Butet Saddles ,, are they still good ?

[touchstone]

It is my saddle of choice. I just think there are a lot more options now in high quality French-style saddles, so the brand is not quite as dominant as 20 years ago when they were the only game in town. Their standard tree doesn’t fit everything, but that’s true of basically anything. I do think Butet was a bit slower than some of their competitors to offer a lot of custom tree and panel options, but it seems like they have them now for horses that need a truly custom fit.

They are also a very narrow twist feel for the rider, which is not for everyone–but very much what I prefer. CWD, for example, is much wider, and I can’t ride in one for long without it hurting my hips.

The good news about the fact they are less fashionable is that you can get really great deals on older used models, often in excellent condition.

[IPEsq]

I just revisited Butet after not sitting in a new one in many years. Their medium tree is still on the narrow side, and so I was not able to fit it to my high withered WB. Medium tree was too narrow, but the wide tree was too wide and while it fit in the shoulder better and gullet width, it would sit down on his withers. We would have had to do a lot of customization to make anything fit, so I passed. They also were less comfy than I remember them being–even trying some of the ones in the Premium option. Felt stiff and kind of perched, which I can’t say I’ve noticed on any of the older ones I’ve sat in over the years (from very nice generations to the gross greenish colored ones that tended to get deflated in the panels and knee rolls).

[Glorybee]

@IPEsq

I just revisited Butet after not sitting in a new one in many years. Their medium tree is still on the narrow side, and so I was not able to fit it to my high withered WB. Medium tree was too narrow, but the wide tree was too wide and while it fit in the shoulder better and gullet width, it would sit down on his withers. We would have had to do a lot of customization to make anything fit, so I passed. They also were less comfy than I remember them being–even trying some of the ones in the Premium option. Felt stiff and kind of perched, which I can’t say I’ve noticed on any of the older ones I’ve sat in over the years (from very nice generations to the gross greenish colored ones that tended to get deflated in the panels and knee rolls).

IPEsq - what did you end up getting? Sounds like my WB is built similarly to yours. I need at least a medium wide - wide tree.

[IPEsq]

@Glorybee

IPEsq - what did you end up getting? Sounds like my WB is built similarly to yours. I need at least a medium wide - wide tree.

I’m interested in a Meyer having tried one used one, but the US manager has gone silent on me. I was going to have to get a demo shipped here unless I go to California (not happening). There just aren’t many of them floating around used.

In the meantime, I had my flat seat CWD 2Gs refitted for him, and it’s ok, not fantastic. Mine is a 2015 model and fits on the wider side. Doesn’t seem to be causing any major problems. The CWD rep thinks we would like the new hunter Mademoiselle but the prices are just crazy. Trying to figure out where he’ll end up in terms of weight and muscle. I might circle back to Equipe–that’s the brand of dressage saddle I have which isn’t too bad on him, and the people I bought him from were using an Equipe Expression on him but with a half pad.