Devoucoux vs. Antares saddle

[sativum]

I’m looking for a used saddle - I had a Devoucoux rep come out to do a fitting, and she had me demo two Devoucoux saddles (which I really liked). Both were demos, and as I am looking for a used saddle, she pointed me to two Antares that are in the used inventory. The Antares that will likely work is an older saddle at a relatively high pricepoint. One of the demo Devoucoux’s that I tried is now available at a similar price, although I need it adjusted for my mare.

Any thoughts on Antares vs Devoucoux for a jumping saddle? I remember liking the Devoucoux better, but did not try them on the same ride, so it is a bit hard to compare.

Thanks!

[Scribbler]

Pick the one that fits you and the horse best. If they are both perfect fits pick the one that’s in best condition for the cash.

Both are fine brands. I doubt both fit and feel exactly the same.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Both names will hold their value.
I honestly think it comes down to your own comfort. As long as saddle isn’t a total mismatch for your current horse and tree is wide/narrow enough, pick the one that works best for you. Look into shims and ways to fit saddles with padding, as the more you customize this saddle specifically to this horse, the harder it may be to sell if suddenly it no longer works for horse or you move on from horse.

[Lusoluv]

I have a Devoucoux dressage saddle and an Antares for jumping. Both trees are VERY similar and fit me and my horse. They are great, well-balanced saddles that hold their value.

[js]

I agree pick the one that fits your horse and you best; though personally I would go with the demo saddle, newer, hasn’t been ridden much nor have the panels settled to fit someone else’s horse. Both do hold their value but a newer one will give you a little more longevity. If you go with the Devoucoux be sure it will fit your horse with the adjustment. If you pick the Antares consider having the panels redone so they will conform to your horse.

[sativum]

I rode in the Antares again today and I am definitely leaning towards the Devoucoux Biarritz S. I’ll be sure to have the rep come out again after the adjustment was made. The demo seemed to fit her well, and I liked the narrow twist of the saddle.

[fourfillies]

I have an older (2005ish) Buffalo Antares that has help up really well. I love that saddle which simply doesn’t fit my current horse. Compared to the Biarritz the Biarritz, IMO, feels like “more saddle”. Not good or bad, just different. Pick what fits your horse first and then your preference so long as both fit you. Both are nice saddles, you won’t go wrong.

[Renn_aissance]

I am a happy owner of a Biarritz S. You mentioned that you’ll need to have the panels adjusted- make sure you do two things before you send it off. First, you should know what the current timeline is to make that adjustment. Last year around this time it was around a 3-month wait to have the saddle returned because of their backlog and COVID staffing; this year, it is hopefully different. Second, if this is practical for the adjustments that need to be made, see if you can shim the saddle to approximate those adjustments and ride in that several times in a row before pulling the trigger. (They used to have a 30-day trial policy on used and “pret-a-porter” saddles, if that’s still available, make use of it!) That will give you the confidence that the adjustments you are making are the right ones.