I’m looking to buy my first saddle and have been looking around for a very good used saddle. I came upon a 1999 Devoucoux Biarritz that was used by a pro along with another saddle, so according to the seller it has less than normal wear. It seems to be a good fit for me, it looks good in pics and is being sold for a phenomenal price for a Devoucoux, but it is 20 years old. Thoughts?
I know nothing about that particular make of saddle. If the saddle does not have cracks in the leather, I’d be fine with it. I have a Stubben saddle that is close to 40 y.o. and is still serviceable. I would replace billets and stirrup leathers in any case. If those break while riding they can cause nasty accidents. Never had a billet break, but did have a stirrup leather go out on me when a horse was acting up and the horse went one way and I went the other! I was so mad at myself. After getting back into riding I was using my old Passier saddle (that had a lot less mileage) waiting for my Stubben to get refurbished and I knew better. Should have replaced those stirrup leathers. Even though they looked to be in good condition, they were pretty old and had been stored for many years. It’s just good sense to replace or refurbish some equipment every so often.
Seriously… if my Stubben had an odometer it’d probably have over 500,000 miles on it. I got my money’s worth from that saddle. I did move on to a Custom Saddle though this past year. I’m older and it has a very secure seat. I can use all the help I can get these days!
Ooh, that sucks. Glad you survived it. I don’t think the saddle even comes with leathers, so I’ll make sure to buy new ones (and irons). The billets, though, interesting thing to keep in mind…thanks!
I would have no problems with a 20 year old Passier or Stubben or County. I am less sure of the lifespan of the foam flocked French saddles. How long does the foam hold up?
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That saddle maker has offices in CA and NY if you want to call them and inquire.
https://www.devoucoux.com/us/en/boutique/selle-neuve
I sold a 20 year old Devoucoux for a friend a couple of years ago through a dealer. She was very impressed with its condition and how beautiful the leather still was and listed it for $1795. Knowing the saddle and the owner as I did, I would not hesitate to buy it. I did feel the panels in an attempt to see what condition they were in and although I couldn’t see without opening the seams up, the foam did not feel hard or lumpy at all.
My trainer has a 25 year old Devoucoux that is her “perfect saddle”. The leather is showing some wear but the tree and flocking are still in great shape.
Check the tree, mentally budget to replace the billets (a very normal repair at this age since they get such wear) and the panels (if they’ve flattened out with time,) and other than that, go for it.
Thanks all - this is super helpful advice! I just purchased the saddle for $500 and am looking forward to purchasing the “accessories” for it - leathers, irons, billets. Any advice on what to buy for these?
Thanks again!
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I got a great deal on an older Devoucoux - I worked with my rep before I bought it and she suggested we put new panels on it. It fit but the panels were a little condensed from time/age & we could customize the balance with new ones - I just got it back & I’m super happy with it!
Enjoy your new saddle! My Butet is 23 years old this year and going strong. Ridden in daily.
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Chouteau - good information. Someone else thought I should potentially change out the panels. How costly was it to do, if you don’t mind my asking?
My Antares is 16 years old (2003) model. It is in great shape and was made custom for me. My daughter has a 2000 Butet that is still holding up great.
No, I don’t mind - it was $600
