In LOVE with a "cheap" saddle

[SLSDelmar]

First off let me make known that I come from the land of Devoucoux, Antares, the occasional CWD if you must etc... My saddle was stolen during my move to New Jersey so I had to ride in one of the schools saddles. It was a Collegiate Diploma, I'm thinking "eh, Collegiate?"

This saddle is so comfortable, put me in the perfect position. I have short legs and ride with a short stirrup, so those who are the opposite may not appreciate the model. Anyway, just thought I would bring it up. Wether it's of some quality or not, it was a nice ride. Compairable to Devoucoux or Antares by seat.

[Lessonlady]

Whatever fits you and your horse is the right one!

[Equestryn]

is it an older Collegiate? I have an older Collegiate Close Contact (when Miller made them, not Weatherbeata) that puts me in the perfect position and it's super comfortable and it's extremely balanced. I wouldn't trade it for anything... except maybe a custom saddle. Anyway, I love the collegiates. Like Lessonlady said - if you can find one that fits you and your horse, it shouldn't matter what the name on it is.

[kaazs]

I also have an older Collegiate saddle and I love it. It has fit everything I've used it with. I, on the other hand, outgrew it.

[SLSDelmar]

is it an older Collegiate? I have an older Collegiate Close Contact (when Miller made them, not Weatherbeata) that puts me in the perfect position and it's super comfortable and it's extremely balanced. I wouldn't trade it for anything... except maybe a custom saddle. Anyway, I love the collegiates. Like Lessonlady said - if you can find one that fits you and your horse, it shouldn't matter what the name on it is.

As far as I know they are pretty new, which is why I was so suprised. I always told myself I would never get another saddle new unless it was custom, and to be honest I'm totally prejudice to anything but Devoucoux, but this saddle is totally compairable.

[BeastieSlave]

My #2 daughter rides in one. I normally wouldn't have even thought about buying it, but at the time she needed something quick, was between beasties, and it was a screaming deal. I've been surprised. It's been a very decent saddle for the kid. She's had it for a couple years now. The leather has softened up, it's fit all the beasties it's needed to, and it puts the kid in a good place.

It's been an excellent value and I think I could probably sell it today for what I got it for new. No complaints.

[To the MAX]

It's been an excellent value and I think I could probably sell it today for what I got it for new. No complaints.

Actually, a friend of mine sold hers for MORE than she bought it for!

[stillknotreel]

I still have my Collegiate Ian Miller pony saddle from eons ago. I LOVE it, and can still fit in it sad to say. I will ride in it from time to time, and use it at shows on ponies I school. I now have an Antares and still have to say the Collegiate is still one of my top choices to ride in.

[Lauren!]

I've never had super high end saddles but I've had a few I consider to be quite nice... most recently a "good" Pessoa ;) and a KN dressage saddle. I like both very much, I selected them based of comfort and fit for myself and my horse.

Then I made the "mistake" of buying a Wintec 2000 off Ebay :lol: :lol: :lol:

I loooove it. I prefer it to the other two, and use it quite a bit. The only problem was that the flaps really weren't forward enough for my taste over fences... which spawned the (ebay) purchase of a Wintec Pro Jumping saddle :lol: I haven't ridden in it much yet, because it's cold and wet here... not much jumping to be done at the moment. But, I still prefer the cheaper saddles (and synthetic no less, lol). Go for whatever is comfortable and fits!

[whbar158]

Well there has to be something out there at is well made and well balanced for people that can't afford the others. I have never owned a nice saddle, but many call me a saddle snob where my horses is because I really will only ride in my saddle and none of the other ones which many of them are CHEAP (its a lesson barn). My saddle is a Crosby Prix de Nations with no knee pad or roll, it is about 10 years old now, actually still looks pretty new. I do like the Collegiate as thats what i always had when I was growing up, they will last forever, the one I had when I was 8 (which I bought used!) is still in use today its close to 20 years old and still looks fine. I mean if someone offered me a Butet for the same price yeah I'd take it, but there is no way I can pay for one! I have ridden in a few Dover Circuit saddles now and they aren't bad, but I dont think the wear very well (or maybe these kids just havent been taking care of them!)

[see u at x]

I was borrowing a friend's older Miller's Collegiate and I LOVE it! I'm still looking around to see if I can find one of my own used. However, my other friend's Prix de Nations also fits my high-withered, flat-backed TB really well, so I've been borrowing hers lately. The only thing that is killing me is NO KNEE ROLLS on either saddle!!! :lol: I know that theoretically, it's probably a good thing (and both saddles put me in a GREAT position), but it sure is a challenge to get used to!

[Vandy]

LOVE the Collegiates. I haven't sat in a new one, but I have 2 older ones. I cried when a horse fell on one of them and broke the tree. Obviously I don't use it any more, but I don't have the heart to throw it away :uhoh: I actually sold the other one to a client and then bought it back when the kid outgrew it, and still use it in my lesson program. They're great saddles, and fit my TBs better than most other saddles, even high end saddles meant for a TB.

[Dune]

Collegiates don't really "do it" for me, but then again I'm the opposite body type from you. I, too, am a "saddle snob" and my most recent buy was Euroriding jumping saddle. I bought it used and I love, love, love this saddle! :yes:

[Iride]

It was a Collegiate Diploma, I'm thinking "eh, Collegiate?"


Isn't that the one with the changeable gullet system?

[Bogie]

Consider yourself lucky to have found a saddle that works for you and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

One of my very favorite saddles is the Wintec Pro XC (no longer made). I even bought a spare! It puts me in a much better position than the 4K Schleese monoflap saddle that I used to own, just doesn't look as nice. However, the added benefits are that you stick like glue to the equisuede and it's darned easy to clean.

I liked the Wintec Pro Jump too, but wasn't quite forward enough for my long legs.

Just because a saddle costs a lot doesn't always mean that it is better!

[rugbygirl]

I've ridden in more than a few Stubben CC and Jumping saddles, tried out a Pessoa and an Antares...and keep going back to my Wintec 2000. :lol:

I haven't found anything else nearly so comfortable.

I know you can't possibly use them in the A/O ring...so I might have to go with the equivalent Bates saddle! Just love that tree. Fits my horse perfectly.

[fish]

I also have a Collegiate Diploma. I bought it for the changeable gullet system because I ride a lot of different horses, including a sales youngster who needed a wider tree than anything else I had in the barn. I like it a whole lot better than several saddles I've had which were much more expensive. Balance, fit, positioning are all good, and the leather is holding up better than that on much more expensive saddles (e.g. Prestige).

[LearnToFly]

I just bought a collegiate finalist for $500, new. It's the only saddle in the barn that fits my horse. It fits me. It's super comfy. It broke in in only 4 or 5 rides.

I'm admittedly one of the cheapest horsepeople around (I buy EVERYTHING on ebay. My bridle cost $20 and is being held together by duct tape and baling twine)... But I'll recommend collegiate to anyone.

[BeastieSlave]

Collegiates don't really "do it" for me, but then again I'm the opposite body type from you. I, too, am a "saddle snob" and my most recent buy was Euroriding jumping saddle. I bought it used and I love, love, love this saddle! :yes:

Collegiates don't 'do it' for me either and I'm a bit of a saddle snob. My kid is the opposite body type too. She has SUPER-LONG legs and is built like a beanpole. I'm really glad I didn't let that keep me from picking up the Diploma. Sure, the kid is dieing to get a PJ, but she's got a new horse and the Diploma will do just fine for now :yes:

[SLSDelmar]

Collegiates don't 'do it' for me either and I'm a bit of a saddle snob. My kid is the opposite body type too. She has SUPER-LONG legs and is built like a beanpole. I'm really glad I didn't let that keep me from picking up the Diploma. Sure, the kid is dieing to get a PJ, but she's got a new horse and the Diploma will do just fine for now :yes:

Does her leg fit the diplomas forward flap? I've known the saddle for only a few weeks but put all my taller riders in it and it's been a really terrible match for the leggy kids.

[LDavis104]

The Collegiate Diplomas are GREAT saddles. A girl at my barn has one and I've ridden in it, very comfy with a more forward flap. The quality is very nice AND the biggest bonus, they are wool flocked! You can easily have it flocked to your particular horse without having the big foam to wool conversion.

I used to ride in a Dover Circuit saddle (now have a Black Country) and the Collegiate Diploma is WAY better than the Dover saddle in leather quality and fit (to my leg anyways, I need a forward flap). Wouldn't trade my Black Country for anything, but if I were in the market for a saddle in the $1000 and below range, I'd definitely go with a Diploma.

[lcw579]

I was borrowing a friend's older Miller's Collegiate and I LOVE it! I'm still looking around to see if I can find one of my own used. However, my other friend's Prix de Nations also fits my high-withered, flat-backed TB really well, so I've been borrowing hers lately. The only thing that is killing me is NO KNEE ROLLS on either saddle!!! :lol: I know that theoretically, it's probably a good thing (and both saddles put me in a GREAT position), but it sure is a challenge to get used to!

I grew up riding in those flat as a pancake PdN and still have mine which fits me like a glove. Now when I am riding other people's horses and using their saddles, I just can't get used to all the knee rolls and thigh blocks that are so common. :lol: I'll take my flat old saddle any day!

[BeastieSlave]

Does her leg fit the diplomas forward flap? I've known the saddle for only a few weeks but put all my taller riders in it and it's been a really terrible match for the leggy kids.

Her leg does fit the saddle pretty well. She did an eq. clinic in November and I specifically asked the clinician about how she looked in the saddle. I was told she looked great in it.

The kid isn't tall, but she does have very long legs. I think she's in a slightly larger seat size (16 1/2") than she needs, but a smaller seat would have flaps that are way too short. Besides, she's 15 and I don't think there's much chance she'll get smaller, but she might just grow into the seat. I'll see if I can find a picture...

Okay, I found a picture, but it's 'too big'. Can someone tell me how to reduce it so I can attach it?

[Nski32]

A lot of the girls at the barn have been getting new saddles.. bates, butets, etc. I sit there and drool at the thought of getting a new saddle, because they are all so "pretty". Well I currently have an HDR, I rode a friends horse the other day and she has a BZ Natural ($3500) saddle....and I have to say I like my HDR better. Waaayyy more comfortable.

(and yes it did fit me good, that wasnt an issue)

[BoysNightOut]

I have the Collegiate Alumni (also with the changeable gullet system) and LOVE it! It's very comfy, and helps me in the right position.

I love Collegiates.....I've always found them really comfy.

[rideforthelaurels16]

Love my Collegiate Diploma :) I'm quite a snob about saddles, haha, and got the Diploma off eBay when I needed a saddle quickly and it was a great deal. It's the only saddle that's ever fit my horse to a T, and fits me - I have really long thighs and it works! I also love the gullet change system thing. I've had several people say that the leather is comparable with that on MUCH more expensive saddles (one of these people, my trainer back home, rides in a Jaguar so she's definitely biased, lol!).

[Iride]

Question about this saddle's "easy gullet change system".... I've heard people say that the word "easy" should be removed and stepped on, Lol. Not necessarily with regard to changing the gullet on THIS saddle, but others... anyone had to change it on this one? Was it easy to do or???

[Iride]

By the way... did anyone notice that there's an ad in the righthand column of this page for a sale on Collegiate saddles? Interesting coincidence. :yes: Link:
http://www.victorycanter.com/Collegiate-Covertible-Diploma-Close-Contact-Saddle-p-20362.html

[gypsymare]

I don't even know what mine is, heh. There's no maker's mark or stamp of any kind to identify it. I was ready to spend some big bucks for a new saddle so I went to sit in a bunch at Rick's Heritage and I fell in love with it. The leather is really superb with gorgeous craftsmanship and it was only $1200. So I thought, who cares! It fits perfectly. Anyone really familiar with saddles think they could identify it?

[BeastieSlave]

Question about this saddle's "easy gullet change system".... I've heard people say that the word "easy" should be removed and stepped on, Lol. Not necessarily with regard to changing the gullet on THIS saddle, but others... anyone had to change it on this one? Was it easy to do or???

I think it's easy - and I'm not especially handy ;) I can change the gullets on the Diploma and on my Bates in just a couple minutes (each).

For me, the key is being 'ready'. I need my screwdriver, the gullet, a place to sit where I have room to put the saddle in my lap, and a couple of uninterrupted minutes to myself. The first change was the hardest because I didn't really know what to expect. Since then, it's been no problem.

[LivviesMom]

I absolutely Love my Santa Cruz. It is by far the comfiest, well balanced saddle i have sat in for a while. I used to ride in an Antares and actually did not like it at all..

Whatever fits the horse and rider the best is the saddle you should have in my opinion.

[mortebella]

Wow, I'm glad to see this thread. I just got a Black Country which I think I'm going to love but it's majorly..."broken in" let's say and I'm pretty nervous about taking it to a show. I really think I'm going to need something more spiffy and I'd been considering the Dover Circuits...never considered a Collegiate. You guys are really making me reconsider!

[BoysNightOut]

Question about this saddle's "easy gullet change system".... I've heard people say that the word "easy" should be removed and stepped on, Lol. Not necessarily with regard to changing the gullet on THIS saddle, but others... anyone had to change it on this one? Was it easy to do or???

I almost stabbed myself in the eye with a screwdrivers trying to change the gullet, haha. Thankfully, I don't need to change it now that the right plates in. It isn't easy at all, imo. But it's worth it, with how comfy I find the saddle!

[Hawkeye_horses]

I have had a Pessoa A/O (still do but it's disintegrating -- was from the era of made in france...), Crosby PDN, Equilibrium, and that one that came out in the late '80's that was endorsed by GM but was carved out of stone (or felt like it at least), and a Thornhill Pro-Trainer. I liked the Pessoa and Thornhill best until I bought a Diploma in pursuit of the swappable gullet. I am 5'7" with LONG legs, so bought a 17" extended flap. It fits my leg the best of any I've owned and helps me stay upright in my upper body. I love the saddle and have been bidding on ebay to get another one as I sometimes have my horses boarded at more than one barn.

[jward72182]

This thread is so true for me!

My first saddle was a plain jane, no padding, flat seat Borelli I got as a present when I was 7. My grandma saved for a year to buy it for me (I didn't come from a wealthy family at all). I worked at a tack store in high school and saved up to buy a Pessoa Jubilee. I had some USET talent classes prior to going to college and had been training in the Pessoa. I took both saddles to the show and ended up showing (and winning, yay) in my Borelli! I have ridden in my fair share of $$ saddles but always revet back to the Borelli.

I recently bought a Pessoa A/O (primarily because of the awful looks I got toting my Borelli around) and have done some training rides in it. Needless to say, it will probably be for sale soon! I need to find a replacement for my 19 year old saddle but it's still in amazing condition and fits 99% of the horses I've ridden. I won't ever sell the Borelli due to sentimental value and it's the little saddle that could, but I need to have someone hide it so I will be forced to find something else! :)

[Riley0522]

Wow. I just posted a thread on the Collegiate Convertible Diploma because I've been considering buying one. Can't believe I missed this thread!! I'm glad there are lots of good reviews on them!

[nlk]

I also have an older Collegiate saddle and I love it. It has fit everything I've used it with. I, on the other hand, outgrew it.

I like the OP am also short. When I got my first horse 10yrs ago my parents got my a collegiate. Total close contact not a roll on it. I have ridden in it until this past fall when the tree gave out:cry: I would like to say that I was riding 5-6days a week and 5-10 horses a day. It fit everything! I loved it and everyone else hated it with a passion!

I wish I could find an older collegiate like that the new ones I can't get to fit anything without piling the pads on!

[Tha Ridge]

I had an old Collegiate for years... I loved it. It was one of the RD stamped ones (never did find out what that means - enlighten me?), but it was great.

Now, I wouldn't trade my Beval Devon for anything.

[Natural Horseman]

I have an HDR show jumping saddle that I bought used for only like $350, and it is unbelivably comfortable and it had held up so well. I like it because the leather gets soft but doesn't wear and tear like many of the french saddles I've ridden in and used. I also love my B.T. Crump Tomboy, it is another dream saddle thats very comfortable and I've had it for almost 4 years and it looks better than when I bought it.

Girl with a POA

[Natural Horseman]

I don't even know what mine is, heh. There's no maker's mark or stamp of any kind to identify it. I was ready to spend some big bucks for a new saddle so I went to sit in a bunch at Rick's Heritage and I fell in love with it. The leather is really superb with gorgeous craftsmanship and it was only $1200. So I thought, who cares! It fits perfectly. Anyone really familiar with saddles think they could identify it?
I could probably identify it if you want. I'm known as the tack queen at my barn because I outfit all of the horses and have saddle shopped for many people.

[gypsymare]

I'll try to get some pictures of it this weekend. I'd love to know what it is.

[Dirty Little Secret]

I have a Circuit Pro and I adore it. More than my trainer's Butet! The only other saddle I've sat in that I preferred was a Hermes (new one) and an Amerigo. But for the difference in price the Pro is fantastic!

[Hunter Mom]

Does her leg fit the diplomas forward flap? I've known the saddle for only a few weeks but put all my taller riders in it and it's been a really terrible match for the leggy kids.

We've got a few diplomas at our barn, and leggy girls end up getting pushed forward. I didn't like it for that reason - it REALLY pushed me forward. I ended up with an Alumni, which I love. It fit my horse (and was about the ONLY one that did) and fit me. I have to say - it broke in immediately and has only gotten more comfortable. I've had it about a year now, and any time someone gets in it, they are always amazed at how nice it is.

I remember when Collegiates were IT when they came out. I think they're getting back to the higher quality, which is nice for those of us who can't spend the big bucks. I would hope people would at least look at them.

[Saddith]

Tia Ridge, I believe that RD stamp stands for Ruiz Diaz, who was a saddle maker in Argentina. He made saddles for a bunch of different companies, right now I think Ovation saddles are made by his shop. Don't take my word for gospel though... I have never owned a collegiate.

I still have a crosby PDN that fits me great, but it is 30 years old now and showing its age. I don't ride in it anymore because it doesn't fit my horse - if it did, I would be using it. I have a brand new Dominus close contact (not the show jump model) that puts me in a great equitation position, but again doesn't fit my horse. =( I also have two Moritz close contact elite saddles that I bought because they don't have knee rolls or blocks, but they aren't a super great fit for my horse - but *I like them because they are flat. The saddle that does fit my horse is a newer crosby XLE, that has rolls and blocks. It's comfy for me, but I feel like my leg can't move AT ALL, which is a new concept for me coming from flat saddles. And just because, I have two synthetic wintecs, one for me and one for my husband just to trail ride in.

It's shouldn't be about a name on a saddle. It should be about fit, for both horse and rider, and quality. That doesn't always have to equal a high price tag. I was trying all kinds of saddles before finding the XLE - that was the only one that wasn't custom that fit my horse well, I got a good deal on it so I bought it. I could have been an ovation, or an HDR, or any other saddle, because it fit both of us, I bought it.

On the other hand, I do appreciate excellent leather, so I am a bridle snob. =) I have one horse, 7 saddles, 5 bridles, and enough other misc items to start my own tack store. Typing this, I realize I should really sell some things.....

[Dramapony_misty]

is it an older Collegiate? I have an older Collegiate Close Contact (when Miller made them, not Weatherbeata) that puts me in the perfect position and it's super comfortable and it's extremely balanced. I wouldn't trade it for anything... except maybe a custom saddle. Anyway, I love the collegiates. Like Lessonlady said - if you can find one that fits you and your horse, it shouldn't matter what the name on it is.

Guess what...your old Miller's Collegiate saddle is basically a new Ovation jumping saddle. The manufacturer of the old ones, now makes Ovation saddles (and not Collegiate). So if you love the old Collegiate's....try an Ovation.

[Dramapony_misty]

Tia Ridge, I believe that RD stamp stands for Ruiz Diaz, who was a saddle maker in Argentina. He made saddles for a bunch of different companies, right now I think Ovation saddles are made by his shop. Don't take my word for gospel though... I have never owned a collegiate.

I still have a crosby PDN that fits me great, but it is 30 years old now and showing its age. I don't ride in it anymore because it doesn't fit my horse - if it did, I would be using it. I have a brand new Dominus close contact (not the show jump model) that puts me in a great equitation position, but again doesn't fit my horse. =( I also have two Moritz close contact elite saddles that I bought because they don't have knee rolls or blocks, but they aren't a super great fit for my horse - but *I like them because they are flat. The saddle that does fit my horse is a newer crosby XLE, that has rolls and blocks. It's comfy for me, but I feel like my leg can't move AT ALL, which is a new concept for me coming from flat saddles. And just because, I have two synthetic wintecs, one for me and one for my husband just to trail ride in.

It's shouldn't be about a name on a saddle. It should be about fit, for both horse and rider, and quality. That doesn't always have to equal a high price tag. I was trying all kinds of saddles before finding the XLE - that was the only one that wasn't custom that fit my horse well, I got a good deal on it so I bought it. I could have been an ovation, or an HDR, or any other saddle, because it fit both of us, I bought it.

On the other hand, I do appreciate excellent leather, so I am a bridle snob. =) I have one horse, 7 saddles, 5 bridles, and enough other misc items to start my own tack store. Typing this, I realize I should really sell some things.....

HAHA! We're totally on the same page! You're right about Ruiz Diaz. You're word is gospel.

[anchorsaway]

I have an older Collegiate also(from when Miller's owned them, not Weatherbeeta). Mine is a dressage saddle, the Jessica, but I ADORE it.

It's by far one of the most comfortable dressage saddles I've ever sat in. I had it reflocked to fit my old Trak/TB and will need to be fitted again for my TB guy but it's working great right now.
My butt has sat in an Albion Legend 5000(which pitched me forward and put me in the most terrible chair seat), an Albion K2, a Schleese, an Albion GP K2, a County, a Stubben Biomex and Roxanne(? I think), and mine is still the most comfortable. The Legend came with my guy and after I pulled the Collegiate off consignment and put it on him, it put me back in my classical seat and he moved 80 billion times better. If it fits you and the horse and is comfortable, who cares? ;)

[LARGEBORE]

The RD mark on the saddle was the original maker of the Collegiate saddle Ruiz Diaz. The new Collegiates are not made by them any longer and are very much different. Ruiz Diaz now makes the Ovation saddles which are really the same as the old Collegiate saddles not the new ones,

[lovemyrobin]

I have a Crump that I bought for $450 about 7 years ago. Most comfortable saddle I've had. I also had a Bates that I paid about $2000 for which was the most uncomfortable saddle. My little Crump is still going strong and my teenager has pretty much taken possesion of it and she loves it and won't give it back. The Crump is on it's 4th horse now and going stong!

[islandrider]

It came with my horse. Though I love the quality, and the position it puts me in, something about it doesn't really work for me. It has long flaps, longer than usual. It used to work for my horse, but doesn't any more. Still, the quality is amazing. It is no wonder people like them.