CWD- full calf means two tone flap?

[countrcanter]

Hi!

I’m in the market for a new saddle and I’m 99% sure I’ve decided on a CWD that fits both myself and my horse correctly. Now I just have a few aesthetic questions… I was thinking of springing for the full calf but after looking at some of their used saddles online I’ve noticed that some of the leather on the full calf flap darkens to two different tones. Is that something that’s only on older models? I’m a bit of a traditionalist and would prefer to be a bit more muted. I am an adult hunter rider, and while I love the thought of grippier calf leather I don’t want to compromise on the style I like.

Would love to hear your CWD experience!

Thanks,
CC

[egrubbs]

I have the SE02 in full grain because of the possibility of a two tone on the flap. The seat and knees do not bother me, but the flaps when done in calf skin, regardless of the new vegetable tanning they use still runs the risk. Also, not sure if it was mentioned, but the calfskin is placed on full grain and will wear out quicker. I didn’t like the idea of having to patch or replace that. My OCD would cause me to have both flaps redone LOL. Here is what my full grain looks like and it’s extremely grippy! I’m also an adult ammy! I’ve only had it since mid December and clean and condition it all the time and “work” the leather to make that way!

[lys]

My CWD is buffalo, so it has the full-grain overlay at the bottom of the flap. That piece is there to prevent the flap from rolling up as the saddle breaks in and the leather becomes softer. In the dark brown leather, the difference in colors is not noticeable. My saddle is a very nice dark brown. It maybe that you’re seeing saddles in the lighter brown, which I think shows more color variation.

[BAC]

My CWD was grain with calf on the seat and knees. I don’t like full call for a variety of reasons, one of them being the appearance as it gets broken in. I love the durability of grain, and CWD’s grain leather is so nice that it is beautiful and surprisingly grippy, its not that slick type of grain like my old Stubben.

[IPEsq]

If you get the darker brown color option, you won’t have this problem.

[shmon]

I have a full calf CWD in dark brown and it is all the same color.

[doublesstable]

@IPEsq

If you get the darker brown color option, you won’t have this problem.

I have a 2010 CWD and ordered it in the dark brown. Seven years later is looks as good as it did when I bought it. Agree with the above post.

[enp082]

I had both and preferred full calf way over the grain option. Dark brown was all same color. There is grained leather where logo is on thin strip down to bottom of the flap… but it was the same color always even after oiled, conditioned, etc.

[countrcanter]

Thank you so much for all of your replies! I’ve really been on the fence about which leather to go with. I prefer the plain traditional flap, but like the grippiness of the calf leather. I’m getting used to the stitching on the full calf, but two tone leather would just be too much. Ha! If I go full calf, I’ll make sure to order it in the darker leather.

Egrubbs your saddle is gorgeous! I love the color. What do you use to clean and condition it?

[egrubbs]

Egrubbs your saddle is gorgeous! I love the color. What do you use to clean and condition it?[/QUOTE]

Thank you!!! I actually have only ever used the CWD stuff on it! It’s had about 1 1/2 jars of the conditioner on it since I got it mid December. it’s probably overkill, but the leather has soaked it up and I’ve finally hit that point where it’s good last weekend to probably do the monthly conditions on it. Its been very grippy since late January! I wanted full calf, but another thing in addition to what I said my concerns were above were the wrinkling of the calf. I’ve seen on ones with some use and they look more used than they should…I’m a sucker for the traditional saddle!

[Belmont]

CWD rep weighing in! That grain piece on the calf is there for a few reasons. If you’re worried about the two tone, I would go dark brown. If you want grippy, I would go full buffalo. The calf is beautiful, but I find the buffalo just as comfy, more grippy, and wears fantastically.

Either way, I hope you enjoy your new saddle!

[Bristol_Bay]

Just saying that I love my full buffalo CWD…

[countrcanter]

@Belmont

CWD rep weighing in! That grain piece on the calf is there for a few reasons. If you’re worried about the two tone, I would go dark brown. If you want grippy, I would go full buffalo. The calf is beautiful, but I find the buffalo just as comfy, more grippy, and wears fantastically.

Either way, I hope you enjoy your new saddle!

Thanks Belmont! Do you offer Grain, Buffalo and Calf? As you can probably tell I’m a little confused… LOL. Which do you typically sell the most of? Thanks so much for your help!

[BAC]

Yes OP you can get CWD saddles in grain, calf or buffalo and even a combination such as buffalo with calf seat, etc.

[Belmont]

@countrcanter

Thanks Belmont! Do you offer Grain, Buffalo and Calf? As you can probably tell I’m a little confused… LOL. Which do you typically sell the most of? Thanks so much for your help!

We offer all saddles (minus the Mademoiselle) in the following combos:

Grain Calf (grain flaps/skirt - calf seat/knee pads)
Grain Buffalo (grain flaps/skirt - buff seat/keepads)
Full Calf
Full Buffalo

Most of my trainers get Grain Calf due to price point and durability. I sell full calf to a lot of kids/amateurs, however I am selling a ton more full buffalo these days!

[doublesstable]

@countrcanter

Thanks Belmont! Do you offer Grain, Buffalo and Calf? As you can probably tell I’m a little confused… LOL. Which do you typically sell the most of? Thanks so much for your help!

Can you have a rep out and demo the different saddles? I LOVE the full calf… to me much more grip than the buffalo but it really is personal preference. Once you see them in person you should be able to tell what you really want.