What kind/brand of saddle do you hunt in?

[SteeleRdr]

Well, I've saved up enough money that I can think heavily about getting a new saddle and not worrying about having to put it on credit. I currently hunt in my CC Crosby Prix de Nations that I've had for quite some time. This past year I rode LOTS of greenies hunting and realized that it kind of sucks for hunting, it is totally flat with no knee rolls or pads and when you stop fast, even if you have a well balanced seat, you are likely to almost slide right through!! I really like the saddle for doing flat/ring work and showing jumpers/hunters in, but definitely not for hunting. I changed saddles with the lady I ride with one day because her saddle fit the horse I was riding better, and man I loved it!! (And boy did she not like my saddle!) She has a custom Berney's Bros. saddle from Ireland and it is a CC saddle, but has enough padding and such around the knee that it gives enough support.

Anyways, I just wanted to get other people's opinions on what they prefer out hunting or what they think of is a nice saddle?

[2ndyrgal]

that I really like for hunting. My tried and true stubben and a Neidersuiss all purpose saddle(they are generally more known for their dressage saddles) The Neidersuiss is deep seated with a knee roll and thigh block. My husband calls it the amazing butt sucking saddle, because no matter what the "greenie" does, your leg just doesn't move. Both have saved my bacon more than once.

[Equibrit]

D G Stackhouse - you can have EXACTLY what your butt prefers!

http://www.stackhousesaddles.com/

[KimPeterson]

Black Country Wexford "arm chair ride" excellent field hunting saddle and esp for young horses good blocking, knee padding, and deep seat it is made by Black Country Saddles Walsall England.

[SidesaddleRider]

For astride, I use either an Antares or a Butet. The Antares is SO comfy.

[J Swan]

I bought a Stubben Siegfried and love it. Nice big fat hunting saddle for my nice big fat butt. I got it over at The Old Habit on consignment -but it looked brand new - wasn't even broken in.

It looks similar to the one that Kim Peterson posted pictures - my saddle may be a bit deeper but otherwise very similar.

Have you seen the Roxanne S? Wow. Take a look at that one. I think there are some foxhunters that really like that Stubben. It's on the Stubben website.

[SteeleRdr]

Thanks for all the great replies, I am definitely looking into consignment! I don't really want to sell my PDN, and man some of the saddles out there right now are soooo expensive! I remember when I bought my saddle it was $850 and I had the tack store lady I could put it on consignment for that and get it and I've ridden in it for 8 years (although I have to admit it looks almost brand new!).

Anyways, I am definitely looking at some and drooling. I don't want to get too deep of a seat though, just as a precaution if a greenie decides to pop a fence or something, plus never been a fan. I will look at that Stubben though!

[Nlevie]

I have to say, I have tried some "more padded" saddles, but they just weren't as comfortable to me ? I do add my beloved fleece "butt-warmer" when it gets cold, which probably helps, but if I'm coming off, I'm not sure that knee rolls will help . . .

Isn't that what the mane is for ?

[Regal Grace]

Ditto Stubben. I have the Stubben Roxane VSS and LOVE IT though you would probably want the S instead. Makes me feel so secure and comfortable in the saddle. It is deep seat and intially I was not sure I would care for it but have to say I don't feel stuck or restricted in it. A new one is probably more than you want to spend ($1500-$1600) but it's still more resonably priced than a Antares or Stackhouse. Mind you I wouldn't mind having one of those saddles but I felt I got more bang for my buck with a Stubben.

I've seen used Stubben Roxane's on EBAY and Equine.com as well as on consignment at Tack stores website but I could never find an 18" seat and narrow tree 28 cm for my TB. Did not want to wait any longer so I bought new.

[Elghund2]

I have a jeffries flyover which is a mono-flap with no blocks.

[Thomas_1]

my favourite is Barnsby

http://www.barnsby.com/products.asp?Range=&ProductID=&Type=1&SubType=2

[SteeleRdr]

Nlevie- Don't get me wrong, I've hunted in the PDN for a long time, but after trying the lady I ride for's Berney's and having a few occassions where my greenie slammed on the breaks and such, I think I'll defintiely prefer something with just a little more in front of the knee.

I may break down and go ahead and get the Berney's, but I wanted to get opinions because I know the Berney's took FOREVER to break in.

[Scaredacoops]

I hunt in an Albion K2 jumping saddle. It's close contact, ample seat, nice knee rolls.

[bird4416]

I hunt in a County Stabilizer. I love it and my horse loves it. County is one of the few saddle makers that has an extra, extra wide tree. He is a draft cross and the saddle fits him nicely.

[Houndhill]

I went through a saddle search last year where I tried a gazillion different saddles, hunted in many. My two favorites were a Butet-like PJ Original, made of this yummy, obscenely soft and comfy French calfskin, and a very secure County Pro-fit with buffalo seat that had knee and thigh blocks.

I went with the County and haven't regretted it. It is very comfortable and very secure, and seems so tough you feel like you could run the pick-up over it! I have been out in downpours in it and it is none the worse for wear. I think the PJ would have been great if you just rode well-behaved horses in the show ring or at home, but for hunting, the County is perfect, fits the horse perfectly, and really has saved my butt more than once by keeping me in it!

[Houndhill]

Just wanted to add, saddles are like underwear, what suits one person, another will just hate. The only thing to do is to try as many as you have the patience to try. Most of the websites and your local tack stores will have used saddles that they will let you try for a few days. It is funny how sitting on the saddle in the store is completely different from actually riding in them at home on your horse, and hunting in them is different still, so do try to hunt in them if at all possible.

[MuleLady]

I hunt in a Thornhill Berlin...I don't love it, because I wish the flaps were more forward, but its extra wide (36 cm) tree fits the mule's wiiiiiiiiiide back perfectly. It's comfortable enough to sit in but does nothing to make one feel secure over jumps. I have another Thornhill, the Germania jumping model. It feels very secure but doesn't fit my big mule, darn it. I'm hoping I win the lottery or some unknown rich relative dies and leaves me a token of his/her affection so I can buy a County one of these days...I have a had a couple of them in the past and they were delightfully comfy and secure feeling.

[Ray]

I have a Bates AP and love it. Affordable saddle, has the CAIR inserts for changing the width, and has a deep enough seat to help you, yet I jump in it all the time. Very comfortable too.

[middy]

I too was a hard core PDN rider before I started hunting. I wanted something with no knee rolls and not much padding. I even hunted my older mare 3 years in it but when I get my gelding it had to go. HE was greener and though I never came off I did want a more secure ride. The bates CC has a much deeper seat than the PDN but I didn't feel locked in like I did with the deep seated saddles like the Stubens and others that I tried. Eventually I got so used to my bates taht I sold my PDN.

All I can say is try alot of different saddles to see what you like better.

[fuzzydise]

It is a cross country model, but I love it for my greenies. It has fit everything from a narrow TB to a fat QH to my TWH now. I have never loved a saddle so much! My husband says that any horse I buy must fit the saddle as I could never replace it! Mine has been identified by a county rep as the prototype saddle for the County extreme from when they started making them. The newer ones look a little different, but they are still just as comfy.

[J Swan]

fuzzydise - I completely forgot about the County extreme. It's similar to the Stubben Roxanne S, right? I don't remember.

I bet that's a nice saddle. I'm very pleased with both my County's although I no longer use the cc for hunting - it is still a very well made saddle that has stood up to some harsh use. Same with my dressage saddle - the County WB is the best dressage saddle I have ever sat in.

Although - like others said - it really does depend on rider preference. I just like how they've held up over the years. I think the County cc will fit the yearling eventually. It's too wide for the draft cross now and way too wide for the Appendix with his shark fin withers. - which works out because it was just way too flat and thin for me - since I am no longer flat and thin myself!

But the Stubben fits both of them - which surprised me.

For the OP - let us know what you decide on.

[rivenoak]

I, too, used to hunt in a PDN. With approaching decrepitude and finding that the PDN wasn't all that fun for eventing either, I switched to something with honking blocks a few years ago. :lol:

Risk-Averse Rider has a Galant too and we call them the Seat Belts because they keep you secure. Courbettes wear like iron, so they're a great value for the price.

[SteeleRdr]

Thanks for all the responses, I'm going out today to try a few. I had really considered the County too, so I'm gonna try to talk to Gina Perilla (County rep) this weekend and see what she can do for me. Seems like many people I have talked with do adore their County saddles. Now lets see how my checking account reacts!!

[Bogie]

I hunt in a Schleese event saddle (mono flap) or a Wintec Pro XC. The XC is a very comfortable and secure saddle. They aren't made any longer but if you can find one, I think they are a bargain.

I hunted for several seasons in my old Stubben but found that it put me in a bracing position that I didn't like.

[Steif]

L'Apogee www.LApogeeSaddles.com

[fuzzydise]

jswan...
Similar, yes. I love the County Extreme. very forward flaps and serious knee rolls though. So if you do not like forward flaps, not the saddle for you!!! Very comfy seat. Has held up VERY well. I finally has to replace the billets this year. the rep was thrilled with how good it looks and it has hunted HARD through Mississippi mud (aka-Concrete) and serious wet conditions!
To the OP-I got mine used through Middleburg tack exchange. I have seen some good prices if you decide you like a county. Check with your rep. They often have demos or used saddles that people have "opgraded" to.
Do let us know what you decide on!!

[HappyTalk]

I am not presently hunting but do hunter paces and competitive trail over some tough terrain. I am currently using a 15 year old Passier Baum and just love it. It has big honking knee rolls and really puts me in a secure balanced postion especially down steep hills. And I am able to jump in it!!!

[DocNDabby]

Although I am not currently hunting, I have hunted in my oh-so-comfy Pariani (which is now about 42 years old and I've had it from day one). Also in later years did jumper in it...and even with all of that it has held its looks and is in good shape. I worked from the age of seven to twelve to afford it and here I still ride my OTTB Hunter in it at age 54!! Built to last! (Now if I was just built to last...) :cool:

I've not seen anyone else list a Pariani...anybody out there have one????

[mcm7780]

I hunt in a Schleese event saddle (mono flap) or a Wintec Pro XC. The XC is a very comfortable and secure saddle. They aren't made any longer but if you can find one, I think they are a bargain.

I hunted for several seasons in my old Stubben but found that it put me in a bracing position that I didn't like.

There is actually one on E-bay right now. I am addicted to looking at saddles on E-bay. :D Of course I don't have a horse anymore so I can't buy, but I love to look!

[Houndhill]

DocNDabby, I was not familiar with the Pariani saddle so had to look them up on the web. Beautiful saddle, they now retail at $3200. Aren't you glad yours has lasted so many years, just goes to show that quality does last!

OP, if you are interested, I bet you could find a used County or used any of the saddles mentioned for much less $$$ than a new one, and if it is a good quality saddle, it will hold its value over the years. So many places now will let you try them, so once you have a general idea of what you like and what fits your horse I would just try a bunch of them with an open mind.

[mcm7780]

DocNDabby -- I have a Pariani that my dad bought used in 1990. He used it to learn how to ride and then used it for polo until he bought a proper polo sddle. :lol: I got it when I grew out of my first saddle. LOVE IT! They are so well made!

If anyone is interested in Pariani's, you can usually pick them up cheap on E-bay. (Told you I was addicted!) There are usually a few older ones listed for about one or two hundred dollars. I have only seen a handful of newer ones on E-bay.

[DocNDabby]

Yep, Houndhill, I learned to try for the best quality you can manage from my grandparents! Although they were Arizona ranchers and I lived overseas doing my English riding thing at the time (but could not have a horse), they strongly encouraged me to go for the gusto in a saddle that would last. Five years is a LONG time to a kid, but I knew I wanted that saddle! I'm SO glad I did that!

Of course, even tho it's in good shape and I still do ride in it, I recently decided I needed a second saddle what with a new horse and all!:yes:

Didn't have a ton of money, but have tried to do the best I can within that budget. And, at 54, I don't think I need one to last another 42 years!:lol:

I am curious, tho, about the County saddles you guys have mentioned... can you tell me about them??

[Trakehner]

I prefer my Passiers...all purpose or full jumping saddles (I have hunted on my dressage saddle when I packed it by mistake...still did great).

For godawful weather...I bring the Stubben Siegfreid out of retirement.

[wateryglen]

Me? I ONLY hunt in my Hermes of course!! :winkgrin:

Wouldn't be caught dead falling outa anything else!.......:lol:

[ToolTime]

Stubben seigfried VSD, GREAT saddle for hunting and you should be able to find one at a reasonable price.

I also own a County Pro-fit, which I adore and is soooooo comfortable, but it does not fit the horse I hunt. Luckily he wears the Stubben.

We also picked the Stubben up for a reasonable price at the Middleburg Tack Exchange and it practically brand new!


(Edited to add: God Bless y'all who hunt in PDNs!! --- You are hardcore and you rock!) :)

[Painted Wings]

I hunt in a Pessoa Event Saddle. One of the older ones made by Harry Dabbs in England. Not Argentine.

I had my husband add D rings behind the flap as the Pessoa's don't ordinarily have these.

I like my Pessoa for eventing but I'm thinking of trying something different for hunting. I've been looking at the Cliff Barnsby saddles. They look really well built and comfy. I'm going to make sure I meet up with John the Barnsby salesman when he comes through Missouri in August. If nothing else he's a hoot to listen to. I had a chat with him at Rolex, he was wonderful.

[armandh]

because her hubby has a tack shop
http://home.att.net/~TheTackRoom/
given the unlimited choices
her answer is probably better than what I have tried.
I like mine but understand the model is no longer made.

[xeroxchick]

I hunted for years in a Crosby Olympia II Softride and was very happy. Now I hunt in a Butet and love it - no bulk, very comfortable, soft leather and my leg feels like it is in a channel. Very secure and comfortable for hours.
Stubbens are so hard nowadays. The leather isn't what it used to be. That "armchair" kind of saddle feels overstuffed and I, personally, feel insecure in those.

[imissvixen]

I bought a Flyover in January and hunted the rest of the season in it. I love it! It replaced my 45 year old Barnsby. In between I tried a new Barnsby and a County and I didn't like either. I think it must depend alot on your own confirmation and how you fit your horse. The nice thing about the Flyover is it has the knee pads but with the monoflap there is nothing else between you and your horse. My horse has shark withers and a well sprung rib cage so it is tricky for me to find a saddle that lets me get my short fat legs around him.

But I don't think you need to have short fat legs to like a Flyover.

[SteeleRdr]

So after much searching, I have settled on a few choices and wanted some opinions. I have started leaning towards a Tad Coffin. I found one in great condition for about half the price of a new one and it's less than a year old. Anyone have experience with a Tad Coffin saddle? I've heard they are fairly comfortable, but that is from friends that are h/j riders, not foxhunters. Thanks in advance.

[Ray]

I have started leaning towards a Tad Coffin. I found one in great condition for about half the price of a new one and it's less than a year old. Anyone have experience with a Tad Coffin saddle? I've heard they are fairly comfortable, but that is from friends that are h/j riders, not foxhunters.

definitely try it! everyone I know who has tried one loves it. And I know a Whip who hunts for hrs in hers for many many years. It IS close contact, so if you want a thick saddle (or the other benefits of an AP), its not for you, but its the most comfortable close contact I have tried.

[SteeleRdr]

Yeah, I really didn't want a AP, but a close contact with just a bit more support in the knee, which this one has a small knee roll and a knee pad, which is TONS more than my current saddle (a true flat flapped PDN).

I think I'm going to go for it, from what I've taken it's a good price and a good saddle.

[Ray]

its very very rare to find a used one that is that "young" for a good price, they often re-sell for just 20% off retail, and its hard to find used ones at all, as people tend to hang onto them, and they DO last. You are lucky!

[Foxhunt4me]

I have been hunting in a Crosby Sofride Event saddle for 9 years -I really like it.

BTW I am still using the original leathers that I purchased with it as well. Had them restiched but they are still working otherwise.

It was one of the few that had a 19 inch seat available and felt good to me and fit my horse - the one that I was riding at that time - it fits most of the horses that I have ridden since then very well.

[Finzean]

Depending on who I was hunting....
I've had several Passiers over the years, different models - the one I have now I bought used from a very tall German girl who rode jumpers and had the saddle custom made to fit her. It suits about 110% of the time. I've had the best luck w/Passiers and generally prefer them for comfort to both horse and rider.

However, I have also hunted in an old Crosby Olympia II and found it very comfy. I liked it because it wasn't like sitting in a catcher's mit...I don't like feeling trapped. The Passier I have now was built with pretty big rolls and blocks so it's nice on some critters but I preferred the Crosby on my recently retired mare.

Ditto what someone wrote about saddles being like underwear. I've seen people hunt for hours in things I would sit in for 15 minutes....to each his own. I've ridden in and still own more saddles than I can shake a stick at (Berney, Stubben, Collegiate, Crosby, .......) different saddles for different horses for different jobs. If you are near a good consignment tack shop or have the ability to ride in saddles belonging to friends, you don't necessarily have to hunt in them to know which ones will make the cut and which won't. Good luck in your search!

I'll be in the market for a new saddle in a year or two and will probably go the Passier route again...never had a bad one...

[Thomas_1]

Barnsby or Fieldhouse.

[fiftysomething]

The County Extreme is a GREAT saddle! I have one and have kept it although I ride mostly dressage now, because it puts you in a great secure place. I first used one when I went to try out my current horse, because that is what the seller had. It was a time when I was scared to death to jump after a bad fall, and believe it or not ---- I jumped!!!!! I do not use it very much now, but I still love to see it on my fancy saddle rack. If you get the chance at least gallop in one! Good luck!

[SteeleRdr]

Wow this is an old thread!

But just to add- I'm no longer looking. I bought a Tad Coffin and I absolutely love it!!! I use that and my PDN still. For anyone who like a flat saddle, but with the slightest bit more in front of your knee, I highly recommend the TC!

[IrishRydr]

Hi-
I hunt in the Albion Cross Country Saddle, which I believe is called the K2. It has a knee roll and a thigh block and heavy padding at the knee rolls. It is soooo comfortable and I have yet to find a horse that it doesn't fit. I highly recommend it.
Best of luck!
Mary

[xeroxchick]

Tried a friend's and was immediatly hooked - very comfortable, soft but my leg feels very secure and steady without bulk. Counties were so bulky they felt dangerous. Hunted in my father's old Stubben, then a Crosby Olympia II until I got my Butet. Guess it depends on your build.

[ArtilleryHill]

I've had my County Eventer for about a decade, and far from being "so bulky it feels dangerous," it has undoubtedly saved me a few times on the hunt field! Like many earlier posters, I don't like a huge knee roll or a very deep seat. I found the County Eventer provides plenty of grip and comfort on a green OTTB out for several hours of good galloping and jumping, but not SO much padding that I feel immoblized or too far away from my horse. I tried the Symmetry before buying and liked it but felt it placed me more forward than I liked for hunting; happily, the Eventer has been great for hunting and jumping. Deep enough for excellent security, but not so deep that I feel like I'm climbing out of a wheelbarrow when jumping.

Like someone said earlier, I guess it's partly down to taste and partly down to horse and rider conformation!

[luvs2ride79]

I have a couple of friends that Fox Hunt (and I will be too as soon as my horse is more trail broke, lol). They both just love Courbette's Stylist (http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=137) with the deep seat.

[J. Bewley]

I have a Stubben Roxanne S and I found the short billits caused a lot of problems and bulk under my leg. I had the three billits and the safe removed and the front and rear billit replaced with 35 inch dressage billits. It has the advantages of a mono flap in a double flap package. My leg is closer to the horse, the bulk is gone and the saddle fits better then before. I am very pleased and recommend it for saddles with short billits.

Jim

[Thomas_1]

Barnsby or Fieldhouse Pro Event