County Saddles

[IncaEventer]

So I think I am going to bit the bullet and get a County rep out to fit my horse.

I have tried DK, Antares, Barnsby, Amerigo, Stubben, Frank Baines, Harry Dabbs, Prestige, M Toulouse, Black Country and a few others, but haven’t liked any of them as much as the County Innovation I tried (was too wide for my horse though

Anyways, looking for any information regarding County’s, especially the Sensation or Innovation.

I was reading another article that at the upper levels, it’s better to have an XC saddle than SJ. I’m hoping to get there one day, and do not want to buy another saddle unless the one I buy now absolutely does not fit in the future. So County saddles, are they more for show jumping or cross country?

If you have any other fitting advice, here are some pictures of his back: http://imgur.com/a/mjTUw

[Winding_Down]

Where are you located?

[IncaEventer]

Horse is in Estacada, OR

[Winding_Down]

Ah. Not sure who your rep is out there. I have a great one here, in va.

[tarheelmd07]

Just a heads up that they now have a monoflap jump saddle option…or at least it was on display at Rolex. I love my county dressage saddle…and would love to try their Monoflap jump saddle. My horse liked their jump saddles, but I was not in love with the way they felt for me, so we ended up with a Stackhouse for jumping

[AKB]

We are really happy with our County saddles. I agree that the rep here in Virginia is very good, and easy to work with.

[yellowbritches]

Love my County Conquest, as does my horse. I’m pretty hooked. And we do have a great rep out in VA! You’re on the wrong coast!

[IncaEventer]

I really want the monoflap but I won’t spend more than $4000 on a saddle. I’ll probably be converting the saddle I get to long billets, because I hate the feel of them under my legs, but Murphy wants a saddle NOW, not in a few months, and is quite adamant about it

[Calvincrowe]

I think Kari Weatherill is still the County rep for our area, IncaEventer. Her information can be found in the Flying changes magazine or their website. I love my County Innovation (though I’m a jumper rider, not an eventer).

[anmoro]

Your horse’s back looks very similar to my guy. If I knew how to link pictures, I would. I’m not quite that good with technology. I tried several saddles as well including three models of Black Countries with no luck. My saddle fitter suggested a County so I searched high and wide for a used one. I purchased a 2006 model County Stabilizer and I cannot begin to tell you the difference it has made in my horses back and his movement. I knew $5000 was out of the question so I searched and searched and finally found my Stabilizer (in immaculate condition) from Patricia with Fine Used Saddles for $1850. It has honestly changed my life. If I recall, it is the precursor to the Innovation?

I have only jumped 2’6" in it, (returning from serious injury) and it has taught me so much. I came from the hunter world and jumped ahead of my horse. This saddle prevents that. It keeps my lower leg still, gives me a great base of support, keeps me closer to the saddle for a proper jump position and I do my dressage lessons in it. After switching to this saddle, I honestly had to relearn how to ride my horse. He was so free in his back and his shoulders moved so freely as well. (And judging by those pics, your horse looks like he has massive shoulders like my guy).

I think you will be very pleased with whichever saddle you choose. Just remember that the points of balance in all saddles ride different. Focus on your horse’s comfort and safety and then give yourself several rides.

[Winding_Down]

[QUOTE=IncaEventer;8143573]
I really want the monoflap but I won’t spend more than $4000 on a saddle. I’ll probably be converting the saddle I get to long billets, because I hate the feel of them under my legs, but Murphy wants a saddle NOW, not in a few months, and is quite adamant about it :)[/QUOTE]

My experience with monoflap jump saddles is that they are not as easy to fit. That is why County has not had a monoflap previously with the exception of a trial run with one over a decade ago. I am guessing that the new monoflap is in response to the current craze over monoflaps in eventing, and if County is true to their reputation, they will bring it out only when they are reasonably sure that it can be fit to horses that it is deemed suitable. Some of their saddles work better on certain types of horses so the monoflap may not work for your specific horse. That is, of course, considering the fitter’s training to fit saddles precisely.

That being said, they have so many options that I cannot imagine not finding one that works for you. I absolutely LOVE the Conquest and get it with with the higher blocks. The long billets sometimes do not work with dual flap saddles, however, as the leather can bunch up. It took me some time to get used to short billets again after riding in only Devoucoux for many years, but I did and all is well. I cannot ride in a short billet dressage saddle because for me personally, the more subtle lower leg aids are more critical in dressage.

I adore the County Perfection Dressage and am so spoiled that sitting in anything else is a struggle. Close contact, great center of balance, not overly restrictive… love love love.

[dontskipthecafe]

I adore my County Symmetry. It’s a discontinued model that’s about 20 years old, and it’s still the nicest saddle I’ve ever touched. If I ever have $4k lying around, I will absolutely be buying a County. It’s incredibly comfortable for me, and my horse goes better in it than in anything else I’ve tried. My mare has a massive shoulder and withers from hell, and SR panels are a godsend. Big endorsement over here!

[Rallycairn]

My County dressage was bought over 15 years ago (yikes!), but for the reference I would love to know who the great Virginia County rep is? Thanks in advance ~

[anmoro]

Rallycairn-I just sent you a PM with her name and contact information.

[Tess1]

Hi there, I know the original Post was a long time ago so hoping that I can still get some feedback on similar question. I have a Barnsby Dressage saddle which I bought a while ago for when my TB/Andalusian is ready to be educated and ridden later this year (2023) he is currently 5 years old. I have just had my saddle fitter call me to let me know that he has a County Dressage saddle in really also in great condition come in to his workshop that is for sale and is now holding it for me. I am wondering if anybody could give me some advise.

My horse has a fairly high wither and flat back with round bum he is similar to the horse in original Post. I would include a pic of my boy but I dont know how to lol.

Would greatly appreciate any feedback. I know they are both great saddles! Looking for feedback from people who can advise me on their experiences of best the saddle out of the two that features close contact to the horse and I would prefer like a bucket (deep) seat for myself TIA :))

[FitToBeTied]

I have a County Solution (monoflap) that I use for fox hunting (first flight). I love the saddle. The local County rep is great (VA). I had mine made without the back block. I don’t like blocks and I hunt in very hilly/mountainous territory and don’t want the stirrup leathers to get caught behind the block on steep climbs.

http://www.countysaddlery.com/products/saddles/solutionmonoflapnew.html