Ashland I Northrun Saddle

[KateKat]

Sorry more saddle questions...This is specific to the Ashland I saddle. These don't seem to be as popular as the Ashland II (at least when trying to find reviews and used saddles). Is there a big difference between the two? Or is the only difference the cutback in the pommel? I've only ridden in the Ashland II but found a good deal on the Ashland I. So I'm a bit torn...

[janedoe726]

I have an Ashland I (well, I actually have 2 now) that I've had for about 13 years. I absolutely love it!!! I've never ridden in an Ashland II, so I can't help you compare, but I can vouch for the fact that it's an excellent product for the price. There have been many threads on Ashlands on this forum and pretty much all have been positive. Try a search on here.

[justdandy]

I could be wrong, but I think the Ashland II has a deeper seat than the Ashland I.

[KateKat]

do you think that a medium gullet for this brand will be too narrow to fit different types of horses? It appears the consensus is that the medium is on the narrower range of medium. I mainly ride a TB and a WB/TB cross. Both have a pretty good sized wither and neither are super big in the shoulder.

[jen-s]

The I has a more cutback pommell than the II so it's fabulous for wither-ey beasties. If there's any possibilities that the TB/WB cross will build shoulder or back muscles, then I'd consider a MW and pad it up for the others that you ride. A Med is definitely more narrow than many other Meds on the market.

That said I adore the I and if I remember correctly, there's one on eBay now for a sinfully wonderful price. But it's too narrow for my beefy Appendix! :(

[KateKat]

yes there is :)

However, its a M and also I think it might be foam flocked...

[Windy Willow]

I just got a used Ashland and rode in it for the first time this AM. Its been years since I've ridden in a CC. It fits my TB , it fits me. I LOVE it! very comfy,nice saddle , I like everything about it

MY Question :
Is the cutback the Ashland1? Mine is cutback

I've been riding in a AP Bates caprilli and a Thornhill dressage. I'm happy with them too so now I have a good CC. and can't wait to ride in it again, if only it was not so HOT here!

[KateKat]

The cutback is the Ashland I. I ended up with the Ashland II and I love it as well! Such an easy saddle to ride in since there isn't a lot of "stuff" getting in the way.

[BeastieSlave]

My #1 daughter is on her second Ashland (calf skin!) and neither of them has been labeled I or II so I assume they're the I's. Lovely saddles - especially for TB's. I don't think I've ever seen an Ashland II in person.

I love the cut back pommel. The old one was a medium and fit the shark-fin-withered, but fairly stout TB very well. I thought of it as a bit narrower than my M Crosby saddles. The new Ashland has a wide tree and the kid has been using it at school on a wide variety of horses. It's not especially wide IMO, and with a tiny bit of padding also fits the TB that wore the medium.

[BAC]

yes there is :)

However, its a M and also I think it might be foam flocked...

There is no "foam flocked" - its either foam panels or wool flocked. I tried an Ashland I when I was saddle shopping and liked it very much. In its price range I think its one of the best.