Anyone seen or tried the Dover Circuit Premier Special Eq saddle?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/circuit-premier-special-eq/p/QA-15060/
I have it. Its a good saddle for the price point. Holds up well - I was riding 5x a week. I did have an issue with the tree in my last one (it looked like something popped out of place but I couldn’t tell), so I sent it back to Dover and am currently waiting for my new one to arrive on back order. It fits my leg nicely as I am really long from hip to knee and so the forward flap works well for me. I also really like the flat seat.
Whoa, is it usually on sale for under $1000? I’ve been looking for a forward flap Beval Natural in that price range but this might fit the bill.
[QUOTE=french fry;7482274]
Whoa, is it usually on sale for under $1000? I’ve been looking for a forward flap Beval Natural in that price range but this might fit the bill.[/QUOTE]
That’s the current sale price. Plus you get a matching bridle. The regular price is $150 more.
[QUOTE=Dubarry;7482293]
That’s the current sale price. Plus you get a matching bridle. The regular price is $150 more.[/QUOTE]
You get a bridle now? Nice! I didn’t get a bridle when I bought mine, but maybe you only get the bridle if you order online.
nycequestrian, if I remember correctly you show at OSF, etc., correct? Not to be a saddle snob, but what does your trainer think of your saddle/how do you feel it compares at shows? I know it’s much nicer than, say, a $300 Kincade, but I am in a barn full of Butets, Antares, CWDs, Devacoux, etc. so I have to admit I’m a bit nervous. My trainer is all about buying the saddle that works for you/the horse but I’d be the first with one of the Dover saddles…
[QUOTE=french fry;7482345]
nycequestrian, if I remember correctly you show at OSF, etc., correct? Not to be a saddle snob, but what does your trainer think of your saddle/how do you feel it compares at shows? I know it’s much nicer than, say, a $300 Kincade, but I am in a barn full of Butets, Antares, CWDs, Devacoux, etc. so I have to admit I’m a bit nervous. My trainer is all about buying the saddle that works for you/the horse but I’d be the first with one of the Dover saddles…[/QUOTE]
Don’t worry, I know exactly how you feel. I actually didn’t bring it to show at OSF because it was broken at the time (I was in the process of sending it back etc.) so I borrowed a saddle but when I use it at home (where everyone else is using Butets and other similar French saddles) no one cares. A lot of people mistake it for a Butet from a distance because it looks very similar and once I’m sitting in it, its quite hard to tell the difference. 
I love my trainer and she doesn’t care as long as it fits the horse and I can ride in it.
I also have this saddle. I have the forward flap and wide tree. It fits my big shouldered QH’s great! I ride at a Hunter barn full from CWD’s and Beval saddles. I’ve actually had one girl who owns a Butet ride in my saddle and complement it. I love the look of it and the feel. In my opinion its the best bang for your buck.
The Circuits have always come with a bridle I think. When I was saddle shopping for DD 5 or 6 years ago, the free bridle was included with any Circuit model. Don’t get too excited, though–the bridle is not a real nice one from what I have heard.
[QUOTE=Dewey;7482443]
The Circuits have always come with a bridle I think. When I was saddle shopping for DD 5 or 6 years ago, the free bridle was included with any Circuit model. Don’t get too excited, though–the bridle is not a real nice one from what I have heard.[/QUOTE]
When I bought my Circuit 9 years ago, it came with a bridle. I’ve schooled and shown in it since then (schooled every ride in it, with sometimes less than stellar cleaning) and it has held up beautifully. Now, quality certainly may have changed since then.
[QUOTE=Sarah616;7482458]
When I bought my Circuit 9 years ago, it came with a bridle. I’ve schooled and shown in it since then (schooled every ride in it, with sometimes less than stellar cleaning) and it has held up beautifully. Now, quality certainly may have changed since then.[/QUOTE]
I’m glad you got a nice bridle. I have to say I have no direct experience, but the reviews I read of the free bridle (several years ago) were not encouraging. I asked the Dover people if I could pay extra and upgrade to one of their better bridles instead of the free one, and they said no. I ended up buying a different saddle eventually, so it didn’t matter, but I thought I would pass this along. The free bridle is NOT the one advertised as the Circuit bridle in the catalog–at least that’s what I was told.
I had two briefly - first one had an issue with the dye coming off, so Dover took it back…and the second had the SAME issue! They assumed it was a bad dye batch and took the second back as well. This was about a year and a half ago, maybe?
Assuming they fixed the dye issue, I wouldn’t hesitate to get one again. The fwd flap fit my long thigh really well and overall it was really comfy and just lovely.
(also, never got a free bridle so I don’t think it’s you always get a bridle when buying a Circuit!)
[QUOTE=RolyPolyPony;7482523]
(also, never got a free bridle so I don’t think it’s you always get a bridle when buying a Circuit!)[/QUOTE]
I didn’t get one either. I think its something they do every once and a while.
[QUOTE=nycequestrian;7482532]
I didn’t get one either. I think its something they do every once and a while.[/QUOTE]
The free bridle is almost always available with whatever saddles are listed in the current sale catalog.
This saddle looks like a pretty decent knock-off of a Butet style with a more French appearance and feel- narrow twist, flap options. There are several within the barn and people have been very happy with them. It would be a model I would consider if I didn’t love my saddle.
Thanks for all the responses! As we all know saddle shopping is a pain. So just trying to do my research thoroughly. The bridle is an added bonus, may work out to be a schooling bridle.
French fry, if you decide to purchase let me know. Or vice versa.
I have the Premier Victory. Much nicer than the old Circuit Elite.
I have been wanting to try this saddle for a while. It has been impossible because the 17.5" forward-flap wide-tree version has been back-ordered for like 1.5 years.
Yesterday I received the circuit premier victory saddle (free bridle included) It is a piece of junk!!! Wish I were kidding. Just got off the phone with dover and said I was very disappointed etc…
Saddle very plastic like…Really disappointing (made in argentina)…
I’m old so maybe now a days 1k for a saddle may not be a lot of money today (is to me) but I wouldn’t want the saddle for 5 hundred…or even if it was free
Sending it back tomorrow…
n
^^^ Wow. My Premier Victory has calfskin flaps, nice, soft leather, soft seat, and a nice color which is not rubbing off (like the old Elite did). I’ve had mine a few months…I wonder if it’s changed. I’m surprised.
