....

I have a 34 cm Duett Encore dressage saddle, in 17.5 inch seat, on trial for a week.
So far I have tested it twice, first on a short ride after a lesson, where I loved the way it sat. The second ride, I took a regular lesson in it.

The second ride (regular/"real" ride) felt very awkward. I couldn't seem to keep my legs underneath me, they kept drifting too far back. I've never had this problem. Of course the stirrup leathers were wrapped in Saran wrap, so they were pretty slippery, but still.

The fit seems to be very nice on the horse, it was easier to guess what would fit, because I had been riding her in my instructor's 36 cm 18 inch seat Duett Rondo (all purpose saddle).
The seat on that saddle feels a tad too big, and the tree is too wide ( we use a thick felt pad to make do). But I was always able to ride comfortably in that saddle, and find a nice balance point.....

I have never owned or broken in a new saddle, and am most used to riding in close contact, or all purpose saddles. I have ridden in a 17.5 inch Wintec Pro dressage, and a 17.5 inch Collegiate Senior Event, and both were quite comfy. I am about 5"7 and 135 lbs, with average length legs/ thighs......

In doing some more reading up on the different Duett saddles, it says that the 2 other styles, the Fidelio, and the Encore run small in the seat, and to order up a seat size.

Sooo, I'm wondering if I should test an 18 inch seat?
Would anyone recommend the Fidelio, or the Largo over the Encore?
Also, in some of the descriptions I've read online, it looks like the Rondo might be the best fit of all for the low withered, table top backed horses.... I kind of had my heart set on finally getting a dressage saddle, but.....

The horse I get to ride is a "typical" morgan. Low but not non-existant withers, round body, big fleshy shoulder. I am having so much fun with her, she deserves a saddle that fits.
But it needs to fit me too.....

I would appreciate any ideas/ suggestions.

Thanks and best wishes from Kansas.

[sublimequine]

Are you buying this saddle for a horse you don't own? Do you plan on owning her in the future?

To be honest, unless you own the horse, I don't know if I'd want to put the money in for a saddle to specifically fit that horse. What are the odds you'll need that massively wide saddle (not meant to insult, I own an x-wide Thorowgood for my QH mare, and it doesn't fit ANY horse but her it is so wide) for your next horse?

[audgesmom]

I rode in the Encore for years and it fit my horse very well with the help of a fantastic saddler that Nancy recommended....he still does my current saddles, although none of them are Duetts....I loved the Encore as I learned to find my seat in 'black tack'....as I progressed I found that another saddle, sadly not a Duett, fit my body style and pelvic position better. I passed my Encore on to a student who rides well in it for her body type.....saddle fit for YOUR body is as complicated as saddle fit for your horse's body.....fit your horse first and then ride all of the Duett options to find the one that suits your body best...be sure to involve your saddler as flocking and horse fit issues can contribute to sitting well....

[kansasgal]

Are you buying this saddle for a horse you don't own? Do you plan on owning her in the future?

To be honest, unless you own the horse, I don't know if I'd want to put the money in for a saddle to specifically fit that horse. What are the odds you'll need that massively wide saddle (not meant to insult, I own an x-wide Thorowgood for my QH mare, and it doesn't fit ANY horse but her it is so wide) for your next horse?

I have been mostly a horseless rider for the past 25 years. I have 4 small children at home, so horselessness is what works best right now.
But,I have found that it is to my benefit, and usually the horse's as well to go about finding my own saddle, to get the absolute most enjoyment out of what little opportunity I have to ride these days. I can and have "gotten along" in many different saddles, but for the past 10 years or so, I've been buying my own saddles to suit me and whatever horse is available at the time.....

And of all the horses I've ridden over the years, this mare is maybe my favorite so far....
So it's definitely worth it.....
Beats spending money on board, vet and farrier bills. If I could buy this horse and afford to keep her where she is now, I'd do it in a heartbeat......

And now, thanks to E-bay, I always have broken even, or come out a little ahead, on the saddles I've sold.

[mtngirl]

kansasgal: Try wrapping your leathers in something soft rather than slick. I used an old, soft ace bandage to wrap my leathers in and it worked like a charm.

I just went through the whole test ride thing with Duett (love their test ride policy...the best!). Personally I find it a pain to try different saddles and evaluate them. I tried two different seat sizes of the Encore, and yes, the larger size felt better. I found it helped to ride a little in two point for a bit. Oh, and check the length of your stirrup leathers. I don't know why, but there was almost a two hole difference between my old saddle and the Duett. :confused: I was like you, first ride felt great, second I had my doubts, then a third and fourth ride confirmed I was on the right track.

I chose the Fidelio, and when I first got it, I almost thought I'd made a mistake, because I kinda felt like I was "perched" on top of my horse, and had some problems getting my legs around him. That immediatley disappeared between adjusting my stirrup length and having my saddle fitted to my horse (it only need a little rearranging of some flocking). I found that "sweet spot" and have been very happy ever since. :D

The Fidelio is a deeper seated saddle than the Encore...and yes, you would definitely need to go up a size in it. It also has a slightly narrower twist than the Encore.

For what it's worth, Nancy told me they were thinking about coming out with a saddle that is a cross between their trail and dressage saddle "for those who trail ride a lot and dabble in dressage". Sounded like it would be a cross between the Rondo and Encore...Encore type seat, straighter flaps than Rondo, but shorter flaps than Encore. Don't know if that's come thru yet or not. You're on the right track though to talk with Nancy. She'll hook you up with any combo you might need.

[kansasgal]

That's exactly the kind of information I've been hoping to find. You've been very helpful.
After thinking about it, and doing some more research, I'm pretty sure an 18 inch seat in any of the Duetts would be better for me than 17.5.

One note, I never measured the size of my instructor's Rondo that I've been riding in, but she told me she thought it was 17.5. Well, they only make even sizes, so now I've figured out that hers must be a 18 inch. That seat is a scooch too big, I think, but I'd rather have roomy than feel stuck.
And if the Duett dressage trees have a deeper seat, which most all dressage saddles do compared to A/P, then I need to only consider 18's.

At least I feel like I'm on the right track with the 34 cm tree.

And now a used 34 cm Rondo has just come up on the Trumbull mountain site, so I'm going to try that out. I just love their saddle trial policy. NO worries.

Thanks!

[lwk]

I have a 36 cm Largo for my draft cross. I did have to go up a seat size. I also trialled a Fidelio but the tree shape was wrong for my horse. I would also need to go up a seat size in the Fidelio.
I have no experience with the Encore.
I also found that the Largo fits a lot wider than the Fidelio. A 36 cm Largo was a good fit - a 38 cm Fidelio was way too narrow.

[pintopiaffe]

can I piggyback a question on here?

Can anyone compare a Rondo to the other models size-wise? (IOW, it runs wider or similar to X but not as wide as y & z?? )

[TouchstoneAcres]

The new saddle is the Tango, for trail and dressage, with shorter flaps than the dressage models. It is hard to compare widths except to say the Fidelio runs a size smaller than the Largo. I like the Encore but didn't choose it for my super wides. It did not fit the flat backed horses as well. I did buy one for my TB and my slimmer Lipizzan in a 34. I havent had a problem adjusting to the seats of the 3. The Rondo wasn't as good on my flat backed mare. I think it runs smaller than the Largo because a 40 wasn't right on my stallion whereas the 40 Largo and Fidelio fit him (he is in between sizes 38 and 40 I think). But it could be something else about the tree that wasn't quite right for him. So you have to look at the whole fit for you and the horse. I yield on my preference in favor of good fit for the horse, as long as it is only a comfort/habit thing not anything that compromises my balance. You do get used to a new saddle in time. But if it tips you someting is wrong.

[kansasgal]

can I piggyback a question on here?

Can anyone compare a Rondo to the other models size-wise? (IOW, it runs wider or similar to X but not as wide as y & z?? )

They all run a bit small in the seat. But it looks like now it is possible to buy most models in larger seat sizes, up to 20 inches...

A little frustrating, I've been meaning to put this into a separate thread, but I'm average/ slight build, average height, and I need an 18 inch seat....
And many saddles only go up to 18 inches in the seat, does that mean that MANY people are squeezing themselves into saddles that are actually too small???? Or is it like "designer" clothes, do the higher end saddles run big?????

The Rondo is the all purpose model, and from everything I can gather by reading the descriptions, it is better suited to the truly wide flat backed horses.
For those who will only consider dressage saddles and own a table top back horse, it looks like the Largo is maybe best for them, BUT it has a cut back head, therefore the rider would need to move up at least one seat size.....

The Encore has a wide twist, which from what I've read is more comfortable for the wide backed horse, but of course it must be tolerable for the rider.....

One note, the Encore that I tried did not have recessed stirrup bars, so I would either get single ply stirrups, or learn to put the stirrups on with the buckle pulled down, and buy one of those sleeve gadgets.

As a side note, I spoke with Nancy at Duett this morning, and she's sending me one of the new models, the Tango, and a new Rondo to try. I also have a used Rondo coming.

I'll let you know how it goes. It will probably take a week or so.
The Tango looks interesting, but I'm not sure that even if I love it, it would be worth the price. I always need to keep resale value in mind, and since it's new and experimental.....
I'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks and best wishes.

[HappyHoppingHaffy]

If you're going to try a saddle from Trumbull Mountain try one of their Black Country Equinox saddles. (Runs true to seat size.)
I was looking at Duetts for my barrel shaped haffy and ended up buying the BC Equinox. IMHO, it's a much, much better/better quality saddle.
Good luck no matter what you decide. It's tough fitting those round horses!

[pintopiaffe]

Kansasgal...

I think the seat runing small has a TON to do with seat depth--most everything these days is deep, deeper and deepest... but I do think a lot of people are riding in saddles that are too small. I think that's part of why my Princess-and-the-pea guy goes soooo well in the Ancient Passier... that sucker is HUGE! (18.5) but in that respect--more weight bearing... plus a shallow seat, so my weight is NOT concentrated the way it really was in some deeper saddles.

I am SUPER interested in the new model--any chance it's a VSD flap? For now I'm trying a Rondo because my knee goes over many flaps, despite a quite open thigh angle... it's just my conformation. Is worse on my stallion than other horses too... but I really have found a VSD flap works best. Problem with most VSDs is the stirrup bar is too forward.

Will you take pics for us, please???
At any rate... I also need a shorter flap--again, VSD fits the bill. So I'm really, really interested to see/hear about the new model. Is the price in line with the other Duetts? Really can't beat them...

[kansasgal]

Kansasgal...

I think the seat runing small has a TON to do with seat depth--most everything these days is deep, deeper and deepest... but I do think a lot of people are riding in saddles that are too small. I think that's part of why my Princess-and-the-pea guy goes soooo well in the Ancient Passier... that sucker is HUGE! (18.5) but in that respect--more weight bearing... plus a shallow seat, so my weight is NOT concentrated the way it really was in some deeper saddles.

I am SUPER interested in the new model--any chance it's a VSD flap? For now I'm trying a Rondo because my knee goes over many flaps, despite a quite open thigh angle... it's just my conformation. Is worse on my stallion than other horses too... but I really have found a VSD flap works best. Problem with most VSDs is the stirrup bar is too forward.

Will you take pics for us, please???
At any rate... I also need a shorter flap--again, VSD fits the bill. So I'm really, really interested to see/hear about the new model. Is the price in line with the other Duetts? Really can't beat them...

Wow, I had to look up the definition of VSD flap. Learn something new every day. It looks like the Tango DOES have the straighter flap. There is a picture of it on the Duett web site, if you click on Companion Trail. The price is the same as many of the saddles, $1179.

I'm also curious to find out about the stirrup bar placement, because in the picture, they DO look like they may be a little too far forward...
The saddle is built on a Rondo tree, though, and I love the balance on that, so hopefully it will be the same.
Nancy said I would love the panels on the Tango, for the shape, and weight bearing surface they offer. She also said I would love the seat. She said it is the most comfortable of all the saddles she has designed yet....

From the description, it sounds like the Tango is one that might work great for you. I'll try to take some pictures and post them, when I get a chance to try them out. Probably will be next weekend.


Thanks and best wishes.

[pintopiaffe]

ooh, thanks! went and looked and it appears this could be the saddle I've been waiting for.

Very exciting.

Of course, I am dead broke, just lost another leaf spring in the truck, and unless there's some fancy tax rebate thing, am going to be waiting a looong time and working lots of OT before I can try...

But will love to hear your experiences!

[kansasgal]

ooh, thanks! went and looked and it appears this could be the saddle I've been waiting for.

Very exciting.

Of course, I am dead broke, just lost another leaf spring in the truck, and unless there's some fancy tax rebate thing, am going to be waiting a looong time and working lots of OT before I can try...

But will love to hear your experiences!

Sorry to hear about your truck troubles.

Yes, I almost hope I HATE the Tango, and that the used Rondo will be great. That's only $500..... the less money I spend on this horse habit, the better. I've only ever owned 1 new saddle so far, and that was years ago. The other thing is that that at the price of the Rondo, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to recover most of the money if I sell it.

Still, it's fun to shop.

[seabreeze]

I have a call in to Nancy at Duett, and should hear from her soon, I'm sure.
But in the mean time, I'm wondering if anyone here could share their ideas/ experiences in fitting Duett saddles.....


Would anyone recommend the Fidelio, or the Largo over the Encore?

I would appreciate any ideas/ suggestions.

Thanks and best wishes from Kansas.

I ended up with a 38 cm Largo for my paint horse. Due to his shape, the Largo and the Encore would not fit him. The only two others that I could find that might fit him were the Black Country Equinox X and one of the Albions that has a "hoop" tree. The Albion was definitely out of my price range, and the Black Country was more than I could justify for my purposes. Besides, the Largo fit us fine. I could probably have the flaps shortened slightly, but it's no big deal. The seat of my Largo is one inch larger than my all-purpose Collegiate.

Nancy at Duett was a great help and very accommodating.

Good luck in your quest.

[seabreeze]

I ended up with a 38 cm Largo for my paint horse. Due to his shape, the Largo and the Encore would not fit him.

Duh. I meant that the Fidelio and the Encore would not fit him.

[Camp Girl]

I cannot recommend either Nancy at Duett or Nancy at Trumbull enough. Both have generous trial policies which is essential to finding the right fit for you and your horse. Their willingness and ability to compare tracings helps narrow things down.

I had tried the Rondo and the Largo prior to selecting the Encore, which I liked better because of it's more open seat and removable blocks. I found that I also ended up having to go up a size (which my fitter and Nancy at Trumbull forwarned -- its very common). I ride in a 18" Duett seat and am 5' 7.5" and wear a size 8 jean in most brands. I also have a slightly longer thigh than average.

kansasgal, if you are usually riding in APs and CCs, it may be that the stirrup bar placement is further forward than in the dressage saddles, so you may very well feel like your leg is being drawn back.

I've used clean fleece polo wraps before to protect the saddle from the leathers on trial rides.... (and they can make a great impromtu scarf for a ride out on a winter day).

For breaking in my Duett (and the wade I bought during the same time frame), I've used organic extra virigin olive oil. It may sound odd but it works wonders... its a tip I picked up at a tack store a few years ago.

Best wishes. Hope you love your Duett.

[eib]

I have a 36 Largo for my Morgan. I loved the Fidelio for me, but the tree just wasn't right for my guy. I also went up a seat size.

I really like the saddle, and I would have to say my horse loves it. The change in his comfort level was striking--the saddle really frees up his shoulders.

Good luck finding a saddle that works--I can't say enough good things about Duett and Nancy.

[craz4crtrs]

They all run a bit small in the seat. But it looks like now it is possible to buy most models in larger seat sizes, up to 20 inches...

A little frustrating, I've been meaning to put this into a separate thread, but I'm average/ slight build, average height, and I need an 18 inch seat....
And many saddles only go up to 18 inches in the seat, does that mean that MANY people are squeezing themselves into saddles that are actually too small???? Or is it like "designer" clothes, do the higher end saddles run big?????

The Rondo is the all purpose model, and from everything I can gather by reading the descriptions, it is better suited to the truly wide flat backed horses.
For those who will only consider dressage saddles and own a table top back horse, it looks like the Largo is maybe best for them, BUT it has a cut back head, therefore the rider would need to move up at least one seat size.....

The Encore has a wide twist, which from what I've read is more comfortable for the wide backed horse, but of course it must be tolerable for the rider.....

One note, the Encore that I tried did not have recessed stirrup bars, so I would either get single ply stirrups, or learn to put the stirrups on with the buckle pulled down, and buy one of those sleeve gadgets.

As a side note, I spoke with Nancy at Duett this morning, and she's sending me one of the new models, the Tango, and a new Rondo to try. I also have a used Rondo coming.

I'll let you know how it goes. It will probably take a week or so.
The Tango looks interesting, but I'm not sure that even if I love it, it would be worth the price. I always need to keep resale value in mind, and since it's new and experimental.....
I'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks and best wishes.

I know this is an old thread, but I wondered if you kept the Tango? I have a five year old Duett Largo, but I still struggle to keep my leg back. I have a long thigh and my leg wants to go over the knee roll. I thought I might trade in the Largo and try the Tango. I love the Duetts so will happily get another.