Antares Saddle Models - Contact vs. Connexion vs. Evolution

[aimr0625]

The title is pretty self explanatory; I’m looking to see if COTHers have any specific experiences with Antares’ Contact, Connexion, or Evolution models made in the last five years or so (I know Antares had tree issues with mid-2000 saddles).

I currently have a Comfort, but the 1A flap puts me into a chair seat so I’m looking at other flap and seat configurations. Love the feel of the saddle, but I just can’t get myself centered properly due to my own conformation.

FWIW, tried CWD classic models; the SE01 helped with my position, but I didn’t LOVE the saddle or feel like I absolutely, positively needed to get it. The SE02 had me pinching with my knees for balance, and the rep IIRC didn’t have the SE03 in any configuration that would have worked for me. I didn’t bother trying the 2Gs or Mademoiselle because they were out of budget.

I’m having an Antares fitter/rep out this week anyway, but am looking for anecdotal experiences with the three models. In case it helps, I’ll be riding my mare in the hunters to get her started but plan to switch to the jumpers (hunters will not be permanent).

TIA!

[danacat]

I’m an Antares fan – have two Evolution double flap – LOVE this saddle because of the smooth transition from middle of seat to cantle; called an ‘open seat’ = roomy = super comfortable + great position. One saddle is buffalo the other is calf -Both are grippy but I prefer the buffalo.

There’s just something about the Evo that feels ‘right’ all over – joy to ride in. But my Pessoa and my Bates (both monoflaps) are fabulous to ride in too, so…

[aimr0625]

@danacat

I’m an Antares fan – have two Evolution double flap – LOVE this saddle because of the smooth transition from middle of seat to cantle; called an ‘open seat’ = roomy = super comfortable + great position. One saddle is buffalo the other is calf -Both are grippy but I prefer the buffalo.

There’s just something about the Evo that feels ‘right’ all over – joy to ride in. But my Pessoa and my Bates (both monoflaps) are fabulous to ride in too, so…

Amazing! Thank you for the info! Do you have the Evo in the L or E twist? My Comfort is an L twist, which I really don’t mind at all, and have been riding in for the last few months (and truthfully, tend to find pretty darn comfortable). And, if you don’t mind my asking, if you purchased new, how was the break-in period?

What makes you prefer the buffalo over the calf? My current saddle has (I believe) grain flaps and I think a buffalo seat and knee rolls.

Really hoping I can sit in an Evo when the rep comes out this week. Suuuper intrigued!

[ammyforlife]

I personally didn’t like the Evolution. It put me in a good position, but I think that seat might have been to wide or something? Idk, I just found it really uncomfortable and I felt that I got jumped really loose in it. I have also ridden in a couple different Contacts and quite liked them. I found the seat much more comfy and I felt that I had the ability to stay more with my horse in the air. For my horse, the best options for fit for him were the Classique (which IIRC they no longer make, but is most similar to the Connexion) and the Contact, I went with the Classique because I felt that I had greater mobility in it, kind of more like the mobility in the seat afforded with the Evolution, which is the part about the Evolution that I appreciated. I also felt that I could get my leg better on my super narrow TB in the Classique vs the Contact, I personally find that the Contact sucks you in more and has a more defined sweet spot if that makes sense? However, I really like the Contact on horses with a more normal build, the horse I bought my saddle for was just particularly narrow.

[danacat]

@aimr0625

Amazing! Thank you for the info! Do you have the Evo in the L or E twist? My Comfort is an L twist, which I really don’t mind at all, and have been riding in for the last few months (and truthfully, tend to find pretty darn comfortable). And, if you don’t mind my asking, if you purchased new, how was the break-in period?

What makes you prefer the buffalo over the calf? My current saddle has (I believe) grain flaps and I think a buffalo seat and knee rolls.

Really hoping I can sit in an Evo when the rep comes out this week. Suuuper intrigued!

I have L twists in both, by choice. I like a wider twist.

Both were used. The full buffalo is a 2017 model – looked like new, no break-in period at all. Wears like iron, doesn’t get mold on it – we had a ridiculously humid summer and this was the only saddle that stayed mold free, seat and flaps.

The calf, a 2018, I got through my Antares rep. He located it for me in their used saddle network. Looked brand new too. No break in period on that one either. More prone to scratches and discoloration so I treat it with kid gloves as best I can.

I think the full buffalo is a bit more grippy overall.

The best thing about Antares is the generous pommel arch + upswept panels. I need this type of architecture for one of my horses – long wither with no hollowing + big shoulder + really short but wide back. Antares is the only saddle that fits him like a glove in a 17.5 (my size) and the Evo fits me like a glove too. Other Antares models make my seat bones go numb due to the less open and less generous width of seat.

[aimr0625]

@ammyforlife

I personally didn’t like the Evolution. It put me in a good position, but I think that seat might have been to wide or something? Idk, I just found it really uncomfortable and I felt that I got jumped really loose in it. I have also ridden in a couple different Contacts and quite liked them. I found the seat much more comfy and I felt that I had the ability to stay more with my horse in the air. For my horse, the best options for fit for him were the Classique (which IIRC they no longer make, but is most similar to the Connexion) and the Contact, I went with the Classique because I felt that I had greater mobility in it, kind of more like the mobility in the seat afforded with the Evolution, which is the part about the Evolution that I appreciated. I also felt that I could get my leg better on my super narrow TB in the Classique vs the Contact, I personally find that the Contact sucks you in more and has a more defined sweet spot if that makes sense? However, I really like the Contact on horses with a more normal build, the horse I bought my saddle for was just particularly narrow.

That’s very helpful, thank you! My mare is a TB, although she’s not super narrow, so I’ll be sure to assess the fit on her! Appreciate the information!

[aimr0625]

@danacat

I have L twists in both, by choice. I like a wider twist.

Both were used. The full buffalo is a 2017 model – looked like new, no break-in period at all. Wears like iron, doesn’t get mold on it – we had a ridiculously humid summer and this was the only saddle that stayed mold free, seat and flaps.

The calf, a 2018, I got through my Antares rep. He located it for me in their used saddle network. Looked brand new too. No break in period on that one either. More prone to scratches and discoloration so I treat it with kid gloves as best I can.

I think the full buffalo is a bit more grippy overall.

The best thing about Antares is the generous pommel arch + upswept panels. I need this type of architecture for one of my horses – long wither with no hollowing + big shoulder + really short but wide back. Antares is the only saddle that fits him like a glove in a 17.5 (my size) and the Evo fits me like a glove too. Other Antares models make my seat bones go numb due to the less open and less generous width of seat.

Excellent! The mold information is VERY good to know…we had a hell of a time last summer with the humidity. Also good to know about the break-in period(s)! I’ve heard mixed things on other manufacturers’ saddles, so glad to hear your experiences! Thank you again!