Saddles for Hunting

[imissvixen]

I am in the market yet again for a saddle. I hunted this year in a Jeffries Flyover which I found quite comfy but apparently it caused alot of concussion on my boy's back. He has been laid up for the past month and will be off for another month until vet is convinced he is better.

I am a little bit big for him (read heavy) so I need something that will disburse my weight better than the Flyover did. In hindsight I don't think it is designed for someone to be in the saddle for four hours at a time 2 to 3 times a week.

Anyhow I would like a deep seat all-purpose saddle. It doesn't have to be close contact. Does anyone have any thoughts? A friend suggested an Albion. Unfortunately they are very expensive and I haven't seen any used ones.

[MHJLittlefield]

When you need to spread the weight-bearing across your horse's back, you'll need to look for something with wide panels. That will dictate your saddle choice. A ThinLine pad may also help a bit. And what better reason to get in shape than to help out your horse? I can't think of anything that would motivate me more.
:)

[Taza]

I tried Thinline and it didn't provide enough protection for 4 hours in the hunt field. They work best in the show ring I think. I did have slightly better results with the TraumaTech pad from Dover. It's still relatively thin, but is squishier yet doesn't bounce you out of the saddle like the Wintec style open cell foam pads. I've got different saddle fit problems than imissvixen but the same result - a sore horse. I'm thinking of looking at a Black Country Wexford. They seem to have a variety of options for the panels to get the right fit. I am disappointed to hear that the Flyover didn't work for you, however, since I had planned to give that a try as well. BTW, I've got a County Eventer that I love, but the panels aren't wide enough and the saddle balance is slightly to the rear, a big problem for a high withered horse. A saddle fitter told me that in general the Counties balance slightly to the rear and work best on a low withered or even croup high horse. He also told me that it's hard to get a Stubben to fit a wide horse properly (not that I have one). I think he said Duett saddles are good for wide horses but admittedly I might be wrong because I wasn't focused on wide horse problems.

Also for used saddles check Middleburg Tack Exchange or Trumbull Mountain. I saw at least two Albions on the Trumbull web site.

[imissvixen]

I have a high withered horse as well so we should compare notes. I had a County which I ended up selling because it was very uncomfortable for me on him. I had a saddle fitter look at the Flyover and she felt that we might possibly compensate for the design with pads but wasn't keen on the idea. You should look at the underside of it. Actually I have two friends who have hunted with it with the same result as me -- sore backed horse.

I still have my 45 year old Barnsby that I hunted in all my life. I would really like a newer saddle though.

[KimPeterson]

Do a search for used Black Country Saddles, you can come up with a few that are under $2000. There are a couple now on the http://ewarmbloods.net/phpbb website under tack. I think you would be happy with their quality, Wexford, or the Fieldhunter would be models I think you would enjoy. The field hunter has removable blocking, extra padded seat, and comes in an open head tree. Their General Purpose saddles are under 2K /including custom options if needed. Google them and you should come up with a bunch of info.

The Albion's are comfortable saddles, as are the Frank Baines general purpose models. Trying a few different brands is always recommended :)

[SteeleRdr]

Have you looked at a Berney's Bros? they aren't too deep seated, but are quite nice and the panels are quite wide. There is one on consignment at Middleburg Tack Exchange, but they also have many other styles (see their website). And Berney's website has many models. The lady i ride for has the same style that is at the tack exchange and it works pretty well on most of our horses.

[imissvixen]

Thanks I will follow up on all suggestions. Meanwhile I don't mean to slam the Flyover. It's just in hindsight I think it is made for someone who is riding in a lot more two point/cross country position than I do. It pushed me way forward like a cross country rider. But I mostly hilltop with lots of walking and trotting and the occassional but not frequent gallop. So I was always trying to push myself back off the front of the saddle.

[Equibrit]

http://www.barnsby.com/saddles/aps_general_purpose/

[KimPeterson]

Equibrit which model Barnsby has the extra soft seat? Is that the Omega?

[Equibrit]

I think so - this is the description off their site;

They're on sale here! http://www.campbellanddouglas.com/candd/assets/images/saddle_sale.html



Deep seated General Purpose Saddle
Ideal for those wishing to engage in a variety of equestrian activities
Exclusive super soft Dunlopillo cushionA deep seated General Purpose Saddle offering stability and security for the rider with comfort and freedom for the horse. A well priced saddle for those wishing to engage in a variety of equestrian activities.

Built on a modern general purpose tree with open head, this 7-series saddle has been developed to provide horse comfort combined with rider stability and boasts an exclusive super soft Dunlopillo cushion and preformed knee blocks. The broad bearing surface panels are wool flocked and the saddle takes a standard girth.

[Taza]

I had a County which I ended up selling because it was very uncomfortable for me on him.

Let me guess, you felt like you were struggling to keep from shooting off the back?

[xeroxchick]

I really, really, reallllllly love my Butet. But my husband LOVES his Smith-Worthintton. And rhe chiro thinks my saddle doesn't fit our new Clyde baby.
17.1 and growing...

[armandh]

I think I'll take up expressing my weight in KG [over 100] but is sounds less
the saddle I have used for years is a ....
must be getting oldshimers
it has a stripe of white leather across the cantle
the name still escapes me
made by prestige
very comfy for horse and rider
http://members.arstechnica.com/x/armandh2/going%20home.jpg
PS a gel pad between the saddle and regular pad helps fill the gaps and distribute the weight.

[imissvixen]

Yes Taza I felt like I was going to shoot off his back. Even my trainer at the time who is an upper level event rider had the same reaction to it for herself. Of course she was the one who talked me into the Flyover and then her horse got a sore back.

I am not sure a bigger horse would help in this case. My friend has an 18 hand ISH and he got a sore back from the Flyover. But I know I could lose weight. I have been trying now for 16.5 years and I haven't successfully done it.

[Bogie]

That's interesting about the Flyover . . . I tried one once and really liked it, but needed the larger size and couldn't find one used. Maybe I am lucky that I didn't keep it!

I currently hunt in a County Extreme, which I really love. But then again, my horse has no withers so it's fine. I also have a Schleese Peter Gray and a Passier Military. The last two do not have such forward flaps so they ride (at least for me) somewhat like an all purpose. The Schleese is very comfortable; the Passier has a hard seat but is very balanced.

I have an old Albion A/P that is a wonderful saddle. It's the Original Comfort and it's comfortable and secure. On the horses I have now, it doesn't really work as a jumping saddle, but it doesn't sound like that's a real issue for you. I did have a horse that jumped with less of a bascule and I evented him through Training in that saddle. I tried the Albion Eventer (I think it's the Krontrol) from Trumball Mountain and just loved it. Unfortunately, I need a M/W for my horse and the tree was a bit narrow. Even used it was at the top of my price range. One caveat on the Albions -- I have my saddles checked regularly by a master saddle fitter. The flocking in the Albion seems to move around more than in some saddles so it tends to need to be "tweaked" more often than others. Still, my horses have always been very comfortable in them (no back problems!) and I find that they put me in *just* the right position.

As for pads, I use a Saddleright pad under my saddle. It doesn't change the fit but I think it's very good at absorbing shock. I have noticed over the years that my horses all seem more comfortable when I ride with them. The pads are $$ but they last forever. Sometimes you can find them used on ebay, too. I like them better than the thin line pads.

[Taza]

Bogie: I have never heard of SaddleRight before. What is it made of? Their website is a little strange and not terribly informative. You're not kidding they are expensive!!

[Bogie]

You know, I realize that I don't have a clue what it's made from!

However, I bought one about 8 years ago. I showed it to Gary Severson (The Saddle Dr.) and he told me it was one of the few pads that he liked.

From my own experience, I've found that my horses move better when I use the pad. I've been using one continuously now for 8 years and it's not compressed at all. Since it's covered with leather, I simply clean it with my saddle. It has barely any wear on it.

About two years ago I bought a second one from the COTH classified ads for about $125 and I also bought the Western version (to use under a Treeless saddle), off ebay for $80. I've tried the Thin line pad and years ago had a gel pad or two, but this is the only one where I've noticed any improvement in my horse.

[Painted Wings]

Here's the Barnsby I bought.

http://www.barnsby.com/saddles/barnsby_7-series_vss_general_purpose_jumping_saddle/

I was looking at other versions of it but the Barnsby rep from England recommended this one if you spend 4 hrs or more a day in the saddle.

We had lovely back to back meets this weekend. I spend 3 1/2 hours in the saddle on Saturday and 4 1/2 hours in the saddle today.

A good portion of our hunt has Barnsby's.

They do have wool flocked panels which I think are better for long times in the saddle. The panels are also very wide and thick. The seat is very soft too so it's not just comfortable for your horse. The seat and knee rolls have soft, sticky leather.

I like the nordic leather option of the standard leathers for this saddle. Mine was custom and I have a leather option not normally used on this saddle. I've been studying which one to get for quite some time and waited until John (the rep from England) came into town before I made my final selection. I also got the full D ring option so it has six D rings and I can hang as much from my saddle as I want.

My husband also got the same saddle although he chose a different leather option.

[Romany]

Imissvixen - other financial tricks you could try to alleviate the concussion on your horse's back are: investing in an experienced saddler who can correctly fit a saddle to you and your horse, and then having him/her re-fit your saddle with Flair (small air sacs fore and aft which become clever little shock absorbers when correctly inflated); investing in a quality (not necessarily thick,* just quality!) real wool numnah, eg Griffin Nuumed make a selection that are constructed from wool woven on to a cotton backing, vs sheepskin, so they wash and wear very well - or - investing in a Pro-Lite pad to use with a skinny cotton numnah; investing in "bendy" stirrups.

Might I also suggest that probably the best thing you can do for your horse physically would be to get it really fit really slowly, and try shortening your stirrups a couple of holes so a 2-point isn't so uncomfortable for you to maintain over a longer period of time.

I really admire you for 'fessing up that you're a bit too heavy for your horse, and taking steps to make it happier!

* don't fall into the trap of thinking more or thicker pads are better - it would be like trying to make tight shoes fit better with thicker socks: better to invest in shoes that fit properly initially, therefore.

[Hotspur]

I would suggest that you take a good look at the Albion saddles. Yes, they are not the least expensive saddles but your hunter deserves all of the care and comfort that you can provide.
I am a 185 pound man and I have been very happy with my Albion Kontrol saddle. The panels are wide and soft and my saddle fitter has done a wonderful job of seeing that the fit is proper for my big QH. The Kontrol is deep and secure yet I am able to event in this saddle with confidence over fences. Good luck in your search!
Hotspur
Metamora Hunt

[x]

Also, there are some edurance-type saddles that have more extended panels, but are not what I'd call 'radical' endurance; they appear very much like traditional hunt seat saddles, but are designed for both horse and rider comfort. In addition, if I have a horse that has a tendency to a sore back, I'll keep a careful eye on it, and have a massage therapist work on it as soon as the horse starts feeling not great.
It sounds as though the saddle may not have fit you well if you were trying to push yourself back off it.
Also, a breastplate if the horse's saddle tends to slip at all.
And, of course, an appropriate pad can help.

[Foxhunt4me]

I like my Crosby Sofride Event saddle - been using it and hunting in it for 10 years or so now - I really like the deep seat and security and never had any soreness issues on any horse I have ridden on it. And I am over 200 lbs !

[imissvixen]

I just met a saddle fitter who doesn't rep any saddles. She is a retired steeplechase jockey who took my OTTB mare for her first hunts a couple of times last month. (This is the mare that I found on the COTH board in June 2005 who was one week away from a trip to the slaughterhouse.) I am going to make sure she agrees with whatever saddle I end up with.

Not to sound like a total incompetent but I am wondering how I try these different saddles. I thought I would go to the local consignment shop to see what they have. Otherwise, for instance, I will probably have to find new saddles and try to get them on trial.

Is that how everyone else does it?

[Taza]

Romany: The Flyover saddles are not wool flocked, they are foam so I don't believe there is much of anything a saddle fitter can do after the fact.

imissvixen: Besides the consignment shops and checking out new saddles, another option is to find a saddle fitter who reps more than one brand. Some carry 4 or 5. For new saddles, if your local tack store doesn't have a huge selection places like Dover and Trumbull Mtn will mail you a saddle to try. The problem is shipping runs about $25 for each saddle one way, so it can add up pretty fast when you need to try a bunch of different saddles.

[Bogie]

The Flyover saddles are not wool flocked, they are foam so I don't believe there is much of anything a saddle fitter can do after the fact.


When I was looking at the Flyover I had a quote from a saddle fitter to change it over to wool. It was going to cost about $250.

[Taza]

That's interesting. I was under the impression that the panels for foam were different than for wool (thicker? thinner?). I had asked about converting an Ashland Saut d'Or but was told it couldn't be done for some reason or other. Of course that doesn't mean I was asking the right person, either.

BTW, there is a used SaddleRight pad on eBay now for $180! :eek:

[KimPeterson]

You may also want to try the "Flair" Korrector pad, it has the air panels that can be adjusted to either correct a saddle fit (within reason) or absorb shock. Very useful if you are fitting the saddle to more than one horse.

I have noticed a difference in horses carrying a good amount of weight that I have fitted with WOW saddles and flair panels on standard saddles.

[Painted Wings]

If you are coming to Rolex you are welcome try my new Barnsby. I'm outriding there so you welcome to take a spin on it while I am there with my horse and saddle. I'll probably be bringing my husband's saddle also as he has a fit question he wants to ask the rep. The Barnsby rep comes from England for Rolex.

Barnsby has lots of panel options including Flair panels if you want them. Since you have an old Barnsby that you are pretty happy with it sounds like you would be even happier with a new one. The Barsnby rep can explain the various panel options and you can come up with one that best solves your problems.

My horses are basically QH breeding so I'm using a MW tree but the Barsby's do come much narrower.

[imissvixen]

I am in NC and I know one saddle fitter that reps County saddles and one that doesn't rep any. I would love to find someone who repped four or five different saddles and let me try them all on my horse. I would even take him somewhere to do this. If I draw a reasonable travel circle from DUrham I could go to Aiken, Tryon, or Middleburg. Does anyone know any reps like this in those places.

I am so gunshy on buying another saddle. The will be my fourth in about four years and I know the problem is that I haven't just tried four or five at once and compared them. Yet it is a big investment.

I forgot to take a photo of the bottom of my Flyover. There is no side panel on it -- only the top panel that runs along the spine. So under your knee there is a very soft knee ___ roll(?) and literally nothing else between you and your horse. It is like riding in a bareback pad to some extent.

[KimPeterson]

Bill Wood "The saddle fitter" may come to your area, he reps as I do four/five different brands of saddles although I don't think either of us have all of them on our sites yet. IF you google him you should come up with his contact information.

[Scaredacoops]

M&M Tack in Raleigh has a nice variety of saddles. I bought an Albion K2 jumping saddle from there that I hunt in. I love it! Mary is the saddle fitter and is very good. You can make an appointment to take your horse and try several different saddles. They also allow a trial period. Check out their website for the different brands they sell, as well as some nice used saddles. MMtackshop.com

[Taza]

Bill Woods is just outside Charlottsville, VA. I don't know that he goes south but you could ask him. http://www.thesaddlefitter.com/
I know he reps Black Country, Custom, Amerigo and Duett plus I think a couple more.

Another possibility is to do the tracings of your horse, send them to Trumbull Mtn and see which saddles they recommend.

[Bogie]

That's interesting. I was under the impression that the panels for foam were different than for wool (thicker? thinner?). I had asked about converting an Ashland Saut d'Or but was told it couldn't be done for some reason or other. Of course that doesn't mean I was asking the right person, either.

A good saddle fitter can remove the foam and replace it with wool. Some of them charge an arm and a leg for that service, but not all. That's why I checked before buying it. I actually did buy the saddle, but it wasn't the right size for me so I resold it (at a profit!) as is.

[vineyridge]

I was very happy with my Stubben Roxane S. It's a deep seated jumping saddle with forward flaps, is reasonably priced, and is great for hunting. Got nice thick wool flocked panels, and Stubben is great to work with. Their customer service can't be beat.

If I were going to spend more money, I'd go with a Black Country. Those saddles are beautifully made and look as if they would outlast their owners by fifty years.

[Ray]

How about a Bates AP ? not expensive, very comfy, CAIR panels for changing fits. I got my re-stuffed with wool and custom fit to my horse.

[Hannahsmom]

M&M Tack in Raleigh has a nice variety of saddles.

I second this. When I was in Durham I took my horse over to M&M and we tried a lot. There is also Rockin B in Durham which carries several brands (who I bought my albions from years ago).

[runfastjumphigh]

The Bates Caprilli all-purpose, or close contact are both very comfortable saddles for horse and rider. The cair panels are designed so wool can be added above the air for a custom fit. They also have adjustable gullets so as your horse changes, you don't have to buy a new saddle. I love the Albions for comfort, but the flocking tends to shift, so you will need to get them fitted a couple times a year. Good luck!

[imissvixen]

I tried an Albion on Saturday. I didn't like it. It felt thick.

I have gotten very used to my Flyover and I like what a close feel it gives me though it does push me too far forward for general riding.

I looked at M&M's website. That is where I got the Albion. I didn't really see anything else at the moment that appeals to me.

Gaahhhh....

[Marley's Ghost]

A good saddle fitter can remove the foam and replace it with wool. Some of them charge an arm and a leg for that service, but not all. That's why I checked before buying it. I actually did buy the saddle, but it wasn't the right size for me so I resold it (at a profit!) as is.

That's interesting. I was informed by people who generally behaved as if they were really "in the know" -- we see this :D -- including a then-local saddle fitter that there was no way to replace foam with wool.

Maybe that was because the used dressage saddle I had was not so expensive when I bought it -- 7 years ago and then maybe $400+ -- and he figured it was not cost effective, and so declined to bid. Or maybe he didn;t have the skills to do it.

Just how much is an arm and a leg? In the horse world that cost parameter is a rather fluid concept.

[Bogie]

I considered buying a Jeffries Flyover and asked my saddle fitter about the cost for reflocking. My recollection was about $250. I've heard of people getting estimates that were $400 +. That, in my opinion, is an arm and a leg!

[citydog]

My horse and I *love* my Stübben Scout (http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=SS&Category_Code=SDL). Those panels *really* distribute weight nicely, and it is soft and cushy (yet supportive) for me.

I ordered mine from Calevo and it was considerably cheaper.

[Taza]

imissvixen:

I was at Horse Country this weekend and I knew they recommend the Flyover for fox hunting so I asked about it. They told me that for a heavier rider they recommend increasing the saddle size to help distribute weight. So if you normally ride in an 18", they'd put you in a 19". Were you given that advice when you bought yours?

[imissvixen]

No one told me that and to be honest the saddle is already big for me. I tend to slide forward in it.

[citydog]

Then I'd guess it's not that it's too big, it's that it's unbalanced, or the flaps don't fit you. Properly fitted and balanced you should end up in the "sweet spot" and not finding yourself sliding anywhere.

[Taza]

I forgot to add that they said the one type of horse that the saddle doesn't work with is one with a big drop from high withers to the back and then a sharp rise back up to the croup.

[imissvixen]

My hunt horse does have high withers. But really the saddle just doesn't fit him right. He got a lot of white hairs behind his withers right where the panels sit and when we hunted my pad was constantly working backward which is not a good sign.

The panels have a bit of a bulge where they sit near his withers. As you know, the panels stop right there and don't continue down the flap of the saddle like a general purpose or close contact saddle would.

I am buying an old Crosby -- extremely broken in -- to tide me over until I figure out what works in the long run. I am also going to keep the Flyover because I love the monoflap. My hunt horse has well sprung ribs and in that saddle he fills up your leg really nicely. I may try to get in touch with Jeffries and get their opinion.

Btw, some of the less progressive people I hunt with would hassle me about riding in a monoflap saddle. THey didn't approve of my riding in a saddle in which I couldn't tighten the girth at a gallop -- as if... That said, it is a bit more of a production tightening the girth on a monoflap.

[4marks]

Would it be inappropriate to use a black saddle? I am very new at this and am getting ready to buy a saddle but the one I love is black and I wanted to check before I made my decision.

[Taza]

Btw, some of the less progressive people I hunt with would hassle me about riding in a monoflap saddle. THey didn't approve of my riding in a saddle in which I couldn't tighten the girth at a gallop -- as if... That said, it is a bit more of a production tightening the girth on a monoflap.

Hmmm. But the advantage of long billets is that you can get the girth quite tight before mounting. Having ridden for many years in a dressage saddle, I rarely have to do much tightening after I mount. And certainly not at a gallop :lol:

But I did wonder where the leather keepers are on a Flyover and what you did with the front straps of a saddle pad.

[DogwoodValleyFarm]

What about Schleese saddles? They are fitted to your specific horse's back and have Adaptable trees. I had a hard to fit QH/TB and never could get the County rep in NC to get one to fit my horse, and that was after buying two new saddles from him. Arghhhh!

[Romany]

There are so many Schleese to chose from, and the fit depends on the skills of the fitter as much as the quality of the saddle itself (which is great, but no better or worse than most quality saddles out there).

[Ponyclubrocks]

I too am a larger than average rider and my Courbette Optima is perfect. Nice deep seat, extra long panels (for my very long legs). It comes in large seat sizes up to 20" and many tree widths up to 33 cm. I trail ride in it for up to 6 hours per ride and I use a mattes saddlepad that is lined with sheepskin for my longer rides. The saddle itself is very generously flocked both as to depth and width. Also, the twist seems to fit me better. I actually went out to by a Steuben, but after sitting on both, choose the Optima. I think it was around $1200.

[Dorothy Weatherby]

I would like to know if you want to sell the Jeffries flyover? Dorothy rockview2@verizon.net

[ArtilleryHill]

I hunt in this and absolutely love it. Most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden in, and it has never caused any problem on my horse, a Thoroughbred with moderately high withers.

[jnel]

This site is really good to figure out if your saddle panels are the right size to carry your weight. http://http://lorienstable.com/articles/z-fitting/weight/ (http://lorienstable.com/articles/z-fitting/weight/)

[everyequine]

Have you looked at a Berney's Bros? they aren't too deep seated, but are quite nice and the panels are quite wide. There is one on consignment at Middleburg Tack Exchange, but they also have many other styles (see their website). And Berney's website has many models. The lady i ride for has the same style that is at the tack exchange and it works pretty well on most of our horses.

I second this! they are nice comfy saddles.

[creseida]

I was at Horse Country this weekend and I knew they recommend the Flyover for fox hunting so I asked about it. They told me that for a heavier rider they recommend increasing the saddle size to help distribute weight. So if you normally ride in an 18", they'd put you in a 19". Were you given that advice when you bought yours?

Sounds like they gave you some bad advice. Saddle size is related primarily to thigh length, not weight or "butt size". If they put you up a size, it also changes the position of the stirrup bar in relation to your center of balance. You would be fighting your balance to stay centered over the horse. In general, the larger seat size would put the stirrup bar (and thus the stirrup placement) too far ahead of you, causing you to drop back a bit harder than normal into the back of the saddle a la chair seat. And when that happens, what do you think the effect is on the horse's back? How about a sore back? ;)

Flyovers will fit a horse with more curvature to it's back better than a table-top horse with mutton withers and a flat back. It was designed to fit TB's and most of them have a good set of withers on them.

As with any horse and rider though, there is no saddle out there that will fit every horse and every rider (in spite of what a manufacturer's marketing department would like you to believe.) Saddle fitting is a two way street. Not only must you find saddles that fit you and allow you to remain comfortably balanced in the "sweet spot", they must also fit your horse.

[Bogie]

I did find that I needed to go up a size in the Flyover. It just rode small.

[Samrdr1]

I forgot to add that they said the one type of horse that the saddle doesn't work with is one with a big drop from high withers to the back and then a sharp rise back up to the croup.

Uh,... Is that not commonly called a sway back ?

[Equibrit]

"That's interesting. I was under the impression that the panels for foam were different than for wool (thicker? thinner?). I had asked about converting an Ashland Saut d'Or but was told it couldn't be done for some reason or other. Of course that doesn't mean I was asking the right person, either."




I guess it depends if you are talking to a "cowboy" who would stuff by poking wads of wool through a hole; or conversely somebody who does it correctly by dropping the panel and laying the wool in.

[runfastjumphigh]

My suggestion would be the Bates AP or Caprilli CC depending on your riding level. I ride many different horses and find that most of them love the Cair panels! The gullet is interchangeable so they fit a wide range of horses. And yes, flocking may be added above the cair panels to tweak the fit if needed, so don't let people tell you otherwise. The leather is lovely, and the saddles are very comfortable. I know some saddle fitters that love them, and some that hate them, so let you and your horse decide. Good Luck!!

[marta]

i'm so glad to read your post re Albion Kontrol.
i ordered one in november and just got a word from my saddle fitter that's it's ready and awaiting shipment to the states:) i know a couple of people who ride in Albion's but none in that particular model. i'm curious what color your saddle is and if it's that dark havana brown, what fittings did you find to go with your saddle?

to the OP,
my saddle fitter (certified) has a truck with over 100 saddles on it. she's a rep for Albion and Duett but she has used saddles from various manufacturers on her truck (including my Prestige Galileo that i traded in to get a new Albion). perhaps someone in your area offers a similar service. not sure where you're located. she's out of Port Jervis NY and you can find her info at this website (in case it's near you): http://www.dutchessbridlesaddle.com/

[SEPowell]

The Flyover saddles are not wool flocked, they are foam so I don't believe there is much of anything a saddle fitter can do after the fact.

Hi Taza
I made a great discovery this fall and that is Jeffries does make a wool flocked flyover! As far as I know they do not actively market it in the US.

I have one that I bought from a website in the UK after a long discussion with the saddle fitter about finding a saddle like the flyover to fit my difficult to fit mare. I sent him a template of this mares back and he adjusted the flocking to fit her high withers and low back. When I put it on her back with a level it is perfectly balanced. It is of course heavier than the flyover sold here (in the US), but equally comfortable and free feeling. IMO, the wool flocked is also made of slightly sturdier leather with a few reinforcements in wear areas.

To keep my saddles from slipping I put a wool pad on the horse's back and then a square section of that rubbery looking shelf paper between that and the saddle. It comes in white and so it's ok for hunting.

I'm very small but the 18" fits me well.

[Leather]

I have a Stubben Kerry LD, which is also called the Survival. It's an "endurance" saddle, but you can get your leg into a nice two-point/ jumping postion in it.

http://jts.jupitertack.com/jt/product.asp?dept_id=24&pf_id=STSURV

It's got monster knee and thigh blocks. I had always been hesitant to try saddles with blocks since I hate them on dressage saddles. However they are the best thing ever for me for hunting. Even if you lose a stirrup your leg isn't going anywhere, yet I never feel trapped by the saddle. It's got tons of heavy duty D rings too.

The Siegfried MF is a similar saddle.
http://www.stubbennorthamerica.com/stuAllPurpose.html (bottom of page)

I tried a friend's on a trail ride and fell in love. I was actually looking for an MF when I found the Survival. (The Survival was in stock so I bought that one instead.)

Valley Tack in Ohio and Noble Horse Saddlery in Washington state are great to work with for Stubben stuff.

[Tallyoh]

Good Morning,

I charge 220 to remove foam or cair panels and replace with wool. I would want to be certain that the tree is of the correct width and shape for the horse and that the panels are of the the correct design.