Balance Saddles

[paintedtrails]

My hard to fit gelding has rejected his saddle again. At a clinic last weekend we fitted him in a Balance and wow. What a change for him.
I’m on the hunt for my own now (prefer to buy used due to funds). I’ve posted ISO ads in a lots of FB groups and stalk the Balance website and eBay.

Any other places to look?

ISO: Balance Felix GPJ 8X C seat.

Thanks!

[Posting_Trot]

I’ve had a Balance saddle for years. I think they’re pretty hard to find used. I bought mine new after having done a remote fitting.

The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British pound is awfully good right now; have you looked at what the price would be ordering from Britain?

[JB]

It’s HARD to find used Balance saddles, for a good reason! I second the question of if you’ve seen what it costs right now to buy new. I had a Felix for a whole and my horse really loved it. I only sold it because it really was much too big for me, but i kept it as long as I did because of how much he approved.

[JB]

Oh - you might ask who the reps are in your general quadrant of the country, and get in touch with them to see if they ever run across something.

[drafting_dots]

I just bought one and while I love the concept it just doesn’t quite fit my horse or me. It’s a little bit different specs from what you’re looking for but if you get desperate I would consider selling

Also, have you been in touch with the company? They are pretty responsive by email: support@balanceinternational.com

[fjordmom]

I have a Balance Zenith GPJ 8X D seat that I used for years. My OTTB loved it and so do I. Unfortunately my boy has gone on to the eternally green pasture, so I am no longer using it. It’s not quite the perfect fit for my current (smaller) Fjord horses, but I’m not sure I’m ready to part with it quite yet. PM me if you are seriously interested. I might consider letting it go on to make another horse and rider happy.

[paintedtrails]

Yes they are really hard to find used! and unfortunately I have no reps right around me but I sent everyone in the US (4) an email to search for one!
Balance website says new UK $1730 - Conversion puts it over $2k new + the other stuff… sigh. I know it is worth it, just have to convince my husband too!

I tried using the “Contact Us” weblink @drafting_dots - but so far no response. I can try that email directly. What do you have? feel free to message me

@fjordmom I’m not sure if the D seat is too big, I’ll look into that and what the differences are between Felix and Zenith.

[rubygirl1968]

There are several on Ebay right now - I don’t know if they are the right model/size though. You’ve probably already seen them but thought I’d throw it out there just in case.

[fjordmom]

Somewhere I thought I saw something referencing the difference, but do you think I can find it now? If I do find it I’ll post a link. If I recall, the differences are minimal. The Zenith was their original model and then I think the Felix was created to offer a slightly different cut to the panel, or something on that line.

One thing that does show up as different on their website is the Zenith is wool flocked and the Felix is foam. (FYI, my saddle was reflocked shortly before I retired my horse and stopped using the saddle, so nearly new flocking.)

With regard to the D seat, if it helps, I am 5’9" with relatively long legs. My horse did have a rather long back and wide round barrel, an OTTB that was constantly mistaken for a warmblood. Typical high TB withers.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in touch with them, but I do recall it took a few days before I got responses to my initial emails. I think that was a function of being a small office and, of course time differences being in different parts of the world. Once I did hear from them, they were very helpful; even to the point of calling me on the phone and having an extended conversation to address one of my concerns at the time. Overall I have to say the saddle I have is high quality and has held up very well, as have the pads. I still have the original pads. They are showing some wear but still definatly functional.

[paintedtrails]

@fjordmom

Somewhere I thought I saw something referencing the difference, but do you think I can find it now? If I do find it I’ll post a link. If I recall, the differences are minimal. The Zenith was their original model and then I think the Felix was created to offer a slightly different cut to the panel, or something on that line.

One thing that does show up as different on their website is the Zenith is wool flocked and the Felix is foam. (FYI, my saddle was reflocked shortly before I retired my horse and stopped using the saddle, so nearly new flocking.)

With regard to the D seat, if it helps, I am 5’9" with relatively long legs. My horse did have a rather long back and wide round barrel, an OTTB that was constantly mistaken for a warmblood. Typical high TB withers.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in touch with them, but I do recall it took a few days before I got responses to my initial emails. I think that was a function of being a small office and, of course time differences being in different parts of the world. Once I did hear from them, they were very helpful; even to the point of calling me on the phone and having an extended conversation to address one of my concerns at the time. Overall I have to say the saddle I have is high quality and has held up very well, as have the pads. I still have the original pads. They are showing some wear but still definatly functional.

Thanks… I talked to one rep who said the wool flocking a love it or hate it for the horse due to the difference in flocking. I’ll dig some more, but I’m only 5’3" with longer legs for my height and he is a short backed arab the D might be too big.

[paintedtrails]

Still ISO: Balance Felix GPJ OR GPD 8X C seat.

[fjordmom]

Of course this post is age old now and I had even forgotten posting on it, but here it is as I was researching pricing to finally sell my very much loved Balance International saddle.

Approaching 70 and recently horseless it is sadly time to have that big barn sale and send lots of horse items on to other homes.If anyone is currently on the hunt for a Balance saddle, see posts upstream and feel free to PM me.