I am in the market for a Custom saddle and tried many of the models. I LOVED how easy it was to ride in the Star (it made his big trot easy to sit) but…the high pommel/head plate really hit and rubbed my “lady bits”. I tried a seat size bigger and it wasn’t as bad, but still hurt. Is this something I just need to get used to? I feel like a saddle shouldn’t hurt at all. I want a narrow twist, deep seat and long thigh blocks, is there a different model that will give that same secure feeling without hitting in the front?
Just say “NO” to any saddle that rubs you the wrong way. Custom may not be the brand for you…keep looking.
Absolutely do not buy a saddle that is rubbing you. Keep looking. Custom has a lot of different options and may be able to fit you with another one (tell you fitter what the issue is), or you may need to try different brands. But a saddle that hurts either you or your horse is not acceptable.
Definitely do not get something that hurts on a first ride. Also, are you sure about wanting a narrow twist? For me, a narrow twist tends to give the problems you describe, and a wide twist helps the issue.
1 Like
I second the don’t buy! I have ridden in a variety of Customs saddles and did not rub in them all. I have also ridden in many others for clients, and while saddle hunting for my own horses, and worked at a tack store. Keep searching. My current saddle is a Schleese I bought off ebay that was custom made for someone named Kathy…lol Wide twists like Albion Original Comfort didn’t work great for my hips but did reduce rubbing. Narrow twists work better but you need the rise to the pommel to work for your pelvis.
I have the Custom Icon Star and love it! However have found that it is a saddle that I need have sporting undergarments on in order to ride in it comfortably. Lace underwear beneath my riding breeches for example, is a mistake. Otherwise it’s fine and I prefer the narrow twist.
I leased a horse a few years ago that had a fitted Icon Star, he went brilliantly in it, I however was extremely uncomfortable in the high twist and avoided sitting the trot as much as possible.
