Dream Saddle?

[ctanner]

So,are you riding in your dream saddle?What is it and what do you love about it?

If not and money were no object,what would you buy,and why?

[Petstorejunkie]

My current saddle, no is not my dream saddle but it works for now until i can do custom horse/custom rider. i currently ride in a black close contact Thornhill with plain flaps for both my dressage work and my OF work. It is balanced so no issues there, but hip to knee it falls a tad short for me (i take a 17 3/4 seat with and extra 2-3" added to a flap

My dream saddle is a Kieffer lusitano or one of the older Passiers. i prefer minimal padding

[rabicon]

I have my dream saddle :D Just got it for Christmas. I got the Stubben Scandica with the Stubben nonstretch leathers THANK GOD :lol: and Stubben irons and A Stubben crank noseband bridle. I love it all!! It looks nice compared to my cheaper saddles and is so comfy. It helps me stay in position better and I love the Elk leather on the seat.

[InsideLeg2OutsideRein]

I *wish* I was riding in a Childeric. Ohh, I got to ride in one recently and it seemed to literally pull me straight down into the correct position. Amazing.

[purplnurpl]

after ordering and sending back close to 15 saddles I have my dream saddle.

and will by paying it off (thank you Grandmother!) for a few years.

Amerigo Vega. Double flap.
I like the 1/2 blocks in the front.
and the seats deepest point is in the front.
So I don't slip back to the back of the saddle. I stay in the front.
Big time butt candy for me.

I tried another identical saddle and hated it.
It's hard to replicate thoses babies.

[Hampton Bay]

I have mine. It's a JP Giacomini, well-loved prior to my purchasing it, but still in excellent condition. The seat is a tad bid for me, but because of the way it sits, I really don't notice it except in pictures. It has a couple very nice features I've never seen on another saddle too. The little flap above the stirrup bars is padded so you don't feel the bars. The pommel is a nice comfy foam that is not too soft, but soft enough that it will conform a bit to your anatomy and won't cause pain. The back billet is attached as far back under the flap as possible, but it is run thru a slot in the sweat flap, so it stays in the right place.

It puts me in the perfect position, fits my mare like it was made for her, and I have never felt so secure in a saddle in my life! Minimal blocks and the seat is not too deep either, so it still allows some freedom to use my seat and leg.

From now on, I will just have to only ride horses that fit into my saddle :)

[TBrescue]

I have my dream saddle :D Just got it for Christmas. I got the Stubben Scandica with the Stubben nonstretch leathers THANK GOD :lol: and Stubben irons and A Stubben crank noseband bridle. I love it all!! It looks nice compared to my cheaper saddles and is so comfy. It helps me stay in position better and I love the Elk leather on the seat.

I have a Stubben Scandica as well and LOVE it, along with a Stubben Avalon. Both have deep seats and put you in the correct position without restricting use of seat:yes:

[Ibex]

Have one, but totally, and completly lucked out.

Beautiful used Regal, custom made with super long flaps for someone even taller than me, for about 1/2 the price of a new one.

[Kcisawesome]

I have a Bates Caprilli which I got used-for-one-ride for $400.

And since I've had it, I havn't even felt the need to drool in my magazines anymore! I don't even know what is out there that could be better because it fits my horse and I like a glove and we both go SO MUCH better in it than any other saddle I have sat in or she has been ridden in.

[lizathenag]

I have a used Devocoux that was made for a horse shaped very much like my own.

It helps me stay in the correct position.

I would buy a new one if I could.

[pintopiaffe]

I'm *almost* in it, I think... after much, much,much trial and error, ended up back almost where I started, in an Ancient Passier PT.

The one I have is a bit big for me, and is actually an AP with VD flaps... BUT, it fit's His Princeness and the Pea, and he goes amazingly in it.

The dressage version of it is on Ebay at the moment, in a 1/2" smaller... Alas... timing is everything, and the tax refund isn't here just yet. :cry: Which is really pathetic considering how cheap it is to start with. :cry:

I think if I could buy any saddle in the world, it would be a new PT (a few places still have them) in the XW tree, with long billets, in redwood or teak, whichever the reddish-lightish-brown this one is.

(oh, and then if money is no object, another, in black, for the kids, who look much better in black. :lol: )

I would also have one of the new Heather Moffett treeless for teaching and training--on horses where my hips can take it, it is the ultimate. On MY horses: :dead: :uhoh:

I haven't *tried* one, but I am dying to ride in the Mondial treeless.

[atr]

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of mine... Trilogy Amadeo.

[Sabine]

I have been through a lot of saddles in my life- when you're young you're not as picky and in Germany- when I grew up- noone wasted a minute about thinking of saddlefit for horse or rider???? what a concept and what a luxury.

Thankfully we have arrived in a different time. I have had a couple of great saddles- but the one that really marries the best for my horse and the best for me is my custom Schleese.
I have to say this because I was very leery- especially since the SChleese has always been known to be first class for the horse's back and a 'dressage movement enabler'... BUT- the ladies that rode in it mostly had sad faces and weren't happy...it was NOT comfy.
Well I guess they have figured it out now- because I AM very HAPPY in my saddle and my horse moves like from a 6 to an 8 on gaits...and there are witnesses saying that.
I think the tree is fiberglass- or something else than wood- so it kind of folds almost- it's definitely elastic and when you ride any medium gait it truly sucks you into the movement and the saddle- so if you are loose in the hip- all you have to do is follow the movement.
The horses (I ride both mine in this saddle- although they are vastly different ...)love it- have perfect sweat marks- are not encumbered and I am a happy camper...!!

It was not cheap- but worth every penny!!!:):)

[kelwin]

I am riding in my dream saddle. A Hulsebos (www.hulsebos-saddles.com) I have ridden in about every major saddle over the years and it is truly the best, most effective saddle I have ever felt. They custom make them, measure your inseam to place the thigh block in the right spot... they even adjusted the seat for me since I have a bad back, made it so it takes pressure off of the back. There is no bulk under the inner thigh and your leg just drapes down the side, making it very easy to keep the hips loose while riding.... Brilliant!

[Eclectic Horseman]

I am riding in my dream saddle. A Hulsebos (www.hulsebos-saddles.com (http://www.hulsebos-saddles.com)) I have ridden in about every major saddle over the years and it is truly the best, most effective saddle I have ever felt. They custom make them, measure your inseam to place the thigh block in the right spot... they even adjusted the seat for me since I have a bad back, made it so it takes pressure off of the back. There is no bulk under the inner thigh and your leg just drapes down the side, making it very easy to keep the hips loose while riding.... Brilliant!

Oooooo, I love that Dynamic model with the square cantle! I had never heard of these before. Awesome!

[CoventryTack]

I love researching saddles, no idea why... I just ordered a custom (to my horse) Black Country Wexford, with suede seat & kneerolls and beautiful vintage oxblood-colored leather. I cannot WAIT to use it on our picky, sensitive mare!

[butlerfamilyzoo]

We have two WOWs, wouldnt trade them for the world.

[Daatje]

After trying many, many saddles without success, I finally found the one that fits my barrel withered mare and keeps me in excellent balance at the same time. I'm riding in a Kieffer Mosel.

If money were not an object? I don't know.....I'd probably have 10 dream saddles custom fit! :)

[brgreyhndz]

I fell in love with a friend's roosli and found an older one at a good price. Seems to fit the little mare I ride quite well and it is extremely comfortable.

[Brookes]

I have a custom Spirig. No longer have a horse, can't ride anymore due to a broken back. Would die before letting go of that baby!!! I waited forever to get that saddle and will never sell it! It will be buried with me when I die.

[petitefilly]

For every butt there is a saddle! :) Mine is a Black Country Elegance. C'est la via!

You have to look under a few bridges before the Troll appears!

[Sanely Eccentric]

Loff, loff, loff my Schleese that was customized for myself and my mare. I just had it adjusted (yes, it can be done instead of having to buy another saddle when your horse develops) and it's amazing how incredible it feels to ride my mare with this saddle. She is so soft to ride and swings with rhythm once again. My instructor and I were amazed at the difference it can make on this sensitive mare. I also love how I am simply in the right position when I sit in the saddle.

Funny thing is several of us at the barn have Schleese saddles and we got them all out one afternoon recently and took turns sitting in them only to discover that what works so well for one does not for another. Having a saddle customized based on your measurements and the horse's is a wonderful luxury that is worth every penny.:)

[Goo]

My dream saddle... hmmm...

I used to have a full custom Hulsebos (the WB-4 model) which I LOVED. It remains to this day the best saddle I've ever ridden in – the short upper thigh block allowed me to really wrap my leg around (which I can't as comfortably with full length blocks - I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam and my horse is 17.2), and like someone above mentioned, the twist is designed in such a way that there is truly no bulk and it allows my leg to drop straight down out of my hip. It was so perfect for ME.

However, my horse outgrew it and he is a very sensitive guy who does not stick to schedules. :lol: So it was hard arranging to have the saddle adjusted at certain dates per year, because sometimes he would need it adjusted in BETWEEN those dates, and when that happened I would be stuck with no one to adjust the saddle. And when he really, really, really outgrew his saddle I was forced to sell it to a friend of mine (who loves it), and got a brand new Hennig Classic Freedom for him. He LOVES the Hennig tree and goes better in it than he ever did in the Hulsebos, and the Hennig tree is really easy to adjust by anyone who has the right machine, so I can have it done at any time by the saddler who lives in my town.

But, I still miss my old Hulsebos for ME. :( So my dream saddle would be a Hulsebos WITH a Hennig tree. If that ever happened (which I doubt, but hey, other saddle manufacturers like Schleese have used Hennig trees, so I'm guessing Hennig is open to selling their trees to other manufacturers), then I would be all over that like white on rice!

[Friesianfan]

Triology Debbie Special!!!

[Trying]

After hip replacement, my Passier Antares was not comfortable and I called Hobson's choise for advice and founa Scheulteiss. Love to ride now and it fits all my ponies. Hobson's Choice now has my passier.

[Eventrgrl]

I loooove my Hulsebos. Tried it on a whim after a student of my dressage trainer had one shipped from CA to try out. The person in CA had had it 100% custom made and then decided she didnt want it anymore :eek: So I popped it on my horse, fits perfectly, jumped in it myself, fits perfectly. I looove it and got it for almost 1/2 the price.

[Kyrie]

We have two WOWs, wouldnt trade them for the world.

Amen to the WOW saddles! I STUPIDLY sold mine when I thought I was going travelling (plans fell through) so have replaced it with a Collegiate with Flair...

[Merche2]

I have a custom Advantage... love it!!!!!!!!!!:winkgrin:

[Badger]

Love, love, love my Stackhouse. I sat in a custom one made for Dorothy Crowell (our build is similar) at the Stackhouse booth at Rolex one year and it was by far the most comfortable saddle I've ever sat in. Eventually, I had one custom made to fit me and it's so well balanced it has been a big help to my riding, is incredibly comfortable, fits my horses well, it is absolutely my dream saddle.

[js]

Amerigo Pinerolo Alto, I actually had one, loved everything about it put me in the perfect position and made if so easy to sit any stride; unfortunately, my horse hated it the saddle with a passion. Would love to try a Prestige Optimax or there newest one can't remember the name.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Actually, I am not sure if it is my dream saddle because I have not ridden in THAT many saddles over the years to know. I love my saddle though, love it to pieces, it is a Kieffer Lech Profi. I have ridden in Passier, County, Lovatt and Ricketts, KN, Corbette, Crosby and other Kieffer models. I am very comfortable in the saddle I have now and it fits Frodo well... for now.:uhoh:

[Olympic Engagement]

I have a used Albion Ultima which I got from my dressage trainer. I LOVE IT! It is effective and fits my warmblood very well.

[LookinSouth]

Amerigo Vega. Double flap.
I like the 1/2 blocks in the front.
.

I tried the Amerigo Vega Monoflap at the Dover store. Liked it best. I also liked the Stubben Maestoso. Both were divine and I'd take either but I don't think I'll be getting one new in the near future. Saving up the cash for a used one.

[eponacelt]

I *wish* I was riding in a Childeric. Ohh, I got to ride in one recently and it seemed to literally pull me straight down into the correct position. Amazing.

I own your dream saddle...and I love it too! Alas, my youngster is quickly ourgrowing it. It does really pull your leg into the right place, doesn't it?

My new dream saddle is a L'Apogee. I LOFF them...

[buzz4]

I have been riding in my new Trilogy Verago for 2 1/2 weeks and I love, love, love it! I have owned over a half a dozen saddles and this is the first one I actually feel comfortable and secure in, not to mention my back feels awesome which was the main reasons I bought it. So far, I'm thrilled!!!

[atr]

Buzz4, I get my Trilogy fitted on Saturday... Yippee!

[buzz4]

ATR
You are going to LOVE it! I will take a few weeks for it to "settle" but if you use the conditioner they send you'll be all set. I feel like I'm riding in a couch!

[Lgd1]

I've got two WOWs and saving up for number three - got 18 months before I need it though as my filly is only rising 2yo :D

Hate riding in anything else now as I find a 'conventional' saddle uncomfortable in comparison.

[DogwoodValleyFarm]

I have a Schleese Wave and I love it, but I have changed a lot physically and need one with a much smaller seat now. I will definitely be buying another because it is the best fit for me and my horse.

[LD1129]

I do love my Passier Relevent but I would really like a Custom Saddlery saddle. I had a jumping saddle made for my horse since no off the rack saddle fit him. We no longer jump :no: but I drool over the custom Dressage saddles all the time! www.mysaddle.com!

[ec412]

I have two saddles. One an original stueben Schulties that would appear to not be comfy, but honestly can sit in that better than any other, but I do need to keep better control of my leg. Unfortunately for me, it does not fit my horse as well as my Albion. Albion is very comfy, but with the leg restriction have a harder time finding the sweet spot and actually sitting as well at the canter.

I go back and forth. The albion does help me to stay on top when we have those brief moments when my hannoverian thinks he is auditioning for the temple lippizzan show.

[KimPeterson]

I believe you can get a Hennig style or tree from what I have gathered but won't know for another week. I really like small blocking but with any of the custom saddles you can get any blocking you want really they will do what you ask nothing is set in stone.

Personally I think I am into close contact flap small blocking, wide seat bone area :) moderate twist, large surface bearing panels, medium seat depth = too deep makes it harder for me to relax properly and I won't stand for a chair seat !!

I have a custom Black Country for one of my horses and a custom Engage Jumping and Dressage for Cat that are both prototypes from England still need to tweak the one a bit I think but I will have my perfect saddle for her in the end...