Another Voltaire saddle decoding thread (yes, I'm sorry! I deserve the eyerolls)

[vxf111]

I did search past posts, but the serial number format seems to change slightly year to year and I have not been able to fully answer my question.

Rode in a saddle with this serial number and liked how it fit the horse…

Palm Beach
1422 16
18 3AAA
M/M
Pro

Palm Beach is the model. It’s the 1422 saddle made in 2016. It’s a size 18. 3AAA is the flap shape, that’s an extra long, extra forward flap? “Pro” is the pro panels. What is the “M/M”? The tree? Medium tree? That would surprise me, it looks pretty wide to me.

I would like to get a saddle that fits the same only I need a 17.5 with a normal flat in terms of length/forwardness. So am I looking for a “2A” flap (that seems to be pretty standard).

What’s tripping me up as well is that saddles even a few years older have a totally different nomenclature for the line where the “M/M” is. On the other saddles there seems to be a string of numbers there instead?

So let’s say I want a Palm Beach 17.5 with pro panels that is equivalent to the tree size/shape I tried? If there aren’t letters on that line, what number is equivalent.

THX

[AcrossTheCountry]

M/M is definitely the tree width; that’s what I have (I think it’s 4.5 dot to dot?) My guy is a narrow, high withered Oldenburg/TB cross and my saddle is perfect on him. The stamp changes with the amount of customization you get; this is a thread I saved when I was researching: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/eventing/315651-voltaire-saddle-stamp-translation Also - there are PRO panels, and FIN panels - I have the FIN, which I think are supposed to be more roomy?

[HJdaydream]

My new Voltaire is stamped M/M, then PRO underneath it, then B10 D10 which is additional thickness on the panels and the location I believe. I assume the M/M is the tree, and I think it’s pretty standard for most of the saddles, because nothing about it was mentioned during my fittings, only adding thickness to the panels, because my guy is a bit withery.

[toomanyponies]

M/M refers to the size of the front and back blocks - in this case medium.
AN would refer to the tree - arcade normale which is about a medium wide
if you have letters and numbers after the XFIN, FIN, PRO it details the area and amount of additional foam
The number in front of the letters (such as a 2A or 3AA) refers to the flap length. The letters or lack of letter reflects the amount of forwardness. The more As the more forward.

[vxf111]

So… is there anything in that serial number I listed that tells you the tree if the M/M indeed refers to the blocks? It doesn’t exactly look like a medium tree to me, it looks wider. And the blocks are not huge. So it makes sense to me that the M/M could mean medium blocks front and back. But since what is so important to me is the fit to the horse-- I’m a little puzzled by how to make sure I am getting the same size tree as this one if none of the numbers refer to the tree!!!

[HJdaydream]

Have you tried emailing Voltaire or calling their US office? I might try that route to make sure you are clear on everything so you can find a saddle with confidence. Definitely let us know what you find out because now I am curious too!

[AcrossTheCountry]

@toomanyponies

M/M refers to the size of the front and back blocks - in this case medium.
AN would refer to the tree - arcade normale which is about a medium wide
if you have letters and numbers after the XFIN, FIN, PRO it details the area and amount of additional foam
The number in front of the letters (such as a 2A or 3AA) refers to the flap length. The letters or lack of letter reflects the amount of forwardness. The more As the more forward.

Ah - I didn’t realize that about the M/M! Thank you!!

[OnDeck]

M/M is the blocks. Voltaire only has one tree size so no stamp needed.

3A flap is long and extra extra forward (3A is long and forward). You want a 17.5 Palm Beach with pro panels and a 2 flap.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

@vxf111

Here’s an actual photo

I recommend reaching out to David @ EquiTack, their re-seller. He was hugely helpful when I was looking for my used Voltaire. PM me and I’ll send you his direct contact info. Glad you found one you like, I freaking LOVE my saddle.