Dover Circuit Premier Victory/Pessoa Gen X Prestige/other brand opinon

[barnsou]

I know there are probably thousands of topics on saddles for this forum, and I apologize for adding another one, but I am in the market for a new saddle since the one I currently have now doesn’t work for me. I ride about 3-5 times a week at my friends’ barn using her horses. I’ve switched back to her saddle but it’s WAY too small to keep using and eventually show in.

I have been searching for different saddle brands in my price range of about $1,500 and seemed to be stuck on choosing either a new Dover Circuit Premier Victory (no RTF) and a used, one year old Pessoa Gen X Prestige. I have also been looking into used higher-end models, but I am finding no luck with finding ones my size that are a decent price and good shape even on sites that aren’t eBay.

What are your opinions on either a Pessoa or Circuit brand saddles? I would love to hear experiences with them and how they hold up. Also, what are some other brands to look into for around my $1,500 price range?

EDIT I also am unable to go to a tack store to sit on saddles since the closest one is about 4-5 hours away and do not have the time to drive there and back to sit on a saddle.

[PrincessPonies]

I have the Circuit. I love it. My last saddle was also a Ciruit and I used it for years before selling it to get a new saddle. That saddle is still being used today and is I’m great shape. My new one is still great. I used my first on lesson horses for years before I got my mare and never had an issue. Never had a fit issue. My trainer even borrowed it for other horses who they were having issues fitting. Basically I loved both my Ciruits and they’ve held up well for years. Highly recommend them.

[ilovetheadd27]

I am another Circuit fan. I’ve had mine for almost 9 years, and for the first 4 years of use I was riding 8-10 horses a day in it. I take great care of mine, and it has held up well. During those 4 years, it fit a wide variety of horses I put it on, with the proper pads. The leather is not as buttery soft/grippy as others, but that comes with the price point. Most people who sit in it really like it. I currently use it as a lesson saddle for some of my students, with no complaints. One of my students just bought a brand new one, and I was impressed with the quality of the leather and how it has broken in. Overall, I think it’s a great saddle for the price point, and has been good to the horses I’ve ridden in it. Also if you’re unable to test in person, Dover has a great test ride program. Good luck!

[mlm7914]

So I just had to sell a Tad Coffin that I had LONG outgrown. I am currently horseless and only riding a few times a week but I am so much taller than anyone at my barn, I needed to find my own saddle. Due to being horseless I wasn’t willing to pull the trigger on another high end saddle. One of my fellow AAs at the barn talked me into trying her Circuit premier and I ended up buying one for myself. Let me say it is in NO way my Tad; however, the twist is narrow enough that I don’t hate it and its not totally bulked up with a bunch of awful padding like some cheaper saddles. I find mine puts my leg in a good place, the balance point is a little funky for me, but overall very happy with it for the price I paid. Also if you are a USEF member, Dover will give you 10% off which just makes it ridiculously inexpensive. You can also find them during the sale with a free bridle…

[anon99446150]

I had a Circuit and really liked it. It was a nice saddle for the price point. I would also recommend looking and used higher end brands. If you know your size, you might luck out and find something older but in good condition in your price point.

[barnsou]

So along with those, I found a reasonably priced Beval, Luc Childerish, and a Colbert Brothers brand saddle that I am also looking into. The Colbert Bros. seems really nice, but there isn’t much information on that particular brand. All I know is that they’re made by the same people who make Beval, but they’re cheaper.

[Paige777]

OP, I have an essentially brand-new Circuit Premier Victory Special EQ, 18", medium tree for sale. If you’re still considering it, and if the size would work for you, please PM me - I’m asking $800 shipped.

[soloudinhere]

@barnsou

So along with those, I found a reasonably priced Beval, Luc Childerish, and a Colbert Brothers brand saddle that I am also looking into. The Colbert Bros. seems really nice, but there isn’t much information on that particular brand. All I know is that they’re made by the same people who make Beval, but they’re cheaper.

At least for some time Colbert Brothers was the maker for the Circuit Premier and Special Eq saddles.

[barnsou]

@Paige777

OP, I have an essentially brand-new Circuit Premier Victory Special EQ, 18", medium tree for sale. If you’re still considering it, and if the size would work for you, please PM me - I’m asking $800 shipped.

I wish, but an 18 is too big for me. ): Thank you for the offer though!

[Dewey]

You could find a used Stubben Edelweiss in your price range.This is not a trendy saddle but it’s very well-made and will last better than the others you’re considering. It’s a close contact perfectly appropriate for the show ring.