devoucoux saddles...are they really that great?

[kiwifruit]

I'm in the market for a new saddle and my friend swears by her devoucoux event saddle. Currently I have a very old Pessoa close contact saddle that is ready to retire. Although in my youth I did like the feel of the close contact saddle I want something with a bit more security, especially going cross country. My friend after getting this saddle said that she felt much more secure in this saddle than any other saddle. Any thoughts on this saddle?

[Little Valkyrie]

I have a 2001 Devoucoux Chiberta and I LOVE it. I never thought i could find one in my price range, but i scoured the internet and found one. It has padded flaps, but no knee rolls and I find it comfy and very secure for anything I have done in it. It is also great for me b/c i ride quite a few different horses, and it sits well on most of them. I have ridden in several of the new monoflap ones and wish i had the coin to buy one :)
Good luck in the saddle search!

[BarbB]

For the last couple of years, in this area, the Devoucoux was the saddle de jour. The ONLY saddle that anyone would own if they had any sense at all. This year it is the County, the ONLY saddle that anyone would own if they have any sense at all.

They are both nice saddles, other brands are also nice. Buy what fits the horse, you and your pocket book. If it is nice to look at, all the better.
:winkgrin:

[slantedhorse]

I find it hard to believe they can make a saddle that nice for such a great price (and, I also own a Cobra which is/was a $3000 custom). There isn't over $2000 between the two!!

[eventer_mi]

I happen to be in love with the French saddles, but it's because of the way they're balanced, not because of the leather quality (which is incredible) or the name. After selling my big red guy, I decided to splurge and get myself a new saddle, although I dearly loved my Forestier Monoflap. I chose to go with Antares, mostly because the most skeptical saddle person I know on this list fell in love with it (thanks, Lynn!). I didn't go monoflap because I'm sick and tired of hanging halfway off my horse to tighten the girth (seeing as how I tend to event by myself, without help), and now with a new greenie, I wasn't about to chance it - long girths are much safer to tighten by oneself. This is the website I went to for my saddle: www.fine-used-saddles.com (http://www.fine-used-saddles.com), or you can go to this one: http://corimcgraw.webs.com/saddlesavailable.htm (which is where I think deltawave got hers from).

[SanFranciscoBay]

My friend has a Devoucoux and I have ridden in it several times... I love it.

[Little Valkyrie]

http://corimcgraw.webs.com/saddlesavailable.htm (which is where I think deltawave got hers from).


I got my saddle from this site and they were great to deal with

[KBG Eventer]

I ordered a Devoucoux Chiberta in February when I was in Florida. I liked the rep who came to fit my horse and me for the saddle. He was very polite and did not push the saddle on me at all. I rode in a demo which I really liked, but it still did not give me the full feeling since I needed a smaller seat and flap. He offered for me to ride in it for my jumper classes, but I did not go until later in the day so I could not. I did ride in it in a warm up ring though. He let another girl who was with with us ride in the demo during her rounds even though she was not going to buy a saddle for at least several months. She liked it so much that she ended up ordering one when she got home. I can not wait until the saddle comes in the mail! My trainer rides in them, and he has their dressage saddles as well. He has a cross country one that they do not make anymore that he loves.

[secretariat]

Yeah, they're that good.

[gully's pilot]

I love my Devocoux. I had been riding in a saddle that (unbeknownst to me) was really throwing me off -balance; I tried a friend's Dev and was astonished by the difference. It doesn't feel that different just out hacking, but going xc I notice a huge improvement.

[RunForIt]

I ordered a Devoucoux Chiberta in February when I was in Florida. I liked the rep who came to fit my horse and me for the saddle. He was very polite and did not push the saddle on me at all. I rode in a demo which I really liked, but it still did not give me the full feeling since I needed a smaller seat and flap. He offered for me to ride in it for my jumper classes, but I did not go until later in the day so I could not. I did ride in it in a warm up ring though. He let another girl who was with with us ride in the demo during her rounds even though she was not going to buy a saddle for at least several months. She liked it so much that she ended up ordering one when she got home. I can not wait until the saddle comes in the mail! My trainer rides in them, and he has their dressage saddles as well. He has a cross country one that they do not make anymore that he loves.

so, since you needed a smaller seat and a smaller flap, how did the rep determine what you needed without you riding in the appropriate saddle? If you didn't try the saddle in your needed size - both seat and flap - will you still have to pay for the saddle if it doesn't "fit" you? Am asking because I did this with a custom County - added more forward flap to the saddle I tried, and saddle that arrived was NOT balanced in the same way as the saddle I tried...happily now with another owner, but I lost money. Saddle trying, saddle buying is not an easy process if you need something other than the "standard" model! :eek: :cool:

[hollyhorse2000]

Can someone "in the know" comment on the difference between Devaoucoux and Antares?

[*eventer*]

Yes they are!!I have a Devoucoux Chiberta and love it! I used to jump in an old Keiffer AP :p, and had the worst time trying to stop my leg from swinging back over fences. The Devoucoux helped a lot, I think it has a lot to do with the balance of the saddle. It just puts me in the right position. Definitely recommend them :D.

[KBG Eventer]

Well, good question! I did sit in the same size saddle I am getting except not in a monoflap um...or on a horse. I hope this saddle will work. :eek: I think it will though. The rep and my trainer simply watched me ride in the demo and determined that I needed a 16.5" seat (instead of the 17") and a 1A flap (instead of the 2A). The seat was too big, and the flap fowardness would have been okay (slightly too foward).However, my calf is normal for my height so it was too long. Does that make any sense?

I am actually not sure what would happen if the saddle arrived and did not fit. That is probably a bad thing! The rep told me he would give me a really good deal/trade in if I had a growth spurt or got a different horse (Sonny had to have a wide tree with the Devoucoux because of his solid build and large shoulders). My trainer is sponsered by them so if we got in a rut...maybe he could help us out a bit.

Antares and Devoucoux are almost basically the same. A guy who worked for Devoucoux took the plans with him when he left (presumably because he was sick of the quality of customer service of Devoucoux?). A CWD rep told me that Devoucoux and Antares use the same tree. Antares offers you different seat widths which some people like. They are about the same price.

[IQ3day14]

LOVE IT! But here is a question... Mine is custom fit to a horse I am selling. Can it be re flocked to fit my new horse??

[3Day-Eventer]

LOVE IT! But here is a question... Mine is custom fit to a horse I am selling. Can it be re flocked to fit my new horse??

I think since they are foam flocked, you'd have to completely replace the foam. Which is really expensive.
Thats why I went with a Black Country. I didnt want the hassle if my horse changed shape, or when I get a new horse.

[GreystoneKC]

I may help you because we are in similar boats... I have an old ('92) Pessoa that I adore. I love the narrow twist and wat I would consider to be a medium/shallow seat. My Pessoa has a small pencil block in front and no thigh block. I never learned to care about it well back in the day and the leather is hard and a bit slippery. I don't notice it, but if my students borrow it, they LOVE it but think it's slippery.

Well..... one of my students just got a used Devoucoux. Oh. My. Lord. I want one. It's just like my old Pessoa except soft, cushion-y, and a less slippery. It has a bigger front block than my Pessoa's pencil block and a thigh block but doesn't really *feel* different than mine. For the record, I don't like saddles that I can't get out of. I come from H/J land, so I <3 the half-seat and need my butt to be free. This saddle is my dream. I will be saving for one for when my baby finally dies. Thankfully my Pessoa is still holding up well, but one day....

[throwurheart]

I would sooner replace my horse than my Devoucoux. It improved my riding instantly and significantly. Balance mostly, I suspect, with a good measure of stickiness thrown in. Previously I'd owned saddles retailing in the 2000-3000 range, so it's not that I was riding in cheap saddles.

Now I have to find the money for a dressage Devoucoux. Sigh.

[JER]

No.

They're comfortable to sit in but are far too narrow in the gullet IMO to fit a horse properly.

I sold mine on eBay for a nice profit. :) Still don't like 'em.

[piaffeprincess98]

I think since they are foam flocked, you'd have to completely replace the foam. Which is really expensive.
Thats why I went with a Black Country. I didnt want the hassle if my horse changed shape, or when I get a new horse.

This is why I gave up the used one I had. I am so used to wool flocking and custom fittings on my horse. I asked the rep what I would do if he changed shape and he said I would send him the saddle and he would replace the foam panels all at a cost. I said "no thanks". I get my saddle refits about every year and that was just too much inconvenience.

[deltawave]

I bought a used Antares/CWD "hybrid" at a very good price after sitting in my trainer's Antares at a show and instantly falling in love. This is a used saddle, was originally an Antares (not the XC saddle, just the close contact) but had been refurbished by CWD. So the top part is an Antares, the flaps, billets, etc. are CWD.

I really, really, really like it very much. :yes: Loved my old Berney Bros to pieces, but this one is MUCH more comfortable, much more "sticky", keeps my leg in as good of a position (not great, but good, LOL, some of it is still up to me!) ;) and most importantly, fits my horse well. I think it allows my to keep two-point a little easier at the trot, so it must have better balance, although I'd have sworn the Berney was fine in that regard.

I hate 95% of saddles I sit in immediately, so finding one that made me instantly happy was worth following up on! I'm very pleased with the saddle and especially the deal I got! ;)

[Bogie]

I think since they are foam flocked, you'd have to completely replace the foam. Which is really expensive.


You can have a saddler convert from foam to wool for about $300. Not a huge deal if you love the saddle or paid $3K for it to begin with! Not everyone is that reasonable, but I had Patty (SaddleDr) quote it for me a few years ago.

That said, I have a County and love it for all the reasons that people have raved about the Devoucoux and Antares. It's very balanced, I find it helps me stay in a strong position over fences, and it fits my horse! Shame that the one I like is the Extreme, as they've discontinued that model.

[eventrider]

I am having serious problems with my Devoucoux because it does not fit any of my horses, and fits the horse it was made for the worst. It has been sent back and repaneled already, and still doesn't fit. My horses refuse to move forward in it, and I specifically asked about having it reflocked with wool...I was told by several saddlers that this was NOT possible with the Devoucoux, because of the way the panels are made. Just a word of warning before you shell out $4k for a saddle that you cannot use like I did.

[JER]

I am having serious problems with my Devoucoux because it does not fit any of my horses, and fits the horse it was made for the worst. It has been sent back and repaneled already, and still doesn't fit. My horses refuse to move forward in it, and I specifically asked about having it reflocked with wool...I was told by several saddlers that this was NOT possible with the Devoucoux, because of the way the panels are made. Just a word of warning before you shell out $4k for a saddle that you cannot use like I did.

eventrider, you and I have had the same experience with Devoucoux.

I did have my Devoucoux repaneled and flocked with wool. It still didn't fit.

My vet, who is certified in chiro/osteo/accupuncture, told me flat out he thought the saddle was a poor fit for horses as a species. He knows nothing about saddle snobbery but spends a good deal of time looking at saddle fit. He said the panels were poorly shaped (too much slope) and the gullet was way too narrow -- and this last thing is hard to change (I tried).

I noticed that most of the Devoucoux devotees at my riding club used a princess-and-the-pea array of pads underneath. They had all kinds of bogus reasons why they 'had to have' this pad and that pad but the truth is, the saddle should fit the horse without a pad.

[Hony]

I love my Devoucoux. It fits great and I only use a sheepskin half pad under it.

[eventrider]

JER,

The saddle fitter told me that the stirrup bars are recessed into the gullet of the tree, which makes the rider LOVE the feel, but means that only 1% of horses will the saddle fit....so basically the same thing that your guy told you. The gullet is too narrow and in this specific case, the stirrup bars hit the horses in the back when they lift their backs to use them properly. It is funny you mentioned the use of pads, because I asked several other ULR's who have Devoucouxs if they had had any saddle fit problems and all of them said, I don't know, I just use a thick half pad under it. My horses must be way more sensitive or something, because they refused to do anything in the Dev. So now I have a basically brand new saddle I need to sell I guess!
I have heard good things about the Stackhouse saddles however.

[vali]

I've had two Antares, which I think are similar to Devacoux. I went with Antares over Devacoux because they offer a 30 day full money back guarantee if for any reason you don't like the saddle. I think there is always a risk with customs that they will not fit perfectly and I've known people who ordered a Devacoux and didn't have it fit, and they were stuck. My Antares fit my TB's well and I loved the balance. Unfortunately my saddle did not fit my new mare, a Connemara cross, and none of the demo saddles the dealer had really seemed to fit her. For her odd shape wool-flocked seems to be the only way to go.

[Shortstroke]

A friend who owned 3 Devoucoux saddles and loved hem told me that professionals love the Devoucoux because it fits them and they ride such a variety of horses that they don't worry about it fitting the horse - they just pad it up. My understanding is that it is a rider's saddle and doesn't fit most horses.

[kiwifruit]

Okay...I sat in my friends devoucoux today and can I tell you that I fell in love the minute my bottom touched the saddle. Very grippy and excellent leg position. I felt secure yet could get out of the tack when needed. I'm pretty sure it fit my guy as well. Lots of clearance by the withers, pretty level and equal. Much better than my Pessoa which I need at least two pads to ride in it. Just to be on the safe side, I ordered a test ride from VTO Saddlery 1. the amerigo vega monoflap and the new prestige monoflap event saddle. I rode in a Nona Garson Prestige saddle one time and really hated it so I'm not sure if the monoflap version will work. I really, really like the Devoucoux but just briefly searching the net for a used event model has been tough. Any thoughts on the vega and the prestige?

Thanks again for the insight!

[Putter]

I have a Vega jump saddle (not monoflap) and I LOVE it!

It was a nightmare trying to find a decent saddle to fit me (short legs) and my new horse (TB with a sensitive back). After an intense search spanning many weeks and countless saddles, I sat in a Vega at a local tack store. I fell in love. The Vega was very comfortable, and it clearly fit my horse better than any of the other saddles that I had tried. My saddle fitter quickly agreed.

For me, the advantages of the Vega are the wool flocking and the options in tree size (6 options from narrow-x wide) and flap length (5 options from pony-extra long).

If I ever need another saddle, I plan on starting my search with Amerigo.

[pegasusmom]

My son has been riding in a Devoucoux Chiberta for about three years - loves it - we fight over it when we are hacking out horses. I usually lose. We check saddle fit frequently - both with a saddle fitter and my equine chiropractor and have not had any issues with soreness.

Eventrider - if you are using the saddle fitter I think you are - he was not impressed with Stackhouse saddles. . .

[gully's pilot]

My Gully is an ultra-wide Connemara, the dead opposite of most high-withered Thoroughbreds. I had a devil of a time finding a saddle to fit him--my wide Steubben was hopeless--but for whatever reason, my Devocoux fits him well. He's not squeamish about letting me know when his back's uncomfortable.

In fact, my first Devoucoux was stolen from my tack room--lost 7 saddles, 12 girths, 8 bridles and all my worm paste--and I searched far and wide to find the exact same model, because I was afraid any small deviation would upset the way it fit Gully.

[eventrider]

Dana....thanks for the input!!

Greg is actually the person who told me if I use the Dev on ANY of my horses he will kill me! Great to hear after spending all that money huh? And the saddle fitter you are thinking of is the one who told me about the stirrup bars, and told me that my Dev would not ever fit any of my horses decently enough to ride in. Maybe I got a dud! I haven't asked him about the Stackhouses though..but good to know his opinion!

Christan

[GreystoneKC]

Okay...I sat in my friends devoucoux today and can I tell you that I fell in love the minute my bottom touched the saddle. Very grippy and excellent leg position. I felt secure yet could get out of the tack when needed. I'm pretty sure it fit my guy as well. Lots of clearance by the withers, pretty level and equal. Much better than my Pessoa which I need at least two pads to ride in it. Just to be on the safe side, I ordered a test ride from VTO Saddlery 1. the amerigo vega monoflap and the new prestige monoflap event saddle. I rode in a Nona Garson Prestige saddle one time and really hated it so I'm not sure if the monoflap version will work. I really, really like the Devoucoux but just briefly searching the net for a used event model has been tough. Any thoughts on the vega and the prestige?

Thanks again for the insight!

We took the Nona Prestige on trial before the Dev. My student loved the tight feel of the Nona, but it didn't fit her horse AT ALL! I liked the saddle for my student, personally I would like it for jumping 3'6" and up, but felt a tiny bit too tight for me personally for flatwork and lower jumping. It was comfy however. The problem was not that the people didn't like it but that it was terrible for the horse. The panels are extremely banana shaped and rocked back and forth on his back! We are all much happier with the Dev.

[hollyhorse2000]

I recently had a saddle fitter who also hated my Antares for the reasons stated above -- the stirrup bars are recessed so much it narrows the gullet. Sigh. It's only a year old. I love it. The tree is too wide and the panels under the cantle are not thick enough. And yes, I have a boatload of shims trying to get it all right while I figure out what to do . . . I had hoped to die and be buried with this saddle. I was going to ask Antares about making modifications, but I'm afraid the whole "recessed stirrup bar" thing is a deal-breaker. I'm trying a Talisman saddle in two weeks. Wish me luck . . .

[deltawave]

Isn't it strange how there can be so many incredibly varying viewpoints on one simple thing like a saddle? :lol:

[eventrider]

Deltawave....
It is interesting isn't it! I will say that it is the most comfortable, correct, nicest saddle I have ever sat in...and I personally LOVE it, BUT...none of my horses do so I am in a bind. I wonder if some horses are more sensitive than others, or some people are more sensitive than others. From what I have been told by the saddle fitters (not my opinion, just passing it along) the Dev's don't fit many horses, but it seems that isn't an issue with many people. Obviously they fit some horses (like Pegasusmom's son's horse), but mine doesn't seem to want to work with my horses. I WISH my horses would be fine in it because I love the saddle!!!!

[lep]

I went through TWO YEARS of trying to get one to fit my horse. The saga began when I ordered a brand new model (which has since been discontinued), and when it arrived more than 3 months later, it was not what I had ordered AT ALL. I waited a couple more months before they told me that they couldn't make the model I wanted in anything but a 17 (the saddlefitter told me I needed a 17.5). So they talked me into getting the model I wanted in a 17, so I gave in and waited another 3 months for the 17 to arrive. Well of course it didn't fit me, and if I'm paying over $4k for a saddle, I want it to fit the horse AND me. So then they told me they would send me different demo models and they would make me a new model and fit my horse via pictures. Well I think I went through 2 more saddles (waiting at least 3 months for each one), and when I got the last one and the gullet was not even wide enough to sit on the sides of my horse's spine, I gave up, got a nearly full refund, and got a Stackhouse instead. The SH saddles might be a little more (but I think the Devoucouxs are close to $4500 now and the SH are from $4500-$5000), but it was worth it to have the saddlemaker come fit the saddle.

So, all this being said, the Devoucoux saddles are very very nice as long as they fit.

[Painted Wings]

I'm planning on seriously looking at the Chiberta at Rolex. This is good input for me to keep in mind when looking. I'll have my horse there so can check the fit on him too. What sort of issues should I look for in horse fit? My horse is a paint horse but not as wide as some. He's normally in a medium or medium/wide tree. More medium now that he's been foxhunting in the winter. It's definitely slimmed him down.

[*Trinity*]

I just bought the Amerigo Vega from VTO Saddlery a couple weeks ago. I was originally looking at second hand Devoucoux's, but couldn't find one with my seat size and flap without going new... which I couldn't afford. The Vega is an absolute God-send. My horse is nearly impossible to fit (the Devoucoux didn't fit him right, but I'd been riding in them for quite a while with padding to make it decent) and the Vega sits on him like it was perfectly custom made. My horse is VERY picky about what saddle is on his back and if there's something amiss, he will let you know. He is very content in the Vega. I couldn't be happier about it for me, either - it is wonderfully secure, like the Chiberta, and padded. I am glad I bought the Vega instead of a Devoucoux for several reasons: price (VTO Saddlery has a great deal on it, and the customer service is incredible. You'll get the saddle within two days!). Fit (it fits my horse perfectly). Billets (the billets, unlike the Devoucoux, are attached seperatley under the flap. They can move back and forth to balance the saddle properly. I found the Devoucoux billets so annoying! You have to use a certain type of pad to be able to put them through the billet straps and it's practically impossible to attach a breast collar.).

The leather on the Vega is gorgeous. Buttery and soft.
The only difference that I feel with the Vega is the depth of the seat - it's much shallower. However, I much preffer it. This is personal preference, of course.
In total, if I ever shop for saddles again, I will go straight to Amerigo. I couldn't be more thrilled with my purchase.

[beeblebrox]

"eventrider
having serious problems with my Devoucoux because it does not fit any of my horses. I specifically asked about having it reflocked with wool...I was told by several saddlers that this was NOT possible with the Devoucoux, because of the way the panels are made."


I have no idea about your fit issues and sorry to hear about those problems but your latter statement is false. Firstly I have 2 devoucoux saddles and one I did have re-done in wool by a saddle fitter who does attends shows. In fact it was done at the show and has ended up my favorite saddle as with the wool it is my most diverse jumping saddle.

Sadly I did have one of Devoucoux remade with some argument with company and it turns out it was the rep and guess what she NO longer works for them ;-) The newer Devoucoux is buffalo which was not as soft when it came but rocks over calf skin for wear and tear.

Have A CWD on the way as the company offered me a deal I could not refuse and I like the red hat lol JK buy seriously I will see how I like the CWD compared to my 2 Devoucoux's

[ZEBE]

Well, my experience with my Devoucoux has been wonderful. My horse, who was prone to a sore back, has been fine -actually better -since jumping in the Devoucoux (Chiberta). It's helped my position alot which I think helped his back. I've been riding in mine for 3 seasons. We just ordered one for my husband, and the gullet and padding is the same as the Vega, and other saddles, and fit our TB very nicely. So, I guess it's personal preference. Also, the 1st dressage saddle my husband had was foam and then he had it restuffed with wool.. after several years. Considering what you pay for a saddle, it didn't seem unreasonable. So.. I think it boils down to personal preference- and what works with your horse in the end. I ended up with the Ameriego Vega monolflap dressage, because Devoucoux was very honest about not being able to get a very short flap ( I'm 4'11 3/4 :-) that would fit me correctly, and I love that one too.
It's only taken me 20 years to find saddles that really seem to fit me and work very well with my horse(s).

[kiwifruit]

Just an update on the saddle search. I tried the Prestige, didn't fit my horse, tried the Amerigo Vega, fit the horse great but really hurt my seat bones when I rode in it. So now I'm waiting to try an Antares Monoflap but problably going to buy a Devoucoux Chiberta. Now how do I get one? I tried finding a used one online which is next to impossible or they are in England. I tried contacting a representative but no response. Someone at the barn suggested that the company goes to major horse shows so I'm thinking Devon is right around the corner, maybe I could find one there? Any other suggestions? I'm located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Thanks!

[TexasTB]

try www.fineusedsaddles.com

They always have some chibertas for sale

[highlands]

In my opinion, when you're spending that much money on a saddle there is no reason not to get it custom fitted to you and your horse. There are variations in the foam panels, flaps, girthing, etc. A Devoucoux rep will fit not only your horse, but also you and help to find the perfect balance that Devoucouxs are so well known for.

The reps are generally quite accomodating, and Devoucoux has been a wonderful company to work with in my experience. PM me if you'd like help getting in touch with specific reps or people at the main NJ office.

Good luck! You won't regret your decision.

[Painted Wings]

If you can make it to Rolex they are always there. I'm planning on getting a test ride/fit of the Chiberta at Rolex. I outride so my horse will be there too. I can't wait, it's only a couple of weeks away. I'll probably have to stop by the Dubarry booth and get a couple of glasses of Champagne before I have the nerve to order a Devoucoux though.

[kiwifruit]

Thanks for the contact info. I've been checking in daily to fine-used saddles as well as the devocoux site as well for used chibertas. Nothing on the market yet. I guess I'll just have to be patient and hope my friend does not get sick of me borrowing her devoucoux! It is a really great saddle. Even after riding the Prestige and the Vega, they don't compare to the feel of the Devoucoux!

[yellow rose]

ebay! i got a great deal on my XC saddle -- a devoucoux ioldy. great condition. and fits all of my horses. i also bought a prestige monoflap dressage from ebay!

[wanderlust]

Christan- I had the same problem with the Devoucoux. I loved it, but the horse it was made to fit ended up so back sore that he was practically crippled. They made a brand new one when the new rep came on board, it was marginally better, but I disliked it.

I got a CWD for my new horse about a month ago. The seat is not as comfortable as the Devoucoux or Antares, but the balance is just exceptional. The general construction and fit seems much kinder to the horse as well.

[ChampionMercedes]

I have the Milady dressage model. I bought it second hand and was lucky that it fit my horse very well. I love it. It's well balanced and extremely comfortable. I'm a hunter convert and I wanted a saddle without a super deep seat. The flatter seat & monoflap make the saddle feel just right. My horse is sensitive to how things feel on his back and he moves forward and happy in this saddle (and he's not one for liking to move forward - ask our own mademoiselle ;)). It's buffalo so I hope it stands up to the tests of time. I do baby it quite a bit. My horse is a more narrow TB, perhaps the trees are made for a lighter more narrow horse and not for something super wide.

[FrittSkritt]

I've ridden in my friend's monoflap XC, and it was just "OK." I think saddle brands like Devoucoux have boosted their status by ULRs frequently using them, particularly P. Dutty and others who have gotten them for free. :) Otherwise -- the best fitting saddle for me, and my horse is the top saddle in my list. :winkgrin:

[headsortails]

I call mine the "supercoux" it is the best saddle ever

[dhorse]

I am totally in love with my Antares saddle and the feelings of comfort and security that it offers. I found it at Rolex and it was formerly owned, but it fits me and my horse like it was custom. If you're going to Rolex, check out both booths. Sometimes just sitting in one is all you need to make a decision. My Antares is like heaven. Diane

[WWGeorgeMorrisD]

People spend that much on a saddle and don't get it fitted to the horse? No way!!! :eek:

[c_expresso]

While sitting in a Devoucoux is like sitting on a cloud in heaven, EVERYONE I know that has one has had it NOT fit their horses, even though it was custom made.

I would go with Black Country or Stackhouse.

[RunForIt]

While sitting in a Devoucoux is like sitting on a cloud in heaven, EVERYONE I know that has one has had it NOT fit their horses, even though it was custom made.

I would go with Black Country or Stackhouse.

AMEN!

[kiwifruit]

Question...do they charge more for a custom made saddle at Devoucoux? Or is it the standard price as advertised on their website.

[KBG Eventer]

It is the price listed on the website.

[RunForIt]

It is the price listed on the website.

I'll be glad to hear that you received yours. You have an amaaing ablity to analyze things...will want to ask you some questions regarding your new saddle - AND, hoping its absolutly the best thing you and Sonny ever had between you!

[kiwifruit]

Just got back from the barn after the Devoucoux representative, Eric, came out to fit me for a saddle. I fell in love with the chiberta and ordered one! Thanks Lindsay for putting me in touch with Eric! I told him about how you helped me with the contact. Hopefully he will do something nice for you in return for the reference. Eric was great and spent time with me finding the right size. And he is very cute too! Maybe that is why they sell so many saddles...cute, french representatives! Anyway, they are that great! Thanks for all of the feeback on the saddle. Now I just need to wait for it!

[KBG Eventer]

I wonder if Eric was the same rep I had! He came from HITs when I was in FL and was a really nice guy.

[KBG Eventer]

I'll be glad to hear that you received yours. You have an amaaing ablity to analyze things...will want to ask you some questions regarding your new saddle - AND, hoping its absolutly the best thing you and Sonny ever had between you!

Almost! It is scheduled to get here on May 9th. Eric went over the prices with me when he fitted Sonny. Then, my mom talked to him on the phone and gave him the debit card number. We were a bit worried because the money had not been taken out of the account but then the amount we agreed on was taken out recently, and we got a message on the answering machine saying when it should be here.

[Painted Wings]

I tried it out on Wednesday and didn't give it back. Actually I had to take it back Sunday to have them ship it so I didn't have to pay all the sales tax. So I can't wait for it to arrive.

[sharri13]

Kiwi - wait until you meet Olivier, their French saddle fitter/adjuster!

[luise]

I got at Rolex one of Phillip Dutton's old Makila dressage saddles! I shipped it home, so I won't be getting it until Thursday. I can't wait to try it! I really hope it works out. It felt so perfect when I sat in it...

[lizathenag]

didn't read the thread but mine is that great.
love it.
I am a better rider because of it.

[FoxChaser]

I have lusted after a Chiberta for forever and finally sat one at Rolex. Ugh!! It put me on the very front of my pelvis. I felt for all the world like a HUS rider :( How disappointing! The Black Country Tex Eventer, however.... that was a totally different story :)

[Equito Dressage]

I have a few clients who had devoucoux dressage saddles, all three of them are selling the saddles the main problems are: lack of shoulder freedom, too tightly fitted to allow normal back movement, the lack of ability to easily refit the saddles as the horses change shape with age or training.
One clients horse just got new panels in his saddle, and it came back not even allowing one finger between the pommel and his back, needless to say, he was painful after one ride even with the pad the devoucoux rep sent to relieve the pressure. The result was resistance in the bridle, reluctance to engage his hind end and to come over his back into the bridle.
I cannot reccomend the dressage saddles, I do think that the jumping saddles are much better than the dressage saddles.

[SparklePlenty]

Okay...I sat in my friends devoucoux today and can I tell you that I fell in love the minute my bottom touched the saddle. Very grippy and excellent leg position. I felt secure yet could get out of the tack when needed. I'm pretty sure it fit my guy as well. Lots of clearance by the withers, pretty level and equal. Much better than my Pessoa which I need at least two pads to ride in it. Just to be on the safe side, I ordered a test ride from VTO Saddlery 1. the amerigo vega monoflap and the new prestige monoflap event saddle. I rode in a Nona Garson Prestige saddle one time and really hated it so I'm not sure if the monoflap version will work. I really, really like the Devoucoux but just briefly searching the net for a used event model has been tough. Any thoughts on the vega and the prestige?

Thanks again for the insight!

Kiwi!!! How are you!!

The vega is really unbalanced and i though i like the prestige, i've got to tell you about my secret unknown saddle!!! that isn't near the cost of the Devoucoux!

I just bought an Albion Ultima Kontact!! and i absolutely love it ... super super balanced, fantastic leather - OMG it's great!! I would recommend it to anyone i know and feel super confidant backing my word on it. It's a newer saddle to the states but has been used over in England for quite some time.. I actually think Albion is now Sponsoring Leslie Law.

PM me for more details!

[EventMore]

I have had a chiberta for the last few years that I like very much for myself, but I am not happy with the pressure it puts on the horses' backs.

Devoucoux are thinly foam flocked and the foam has corners around the edges. My own horse - who it was made for - actually developed muscle under the saddle, confirmed by my vet. When he is wet you can see the perfect imprint of the saddle on his otherwise well-muscled back. The vet (who is a big upper level event vet in Area 2) told me she sees this fairly often in the all-devoucoux barns. They generate a lot of pressure on the horses' backs, and the materials and balance do not ease it well enough.

No, they can't be re-flocked for a new horse - they can be sent in and re-built. Devoucoux also has an aggressive trade in policy.

I would say by all means get a top of the line jumping saddle - you'll be amazed at the difference. But look at several brands. I've switched to Amerigo and am very happy with the saddle, the service, and the knowledgeable sales manager. The construction (and the fit theory) is very different than the Antares, Dev, and Butet "french" saddles. Call World Equestrian directly and get the info on the saddle from the top - it's an interesting story.

Albion and Black Country are wool flocked and great fit and quality, but the balance point of the seat is too far back for all but the longest-legged riders, so save your time unless you're tall.

For other brands, I have several students in Prestige Nona Garsons and Prestige eventers, and they are great for them. Similar balance and forwardness to the Devs. for much less $.

But I suppose I'll be putting my Chiberta on eBay soon...

[LessonLearned]

I always thought I wanted a Devoucoux jumping saddle, but last year at Rolex I got a great deal on a Godignon Jump In Connection saddle. Still pricey but a wonderful fit for me and my (hard to fit) horse.

I LOVE it and it is incredibly well made. I don't know if they will be there this year, but they have lovely saddles and the rep is extremely nice and helpful.

[Catalina]

I rode in my trainer's Chiberta and I LOVED it. It fit my horse well and he absolutely HATED it. He was refusing to go forward, kicking out, etc. I figured he was just having a bad day and I decided to go ahead and get one. I contacted the rep, who said she would get back with me when she was going to be in the area. That was 5 months ago and I have still heard nothing. About a month ago, I decided to check out BC, and I am now waiting for my Tex Eventer to arrive. Based on what I have read about Devoucoux, I am glad that the rep never called me :yes:.

[tx3dayeventer]

I just bought an Albion Ultima Kontact!! and i absolutely love it ... super super balanced, fantastic leather - OMG it's great!! I would recommend it to anyone i know and feel super confidant backing my word on it. It's a newer saddle to the states but has been used over in England for quite some time.. I actually think Albion is now Sponsoring Leslie Law.

PM me for more details!

I don't think Albion is new to the States as I got mine almost 10 years ago and my coach, Jim Graham, was sponsored by them for many years (starting as early as the 90's). I just think that they don't advertise as much as the larger name-brands. Its like a really good secret. Those who know, KNOW and those who don't, look at other brands ;) You will have to pry my Legend 5000 out of my cold, dead hands!!!! Best saddle!!

[SparklePlenty]

I don't think Albion is new to the States as I got mine almost 10 years ago and my coach, Jim Graham, was sponsored by them for many years (starting as early as the 90's). I just think that they don't advertise as much as the larger name-brands. Its like a really good secret. Those who know, KNOW and those who don't, look at other brands ;) You will have to pry my Legend 5000 out of my cold, dead hands!!!! Best saddle!!

Doh!! I mean that model is fairly new to the states. The Kontrol has been around for a while, but my understanding is the Kontact is new! :)

But i do LOVE my saddle!

[SevenDogs]

Have a Devoucoux Chiberta and, yes, it really is that great.

[ZiggyStardust]

I have heard similar around here about it being a rider's saddle, not a horse's saddle. There was a Devoucoux craze here a few years ago and then apparently a lot of people got rid of them when they started causing problems with the horses' backs. The craze after that has been CWD. I have heard also about the problem for the horse with the recessed stirrup bars. Take it with a grain of salt since I have not owned a Devoucoux myself. I did however buy a different foam-flocked saddle which was again perfect for me but ended up being terrible for my horse. I would not buy another foam-flocked saddle.

[joharavhf]

I am having serious problems with my Devoucoux because it does not fit any of my horses, and fits the horse it was made for the worst.

Christan, did you ever get this whole ordeal worked out???

I love my Devoucoux. It fits great and I only use a sheepskin half pad under it.

WHY if it fits so great, are you using a sheepskin half pad? Why not just a baby pad???? Sounds like the saddle is too wide.


Albion and Black Country are wool flocked and great fit and quality, but the balance point of the seat is too far back for all but the longest-legged riders, so save your time unless you're tall.

I definitely disagree with this sentiment :winkgrin: I have an Albion Original Comfort dressage saddle (short flap) AND a brand new Black Country Quantum. I have SHORT STUMPY legs. I'm 5'1" on a very good day. And did I mention I'm stumpy? These saddles fit me and my horse very very well.
(And I definitely would not consider myself long from hip to knee - the majority of my leg length is from my knee to foot....exact opposite of what a rider SHOULD be :lol:).

I think the best way to determine saddle fit is to actually SIT in the saddle you intend to buy!

[mybelle]

I didn't get through this entire thread, but I had seen a thread here not too long ago on how difficult reps for the company had been to deal with, which shocked me especially when I found out how incredibly expensive they are. OP, I'd check out the thread I'm referring to (do a search) before investing.

[Hony]

WHY if it fits so great, are you using a sheepskin half pad? Why not just a baby pad???? Sounds like the saddle is too wide.


In fact the saddle fits very well and my horse has one of the soundest backs I've felt. I like half pads because they are a natural fibre that is very absorbent. It's not like I put a whole sheep under my saddle, just a piece of one :D

[Hilary]

Getting a bit off topic, but my TB just loved the "sheepy" next to his skin. The saddle fit fine but he liked the cushion -he was on the thinner side. I think they breathe well.

[eventrider]

Funny you should ask! My replacement Devoucoux just got here today. I had the saddle fitter out today and he was quite impressed with the fit of the saddle on my horse. He was the same fitter that HATED the other devoucoux. He said the new one was the best fit he had ever seen in a Devoucoux for a particular horse. I haven't ridden in it yet but I had them change the seat for me and add the biggest knee blocks they could and it looks perfect as far as that. I will let you know once I ride in it how I and the horse like it!

Christan

[eventer_mi]

I have to second the plug for the Albion Ultima Kontact. I bought one, brand new (only girthed up once), for $1100 USD and had it shipped over from England. I figured I could sell it if it didn't work out. It's lovely. The leather is scrumptious, hard wearing (after a month of riding in it, it still looks brand new), and it fits my boy wonderfully - gotta love that wool flocking. I actually like flatting in this saddle, as well as jumping - I loved my Antares for jumping but not for flatting.

Oh, and I'm fairly average in height - 5'5, with a fairly long thigh. I don't feel like this saddle's balance point is too far back.

[Gry2Yng]

I think since they are foam flocked, you'd have to completely replace the foam. Which is really expensive.
Thats why I went with a Black Country. I didnt want the hassle if my horse changed shape, or when I get a new horse.

I rode in the Dev for many years. Needed a new saddle in 2000 when I bought a new horse. Dev was having production/distribution problems. One of their guys had JUST started Antares so I bought an Ant. Balance is equally as good. Wouldn't ride in anything else. Customer service with Ant has been outstanding all along. Ordered a custom saddle in 2002, saddle was stolen 4 weeks after delivery. They put me to the head of the line on the new saddle, I even changed the leather, and I had the replacement in 3 weeks.

These saddles have foam panels, which I changed a few times. In 2005 I had the foam replaced with wool for a custom fit thru another saddle maker. I am sure Ant would not endorse this, but I still love the saddle.

[joharavhf]

I can understand the "liking the feel of sheepskin" next to their skin. I really can. But if I put a sheepskin under either of my saddles that have been professionally fitted they just don't sit right. I do much better with a baby pad or something similar to that.

Christan, good to hear! Hopefully you'll love it and so will the horse! Lord knows you've been through enough to get a good saddle fit!!!!

[wef26]

They really are great and the reps are so helpful with everything. They strive to make things great, I have ridden in both the monoflap and a normal flap and love both of them.

[sofiethewonderhorse]

I have ridden in Devoucoux Dressage and Chiberta for 5 years.

Love my Chiberta!

I just bought a Vega, I won't say I have retired the Devoucoux Dressage Saddle....the Vega is definately preferred!

Good luck!

Okay...I sat in my friends devoucoux today and can I tell you that I fell in love the minute my bottom touched the saddle. Very grippy and excellent leg position. I felt secure yet could get out of the tack when needed. I'm pretty sure it fit my guy as well. Lots of clearance by the withers, pretty level and equal. Much better than my Pessoa which I need at least two pads to ride in it. Just to be on the safe side, I ordered a test ride from VTO Saddlery 1. the amerigo vega monoflap and the new prestige monoflap event saddle. I rode in a Nona Garson Prestige saddle one time and really hated it so I'm not sure if the monoflap version will work. I really, really like the Devoucoux but just briefly searching the net for a used event model has been tough. Any thoughts on the vega and the prestige?

Thanks again for the insight!

[PercyandTucker]

Need a saddle fitter for horse near erie and Cleveland. It's for a devoucoux and an Ashland. Please suggest . . .

[horsecents]

Not sure about the Ashland but I have met the Devoucoux rep at North White Stables in Gates Mills just outside of Cleveland. I have also work with the lady from Saddles 101 located north of Pittsburgh. You should be able to find info on both through Google.

[JWB]

I rode in a friend of mine's Devocoux saddle and YES, it was SUPER comfy for me, but my horse didn't like it.

In the end I looked over to the Albion jump saddles (yes, they do more than dressage) and I LOVE it. It's super comfy for me and my horse, and I've never felt quite so secure.

It was also $1500 less.

[RunForIt]

For me and Rasta, ABSOLUTELY, at least for jumping...looking to get fitted for a proper dressage saddle late winter...will look at Stackhouse along with that lovely Makila...:cool:

[JWB]

I got my saddle from this site and they were great to deal with

Man, those spammers are getting tricky. Reported.:o

[SEPowell]

For me and Rasta, ABSOLUTELY, at least for jumping...looking to get fitted for a proper dressage saddle late winter...will look at Stackhouse along with that lovely Makila...:cool:
Be careful with Stackhouse. When he came to my house (at my expense) he did not have his full compliment of trees and so in the fitting process said I know the tree that you want without actually having it there to put on her back. When the saddle arrived it fit me beautifully but gapped on her. I called him immediately and he became indignant and said "you ladies who look on the internet and think you know something about saddle fitting don't know what you're talking about. I measured your horse and the saddle fits her. Just put the saddle on the d@#n horse and go for a ride." :eek: I backed down and used it and really hurt my horse, causing muscle atrophy in her back, muscle spasms as well as causing her to interfere behind, forge and trip behind.

I've been using a half tree steeplechase saddle and she's finally moving well again and jumping well also. She actually enjoys flat work and can lift her back, which I'd given up on.

Her chiropractor suggested an Amerigo CC for her back and I have one to try but at this point am loath to spend another nickel on a saddle when the little half tree works so well.

I haven't pursued the Stackhouse saddle issue because about a month after getting the saddle my mare got lyme very badly and had the whole year off so I didn't mess her back up with it until this past spring. Besides, it fits another mare well and I did use it with her. I had a saddle for the other mare which I sold when I started using the Stackhouse on her.

So the moral of the story is, regardless of reputation mistakes are made. If a saddlemaker says he's going to show up with trees to fit your horse and you pay him to do that don't stand there politely and not mention it like I did. I paid him to come prepared and he didn't and then I was too meek to face him with it. And in the end the horse suffered for it.

[JustABay]

Jumping in way late here!

As a recent convert from hunterland, I had always ridden in my beloved Childeric saddle....Until my horse went dead lame from it. After much treatment and moolah spent, I was saddle-less and searching on a miniscule budget of 1k. I must have ridden in about 100 saddles and hated them all, plus most didn't fit my TB. In frustration, I called a new fitter (who came highly recommended by my trainer) to see what she could do. She wound up putting me in contact with a saddle maker who could re-make the panels and flock them with wool - this guy also did some warranty work for Childeric as well.

Saddle came back a few weeks later, and fit like a glove. I couldn't even tell the panels weren't the originals (well, they were kinda orangey at first :lol:) Now I have the option to have the saddle re-flocked as my guy changes shape, and if/when I get another horse.

It cost me about $800, but IMO was TOTALLY worth it. Please feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions :)

[flyingchange]

I got to ride in some Devoucouxs several years ago when I was a working student for a trainer who was sponsored by them. I really didn't get what all the fuss was about with them. While they were very comfortable to ride in for me, they didn't fit the horses they were intended for. Their backs were SO sore. It was ridiculous. Not at all impressed by the Devocoux rep when he came out. More interested in schmoozing with the trainer than looking at saddle fit. Which, since they are foam paneled, made any adjustment a moot point anyway (without doing a serious makover to the saddles).

In talking about saddle brands with my saddle fitter, they have come up. He despises them. They are not made for horses.

On the flip side, I got to try an Albion jumping saddle this summer - the Kontrol I believe. WOW WOW WOW WOW. Fit the horse beautifully and me as well. Have always heard good things about Albions.

[flashwhitelock]

love chiberta on one horse. it's perfect monoflap.

love county with custom extra, extra forward flap on other.

It all depends on rider, horse and moment in time. well worth the money for both of the saddles. well worth the custom and later re-flocking/re-panelling.
both horses are now willing to lift in their backs and no longer have major sore backs with the accompanying short/shuffle stride. I will agree, saddles go in fads and the dollars charged go accordingly. A saddle is only as good as it works for you.

[seeuatx]

I had a friend say "OMG, you have to try my Devocoux, it's the best saddle ever <squeee>" when she discovered I was now looking for a jumping saddle after ending the Great Saddle Search with a new (to me) County Competitor.

I don't know why I agreed, because even used the saddle is seriously out of my price range but I did. Ha, well I didn't even get to tighten the girth on the darn thing much less ride in it, because my Pea Princess was seriously unhappy the minute it was put on her back. She is normally not a badly behaved horse, but her she was trying to kick the darn thing off her back in the cross ties :eek:

So, in the opinion of Lola (http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s95/seeuatx/Lolagrass.jpg) (and yes what ever she wants, she gets ;) ) Devocoux saddles are not all they are cracked up to be

[ebdeventer]

For what its worth-
I have an ancient Devoucoux Biarritz, (with two flaps) and I love it. It fits all the horses I put it on and it's also one of the few saddles I have sat in and immediately loved. It's around 13 years old, and it was used when I got it (5 or 6 years ago), but it looks great (although I clean it every day). It has a medium tree and wasn't fitted for any horse in particular, so I think that's part of the reason it fits so many horses so well. Anyway, I love my Devoucoux and will be saving pennies for another one! I think someone said something along the lines of "I'd rather trade my horse than my Devoucoux", and I would have to agree :)