Buffalo or Calf Leather?

[Horseman15]

Which do you prefer and why? My saddle doesn’t fit Chey. It was advertised as a regular tree but it’s wide tree and she takes a medium. So after much research (and soul searching) I’ve decided to get a custom saddle to fit her. It’s not easy to find anything 18.5" with pretty forward flaps to fit me so I’ve decided to eliminate the guessing game and just get a new one. I’m getting a Voltaire Lexington monoflap. So I’ve been sized, as has Chey, so my only decision left is Calf or Buffalo leather.

Your input is greatly appreciated! I’ve already learned a lot just reading the posts and threads here so I thank you all for that too

[norcalammie]

Buffalo as will last longer.

[Duckz]

My dressage saddle has buffalo leather knee rolls and seat. It’s so soft and grippy, I love it! I’ve heard it wears a lot better than calf leather, but I’ve only had the saddle a couple months so I can’t vouch for that myself. If I were buying a brand new jump saddle I would probably pick buffalo over calf.

[KandC]

As an owner of a calf saddle, I vote buffalo.

My saddle scratches if I even look at it funny (but really, it gets dinged up by me dismounting). :sadsmile:

[fatprincesspony]

Agree, buffalo. I wish I had gotten mine in it!

[IPEsq]

Do you mean full calf or grain calf? Huge difference!

[woodhillsmanhattan]

The Voltaire calfskin and buffalo APPEAR very similar (if you get the pre-oil treatment from the factory for $60 you won’t have that initial suede looking buffalo leather…it’s worth it IMO). Buffalo was easier to break in and cleans a little easier (scratches buff out easily). I was told the buffalo is hardier as well but I have yet to test that (only have had my buffalo saddle for 3 months)! It’s about a $500 difference and I think the buffalo leather will have a better re-sale value. Worth the investment in my opinion!

[FLeventer]

I have full calf on my Childeric Monoflap XC saddle. I bought it used for a steal or else I would have ordered in buffalo. I despise how quickly the calf is wearing on the seat even with my extreme care of it. I ride 2-4 horses a day in it. The rest go in my dressage saddle.

My dressage saddle is grain calf on the flaps and calf skin on the knees and seat. The seat again is wearing out pretty quick. I am less than impressed except that I ride in it about five times a day. Not a lot but the saddle is 10 years old. So I guess its held up really well.

I had a Voltaire buffalo Palm Beach second skin for a time. It was grippy as all get out. I really loved that saddle. I stuck to it. I unfortunately sold the saddle as it didn’t fit my horses very well. I had a buffalo Devoucoux Chiberta as well. Wore amazing and it was grippy.

Buffalo hands down. Calf isn’t as sticky and durable. I do like grain calf though but it still isn’t as grippy as buffalo. This is making me want to get a new Childeric lol.

[BITSA]

The pros at my barn have calf Voltaire saddles, I have the buffalo and it’s like riding in melted chocolate! It’s lovely and soft and seems to be wearing well. My impression was the calf was heartier and since the trainers ride so much they need that for durability. But you’d have to pry my buffalo away from me. Super grips and comfy.

[largo]

Hands down I vote buffalo! I got my 2008 CWD maybe 4 years ago for a steal and I didn’t really think it mattered if it was buffalo or calf at the time, but it does now! My saddle is still beautiful and I KNOW it’s been used hard in the time I’ve had it. Very grippy, buffs scratches and everything well also I always get compliments on how nice it looks!

I’m considering a new saddle for a few minor reasons but I’m having a hard time thinking about parting with it.

[Horseman15]

[QUOTE=woodhillsmanhattan;8136983]
The Voltaire calfskin and buffalo APPEAR very similar (if you get the pre-oil treatment from the factory for $60 you won’t have that initial suede looking buffalo leather…it’s worth it IMO). Buffalo was easier to break in and cleans a little easier (scratches buff out easily). I was told the buffalo is hardier as well but I have yet to test that (only have had my buffalo saddle for 3 months)! It’s about a $500 difference and I think the buffalo leather will have a better re-sale value. Worth the investment in my opinion![/QUOTE]

I ordered the Buffalo with the “grease” from the factory. You are correct, it is $500 more for the Buffalo leather and another $60 for the grease option. I’m really looking forward learning to ride and eventually event in this saddle! I rode in another manufacturer’s saddle for a couple of days. It wasn’t very comfortable and my butt was sore by the second day. My original saddle for Summer sorta fit her OK and sitting in that was really nice! I think that comfort and reading numerous positive reviews on the Voltaire saddles is what ultimately convinced me to spend the money to buy it. I hope it lasts me for many many years!

Which leads me to this question; what is the best way to take care of Buffalo Leather? I want to make sure I do things right to help it last.

[supershorty628]

I take care of buffalo leather the same way I take care of any other leather - good cleanings and regular conditioner application (with rolling the flaps).

[jaybird660]

Buffalo is more durable. Calf is softer but wears more quickly.

[akhunterrider]

I loved my full buffalo Voltaire. But the grain/buffalo one was nice as well. I owned a saddle that was gran/calfskin as well, and it wasn’t as grippy, nor did it seem to hold up as well.

[SweetMutt]

My last saddle was calf and my new one is buffalo. I like the buffalo wayyyy better. The calfskin scratched way too easily and it drank oil for breakfast. My buffalo is soft and grippy in all the right places, seems durable so far, and doesn’t scratch! (Yet… knock on wood. Bet my horse will bite it tomorrow since I said that.)

[IPEsq]

For me, it depends on the brand. I have a grain/calf saddle of one brand. The calf seat will eventually wear out, but it’s been going strong for a lot of years (and back in the day I also rode in jeans! the horror!). I ordered a full calf saddle from a brand where I didn’t care for the buffalo version (which was the same price as full calf). I test rode in both leathers. I’d have picked another grain/calf over buffalo in this saddle if I was concerned about durability (such as if I was a pro and using it on a ton of horses). Anyway, I’ve tried some full buffalo saddles from other brands and have liked the leather much better–just as well as full calf.

[kafesoap]

I’ve owned both calf saddles and buffalo saddles in various brands. I think it does depend on which brand you are working with as to the durability, quality and overall stickiness.

At this point in my riding life, calf works well for me. I dont ride as much as i did ten years ago. I find it more attractive to the eye in the long term. I always found my buffalo saddles did not age as gracefully.

For those who have mentioned Voltaire saddles and the similarities between the calf and buffalo…

My friend was floored when I told her my Voltaire saddle was calf as it rode, felt and gripped just like her buffalo Devoucoux. It is probably the stickiest full calf saddle I have ever had. Well saddles now as I am on my second Voltaire;)

[Gnomeland]

Personally, I prefer calf. Haven’t noticed any problems with wearing, and it’s very soft and comfortable.