Anyone ever ridden in a Whitman "Racinet" saddle? Update - I got it!

[ESG]

I encountered one of these at a local tack shop. I'm debating with myself whether or not to try it. There are photos attached to this ad: www.middlewayequine.com/wantads (http://www.middlewayequine.com/wantads)


What say you all?

[Evalee Hunter]

Looks like a saddlebred/TWH park saddle to me. But if it's a dressage saddle & you like it, go for it.

[Mini_Me]

I don't know anything about this particular saddle, so that's obviously your choice. I did ride in a cutback Whitman when I was showing saddleseat on my TWH, and they were viewed as the same (or better) quality as a Barnsby. generally, nice workmanship and quality, so I would give it a shot if you think you'll like it.

[NJRider]

I have no experience but based on the photo, it looks like riding on a board, like an old Crosby Prix de Nations.... Has a very flat seat with no knee roll. If you want a close contact, I think you can do better. There is a Egon Von Neindorf saddle on ebay for $700 that has very nice schruff (sp?) leather and is close contact.

[ESG]

I loff the von Neindorff, but it's not anywhere as close contact as this thing, is, believe me! It has absolutely NO underflap at all - just a weird sort of sliding rigging, and the billets depend from the saddle tree. The flap you see is the only one, and it's just one thickness of leather.

[ESG]

Oh - and did I mention that it's priced under $100, and in great shape?

[ddashaq]

If it's under $100, go for it. You can probably sell it on ebay or somehwere for at least that much!:)

[pintopiaffe]

I don't know where you'd find the pads you need for it anymore... your knee is expected to go over the flap and rest on a padded-flap-saddlepad. If you are crafty, of course, you could make them.

JC's theory was a pretty good one. Freeing the horse's back and shoulders. Not 'putting' the rider in any sort of position. It won't HELP you one bit.

I peeked at the ad--if it were bigger I'd be really seriously looking at it, but it's small *and* it's $1K not $100. (forgot a zero there!) Unless you're looking at another one for less than $100. If that's the case... SNATCH it up. There weren't that many of them made, and some folks are always looking for them.

[monstrpony]

I've seen one of these before, and I believe there's a special pad that's supposed to go with them. The pad has a raised part toward the front of the rider's leg that almost acts like a roll. I've seen one person ride in one of these and she had a very supple, flexible, unrestricted, but quiet seat.

[ESG]

I don't know where you'd find the pads you need for it anymore... your knee is expected to go over the flap and rest on a padded-flap-saddlepad. If you are crafty, of course, you could make them.

So, how does the pad work, then? I take it that you can't use just a regular saddle pad with it?

JC's theory was a pretty good one. Freeing the horse's back and shoulders. Not 'putting' the rider in any sort of position. It won't HELP you one bit.

JC is an interesting fellow, with interesting theories, IMVHO, but this sounds like one of the few things he got right. ;)

I peeked at the ad--if it were bigger I'd be really seriously looking at it, but it's small *and* it's $1K not $100. (forgot a zero there!) Unless you're looking at another one for less than $100. If that's the case... SNATCH it up. There weren't that many of them made, and some folks are always looking for them.

No, the one online isn't the one I'm buying (now that you've said that ;) ). "Mine" is brown, but the same size, and in a mostly-western tack shop on consignment. Methinks I'm going to mosey on over there in a bit, and buy myself a saddle.

Thanks!

[ESG]

Well, I just couldn't resist. Went back this afternoon and bought the saddle. I can't believe it - it looks like it's never been on a horse! Still has the tallow coating that most leather goods come with, no stirrup leather marks, no marks on the billets from the girth - nada. Turns out, it was a consignment of a donation from our local therapeutic riding organization. I'm sure that if they knew what they had, they'd have put a higher pricetag than $75 on it. ;)

Now, to see how to ride in this thing. And, to try to figure out a pad. I'll post photos later, if I can.

[pintopiaffe]

I think I hate you. :cry:

;)

[KarenRO]

I had the pleasure of auditing a clinic by Racinet last year and he is truly the king of minimalist! I know that he is still teaching clinics (was in TX last month). Try contacting the folks at http://www.learningjoyresources.com/dressage.html. They used to work very closely with Racinet and may be able to help you with the saddle. I think you got a great deal!! KarenRO

[ESG]

I think I hate you. :cry:

;)

That's okay. I've heard that at least twice already, regarding this saddle. :winkgrin:

I had the pleasure of auditing a clinic by Racinet last year and he is truly the king of minimalist! I know that he is still teaching clinics (was in TX last month). Try contacting the folks at http://www.learningjoyresources.com/dressage.html. They used to work very closely with Racinet and may be able to help you with the saddle. I think you got a great deal!! KarenRO

Thanks, Karen - I'll try that. It looks like I'm going to have a heck of a time finding an appropriate pad for it. If I could see what the original pad looks like, I'm sure I could make one, or have a regular pad altered. Anyone have pictures?

[kch7238]

My daughter has had one of those saddles for years. I had an additional pad made for it. When I rode on it, it felt like I was riding on a two by four. The seat was so uncomfortable it wasn't worth riding on for me. Now she has a different saddle and told me she never rides her JC anymore. I will ask her to take pics of the pad and post it.

[TN Lilly]

ESG, have you ridden in your Racinet saddle yet? If so, can you give us a review? I would like to hear your opinion of the saddle.
Thanks!

[ESG]

Yes, I've ridden in it and I love it. Unfortunately, it doesn't love me. :sigh: The seat is just a little too shallow for my taste (or my hindparts, depending on your perspective ;) ), not allowing me to sit into the horse as much as I'm used to. The horse, however loved the freedom it gave his back, and I was able to get him "through" far more easily in this saddle than in anything else I've ridden him in. I may try a couple of more rides in it, to see if I can get my hindparts to like it as much as Tully does. If not, 'twill be on eBay shortly. But not for what I paid for it. :winkgrin: