I am pretty sure that 70 pounds ago, my 18" seat also was only due to my leg.
Now I am pretty sure it is due to my leg, and my a$$ 
[QUOTE=rulex;8179134]
I also have a longer than average femur and ended up with a Stubben Edleweiss after trying a number of saddles. It’s quite a few years old now, so I don’t know that the flap has a size, but if might be worth sitting in a few Stubben saddles to see if they might fit you.
I do remember when I was trying saddles that a common issue I was running into was knees overshooting the flap, but going up a seat size for a bigger flap just traded one problem for another. It’s hard to find that right fit.[/QUOTE]
Thanks! That’s helpful. 
I will check this out.
[QUOTE=naters;8179471]
I am pretty sure that 70 pounds ago, my 18" seat also was only due to my leg.
Now I am pretty sure it is due to my leg, and my a$$ ;)[/QUOTE]
That’s funny.
I, too, though, ride in an 18", but really it still doesn’t work for me. My legs are out in front of me too much.
[QUOTE=beowulf;8178531]
temecula, do you have a picture of it in ebony? i really like the zaria but it appears to only come in an uggo brown…[/QUOTE]
Here’s a pic of the ebony Zaria. Sorry it’s not the best; my saddle needs a serious cleaning! http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/LMB1978/image_zps5f7jmwnp.jpg
Thank you! I always liked the quality of Stubben bit wasn’t sure how some of the newer models have been received. I don’t know anyone with one and have not ridden in one in 20+ years.
I just bought my daughter a new Portos with the new flap style (without the graduated padding on the flap) and she absolutely loves it. The saddle fitter came out and found the perfect saddle for her. She picked it up and was comfortable enough to show in it the first day she rode in it.
I had a new Edelweiss around when they were introduced (after growing up riding in Siegfrieds before PDN types). I loved the narrow twist and forward flaps (I’m not tall but have a good length of leg from hip to knee). I sold it after the horse was gone because it was a narrow tree and fit no one else. I’m in the market for a new saddle and just brought home a wide tree Edelweiss NT on trial. Rode in it Friday and I really like it too! I’ve tried several brands so far looking for a good fit and have really had some difficulty with some but I liked riding in the Edelweiss NT. I have no worries about the durability. It’s the top runner right now. 
Cannot say enough good things about mine. Fits my horse perfectly and me. LOVE the quality and the fit. I have a Portos. When I can afford it I’ll be investing in the Portos dressage as well since the H/J fits so perfectly.
Happy to find this thread. I am in search for my last saddle and contacted Stubben to come out and fit me and my horse, both of us are a hard fit. She will be here this week and am not sure she knows what she is walking into - lol. Was curious about the “Get Connected” and if anyone has sat in one? Just by the website am leaning towards a Portos or Zaria.
I have had a Crump, new Antares and am now riding in a Beval BZ Natural that even in a 18.5" is a wee bit small for me. No longer a fan of the softer calf leathers and wanted to get back to “let’s break this baby in”
[QUOTE=Temecula Jumper;8179830]
Here’s a pic of the ebony Zaria. Sorry it’s not the best; my saddle needs a serious cleaning! http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/LMB1978/image_zps5f7jmwnp.jpg[/QUOTE]
It’s really pretty! Here’s my Roxane VSS, also in ebony:
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz333/deweyrooter/New%20Tack/new%20saddle%20001_zpsg2rdhg5f.jpg
So the ebony isn’t a true black but just a darker brown?
It’s a dark brown.
Many thanks, I like it!
Sat in a Porto something and loved it! Unfortunately horse’s massive shoulders didn’t like it so much!
I’ve ridden a good bit in the Zaria. Even the brand new demo I rode in for two weeks wasn’t that slick or hard, despite the fact that its not calf. The gelding I tried it for is pretty short backed and I have a long femur. He despises the other saddles we have tried him in that have a longer profile, I think because they sit too far back on him. He loved the Zaria though even in a 18’’. Once I am back from “maternity leave” I think I will be going that route for him and me. It was the best fitting saddle for us both.
Question - where do you buy them if you aren’t lucky enough to live near a tack store, and do they fit a wider, flat backed horse?
I don’t live near a tack store. I filled out the online form on the Stubben North America website and a representative called me. I did have to fill it out twice; the first time apparently it did not go through.
I talked to the rep about the models I was interested in and described my horse. He brought a lot of saddles with him for the fitting. When I decided what I wanted, he placed my order for me with Stubben. As it happened, Stubben NA did not have the exact model I wanted in stock, so I had to wait for it to come from Switzerland. It took a little over a month as I recall. The rep was excellent about keeping me updated by email.
I can’t answer your question about the wider, flat-backed horse. I do know that several of the models are wool-flocked and can be adjusted. Stubben also does custom saddles.
[QUOTE=Dewey;8206874]
It’s really pretty! Here’s my Roxane VSS, also in ebony:
Thanks Dewey! Yours is lovely!
[QUOTE=Temecula Jumper;8208995]
Thanks Dewey! Yours is lovely![/QUOTE]
Thanks! :winkgrin:
I have a Siegfreid VSD. Bought new 8 years ago. Broke in perfectly and hasn’t seemed to age since. I have a 18.5" (long legs - curvy butt). The seat and flap fit well for flat work, but my knee shoots off the front of the flap when my stirrups are short for jumping. Had I planned to jump when I bought it I’d have chosen an S or VSS flap which are more forward.
![http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/LMB1978/image_zps5f7jmwnp.jpg[/QUOTE]](http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/LMB1978/image_zps5f7jmwnp.jpg%5B/QUOTE%5D){kind=link}