Amerigo saddles, experiences?

[CanteringCarrot]

That makes sense re the panels. They’re not wool flocked in the same sense as say an Albion or traditional English wool flocked saddle. I have reservations about foam, but I’m not sure why. Mostly stuff people have put in my head. Some are also too close contact for him.

I am incredibly nervous about getting effed again. Or maybe the saddle seems good but makes him sore eventually. Gahhh it’s all been a but sh*t. I’m nervous regardless of what I may buy or how good it seems.

Fitter seemed to think Amerigo really suited this horse better than Equipe. We did try a Dabbs and an Albion, but those were clear no’s as well as the Prestige Helen that I loved. Hmm. Decisions.

[IPEsq]

Yeah I hear you. Ordering anything custom for a sensitive horse when you get limited time to try saddles is nerve wracking. Been there many times! I was actually using a super old (late 90s) jump saddle + shimmed half pad on my guy for months because it wasn’t great but it wasn’t nearly as bad as everything I was trying including one of my other saddles that I had re-paneled for him. Thankfully he does like that one now and we switched back but for a good while he really hated it.

This is why I’m a tack hoarder.

[Hayburner]

I was just looking at the Bates Artiste in my local tack shop. I haven’t seen many reviews on them yet. Also want it for a PRE

[Pico_Banana]

Just throwing this out there (because you need another option, right?), but have you thought about trying EQ Saddle Science? They seem very adjustable and with the flex tree, maybe there’s more tolerance for your horse?

I believe they also have a trial program, so low risk to you.

[Jealoushe]

@Pezanos

ot to hijack but… could you PM me the name of the fitter too, please? Thanks.

https://equestrianimports.com/

Ann is the fitter, shes fab!

[CanteringCarrot]

It looks like they are US based though?

I’ll have to dig around a bit.

I have an Amerigo Cortina coming on Friday that should be a good fit

[24eventer]

I have an older Amerigo jump saddle. I bought my saddle used about 16 years ago and it is still in excellent shape! It has also fit a variety of horses with no issues. Even my sensitive, hard to fit, red headed mare has had no issues with it. I had a horrible time finding a dressage saddle to fit her as well, but my Amerigo was always my go to when another saddle made her sore. In my opinion, excellent quality and craftsmanship, very well made!

[Jealoushe]

My one mare goes in a Cortina too, hope it works out for you!

[CanteringCarrot]

Thanks, I hope so too! I am (very) anxiously awaiting its arrival tomorrow.

[CanteringCarrot]

The Cortina came today and I am in love. Riding in it was so awesome. It feels so open compared to my last saddle and my hips can follow the horse as they’re supposed to!

I have to ride in it a few more times for the final verdict, but at the moment I’m quite pleased. Horse didn’t object and went quite well, but needs a few more rides before I say for certain. I hadn’t ridden him in a week and he was really relaxed today so we mostly did light work.

The fit is good, and the quality is lovely. Better be…they ain’t exactly cheap!

[Jealoushe]

Awesome!!

[fermecinqsens]

Hi I wonder if the Amerigo ended up working out for you?
I also have a long-withered, flat-backed Lusitano and am on the hunt for a dressage saddle.

[CanteringCarrot]

@fermecinqsens

Hi I wonder if the Amerigo ended up working out for you?
I also have a long-withered, flat-backed Lusitano and am on the hunt for a dressage saddle.

Yes, it’s worked out quite well. His back and withers look good and strong, and some slight asymmetry caused by the previous saddle is gone. Were both pleased with it.

[fermecinqsens]

Was there anything particular about the build or did you just go for normal medium, etc

Also, did you try a devoucoux? I have heard mixed things about the panels being curvy or flat.

[CanteringCarrot]

@fermecinqsens

Was there anything particular about the build or did you just go for normal medium, etc

Also, did you try a devoucoux? I have heard mixed things about the panels being curvy or flat.

I did not try a Devoucoux on this horse. Simply because I’m not interested in owning one/putting one on my horse.

There was nothing particular about the saddle. It is a 17.5 inch Cortina Pinerolo with adjustable/velcro thigh blocks with a +1 tree size. My fitter happened to have it in stock, so there was no need to order since it fit both him and I. It was just that we put the saddle on the horse and it fit. The one time I’ve been lucky probably

He has a long and reasonably tall withers so he’s not of the PRE propane tank shape variety.

[SpicyPRE]

I have a PRE and my list of saddles over the past 2 years is almost as long as yours. I need an 18"seat, that is open and moderately deep, and my guy has a short back - Problem #1, and then he has a very forward girth groove #$2, is not flat backed #3 and #4 is my own personal creation that I dont want to buy a new saddle. I had an Adam Ellis that I LOVED but the panels were just a touch too long. I have been looking at the Equipes but am going to investigate the Bates as well.

BTW - I laughed at your Zaldi comment - I sat in my brand new Zaldi for roughly 1/4 of the way around the arena before dismounting. It was awful.

[Buster]

Wondering if everyone, including OP, is still happy in their Amerigo saddles? Can you share which models you have/like?

[CanteringCarrot]

Still happy in my Amerigo. It’s a Cortina with Pinerolo leather. Still looks nearly new (I do use their products and take good care of it).

[merrygoround]

I have a student that uses an Amerigo for the last 10+/- years. With occaisonal restuffing it is in great shape.

[Buster]

You’re probably like me. Buy the products they suggest and use them on the schedule they recommend. To. A. T.