Looking for opinions from others. I recently got an Albion k4 and ride strictly hunters currently jumping 2’ but always looking to grow as we learn. I LOVE my saddle, I feel super comfortable and secure in it, it fits my horse well, and I feel like it’s improved my ride so much. My trainer says the saddle isn’t for the hunter ring and doesn’t allow me to get into a “hunt seat position”. She loves her CWD, and wants everyone to love it which I totally get but I just prefer what I have. I guess I’m just looking for opinions, and to see if anyone else rides in this saddle in strictly hunters. Thanks everyone for listening 
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Different saddles fit different people and different horses and certainly one brand will never work for everyone. Go with what works for you.
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Thank you for the validation! That’s kind of the thought I had too. I guess I just wanted to make sure the K4 was a “hunter type” saddle if that makes sense.
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Is it the monoflap? Or is it black?
If not, the French/UK saddle is more of a stylistic choice (or financial for your trainer, if she’s sponsored) rather than functional. I love Albions.
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It’s the dual flap and brown!
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As @Beam_Me_Up said, it may very well be a financial thing. Trainers who are sponsored get a kick back. I dislike CWDs and find the balance awful.
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As long as the saddle fits both you and your horse, then it will be fine, and it should also blend in just fine being a brown dual flap.
If you and your horse are both improving in this saddle, then it sounds like it does get you into a position that works. Did your trainer specify what is non-hunter-like about your position?
You’ll see a variety of positions in the hunters; most will tend towards a two-point off the back, but the point is to let the horse shine and you’ll still see some riders sitting softly.
Honestly, your trainer might be following instructions from their saddle sponsor to convert X number of clients over to CWD.
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I had a kid qualify for all the big eq finals in an Albion. Similar to the stirrups questions on here. I have never checked a saddle’s brand from in the judge’s box. (and for the record, I detest CWD’s also…lol)
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It’s very likely your trainer will benefit from a CWD sale.
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Thank you! My horse likes a more out of the saddle huntery ride with a closed hip angle, and she said the saddle prevents that due to the big knee blocks
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Thank you so much for this.
When I’ve purchased used saddles w knee blocks, I’ve taken them off. I slip a razor blade between the block and the flap and cut the stitching. I’m not recommending you do that (it’s a very personal decision) but you could offer that as a solution to your trainer’s recommendation.
My thoughts as well. Some sponsored trainers push for their clients to purchase saddles from the company they’re sponsored by whether it’s really necessary or not.
I’m not sure a saddle’s brand really matters if it works for you and your horse. In what way does your trainer find it puts you in the incorrect position?
I ride in an ancient Courbette that isn’t trendy or fashionable by any stretch of the imagination, and I’ve never had a trainer seem to care.
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My Albion had Velcro blocks. Just take cut them off and keep them in case you want to have them put back on.
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I’m leaning toward this being a trainer preference (either for the financial kickback or because they want everyone in a trendy saddle) but…
Is there a chance this saddle is putting you into a chair seat?
I ask because of the above. If it is hard for you to get into a half seat, it may be because your saddle has you behind the motion. This is usually due to a too forward stirrup bar vs rider anatomy, but can also be a mismatch between flap/block and rider anatomy.
Being behind the motion/a bit of a chair seat can feel very secure (eventers tend to appreciate it vs being ahead of the motion, for obvious reasons). But it does not make it easy to stay up off the horse’s back and right with them over fences, if that’s the ride the horse needs to be shown off the best.
There’s also a chance your trainer likes their riders in a “hunter perch”, out of the saddle and ahead of the motion, while you feel better in a more connected position. There is really no way for us to know. A clinic with a good pro would be invaluable to you, I think, to suss all this out. A second opinion, if you will.
If you’re really brave you could post a pic of yourself in the saddle, feet in the stirrups, at a square halt, with weight in your heels (not slouching I guess). It may give some insight into whether this is a saddle fitting issue vs a trainer preference question, but I totally understand if that’s just not something you’re comfortable doing!
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I just googled the model and it looks like Velcro blocks might be standard? OP could solve this issue (if it really is the blocks, per trainer) by just removing them.
If the trainer says it’s the blocks causing their issue with the saddle, and the blocks are Velcro, and the trainer didn’t just suggest taking the blocks off… I’m going to have to say the trainer either has NO clue about saddle fit or (more likely) they just want everyone in their brand of choice. Whether that’s for a financial kickback or just to feel fashionable, who knows.
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That makes sense! I don’t have exactly that, but this is the closest picture I have saved. I don’t think I’m in a chair seat? But I could be wrong!
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Also, thank you so much for taking the time to respond and look into the mod of the saddle. I appreciate it so much! I think it may be she just wants me in a cwd which I totally get, and that’s okay that’s her opinion!
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Yeah, we would need a different angle (more parallel the horse) to tell anything. But what I can see is that you do have a larger knee block than some might be used to for a hunter saddle - a judge won’t care, but a trainer might have “opinions”. Sometimes people attribute more value to “fashion” in the hunter ring than the judges really do 
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I would take the blocks off if you can and just see how that feels and what your trainer has to say about your position. Take some video with and without. It can be surprising how different it feels from the saddle, so video is invaluable.
I think you have a trainer that wants fashionable, but if the saddle is comfy for you and fits your horse, “fashion” is entirely irrelevant. And most judges would agree. If it were a monoflap or black, there would be some discussion, but it isn’t!
(Also, what a cute happy face on your pony! And you!)
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My mare shows at rated shows in the MidAtlantic in a brown K4. I bought it replace an Antares that didn’t fit my mare great and the fitter is local to adjust flocking. Initial impression of the pro was it was a bit unconventional but no complaints after the initial impression. It’s super comfortable, sticky and fits my mare great. I ride my other horse in an older smart ride Tad Coffin that needs to be repaneled. I just ordered an Albin for him (needs a wider tree than the mare) rather than deal with getting the Tad repaneled. CWDs don’t fit either of them great and their business practices are hateful (search prior threads for that drama). You’ll be fine. Enjoy your adorable horse in the saddle you both like. You’ll could do a lot worse with a CWD (see thread prior discussion)
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