Adjustable tree - leather jumping saddles?

[jn4jenny]

[QUOTE=WarmbloodColor;5340189]
I didn’t realize there was an AP version either, that is confusing!

Does anyone know if the SJ has a fixed thigh block, too? I don’t think I’ve ever tried a saddle with thigh blocks, so it would be nice if they were on Velcro, too, in case I didn’t care for them.[/QUOTE]

Yes they are fixed, but I wouldn’t sweat this too much. If worse comes to worst, the blocks are just sewn on, so you’d just have to rip the stitches out and remove it. Picture:
http://www.usedsaddles.com/product.htm?id=5ilwgocg

The more you talk, the more you sound like an Ovation Evolution kind of gal. I wonder if VTO Saddlery could get you one of the Ovation Evolutions in grain leather for a demo ride?

The wool-flocked Bates is not available in the US officially (just Australia and overseas–unfair huh?), but a lot of folks here have paid to have their Bates reflocked to wool. If you already HAD a Bates and liked it and the only issue was that you disliked the CAIR, that would be an argument to reflock. Buf if you’re looking for a “Bates ride” with wool flocking, buying the significantly cheaper Collegiate Diploma makes more financial sense. $1100 for a used Bates + $300 for the reflock = $1400. Compare this to a maximum $900 for a brand new Collegiate Diploma (already flocked with wool) and as little as $650 if you luck into a used Collegiate Diploma.

[Blacktree]

[QUOTE=jn4jenny;5340223]
Yes they are fixed, but I wouldn’t sweat this too much. If worse comes to worst, the blocks are just sewn on, so you’d just have to rip the stitches out and remove it.[/QUOTE]
That’s what I was thinking.

The more you talk, the more you sound like an Ovation Evolution kind of gal.
:lol::lol:

If you already HAD a Bates and liked it and the only issue was that you disliked the CAIR, that would be an argument to reflock. Buf if you’re looking for a “Bates ride” with wool flocking, buying the significantly cheaper Collegiate Diploma makes more financial sense.

Yes, since I know I don’t want the CAIR already, any of the Bates saddles would cost me about $300+ from the asking price, plus some extra time/hassle. I’d rather keep my costs down on this one if possible, so if I don’t like the Ovations I’ll probably look at the convertible Collegiates next.

[Give_and_Take]

The new Bates have the CAIR panel system but they don’t advertise it very well.

It essentially allows you to custom fit the front, center and back of the panels as well as the gullet. Its a great system and let’s you make modifications as your horse changes shape. And you can make each side custom as well if you have one that’s weaker on one side.

here are the pieces you can add to the panels.
http://www.adamshorsesupply.com/browse.cfm/4,6647.html

I used mine on a broad warmblood that also had withers and a big moving shoulder. And then changed it to fit a slightly downhill tb.

I have the Bates elevation DS with the grain leather. While the leather can’t compare to a nice french saddle, being balanced on my horses is a good trade off imo.

[WishIWereRiding]

Look at a used Prestige. The trees can be adjusted by an authorized fitter/retailer (VTO is one of them). I think they are flocked with wool, or maybe a wool/felt blend. Most of their jump saddles will have a forward enough flap for you. I know of two ULR that go XC in their Nona Garsons.

[LizzieAnn]

I have the Collegiate Diploma and REALLY love it! My riding has improved ten fold from having it.

I’m 5’3 and it fits me perfectly (no chair seat!).

Here it is: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=228192&l=683c76ac0a&id=100001538991213

[lexie1]

I bought a Pessoa XP3 XCH last spring on ebay (it was Demo) and I love it. I went from a 27 year old Prix De Nations to this saddle. That’s a pretty drastic change in seat - and it has knee and thigh blocks - but I could not be happer with it. It fits the weird-shaped horse I am borrowing just fine, and it also stays in the middle of my daughter’s witherless pony.

[Blacktree]

Update-
I finally sold my old saddle and ordered an Ovation Evolution - it arrived yesterday. I like how it fits my leg and I found it to be very comfortable/balanced. I was pleased with the quality for the price, too. Unfortunately I’m not sure if it’s going to fit the main horse that I wanted to use it on though, I am bummed.

He has kind of a weird back shape (high shark-fin withers + a flat back behind the withers + he is super uphill). Unfortunately he got this shape from his dam, which we also need this saddle to work for. When the saddle sits level, there isn’t enough clearance over his withers. When the gullet fits him in front, the saddle really tips down behind. I was afraid that might be a problem, so now I’m at a loss for what to try next.

I have a feeling now after looking at the panels on the Ovation that any foam paneled saddle isn’t going to work. He’s so unusually shaped that I think he’s going to need wool flocking. This means of course that my hope of having an affordable, semi-universally usable saddle around probably isn’t going to happen. sigh

Before I start looking for a regular treed used saddle that can be flocked especially for these 2 horses, does anyone know of a wool flocked, but still adjustable treed saddle that would be worth trying first? I ordered the Ovation from Dover as a test ride, so I’d love it if there was something else that they stock to try (I think they said that the shipping on the next saddle would be free).

Thanks everyone!

[Tiffani_B]

I have been told that the Toulouse are partially wool and can be adjusted? I have no idea if this is the case so don’t quote me on it LOL.

My Anice Genesis fits every horse (so far!) with just a few turns of the set screw. One is a very wide backed, shark finned, uphill TB. Where are you located? If you’re around here, you’re welcome to try it.

[buck22]

only read the first page but don’t forget Laser, this one sold very cheaply on ebay recently:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LASER-SADDLE-ADJUSTABLE-GULLET-JUMPING-ALL-PURPOSE-/280639045275?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415763fe9b

they are lovely saddles in wonderful leather, wool flocked generally.

http://www.laserequestrian.com/?p=38

I have a Thorowgood L4, the precursor to the Fairfax, in broadback with a square cantle and it is a lovely saddle. The fitting options are fantastic, like being able to drop a panel and shim between the saddle and panel, and the ability to move billets around.

http://www.fairfaxsaddles.co.uk/

Lasers to my knowledge have moderately wide twists, and my L4 definitely does have a wide one, but they also both have very wide channels for spinal clearance.

[3s1]

Adjustable trees

Make sure that you can change not only the angle of the gullet plate but the width, which is what you’ll need as your horse grows and matures. Most of those ‘DIY’ saddles can only change the angle, not the width. Check out the Schleese Youtube videos on specifically this topic. And remember that adjustable does not always = adjustable. Many saddles which claim ‘full adjustability’ can in fact only be reflocked, with little or no change possible at the gullet. (which in fact includes most brands of English saddles, regardless what they claim!)

[jn4jenny]

If it’s got to be wool flocked and it’s got to be adjustable and it’s got to be under $1000, the Collegiate Convertible Diploma is pretty much your only option. It’s a nice little saddle though–very decent grain leather for the price. M&M Tack Shop has two of them in their used inventory for very cheap, a 17" and a 17.5", if you need to score a deal and need a trial period.

I am not a fan of the Toulouse Annice because of the leather quality and shape of the panels, but if you can get your hands on one to try on the horse, there’s a horse out there for every saddle. JMHO, of course. Every brand has its fans and critics.

[pattnic]

In terms of quality and how I think the saddle will wear, I put the Collegiate Convertible Diploma over the Toulouse Annice. The Collegiate will better accomodate a longer thigh.

Having ridden in them both as I hunt for a new saddle, I chose the Collegiate as my “interim” saddle (until I can afford the one I really want!)

[Pixie0304]

I heard Stubben had some models with adjustable gullet system is it true?

I also saw on the Kieffer website, they do have one model but I have not tried one.

I am also on the look for a wool flocked saddle with adjustable gullet system as I ride more than one horse.

I do not want CAIR also, so Bates are out the windows.

except Bates, wintec and Collegiate, is there any other brand with the gullet system?

[pattnic]

[QUOTE=Pixie0304;5500448]
except Bates, wintec and Collegiate, is there any other brand with the gullet system?[/QUOTE]

Ovation, Pessoa, M. Toulouse, and Thorowgood all have models with changeable gullets

[Yogini]

I know this is really old, but does anyone know how the OP solved this problem? I’m in a similar predicament: young horse, same shape as OP’s, I ride lots of young ones and want something that will tide me over on this one for awhile (ok so what I REALLY want is a yummy cwd that fits me perfectly but, sigh, lets get real!)

[alto]

[QUOTE=Yogini;7096062]
I know this is really old, but does anyone know how the OP solved this problem? I’m in a similar predicament: young horse, same shape as OP’s, I ride lots of young ones and want something that will tide me over on this one for awhile (ok so what I REALLY want is a yummy cwd that fits me perfectly but, sigh, lets get real!)[/QUOTE]

If she doesn’t pick up on your request, just send her a pm (private message)
I suspect you can also reach her through her linked website.

[Blacktree]

[QUOTE=Yogini;7096062]
I know this is really old, but does anyone know how the OP solved this problem? I’m in a similar predicament: young horse, same shape as OP’s, I ride lots of young ones and want something that will tide me over on this one for awhile (ok so what I REALLY want is a yummy cwd that fits me perfectly but, sigh, lets get real!)[/QUOTE]

Wow! Was surprised to see this thread again! I sent the Ovation back, just didn’t fit my kid at all. I got a used Collegiate covertable Diploma for my lesson horse and for any horses that come into training that don’t fit in the saddles that I now have for my high withered, flat backed horses. I like it, the leather is much better than the Ovation’s and it is well balanced. It is a good versatile basic saddle to have. For the high withered horses that I ride more often, I decided to invest in some used County saddles (not adjustable trees of course, but because they can be altered a little with the flocking as my young guy grows I decided to go that route). I have been using a MN SR stabilizer that works with rear shims in a mattes pad - not ideal for those high withers, but works. Recently I also found a N Sensation and a N SR Innovation. The trees in those fit the high withered kids much better. Overall, my preference is the Innovation (though they both fit the high withered horses well), so I’m selling the Sensation. truthfully I’m not sure how the Diploma fits my high withered guys - I gave up on that idea for their conformation and decided the adjustable treed saddles were a better match for everyone else that needs a less curvy tree and less panel.

[Brooke]

Has anyone tried the new Dover saddle with the adjustable tree? Looks interesting.

[Yogini]

Blacktree, my County saddle fitting friend paid you to say that right?!

[Blacktree]

I wish, could always use some extra money for my ponies.