Difference between Albion Kontrol, Kontact & K2 trees - help?

[twostinkydogs]

Cross-posted. I am in saddle-finding purgatory. More frustrating than mattress shopping. I contacted Albion to find out more about the trees in in the K2, Kontact and Kontrol and the response was

All New saddles, apart from the platinum dressage saddles, are on the new adjusta tree. However each tree shape in the 3 saddles mentioned is different. Please speak with your saddle fitter regarding which fit is best for your horse.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with these trees that you could lend? At this point Albion seems the most promising. My horse is wide with a moderate wither, somewhat laterally flat and longitudinally curvy. http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/SofiaMDC/Sofia%20side_zpstgfu0fkf.jpg and http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/SofiaMDC/Sofia%20back_zpsvmiprus7.jpg

We’ve tried an Innovation in a M, BC Quantum in a W, Hastilow Concept in a W, a K&M jump in a W, old Bates flat saddle in a W and an old Albion (model ?) in a MW. She went best in the Concept and the old Albion (although the MW is just a touch too narrow). The balance point in the Bates was the best for me but the saddle was not a good fit for her.

I am working with a saddle fitter but I want to understand why a saddle would work or not work for my own peace of mind. Plus I am probably driving her crazy

[sheltona01]

Based on the brands you listed and your area, I would suggest calling back Hastilow on the phone and ask for Annette, Amber, or Emily. Whoever you are working with. They will be able to address you questions. I am sure they would be happy to talk to you.

[RubyTuesday]

PMd you!

[whitney159]

I can’t help you but it sounds like you are doing the same shopping trip I plan to do in two years when my youngster is a bit more mature. I have my eye on a BC quantum, and any Albion jumping saddle. I currently ride in a Bates (usually a close contact, but I also have an older cross country version). Since you mentioned a couple more, I will now be Googling those. PLEASE keep posting any of your thoughts on those saddles on this thread, or PM me with your experience.

[RubyTuesday]

I’m a big fan of the Albions, I have five of them. Two dressage saddles are Platinum Genesis, one older Style, and in my jumping saddles I have a Legend (more of an all purpose) and a K2 Legend Ultima which is a close contact jumping saddle. All trees are adjustable by a fitter, and the newer ones have head plates that can also be changed out. I had the Legend refitted from a medium narrow to an extra wide, if that helps any.

[preppyeq]

When I bought my Kontact a few months ago (used, it is a 2011) I asked Albion about the tree in comparison to the Kontrol knowing that an older Kontrol did fit my horse and I was told that they had the same tree. The Kontact ended up being slightly narrower but still a really good fit for my horse. I have to say though over the past nine months I’ve emailed back and forth with Albion and my local Albion rep and didn’t have the best experience with either of them. The Albion rep absolutely knows what she is doing as far as fitting and reflocking but the customer service aspect was terrible. I’ve bought two Albions in the past nine months and I have to say their sizing is all over the place. Don’t go by what the tree is stamped as. I looked at a medium that was wider than a medium wide and medium wides that should have been narrows. If you think the Albion fits best, take the measurements yourself and then find other models online and ask for those measurements so you can compare and find something that is a touch wider. That is how I found two saddles online and they both fit my horse really well.