Albion SLK HH vs LH (and a Kottas ?)

[UrbanHennery]

I’m saddle shopping (yay?) again for my QH.

I tried an Albion SLK HH Ultima this weekend in a 17" MW that fit him very well but I found the pommel to be, well, uncomfortable in a bad way. It didn’t seem like an issue that would be made better by going to a 17.5 seat, though I certainly could go either way on seat size.

Has anyone else that had that issue with the HH also ridden in the LH? Does the LH attack you the same way?

Words of advice would be great as I would need to ship in a LH in order to try one and if it’s going to be the same issue I’d rather save the money.

Also, I tried and loved an Arthur Kottas Imperial 17 #4 fit that seemed to fit my gelding fairly well but I needed a bit more room in the seat. I’m searching for a 17.5 right now, but if I can’t find one, or my saddle fitter says it won’t work for my horse, anyone have any suggestions for another brand/model that feels the same for the rider? Likely needs to be on an English style tree/panels to fit the QH.

[FEIwannabe]

I used to have a LH and was very comfortable for me. Can’t comment on the HH tho.
However, I can’t imagine that if a HH fits your horse that a LH would also. It’s my understanding those two saddles are made for very different conformation of the withers.

[UrbanHennery]

If he needed the wither clearance of the HH I would agree but he doesn’t. MW Albions seem to generally fit him.

[Snowdenfarm]

I own an Albion HH and had another brand HH on trial. My horses do not need the wither clearance, but the HHs tend to be cheaper. There is a reason and it is not pretty. It does not get better. If you feel pain now, run!

[rizzodm]

I have been in the process of finding a jump saddle for my horse and my independent fitter recommended this company
http://www.idealsaddle.com/ She left a used saddle with me to try out and I pretty much love it and so does my horse.
They have a lot of options and the saddle maker will do whatever you want at no extra charge. For example I want my stirrup bar a little farther back. You get to pick your leather and the saddle is custom made for your horse. With the exchange rate I am looking at a total cost of $1500.
Pretty excited as I was going to buy a used saddle with a budget of $2000 and now I am getting a new custom, wool flocked saddle for under my budget.

[Nestor]

YES! If you don’t do well in a HH, try a LH. They change every year, of course, so some years are better or worse than others, but try a LH.

[Forte]

I have the SLK LH also in a 17" MW and I find it to be extremely comfortable. No issues hitting the pommel at all. I went for the “Royale” version with upgraded leather. Both Forte and I love the saddle!

[KayGee]

Sent you a PM.

[artisticgold]

I have owned both an Albion HH and LH plus an Albion Brentina which I believe has a HH. Neither myself or my friend liked the HH saddle, it made the seat seem smaller and was uncomfortable in the way you mentioned. I also had an xw LH that was pretty comfortable, kept it for years but it never was quite wide enough for my broad ones. Lastly I owned a Brentina and it was one of my very favorite all time saddle. I went down from a 17" to a 16.5" and it was plenty big enough, it had a narrower twist and seat but sadly wasn’t wide enough for my horses. It supported me in all the right ways…of course I now have a horse that would’ve fit that saddle perfectly…sigh

[staceyk]

My trainer had a HH that I loved, and I tried to find a replica – found something very close that happened to have a LH at Pelham Saddlery, and I am really happy with it. The LH is dramatically lower. A word about finding Albions used – turns out, Albions are sooooo cutomized, and they do change every year so you can’t be sure a certain configuration will fit. Trial trial trial…

[EventerAJ]

I used a Kottas Imperial on my horse and really loved it. The 17.5" seat was a shade too big for me, but I liked the overall balance and support. Sadly, my horse grew from a MW to a Wide and it no longer fit him. Really nice quality saddle and I would recommend it. The cantle back looks really high, but I didn’t notice it at all when actually riding in it.