Circuit vs Ovation vs Colliegiate

[galloping-gourmet]

I’m still hunting for a saddle, and these keep coming up, online and in person… There is such a mixed bag of reviews, from LOVE to Hate.

Anyone here have experience with these.

I ride Draft Crosses, one is larger than the other, currently riding in an older bates caprilli that had lovely leather, I had the cair panels removed and had it wool flocked. It has been a great saddle, just older now - I don’t want to buy a $4 to 5k saddle.

I did buy a Thornhill Germania, and didn’t like it at all. Am eyeing Kent and Masters, Thorowgood, and some others.

It’s really hard as there isn’t a tack store locally anymore, so the shipping is hard…

Thank you in advance. Any advice appreciated, for sure…

[kcmel]

I am in the same boat, the Germania Spring XW fit my draft x well, but I didn’t like it. I am also considering K & M or Thorowgood, and just sent my wither tracings to Jay at TMT.

Here is another one I am considering:

http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=product&id=585

I like that the flaps aren’t extra forward, like the Germania. Apparently I am the only rider in history without a “super long femur”!

[soloudinhere]

I just got the Kent and Masters S series and I LOVE it. It is far more flexible and easier to change than the XCH system and I think it’s better designed. The balance is just right for me, as well. Price really can’t be beat. I’m very happy.

[ReveilleandRinsie]

I had/have the Collegiate Diploma convertible close contact saddle and the Collegiate Classic convertible dressage saddle. They fit my QH cross mare with a flatter back like they were designed for her, and they fit me well (short legs, rounder rider).

On the other hand, they don’t fit my more banana-backed TB with not too much wither very well at all.

I’d say that they’re an option worth checking out for a flatter backed horse.

[JumperDiva]

Beware of the Circuit RTF system. I had to send mine back after 7 months of use as the system started to poke through the underside of the saddle between the panels. I replaced it with a Marcel Toulouse Joelle Platinum with Genesis. It fits my downhill built mare pretty well and the panels are flocked. I’ve read several review from awful to racing on Toulouses. If you decide to go this direction, I would encourage you to reach out to Lynnda at Classic Saddlery. She is a saddle fitter and often has sale saddles available. She may also be able to help recommend a saddle for you. Best of luck!

[HiHopes]

I have just ordered the K&M s line. I like the fact it’s wool flocked, adjustable, made in UK (as opposed to mass produced in Argentina or India) and it has been pliance tested for pressure and had biomechanic testing. It also has a point and balance strap already on it and moveable blocks. I can write back once it arrives with what I think :).

[galloping-gourmet]

Which one did you get? I’d love to hear about it when it comes…thanks.

[HiHopes]

I got the S line jump.
I did a ton of research before deciding. The only thing that put me off a bit was that they aren’t in the fashionable flat french style for round where I am. Then I got cross with myself for caring what other people think. I know it will be comfier for my horse and for me probably as I like to do hacking out and schooling in my jump saddle as well as just jumping.
They have nice broad panels and gullets as well plus they also do versions on their cob tree for those with wide flat backs :). Look for the jump version with the S bar not the R bar if it’s for wide beasts :).

[RolyPolyPony]

Definitely take a look at Smith Worthington!