devoucoux saddles...are they really that great?

[_Trinity]

Amerigo Vega

I just bought the Amerigo Vega from VTO Saddlery a couple weeks ago. I was originally looking at second hand Devoucoux’s, but couldn’t find one with my seat size and flap without going new… which I couldn’t afford. The Vega is an absolute God-send. My horse is nearly impossible to fit (the Devoucoux didn’t fit him right, but I’d been riding in them for quite a while with padding to make it decent) and the Vega sits on him like it was perfectly custom made. My horse is VERY picky about what saddle is on his back and if there’s something amiss, he will let you know. He is very content in the Vega. I couldn’t be happier about it for me, either - it is wonderfully secure, like the Chiberta, and padded. I am glad I bought the Vega instead of a Devoucoux for several reasons: price (VTO Saddlery has a great deal on it, and the customer service is incredible. You’ll get the saddle within two days!). Fit (it fits my horse perfectly). Billets (the billets, unlike the Devoucoux, are attached seperatley under the flap. They can move back and forth to balance the saddle properly. I found the Devoucoux billets so annoying! You have to use a certain type of pad to be able to put them through the billet straps and it’s practically impossible to attach a breast collar.).

The leather on the Vega is gorgeous. Buttery and soft.
The only difference that I feel with the Vega is the depth of the seat - it’s much shallower. However, I much preffer it. This is personal preference, of course.
In total, if I ever shop for saddles again, I will go straight to Amerigo. I couldn’t be more thrilled with my purchase.

[beeblebrox]

eventrider: Not true

“eventrider
having serious problems with my Devoucoux because it does not fit any of my horses. I specifically asked about having it reflocked with wool…I was told by several saddlers that this was NOT possible with the Devoucoux, because of the way the panels are made.”

I have no idea about your fit issues and sorry to hear about those problems but your latter statement is false. Firstly I have 2 devoucoux saddles and one I did have re-done in wool by a saddle fitter who does attends shows. In fact it was done at the show and has ended up my favorite saddle as with the wool it is my most diverse jumping saddle.

Sadly I did have one of Devoucoux remade with some argument with company and it turns out it was the rep and guess what she NO longer works for them The newer Devoucoux is buffalo which was not as soft when it came but rocks over calf skin for wear and tear.

Have A CWD on the way as the company offered me a deal I could not refuse and I like the red hat lol JK buy seriously I will see how I like the CWD compared to my 2 Devoucoux’s

[ZEBE]

Love my saddles Devoucoux Chierbta and Amiergo Vega monoflap dressage:

Well, my experience with my Devoucoux has been wonderful. My horse, who was prone to a sore back, has been fine -actually better -since jumping in the Devoucoux (Chiberta). It’s helped my position alot which I think helped his back. I’ve been riding in mine for 3 seasons. We just ordered one for my husband, and the gullet and padding is the same as the Vega, and other saddles, and fit our TB very nicely. So, I guess it’s personal preference. Also, the 1st dressage saddle my husband had was foam and then he had it restuffed with wool… after several years. Considering what you pay for a saddle, it didn’t seem unreasonable. So… I think it boils down to personal preference- and what works with your horse in the end. I ended up with the Ameriego Vega monolflap dressage, because Devoucoux was very honest about not being able to get a very short flap ( I’m 4’11 3/4 that would fit me correctly, and I love that one too.
It’s only taken me 20 years to find saddles that really seem to fit me and work very well with my horse(s).

[kiwifruit]

Just an update on the saddle search. I tried the Prestige, didn’t fit my horse, tried the Amerigo Vega, fit the horse great but really hurt my seat bones when I rode in it. So now I’m waiting to try an Antares Monoflap but problably going to buy a Devoucoux Chiberta. Now how do I get one? I tried finding a used one online which is next to impossible or they are in England. I tried contacting a representative but no response. Someone at the barn suggested that the company goes to major horse shows so I’m thinking Devon is right around the corner, maybe I could find one there? Any other suggestions? I’m located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Thanks!

[TexasTB]

try www.fineusedsaddles.com

They always have some chibertas for sale

[highlands]

Get in touch with a rep!

In my opinion, when you’re spending that much money on a saddle there is no reason not to get it custom fitted to you and your horse. There are variations in the foam panels, flaps, girthing, etc. A Devoucoux rep will fit not only your horse, but also you and help to find the perfect balance that Devoucouxs are so well known for.

The reps are generally quite accomodating, and Devoucoux has been a wonderful company to work with in my experience. PM me if you’d like help getting in touch with specific reps or people at the main NJ office.

Good luck! You won’t regret your decision.

[Painted_Wings]

If you can make it to Rolex they are always there. I’m planning on getting a test ride/fit of the Chiberta at Rolex. I outride so my horse will be there too. I can’t wait, it’s only a couple of weeks away. I’ll probably have to stop by the Dubarry booth and get a couple of glasses of Champagne before I have the nerve to order a Devoucoux though.

[kiwifruit]

Thanks for the contact info. I’ve been checking in daily to fine-used saddles as well as the devocoux site as well for used chibertas. Nothing on the market yet. I guess I’ll just have to be patient and hope my friend does not get sick of me borrowing her devoucoux! It is a really great saddle. Even after riding the Prestige and the Vega, they don’t compare to the feel of the Devoucoux!

[yellow_rose]

ebay! i got a great deal on my XC saddle – a devoucoux ioldy. great condition. and fits all of my horses. i also bought a prestige monoflap dressage from ebay!

[wanderlust]

Christan- I had the same problem with the Devoucoux. I loved it, but the horse it was made to fit ended up so back sore that he was practically crippled. They made a brand new one when the new rep came on board, it was marginally better, but I disliked it.

I got a CWD for my new horse about a month ago. The seat is not as comfortable as the Devoucoux or Antares, but the balance is just exceptional. The general construction and fit seems much kinder to the horse as well.

[ChampionMercedes]

I have the Milady dressage model. I bought it second hand and was lucky that it fit my horse very well. I love it. It’s well balanced and extremely comfortable. I’m a hunter convert and I wanted a saddle without a super deep seat. The flatter seat & monoflap make the saddle feel just right. My horse is sensitive to how things feel on his back and he moves forward and happy in this saddle (and he’s not one for liking to move forward - ask our own mademoiselle ;)). It’s buffalo so I hope it stands up to the tests of time. I do baby it quite a bit. My horse is a more narrow TB, perhaps the trees are made for a lighter more narrow horse and not for something super wide.

[FrittSkritt]

I’ve ridden in my friend’s monoflap XC, and it was just “OK.” I think saddle brands like Devoucoux have boosted their status by ULRs frequently using them, particularly P. Dutty and others who have gotten them for free. Otherwise – the best fitting saddle for me, and my horse is the top saddle in my list. :winkgrin:

[headsortails]

I call mine the “supercoux” it is the best saddle ever

[Steif]

Also try a L’Apogée www.LAsaddles.com

[system]

I am totally in love with my Antares saddle and the feelings of comfort and security that it offers. I found it at Rolex and it was formerly owned, but it fits me and my horse like it was custom. If you’re going to Rolex, check out both booths. Sometimes just sitting in one is all you need to make a decision. My Antares is like heaven. Diane

[WWGeorgeMorrisD]

People spend that much on a saddle and don’t get it fitted to the horse? No way!!! :eek:

[c_expresso]

While sitting in a Devoucoux is like sitting on a cloud in heaven, EVERYONE I know that has one has had it NOT fit their horses, even though it was custom made.

I would go with Black Country or Stackhouse.

[RunForIt]

@c_expresso;3146116

While sitting in a Devoucoux is like sitting on a cloud in heaven, EVERYONE I know that has one has had it NOT fit their horses, even though it was custom made.

I would go with Black Country or Stackhouse.

AMEN!

[kiwifruit]

Question…do they charge more for a custom made saddle at Devoucoux? Or is it the standard price as advertised on their website.

[KBG_Eventer]

It is the price listed on the website.