Thornhill vs Duett

[chebeau]

I am looking at both right now. Considering the A/P or Trail models. My question is how do they compare quality wise. Do they hold up the same? How does the leather age? Have you found one more comfortable than the other? Other thoughts and opinions. Thanks so much!

Jessie & Bosco

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I've never tried a Thornhill, but I love my Duett Rondo. It's extremely comfortable and has a deep seat. I have a wide horse, so went with the Duett because of the hoop tree. The leather is very nice quality, especially for the price. And I love the extra-wide panels.

However, if your horse has any wither at all, Duett may not be for you. My paint/QH has the tiniest little bump of a wither, and I needed a sheepskin wither relief pad to raise the saddle a fraction so that there was sufficient clearance. But I'm talking about just a hair's breadth. On a horse with a real wither? Probably wouldn't work.

But if you have something built like, say, a old-timey Haffy, the Duett may be just what you've been looking for.

[chebeau]

Hmmm.... He does have some withers- not huge. All I want is a saddle to comfortably fit both me and my Morgan. Thought I had a good fit with a Bates Isabell, but I realized it was bridging. Thanks for the info.

Happy Riding,
Jessie & Bosco

[chai]

I bought a Duett for pony and I am very happy with the saddle. The quality is excellent and the rep was very nice about coming out and measuring our pony for a perfect fit.

[onlyanarabian]

I have a Thornhill trail and love it. I have taken it to my lessons to ride in. I ride a morgan there it fits him well. At home I ride my arabian with it and she has some high withers I have not had any problems with it.

I really like the nice seat on my Thornhill I could sit in it all day. I got mine used and the quality is pretty nice.

[chebeau]

So far this is not making the choice any easier and my husband is ready for the saddle fitting madness to end. Plus, I just want something fun to play in.

[ddashaq]

I LOVE my Thornhill, but I think that the Duetts are just a little bit better quality. Both are comfy, I chose the Thornhill because the local tackstore had one in stock in the right size and it fit my horse. He is hard to fit and I was sick of the saddle game.

[jen-s]

The Thornhill should have good wither clearance. I'm not a fan of the quality of the leather (no riding in jeans and half chaps if you want your seat/seams to last) but the one that I'm riding in seems to fit a wide variety of horses. That said, it doesn't fit *me* that well, so even though it's comfy, I hate it for serious flatwork or jumping. I'm fairly unfamiliar with Duetts though, so I can't compare the two brands.

[lwk]

No experience with Thornhill, but my Duett Largo dressage saddle is holding up well, after a couple of years of use and abuse. And it has plenty of clearance for moderate withers.

[pintopiaffe]

Um, made by the same MFG. Duett is made by the Jorge Canaves factory in Germany. Argentine leather, mfg in Germany.

So, quality is pretty much the same. ;)

Trees are different. Thornhill's XW is only about a MW in my book; Or runs about the same as a 32 or 34 in Duett--even still the tree shape is not as flat/open. OTOH, if you don't NEED stupid-wide, the Thornhills have narrower twists/waists, which tend to be more comfortable for most folks. I cannot take the twist in the Duett. They are wide enough for my couches, but hurt me. :( I really, REALLY like the saddles.

[chebeau]

Wow, this is very informative and obviously they both have their merits. Bosco is a Morgan. Finding something that is just wide enough (not crazy wide- he's a wide based on the Thorowgood chart), doesn't impede his shoulder (like a 32cm Stubben we used for too long), or bridge (the Bates) would be wonderful.

Also, on the Duett's, how small do the seats run? In that brand I'd be considering the Duett Companion Trail or Rondo. It says you should go up a size. I normally ride in 17 in. in an A/P. I am 5'2 and average weight with a longer thigh bone. Do I need an 18in.?

For the Thornhill I'd be considering maybe the Berlin (don't like the color-tobacco?) or the trail/endurance model.

Thanks again for all the info.

[pintopiaffe]

I didn't find the Duett seats terribly small. Going up 1/2 size might be fine. I felt fine in an 18" Rondo, and I am 'comfortable' in anything from a shallow 17.5 to 18.5" The deeper dressage models you want to go up a full inch.

Where you're looking at APs, I don't think you'd have to go up more than 1/2". Unless you're looking at jumping--with a long thigh, you WOULD probably have to go up at LEAST an inch--and even then the flap might be too straight in the Rondos.

Many, many folks find the Rondo to be super comfortable.

If you go through either Duett itself, or Trumbull Mtn, both Nancy's are SUPER accomodating, and the Duett test ride is generous. Because of that alone, I'd be tempted to try that first.

For the type of Morgan you're speaking of, really, I think either will do fine--it's going to come down to which YOU prefer.

[Catmando]

My vote is with the Duett Foxhunter. It will accomodate the longer thigh better than the Rondo and runs true in seat size. The blocks are adjustable/removeable and the seat is double padded :winkgrin:

[RedTahoe]

I love my Duett Rondos, too. I've never ridden in a Thornhill, but riding in the Duett is like butter :)

[ChocoMare]

Another Duett fan here! but....

If your horse is not a bit more flat-backed, the Duett can bridge. That's, alas, the issue I have right now with my Clyde-X and the Rondo 3 :no: She's a bit scoopy and it's bridging pretty badly. I'm having to find a new saddle for her :(

However, my Duett Rondo on my Percheron is a perfect fit and UBER comfy! Deep seat, comfortable, etc. And even folks who are much smaller than I haven't felt like they were swimming in the 18" seat.

Nancy at Duett will send you up to 4 saddles to try for 7 days, so holler at her.

[chebeau]

Thanks for the continued info. Off to get current tracings to send off to both to see what is recommended. You all have given me lots to to consider.

Happy riding,
Jessie & Bosco

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I was having lessons in a 17" collegiate AP, but went up to an 18" for my Duett Rondo. Fits just fine - probably because of the deep seat. I'm 5'9" and 150 lbs with freakishly long thighs.

My tiny elfin little RI finds my saddle impossible to ride in, however. The twist is way too wide for her.

[islgrl]

I have the Duett Presto and I love it. I did not have to go up in seat size. My horse is not overly wide, but I tried it along with two other used "fancier" saddles and found that it was by far the most comfortable of the three. I've only had it a year, and it only gets ridden in when I jump which is less than once a week (way less, more like once a month) so I can't tell you how it holds up under daily use, but I truly like this saddle and would recommend it.

[baymare]

This is pertinent to my current saddle search for a very wide QH pony mare in my riding school. She is adorable, I love her, but she is a saddle fit nightmare. I tried both a Rondo and a Companion Trail, both rode up her neck. (Did I mention she is also a little croup high?) I had a saddle fitter out with a variety of (mostly very expensive!) saddles including the Detente and a couple of Black Countrys. No dice. I was reading about Thornhill as a possibility, allegedly they are used out west by folks with big ol'fashioned QH's when they want to ride in an English class. So any more input on Thornhill would be appreciated, especially about dealers in the NE and trial possibilities.

[chebeau]

Sent measurements to Thornhill today as I think their trail saddle looks like fun. Plus, since Bosco has some withers I don't think the Rondo will work. I may check the Foxhunter model though. I really appreciate all the input.

Happy Riding,
Jessie

[Camp Girl]

Try both and see what you think. I have two Duetts... an Encore and a Foxhunter Companion. Love them both and they have held up well. They do tend to run a little small so I went up a seat size. In other saddles I have had, I've taken a 17" seat, but the 18" in the Duetts worked better (sitting centered with room between me and the pommel and me and the cantle). For reference I am 5'7.5", have a longer thigh, and typically wear a 8, sometimes a 10 pant/jean.

The Duetts are more hoop shaped in the tree than the Thornhills which are slightly more Ved. Models within each brand differ slightly -- for example, my Duett Encore is a 36cm but I had to go up to a 38cm tree in the Foxhunter because it is slightly more narrow. In the Allegro, which I also looked at, I would have needed a 40cm because it was more narrow yet.

For Duett, you can either work with the company directly, or I really loved working with Trumbull Moutain too. You can send wither tracings in to both and they will send you saddles to try. Good luck!

[ZELLA]

I tried both brands for my immensely wide Morgan x Welsh Cob and liked both as far as the quality of leather for the price. Several Duett models I tried didn't quite fit either the cob or me, and I ended up buying the Thornhill JC Berlin from Adams Pet Supplies (they often have great deals on Thornhill demo models). Four years later, the saddle still looks great, rides comfortably, and doesn't make my mare sore.

[chebeau]

A Thornhill Pro-Trainer Event is what we are going with. After sending measurements to Thornhill and speaking on the phone with them, this was decided as the best option. We'll have to wait and see. Can't wait to try it. Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.

Happy Riding,
Jessie & Bosco

[LAMS21075]

I've been through my own personal saddle fitting hell with my Belgian/QH cross. We started off with a Wintec wide but after hundreds of dollars and three saddle fitters, we finally figured out it wasn't working for me. I had a different saddle fitter bring me a Duett and a Thorowgood T6 Broadback.

I hated the Duett. It felt like I was sitting on a brick. I didn't even consider that one. I ended up with the Thorowgood. It fits us both great and it is fantastic quality. It is a synthetic saddle, but the new materials they use make it look like leather. Very soft. Thorowgood makes models for different shaped horses. I recommend the T6 line though. The T4's are the older line and the materials are not as nice.

When I had the Wintec next to the Thorowgood, the Wintec looked like plastic. I had considered trying the Thornhill but heard that they had really wide twists and I knew that it wouldn't work for me.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I hated the Duett. It felt like I was sitting on a brick..

Really? One of the things that impressed me about my Duett was the soft cushiony seat. How strange. Was the one you tried used? What model was it?

[ChocoMare]

Really? One of the things that impressed me about my Duett was the soft cushiony seat. How strange. Was the one you tried used? What model was it?

Ditto :confused: Both of mine are like butter. Was it, perhaps, a Companion Trail? I tried one and it was a tad harder but not like a brick.

[Camp Girl]

Agreed that I find my Duetts very comfortable... but every rider is different. For example, many western and trail riders love Tuckers but I dislike them... chair seat and all that. That's why I always feel it is important to try as many as you can before you buy one.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

For example, many western and trail riders love Tuckers but I dislike them... chair seat and all that.

No kiddin'. But a lot of people must love them, or my tack store wouldn't have 989,487 of them in stock.:winkgrin: I also hate the way they suspend you in midair over the horse's back. But I think people who bird hunt on horseback like that feeling. Like you, I reckon Tuckers are made for a different market.

[Ambrey]

I have never ridden a Thornhill, but I bought one for my daughter. I'm quite pleased with the quality- it's an older Pro Trainer Dressur Jr (unused, but a discontinued model). I would say the quality is about the same or a bit better than the Duett.

I had trouble in the Duett, but I can't say how much was the saddle and how much was me. It was not a secure seat, a bit too wide in the twist, and didn't balance me quite right. But different people need different saddles- quality-wise it was great for the $$.

Regarding the tucker and suspension- after a bad accident I bought a big ol' aussie saddle for security. After a while, I started feeling less secure- like I was trying to hold on to a hunk of leather instead of a horse. I wonder if the Tucker is the same feeling? I'm happiest in my dressage saddle now (even when the big guy gets a bee up his butt and has a fit like he did yesterday).

[Camp Girl]

Yeah, people like the Tuckers because the gel seats are so comfortable — for them. I know many people who have them and at least half have had fit problems with their horses and end up in chairseats themselves — but most keep using the saddles because they love the seats so much. *Sigh*

Sorry to hijack the thread. ;)

I love my saddles — for me and my horse — but I tried several and worked with a fitter to get what I needed for both of us. What works for one horse and rider combo may not work for the next. You don't know until you try — which is why I always encourage people to do so. It's a great way to know what will work best for you without a lot of buying and reselling.

[chebeau]

Well, we finally got the Thornhill Pro-Event. Hmmm..... I have to say I am sadly disappointed. It is lovely to look at and nice quality for the money, but for Stinky Pony and me it is just not so good. Seems to fit well on the ground, but once we are riding neither of us are very happy. He becomes short strided and hollow. I actually thought he might be off, but tried him in his suped up Baretek pad and he was fine. Seriously wished this worked, but the fit for me is off as well. Thankfully it was very reasonable in price yet I bought it from a private seller. My husband is going to wring my neck with the saddle fitting issues and all the buying and selling of saddles. Any saddle fitters near Covington, GA? Maybe I should try a Duett or maybe a Thorowgood????????

[Camp Girl]

Chebeau, you could certainly try a Duett. Per my fitter, who is very familar with both brands (and likes them both), the Thornills have a slightly more Ved shape than the Duetts, which are more hooped or U shaped. A slightly different shape may help the saddle fit better. Trumbull Mountain carries them and has a good trial policy. They also are very knowledgable about fit and have instructions for taking wither tracings on their site. You could try to work with them and they can give you ideas, plus send you saddles to try. Good luck.

[LAMS21075]

I wondering if you ever got your problem solved?

I am in love with my Thorowgood T6 Broadback. Worth every penny I paid for it, and then some.

[TouchstoneAcres]

Duett dealers are in many states--here is the list
http://www.duettsaddles.com/contact.htm
I'm in eastern WV, DC area, and there are some in NC and one in SC. I know the NC dealer is good at fitting, has attended Hastilow classes by UK Masters.

[Jo]

We just got a Duett for one of the boys in the barn and so far, I really like it. However, we had an awful experience with the retailer we purchased from. I'd recommend purchasing directly from the distributor and don't be swayed by free swag and get locked into a bad deal with a certain retailer.

[analise]

For the record, when I was looking for a saddle to fit my PerchX, I first tried out a Thornhill (Berlin) and liked it pretty well and it seemed to fit him okay. But before the sale was actually final, I had some car issues that meant I needed to put the Buying of a New Saddle on hold so I didn't get it.

Later, I ended up trying out my instructor's 36cm Duett Companion Trail saddle and really, really liked it. So I went searching for the saddle online (they're not easy to find used! I guess that's a good sign though since it means people are hanging on to them, right?). Eventually I managed to find it (and for less than I would have paid for the Thornhill) and I'm very happy with it. I like the dressage rigging it has, and the fact that I can move/remove the blocks (ended up taking the knee blocks off), and that it has all the varioud D-rings for hanging stuff on when we go on long trail rides in the summer. It's also pretty comfortable for me (and the horse) though yes, the twist is wider than other saddles I'm used to.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I guess I have Duett to thank for my wonderful lease horse, in a roundabout way.

Paint pony, for whom I bought the Duett, is now retired. In the meantime, I fell in love with Saddlebreds. Almost bought one. But then, to my horror, I realized - no way would my hoop-treed Duett fit those Saddlebred withers!:eek:

I decided I love my Duett more than I love Saddlebreds, and set out to find a horse to fit my saddle.:yes:

Some months later, I found Houdini, a big-shouldered low-withered QH. He, having spent the first four years of his riding life under a heavy western saddle a wool pad, adores my Duett and wither relief half-pad as much as I.:cool:

[lindac]

I guess I have Duett to thank for my wonderful lease horse, in a roundabout way.

Paint pony, for whom I bought the Duett, is now retired. In the meantime, I fell in love with Saddlebreds. Almost bought one. But then, to my horror, I realized - no way would my hoop-treed Duett fit those Saddlebred withers!:eek:


You just didn't look hard enough for an ASB. My former ASB gelding Harry was mutton withered and the widest horse in a barn full of WB's. I ended up having a custom saddle made for him, LOL.

[Yip]

I have an old Jorge Canaves which is the same as the Duett Rondo, I was told by Nancy Temple, the US distributor of Duett.

I have a wide horse and the tree is a 36cm. It fits her like a glove, and she could have been difficult to fit. I lucked out on the first try. I love it. It's confy and the seat size was true.

I had a Thornhill Vienna II dressage saddle, and while I loved the feel of it, the 36cm tree was narrower than the 36cm Duett. Tree might be the same, but thicker padding will make one fit tighter. I tried everything but it never fit my mare well so I sold it. I would buy another in a 38cm tree and see how it fits if I needed another saddle for her.

As far as quality, both are nice saddles for the price, and both were well made. I would say the quality of the Duett leather is better. BUT I am comparing an old Duett to a new Thornhill. You know how things were usually made better *back when,* so take that with a grain of salt. I could recommend both saddle mfgrs.

Yip

[spotmenow]

I think the quality of the Duett's is pretty poor; one of my boarder's has the Foxhunter and the leather is cracking and peeling after one season of VERY light use. I've seen them in the local tack store and even new the leather looks pretty cheap. And, someone once posted here that they had a Duett saddle worked on and found out it was flocked with wool yarn.

A friend has a Thornhill and is very happy with it...if I had to choose between the two, I'd try them.