Brands similar to County/Skid row panels

[dappled]

Hi everyone!

So I am a longtime fan of County… have owned a few County dressage saddles and have always loved them. My older gelding has been out of work a few years and his back has changed shape quite a bit. My fitter is now recommending that I find a saddle with skid row panels to help with some of the gapping he has behind his shoulders. However, finding a 17.5 M tree with skid row panels in my price range is proving to be very difficult, so I’m expanding my search.

So, that brings me to you guys! Is anyone familiar with brands that fit similarly to County and also make a panel that is similar to County’s skid row panels? I believe it would be the same as just a regular shoulder gusset, but I’m not familiar with what other brands offer.

I’m a little fussy about saddles… so in terms of balance and fit for the rider, I’d be looking for something similar to County as well. If anyone has input or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you!

[horsepoor]

You might look at Black Country saddles. I think they do a panel that is similar to the skidrow. I haven’t ridden in the BC dressage saddles so not sure how they ride compared to County, but I have found the jump saddles to be somewhat similar between the two brands. The BC is priced lower than County, and not quite as pretty and well finished, IMO, but still nice saddles.

[Dutchmare433]

FWIW, and this is just my experience, but since you said you’re picky about saddle fit for you, I’ll share. I like Black Country a lot, I’ve found most of their saddles to be quite comfortable. However, I do not find County saddles to be comfortable at all.

Any of the British brands offer that panel type, though it has multiple names. Some brands: Albion, Black Country, Detente (I have one of these and this panel is standard, or if not standard, not a +$ option), Adam Ellis, Patrick Saddlery. Of those, Albion and BC are the most likely to be found used.

[jaybird660]

A skid row panel is similar to a trapezius or drop panel. There is also a K panel which offers similar but not exactly the same lift. Ideally, look for one of these in a description or something that says deeper front panel. Different brands have these as options and some saddle models naturally have a deeper front panel. Many of the ones listed above do, as well as Baines saddles and many have or offer full front gussets which also aid in giving lift without compromising shoulder freedom.

[dappled]

@Dutchmare433

FWIW, and this is just my experience, but since you said you’re picky about saddle fit for you, I’ll share. I like Black Country a lot, I’ve found most of their saddles to be quite comfortable. However, I do not find County saddles to be comfortable at all.

Any of the British brands offer that panel type, though it has multiple names. Some brands: Albion, Black Country, Detente (I have one of these and this panel is standard, or if not standard, not a +$ option), Adam Ellis, Patrick Saddlery. Of those, Albion and BC are the most likely to be found used.

Do you know what they are called in those other brands? Will they be stamped with something? For example, the Countys are stamped SR if they have those panels.

[Dutchmare433]

@dappled

Do you know what they are called in those other brands? Will they be stamped with something? For example, the Countys are stamped SR if they have those panels.

Pretty much what Jay said above. If you can look at pictures, look for the panels to be cut well back into the sweat flap.