Hey guys!
I was wondering what you all could tell me about the Elan Sidesaddles. Thanks.
Not bad for a Pakistani - the gal that imports them does a good job of riding herd on them so they don’t screw up too badly.
You may have to have it restuffed or use a queen.
If you are going to be serious about riding aside, keep looking for a grand old dame and keep socking money away for a good one.
If you are just going to play, then an Elan would probably be a good choice.
If you are going to ride western, sell your first born for a Lillian. :lol:
Pakistani made, but better than anything else you’ll find in that category.
I own an old “Western” elan, which aren’t made anymore. It’s secure and comfortable. The structural portions are well made (tree and horns are good and correct, etc). The quality of the leather on the outer portions is mediocre, but that’s a looks issue rather than a safety issue.
I’ve also ridden in several newer english Elans, and they are decent, but similar to my western. Structurally good, but the leather isn’t amazing. Most need a little extra flocking under the right hip. They also tend to be kind of big and clunky.
So it depends on what you want - if you want to ride casually, the Elans are just fine. I’ve done parades, demos and hours on the trail in mine. If you decide to show or hunt, it’s worth the investment to get a really nice one.
The Elans are the best of the Asian imports.
Sometimes the flocking has to be re-adjusted for the horse. But they are far better now than they used to be. They come in wide and extra wide and a draft horse width that is extra, extra wide.
They are good for a starter but like above mentioned, if you want to really stay with sidesaddle look for a real Old Name sidesaddle. There are a lot of them on the market right now. They are treasures when you can find one that fits you and the horse.
Once you ride an Old Name English made sidesaddle these imports from Pakistan and India never can measure up.
But the Elan is the best of those Asian imports.
JMHO
sadlmakr
