My saddle fitter gave my current saddle the heave ho, saying tree is not right at for my TB. I trust her so that is not an issue, but man, did I love that saddle. My barn is full of Customs, maybe 20 that belong to fellow boarders. I have tried 2 and both of them tilt my pelvis forward.
Any input on this?
No input, but same. I tried one recently that looked good and level on the horse and was overall comfortable for me except that it tilted my pelvis forward. I assumed the depth and shape of the seat just didn’t work for me.
Exactly. It struck me as strange being 2 out of 2 I tried that did that.
Somewhat reassuring that someone else has the same experience
I never could get comfortable in a Custom. I boarded with the custom rep so I got to try pretty much everything. Just not built for me.
Same for me. I have an old spinal injury and after having the Custom rep out and trying 3 or 4 different saddles, I had sciatic pain and numbness the entire next day.
So it’s just not me. My lower back still hurts from my lesson yesterday. I too have an old spinal injury from a fall. The L1 and L2 are toast.
I have yet to see a custom put a rider in a position that I loved. I have a client with one and it killed my back.
I don’t have that problem with either of the Custom saddles I have.
I have a friend though who does but I think it’s because her saddle is too small for her. I let her ride in mine and what a huge difference. YMMV
I have a Custom and love it. Tried 3 or 4 different ones before settling on the one I have. Two others at my barn also have - and love - their Customs.
Fortunately, there’s a seat for every bum out there!
See, and I have a pelvis that the rise of my Custom saddle was absolutely perfect for.
That being said, pretty much anyone in my barn who tried it likened it to riding uphill on the narrow side of a 2x4. But my barn was full of Albions, which gave me a terrible chair seat, as it did for most every one in my barn, but the trainer loved Albion and always steered people that way.
I have two Customs and once I had a good saddle fitter out they both fit me and my horse. Flocking can improve how you feel in a saddle that otherwise fits.
Sheilah
I had the same problem. Thought that was normal and was buying padded underwear, etc. Then sat in a different brand saddle and realized it COULD be comfortable. Sold the Custom.
I just switched from a Custom Advantage R to an Amerigo Cervia Siena. My lower back is so much happier in the Amerigo. I can’t believe I was fighting my saddle for so long. The first ride in the Amerigo was magic. I had absolutely no pain after my ride.
I ended up switching because my trainer said something that got me thinking it was the saddle and not me. At this point, I won’t ever consider going back to Custom.
I’m also a huge Amerigo fan and haven’t loved any of the Customs I’ve ridden in, but I know that there are many different options and models. Amerigo seats just work for me.