Wooohoo I’m saddle shopping! Hoping some county experts here can give some advice/experiences. Had my rep out the other day and tried a million saddles. I am getting the new epiphany dressage which was so amazing. But I’m torn on which jump saddle to go with. I liked the sensation a lot but not sure how good it’d be for xc, seems more like a h/j type saddle (the model I rode in is apparently what Margie Engle rides in according to the rep) The solution has a broader balance point, so more wiggle room for xc. I tried the new monoflap too, but I liked that I’m able to add blocks to the traditional flaps. Anyone with these saddles want to chime in? I’m thinking I may have to drag my rep out again to retest all of these and give her a call tomorrow
I have an Innovation so no help with the jump saddle advice but just DAMN I am jealous about the epiphany!!
I have a couple of Sensations (one with an Innovation tree, one with a Sensation tree), an Innovation, and then a couple of older Counties. I don’t think I’ve sat in a Solution, so I can’t add any insight on that, but I think my Innovation my Sensation with Innovation tree, and my Sensation are all very different saddles. Which one I like totally depends on which horse I’m putting it on. Comparison-wise, the biggest difference, IMO, is the twist. My Innovation and Innovation-treed saddle have much more “square” shaped twists. I wouldn’t call them “wide,” but I feel a bit further away from the horse. My Sensation makes me feel like I’m sitting right next to the horse. My Sensation has quickly become my favorite of all of my saddles.
Also, I have had velcro added to the saddles for adjustable blocks with my last couple of Counties and that makes a world of difference! I LOVE being able to move the knee and thigh blocks around. Lets me totally change the feel of a saddle based on which horse I’m riding.
@TakeAChanceinVA the Epiphany is AMAZING! I highly recommend trying it out if you ever get the chance. I rode in every one of their dressage saddles and the difference in my horse with the Epiphany was incredible…I felt like I was riding a cloud and he felt the best he’s ever felt it in. It was insane. I never expected I’d like big thigh blocks but man that saddle was heavenly.
@PNWjumper thanks for that great response! I tried all the county jump saddles after I tried the dressage ones so I didn’t spend much time in each one. I originally picked the Sensation but then started second guessing myself. My rep is the best human on earth and is bringing me some of the jump saddles to drop off tomorrow so I can spend more time riding in each one. I’ve never owned nice saddles before and this is my big graduation present so I want to make sure I get EXACTLY what I want. New saddles are fun but I’m paranoid I’ll make the wrong choice!
I got a Solution monoflap not too long ago. I tried the regular Solution, and found I preferred the more “close contact” feel of the monoflap. It really puts my leg in a good place and I like how my horse is going in it. I haven’t taken it XC yet, but the jumping I’ve done has felt really good.
Why don’t you take one of the Solutions on a trial and see how if feels jumping for a few days?
IIRC, you do have a few days option on returns if you’re buying new. The resale on Solution monoflaps is pretty good, as far as I have seen (it took awhile for me find one!).
Im afraid to try it because then I will want to get one and it’s just not in the budget right now!!!
I have an older Connection (12 years old maybe?) that I like and although the twist feels ok to me, on my wide barreled horse I do feel like there’s too much saddle between us so I’d love something that gives me a closer feel. When I ride him in the Innovation jump saddle it feels much more close contact, and I really want to get that in the dressage since he does dressage 90% of the time.
BUT, as I said… not quite in the budget for buying brand new. But I do plan to have the fitter come out in a couple weeks and I know she’s going to tempt me with the Epiphany!
