Just an FYI- I did not have a great experience with County and the local rep so my recommendation is to have an independent saddle fitter look at anything you try
[QUOTE=GutsNGlory;8205757]
What does your horse look like/need? I know of a super nice Stackhouse monoflap that is about to hit the market in NH. I previously owned it and sold it to a friend. Since she moved out east, her horse’s muscling has changed and the saddle no longer fits (fit like a glove before she found those NH hills!). I agree with a lot of the posters that the Stackhouse saddles are just amazing.[/QUOTE]
I need a long/forward flap and Calvert is usually on the wide side. He is a warmblood cross with big shoulders and not a lot of withers.
[QUOTE=jstov96327;8205801]
I need a long/forward flap and Calvert is usually on the wide side. He is a warmblood cross with big shoulders and not a lot of withers.[/QUOTE]
Wow… it just might be an option! I’ll PM you her contact information.
Loved my Chiberta, best thing I ever sat in. Destroyed my horse’s back… the horse it was “custom” fitted for.
You may want to check out Stubben- they have a new line of high-end saddles, including a mono-flap, and I think Boyd is riding in them now.
Oh boy you folks saying it destroyed your horse’s backs, how long before you noticed problems? I just upgraded to a used Chiberta (got it for $2300 from rep, it was a trial saddle) and it’s been nothing short of miraculous for me - all of a sudden I’m able to do things I wouldn’t have dreamed of before this saddle. I love it so much I carry it around with me - too precious to leave in the barn.
Guess there always has to be something right? Interested to hear when the back troubles started for those who have had them.
[QUOTE=Arcadien;8206250]
Oh boy you folks saying it destroyed your horse’s backs, how long before you noticed problems? I just upgraded to a used Chiberta (got it for $2300 from rep, it was a trial saddle) and it’s been nothing short of miraculous for me - all of a sudden I’m able to do things I wouldn’t have dreamed of before this saddle. I love it so much I carry it around with me - too precious to leave in the barn.
Guess there always has to be something right? Interested to hear when the back troubles started for those who have had them.[/QUOTE]
Its very interesting to hear this many people dealing with the same issue! Usually issues from the saddle fit are very easily noticed- much before doing serious damage anyway. For such expensive saddles, I can’t imagine them being that awful. Hmm.
Anyway, i’m going to look into county and maybe stubben. I’m working with a local rep who doesn’t work for one specific brand so hopefully i’ll find something. thanks everyone
From what I understand (I haven’t owned one), the Devoucoux saddles are “rider” saddles and not “horse” saddles. The back pain and whatnot that so many horses experience can be a direct result of this through avenues like the recessed stirrup bars. So it’s not always a matter of “fit” that causes the issues, but the design and mechanics of the saddle. Just like I can find a pair of 6" stilettos that are in my size, but they’re not ever going to be good for my feet. 
OP; “Are The Devoucoux Chibertas really amazing??”
They really are… I saw them in concert…I’ll never forget them…
The stunning combination of a French singer, with Mariachi back up.
They had it all. :sadsmile:
skydy holding high (in reverence) lit, disposable cigarette lighter.
[QUOTE=TB or not TB?;8206387]
From what I understand (I haven’t owned one), the Devoucoux saddles are “rider” saddles and not “horse” saddles. [/QUOTE]
That is what I had heard but that has not been my experience. I doubt people like Mark Todd and Boyd would ride in them if they were universally bad for horse’s backs. What is more likely is that they work for some horses but not all, just like all saddles but because they are not wool flocked, they are not that adjustable.
I totally agree - it’s all about the individual horse and rider and whether it works for them. I’m sure many horses have no problem with them. Heck some people can dance in stilettos and I can’t stand upright. 
I was using that example to show how something could “fit” but still cause damage, not to imply that all horses would be caused pain by the design. However, I can see how it came across that way so I am glad you said something so I could clarify.
I don’t know Boyd or Mark personally to make an educated opinion, but I think as horsemen it’s up to all of us to see what works for our horses and not just take a celebrity endorsement as a green light. I know that’s not what you were implying, but it made me think of an interesting point. I know more than a few pros who use the same saddle for every single horse they ride because they prefer their saddle to the owners’ - and a lot use Devoucoux. This practice may contribute unfairly to the “rider saddle” reputation. Perhaps someone who is buying one saddle to fit them and their horse would have better luck.
Boyd rides in Stubbens now, I think. I would not take what a pro rides in as testament to the quality of the saddles. Some riders switch saddle sponsors like they change their underwear. There may be things they like about a certain brand, but that doesn’t mean much.
But, yes. Not every saddle works on every horse or for every rider. My horse HATES French saddles (even brands I like), and is a “wool flocking or bust” type guy. As I said, and as I was told, try LOTS of saddles. Especially with a 3k budget. You have lots of options, but new and used.
I love mine. I found one online that was reflocked with wool so that it could be fit to my horse. If you are buying used, you really should sit in a few. I sat in some that didn’t fit me that well, and some that fit me like a glove. I feel very stable in it and secure. I’ve ridden in some monos that didn’t make me feel that way.
[QUOTE=skydy;8206472]
skydy holding high (in reverence) lit, disposable cigarette lighter.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm…I’m an oldster, but we were waving our cell phones with the flashlight turned on at the Rolling Stones last week…
What shape tree do Stubbens tend to have these days? (As in, for a curvy back or flat?) Or do they have different shapes for different models?
Husband rides in an older Chiberta. He likes it. I am not happy with the fit on his horse. Foam so it can’t be reflocked. Once our medical emergencies stop I’d like to sell it - would look at the Stubben line. They are quite nice and I have been impressed with them.
Bottom line is it has to fit you and your horse. Look at fit not brand.
My friend loved her Chiberta and had it wool flocked by a Master saddle fitter. Sadly she has a new horse and needs a new saddle to fit him. I am buying her dressage saddle as her old guy is built like our new horse. The best advice is ride a lot of saddles.
And don’t totally discount having one made to fit for under 3k – Frank Baines made my mare’s dressage saddle last year and it is custom fit to me, and to her for right under 3k.
Now, this isn’t something I’d do if I didn’t have a very knowledgeable rep I was working with who had the demos, and in fact, had a demo made in the right seat size for me to ride in before we actually ordered my saddle. Since it has been here, we’ve been able to do some tweaks to the panel to make sure there is enough room for my freakishly-long-for-my-height femur, and that’s because the fitter can make changes without shipping it back. Though, I did check with them, and if I needed new panels with the knee block moved forward, they would have gladly made them and sent them for me to have them installed here.
This is the second saddle they’ve built for me and I could not be more pleased with everything. I spent a long time talking to Frank at Rolex in 2008, and found everything he had to teach about saddlery fascinating.
Worth looking into and under 3k (seriously, when the fitter told me I was looking at $2895 for it built to fit both of us, I didn’t believe her! :eek: )
[QUOTE=bip;8207873]
What shape tree do Stubbens tend to have these days? (As in, for a curvy back or flat?) Or do they have different shapes for different models?[/QUOTE]
I have the same question.
At one time Stubbens tended to be for a more curvy back horse–a trait typical in the WBs which are the more prevelant type of horses where the saddles are made. I remember an English Master Saddler telling me about touring their facilities and asking why they didn’t provide more variety of fit with their trees. The answer was something to the extent of “we sell everything we can make so why should we bother.”
Granted that was over a decade ago so I’ve wondered if they’ve had a change of heart.
