Searching for a used monoflap that is smaller than 18" really isn't easy...

[takethestage]

Sorry for an annoying saddle thread, but I'm exhausted all of my standard saddle searching outlets and I need some help. I have an Antares monoflap that's technically a M tree, but is actually a tad narrower than that. My dear ponyboy has (finally!) muscled up through his back and neck thanks to dressage boot camp, so the Antares is pinching his withers.

So the used route...
I've only done a few cursory searches of the typical places... fineusedsaddles, frenchusedsaddles, equine.com, Area II website, heck even craigslist... but I'm finding it's nearly impossible to find a 16" or 16.5" used monoflap in a MW. So where are they hiding?! (I also need a short flap because I'm 5'2")

OR the new route...
What are your favorite monoflaps that are around or less than $3,000 new? I've heard good things about Black Countrys but I've never seen one in person and the billets seem a little funky. I can't think of any other good saddles at or below this price point though (NO HDR or Toulouse... blech).

OR the adjustment route...
CAN an Antares tree be adjusted? I love the saddle to death because it has the most perfectly sized flaps and just enough cushion without sacrificing feel and it would be great if I could just tweak the tree.

I'm having the saddle fitter come out on Monday but I wanted to get some ideas ahead of time, seeing as I'm booking up my fall competition schedule and it's really not an opportune time to not have a jumping saddle! Thanks in advance for your input. :)

[revyhorse]

I have a Prestige Paris K brand new 17/32, and the tree is adjustable by an authorized prestige dealer. It is monoflap and is full calfskin. email back if interested, bristoless@aol.com
thanks,

[Badger]

Call Antares. They can swap out panels fairly inexpensively and may be able to make it fit. That would be your cheapest and easiest option if it would work, so I'd talk to a rep and exhaust that route before shopping for something else.

[Highflyer]

My trainer said that the Jeffries one is okay--think it's called the Flyover/ Ian Stark. It's about $1800 new.

[luise]

I LOVE my BC Vinici Jump. It was $3K new. The billets you don't notice at all. It's even closer contact than my previous saddle, the Vega monoflap. I am also 5'2", but need a 17". Got them to shorten the flap 1" off the bottom, but not a "short" flap because I still needed the forwardness for my thigh.

[jn4jenny]

Almost any quality saddle brand can be adjusted up or down by one size. Call Antares. That would be your cheapest solution.

Barring that, I ditto luise's suggestion to look at Black Country's Vinici monoflap saddles.

[scubed]

You might check here:
http://www.highendusedsaddles.com/saddlesavailable.htm
http://www.trumbullmtn.com/Saddle_%20pages/used_cc/used%20CC.htm
http://www.usedsaddles.com/search.htm?cat=vmtg3ss9
The andrea palladio can be had for close to $3000 new www.thetackguide.com
The vega is on sale at VTO, http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=VMJSBA&Category_Code=SDL
Steuart Pittman swears by the Toulouse (but who knows to what degree they are sponsoring him, my cynical side asks) http://www.dodonfarm.com/reviews.html

some clearance prices on Amerigo here: http://www.equestrianimports.com/shop/index.php?_a=newSadd&PHPSESSID=42dbdff3b4e35a810566dbd2a7b45b27

Good luck

[avezan]

David Stackhouse has designed a monoflap saddle and has it manufactured in Argentina. He calls the brand Legado. List price is $2400 new. Its very nice!
http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=LEMS&Category_Code=

The Toulousse monoflap is luxurious and nice to look at. The low price makes me a little nervous as to the quality. The HDR isn't bad, and the quality is good. All others that I'm aware of are priced over $3K. I didn't like the Flyover.

[sch1star]

Don't forget the USEA Area Classifieds. I've seen at least one used smaller monoflap there recently.

I know there is plenty of varied opinion about the Devoucoux, but I have to say I rode in two, one a monoflap, when I was shopping for the pony and truly loved them. They come in all kinds of flap sizes.

I ended up with an Amerigo because it fit him best, and I do like it but it isn't as comfy or easy for me to sit up in as the Devs were.

[tbeventer]

I have an Amerigo Vega monoflap that I love! I paid $1800 for it brand new! Sadly, it no longer fits my big guy, so his little brother uses it. I ride in a 17" Prestige Eventer (never thought I'd actually like a saddle that's NOT a monoflap), but my Amerigo is an 18" and not too big for me. I had students in CA that were 5'2-5'3, quite petite and they rode in it and wound up buying 18" saddles, too! It's nice to have a little extra room when going down drops or through large techical questions where you need a bit of an extra safety seat. I'm 5'9 and my only problem ever is fitting my legs. When I bought my Prestige, I was concerned about finding a saddle that fit and 17" is normally tight on my legs... there just weren't many saddles on the market that are a 18", since many monoflaps don't come in half sizes--another thing to think about.
Also, consider this: think of buying something that will be pretty general and easy to sell when you are done with it. A friend of mine is very petite and rides in a 16.5" saddle, but has been quite smart and always purchased either a 17" or 17.5" because the resale on it is much easier than selling a small saddle. The inch or so difference doesn't hinder the way she rides and when the time has come to sell any of her saddles, they fly right out the tack room. Just a thought.