Help id Ainlsey saddle please

[flea]

I got a fantastic deal on a used Ainsley saddle. It doesn't fit the what I have seen as the norm in the saddles. It is rather old but in great condition. It faintly says Pro National CRoss Country. HOwever, although still a forward flap, it is not quite as forward as the other Ainsley Pro Nationals I have tried. The leather is grain not smooth and has suede at the knee blocks which are very small pencil blocks. Also there is a lighter color of leather on the panels, blocks, and piping. Maybe an older model?

[FrittSkritt]

Maybe an Ainsley Chester?

[IFG]

I think that it is the Ainsley Cross Country. We picked one up used. It is a great saddle. It has a thigh block rather than knee blocks. I keep trying to steal it from my daughter, but she will not give it up. Maybe when she goes to college next year...

[glfprncs]

The original pro nationals had a very, very small knee block, so what you're describing sounds like the first generation pro national. The Chester has a much bigger knee block than the original pro national.

[subk]

I think Ainsley has multiple versions of saddles that carry the same name. I have an
Ainsley Chester--I believe it is one of the original/first designs of the Chester. It is very different than the current model called "Chester." It is much more forward with a flatter seat than the more current version with a very different balance as well. I love my model, and hate the current one.

[flea]

I think Glfprncs might have figured it out, and its one of the first forms of the Pro National. If so I wonder how old it is. It is in perfect shape but no id #s one it. It could be a Chester but is stamped ProNational Cross Country. Unless IFG is right and its a CRoss Country. Can't picture what the thigh blocks you mentioned look like. My knee blocks are small long pencil blocks I believe, they are about like the ones on my Stubben Siegfried A/P. Thanks for everyones input.

[glfprncs]

I believe the first Pro National design was introduced in the mid-90s.