My Barnsby Raven dressage saddle is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever sat in. And it’s brown! My next horse will have to fit it or I’ll find another horse that will.
That’s such a shame, since there seems to be so many complaints about current saddles by other makers not lasting very long.
add me to the list of those with the flat cutback (Lane Fox) from way back when. In fact, I have two that we bought used in the 1980s. They’ve had a lot of time off, but my mother asked me why I couldn’t use one when I was talking about the saddle fitter coming for my dressage horse…hey, why not?
[QUOTE=Renae;7639121]
Well the Whitman Crabtrees have certainly held their value well since Whitman went belly-up![/QUOTE]
True, but some of those big 'ol flat Barnsbys are really flat. And the bars are pretty far forward.
I picked up one as a spare (19" one) on eBay last year for $10. Used it for the first time last night. It was ok, but I like my Blue Ribbon better.
I read in another forum that at least one entity is actively considering taking on the saddle making business of Barnsby’s parent (which is what went into receivership). They may not take on the whole line (which also includes military and specialty saddles) but will take on some.
G.
Local newspaper;
http://www.walsalladvertiser.co.uk/Jobs-blow-Walsall-saddlemaker-Jabez-Cliff-enters/story-21248714-detail/story.html
There will probably be a shortage of laminated beech trees now !
Pretty sad news. Hopefully I can find a decent cutback saddle in a year or two when I plan to look.
My understanding is everything but the name was bought by Ideal. That includes designs and the manufacturing facilities. I talked to James (former owner). If you have a particular model in mind, talk to them about it.
It is a shame when a venerable old company that employs true craftsmen cannot make it in today’s competitive market, with all the fashion trends that make saddle popularity ebb and flow.
What a shame, a loff my Barnsby Shokemohle. Time to get a new saddle for my young horse but now I’m also going to hang onto this one (for trail rides)! My butt has appreciated the fact that it is extremely comfortable for the last 15 years…sigh…
[QUOTE=sheltona01;7671644]
My understanding is everything but the name was bought by Ideal. That includes designs and the manufacturing facilities. I talked to James (former owner). If you have a particular model in mind, talk to them about it.[/QUOTE]
The people were the valuable part. A large proportion of the saddlers in the Walsall area served their apprenticeship at Barnsby’s. It would be a shame if all that skill and knowledge went to waste.
Some bargains; https://www.facebook.com/barnsbysaddlery
So sad - love my Barnsby.
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