Amerigo saddles? Childeric?

[AmmyByNature]

I’m completely unfamiliar with the Amerigo brand, but the price range for a new one is similar to saddles I am familiar with. Was wondering if anyone could tell me if they’re quality saddles?

Ditto with the Childerics?

I’m moving way from a Devoucoux that doesn’t fit my horse but that I loved the feel of, and I’m only interested in used, so I’m trying to be flexible about what I try. My fitter has a couple of these that she’s suggesting I try and I’m wondering if I’m going to be disappointed?

Not judging them - they may be amazingly lovely! - just not familiar with the brand and wanted some input.

Thanks!

[silver_charm]

I adore my Childeric, and would definitely say it’s high quality. It’s really old and been abused by past owners, but it was easily as nice as my old Butet, though one of my trainer’s Devoucouxs might outrank in in terms of cushiness. But I know plenty of people who have been happy with their Childerics.

[cherham]

I love my Childeric. Very comfy! And best of all seems to fit a wide variety of horses. And they hold their resale value very well . Good buy!

[greywithchrome]

People either swear by Childerics or won’t touch them LOL

[MuddyHalter]

Amerigo is an Italian brand comparable in quality (IMO) to the popular French saddles (I have had a Devoucoux and currently have a CWD also). (Caveat: my Amerigo was a 2008; I haven’t seen newer ones.) I used my Amerigo Vega as my foxhunting saddle. I liked the security it offered, as well as the comfort. A bonus was the wool flocking that allowed for refitting. The saddle still looked fabulous after years of hunting in tough terrain. I no longer hunt, and have two other saddles (for one horse), so the Amerigo is out on consignment. The Childerics are also nice saddles of good quality. Good luck in your search.

[Cabaret_SK]

I love Amerigo saddles - so comfy. Great quality. I would agree with MuddyHalter in saying comparable to the high end French brands. The DJ with the Pinerolo leather is stunning.

I haven’t ridden in Childerics, but they seem to hold up well and are quite popular where I am.

[equest]

I used to have a Childeric and loved it, but it was a tad too short at the knee for me. I miss it and may well buy another, in a half size larger, as long as it fits my greenie. It was a very comfortable and durable saddle.

[IPEsq]

I love my Childeric. It’s 18 years young and going strong. Devoucoux can tend to be a little more banana shaped. If that’s why it doesn’t fit your horse, you want to stay away from the “French tree” Childerics and go with the model M (their “English tree” which is less banana shaped).

[AmmyByNature]

[QUOTE=IPEsq;8579800]
I love my Childeric. It’s 18 years young and going strong. Devoucoux can tend to be a little more banana shaped. If that’s why it doesn’t fit your horse, you want to stay away from the “French tree” Childerics and go with the model M (their “English tree” which is less banana shaped).[/QUOTE]

My trainer rides her in a Childeric M (I believe) that fits her beautifully, which is one reason I want to make sure to try her in one that fits me.

Just so many brands!!!

[cherham]

I agree totally with the M model of Childrics. But I must say that I have NEVER heard anyone say anything negative about the Childrics. And they are very, very popular on our A circuit here in Ontario.

[FLeventer]

I have a Childeric monoflap and I love it. It is calfskin and has held up really well. It is 7 years old and still looks amazing. I really love my saddle.

I had one when I was a kid that I loved. I hated the day that I grew out of it.

[pacific_jumper]

I have a friend with a childeric. The tree broke after five years, and the company has refused to do anything about it. It was lovely to ride in before it broke though

[mroades]

My Childeric is 24 years old!

[AdrenalineJunky]

I have an Amerigo and I love it. I also have a CWD but I probably would have had another Amerigo had the CWD rep not been there first. I probably like my Amerigo more to be honest, great quality and comfortable saddle. Fits my horse great, never given either of us any problems.

Childeric’s are also great saddles, I’ve never owned one but I’ve ridden in a few different ones and they are also a great saddle.

You can’t really go wrong with any of these higher end saddles, just find one in good shape that fits you and your horse and enjoy the ride!

[Small_Change]

Another Amerigo fan here. I’ve had my close contact for probably 10 years or more now, and am very, very pleased with it. Well balanced, comfortable and secure without being a “couch saddle.” My friend with a squishy, puffy Delgrange finds it hard and doesn’t feel as secure in it as when riding on her pillow but I think it’s all in what you’re used to.

[jody_jaffe]

Yet another Amerigo fan. I have an Antares, CWD and Amerigo. The Amerigo is the most comfortable, puts me in the best position, and is the only saddle that fits both my horses. An added benefit is working with World Equestrian Brands, the company that sells them. Robin/Renata…terrific and know a lot.

[Gumby80]

Another here who has a Childeric model M (made in 2004) and adores it. I also tried a couple of Amerigos when I was saddle shopping, and they seemed well made. They were a little deep in the seat and straight in the flap for me (I have disproportionately long legs), and the tree was more banana-shaped, as has been mentioned.

So I think both brands are good, but it will more depend on what fits you and your horse.

[GoodTimes]

When I started my young hunter I needed a new saddle for him since he was such a different shape then my other horse. At the time the Childeric model M didn’t fit him so I went with a used FM. Fast forward 4 years, horse is now 7 and filled out a ton so sadly it no longer fits. I just sold it for the exact same price I bought it for. I would have tried another model M on him but there is no Childeric rep here in Alberta so I went with an Antares. The saddle quality is very comparable.

A friend has a used Amerigo, she’s had it at least 8 years now and it’s in great shape.

[findeight]

Childeric is made by a former Butet saddler. It’s very similar in look and feel but more durable, not that smooth purse leather that wears thru and much better under the cantle where some Butets made some horses very uncomfortable. From the back it looks very much like an Antares the way the padding spreads much wider then the Butet.

Might be a bit harder to resell around some barns or get a vendor to put on their trailer as a consignment then a Butet but I got 2k for mine when it was 6 or 7 years old with just two phone calls to trainer friends. Seems to fit a wide variety of horses too.

Best of all they ride as cushy as a Butet.

[luvmyottb]

Love my Childeric. Bought it used, I’ve had it for 7 years and has fit my smaller TB and a wide Quarter horse. It is supremely comfortable and looks great. Everyone who rides in it tells me how much they love my saddle.

Go with what feels great to you and is comfortable for your horse. Good luck!