First, I have read everything I could find on here about the Delgrange saddles! LOL. And, I know that it comes down to preference for horse and rider. But, I’m curious about opinions. For those of you with a Delgrange saddle (specifically a Partition or Virtuose) - what made you choose one over the other? I have ridden in a Partition, but not in a Virtuose. I sold my Amerigo very quickly, so I’m without a saddle and searching! Trying to find something quickly, and will be purchasing a used saddle. I’m just curious about your opinions - what did you like/dislike about these saddles? Preference over bigger fences? Thanks for any help!
[QUOTE=TXJumper;8565534]
First, I have read everything I could find on here about the Delgrange saddles! LOL. And, I know that it comes down to preference for horse and rider. But, I’m curious about opinions. For those of you with a Delgrange saddle (specifically a Partition or Virtuose) - what made you choose one over the other? I have ridden in a Partition, but not in a Virtuose. I sold my Amerigo very quickly, so I’m without a saddle and searching! Trying to find something quickly, and will be purchasing a used saddle. I’m just curious about your opinions - what did you like/dislike about these saddles? Preference over bigger fences? Thanks for any help![/QUOTE]
So to start - the Virtuose is a deeper seat than the Partition - but by no means is it a “deep seat” - just compared to the Partition it is deeper. So maybe try to figure out what type of seat your Amerigo was first. If you liked your Amerigo and it was a flatter model then I would lean to the Partition.
I personally bought a Virtuose. I liked the position it put me in. I feel very solid in the saddle, but it by no means impairs me getting up into a light seat or jumping position. My horse can throw some big powerful jumps and I’ve never felt as secure in a saddle as I do in the Virtuose.
Before I purchased my own Virtuose, the Delgrange I was borrowing from a friend was a Partition. It was also great - but the Virtuose to me was more effortless to keep my position in the air. It locked me in better. Some people like that sensation - others want a bit more freedom - which the Partition gave.
So that will come down to your preference.
Hope that helps somewhat!
Helps a lot, thank you!
Anyone else have any thoughts? I need to make a decision today! HELP!!!
Well, I had a similar choice, and went with the Partition. Love, love, love it. Very secure, and the balance was right for me, without feeling glued to the saddle. Great feeling over larger fences - great balance. If it helps, I’m 5’ tall. I got the cutaway flap, and love it. Customer service was top notch.
Thank you!!! Saddle hunting is so difficult! 
I have the flat Del Grange which must be the Partition. I liked it better but I am coming off the “deep seat” Butet (which is not that deep). But I just liked the flat saddle more. It really does come down to personal preference. The customer service has been excellent. Love my saddle!
It’s all about personal preference. I prefer a deeper seat generally so the Virtuose was a good choice for me and I’m very happy with it. If you are jumping big jumps regularly, you may prefer the flatter seat and being a little less locked in. I flat most days and jump about once a week, so a deeper seat fits my “lifestyle” better.
Saddle shopping is a struggle – a real challenge to get good horse fit and meet personal preferences. I shopped in 2008 and again in 2014. Takes a lot of homework! Best of luck and let us know what you choose! Though, I wish I would have just gotten the logo stamp on the side instead of the cutout relief logo - it’s annoying to clean. Minor problem.
MTA: There might be a flatter model still called the Athena I believe? Might be worth checking out if you want something flatter than the Partition. There are a few posters on COTH that have made statements such as, “pry it out of my cold, dead hands…” A ringing endorsement, to be sure!
I have the Partition and absolutely love it. The Athena is their “flatter” more hunter type saddle while the Partition and Virtuose are both a bit of a deeper seat. I felt the difference more in the twist between the two and went with the Partition, as did a good friend of mine and we both stick like glue, yet are comfortable jumping. I did go through a phase where I felt like it put me in a chair seat, but that resolved itself once I got fitter.
According to the website the Partition is a “semi-deep” seat and the Virtuose is a “slightly deep” seat.
I have an Athena (flat seat, although they are now making something even flatter? It’s called the Rivoli) as well as a PJ Lite from the end of that partnership, so it looks exactly like my Athena. I obviously prefer flat.
I have ridden in a Partition quite frequently and did like it, but preferred the Athena. I don’t think I would want to go any deeper that the Partition. I feel much more “locked in” in it but not so much that I couldn’t do what I needed too.
It it really is personal preference so if you can, try a Virtuose before buying so you can see if you would like it.
to the other poster’s comment about the cutout logo: I agree that it’s hard to clean, but I still prefer it to the stamp. I was very conservative and got the cutout in the same leather as the knee rolls/seat and I do like the way it looks.
I ended up riding in my “other” trainer’s Virtuose (had to make a special trip down there, and borrow her saddle on a loaned horse). I liked it a lot from the little I was able to ride in it. I ended up buying the Virtuose. I’ll get it tomorrow - fingers crossed! I will let y’all know how it works out! Thanks so much for everyone’s input!
So - long story short: I bought the Virtuose, and hated it. It’s a lovely saddle - but just not the right saddle for me. There is something about the pommels of the Brunos that I just don’t like. It’s like they are RIGHT. THERE.!! I bought the 17.5, figuring it would give me a little more clearance (my trainer’s was a 16.5, so although I liked it, it was too small for me anyways, and I figured that the only issue that I had with it - being the pommel - would be fixed with a bigger saddle). But, it wasn’t. It just added space in the back, but the pommel still felt all “up in my business”. LOL! So…I’m now switching over to a CWD. I did a trial in a SE02, and it’s a much better seat for me. Still sad - REALLY wanted to love it! Thanks everyone for your help and advice! Happy Riding!
[QUOTE=TXJumper;8584586]
So - long story short: I bought the Virtuose, and hated it. It’s a lovely saddle - but just not the right saddle for me. There is something about the pommels of the Brunos that I just don’t like. It’s like they are RIGHT. THERE.!! I bought the 17.5, figuring it would give me a little more clearance (my trainer’s was a 16.5, so although I liked it, it was too small for me anyways, and I figured that the only issue that I had with it - being the pommel - would be fixed with a bigger saddle). But, it wasn’t. It just added space in the back, but the pommel still felt all “up in my business”. LOL! So…I’m now switching over to a CWD. I did a trial in a SE02, and it’s a much better seat for me. Still sad - REALLY wanted to love it! Thanks everyone for your help and advice! Happy Riding![/QUOTE]
So, I didn’t mention the pommel issue. When I initially tried the Delgrange (Partition…they didn’t have the Athena on the truck) I was up close and personal with the pommel. I discussed the situation with the rep and he indicated there was a “female pommel” that could be ordered that was lower. I did not place my order at that time because I did not want to order something I hadn’t sat in. When I tried the Athena, the pommel wasn’t an issue…and has never been.
I have ridden in a couple Partitions since and haven’t had any problems. I don’t know if I’ve adjusted how I ride or what, but it’s no longer a problem.
I will say that I’ve also had pommel issues with quite a number of other saddles…mostly french…but also Black Country.
[QUOTE=TXJumper;8584586]
So - long story short: I bought the Virtuose, and hated it. It’s a lovely saddle - but just not the right saddle for me. There is something about the pommels of the Brunos that I just don’t like. It’s like they are RIGHT. THERE.!! I bought the 17.5, figuring it would give me a little more clearance (my trainer’s was a 16.5, so although I liked it, it was too small for me anyways, and I figured that the only issue that I had with it - being the pommel - would be fixed with a bigger saddle). But, it wasn’t. It just added space in the back, but the pommel still felt all “up in my business”. LOL! So…I’m now switching over to a CWD. I did a trial in a SE02, and it’s a much better seat for me. Still sad - REALLY wanted to love it! Thanks everyone for your help and advice! Happy Riding![/QUOTE]
I have the exact same problem with the CWDs - I’ve tried 3-4 versions, including a lovely 2gs at a bargain price. I wanted to love that one especially, but they simply do not work for me. The Delgrange and Antares do. Its all about personal preference/human conformation.
I have a PJ Original, now known as the Virtuose, that I was about to list for sale since it no longer fits me or my new horse. It is stamped 18" but these saddles ran small so more like a 17.5. Orig owner. Custom-made calf, soft/supple better than new. Exc. cond. Med. tree. Forward/Long flap. Front/rear leg blocks.
[edit] I don’t find the Delgrange’s to run small at all. I ride in a 17.5 and the 18 that I have is too big for me…but it was such a bargain, I make do.
