Does anyone have any experience with the Equipe Viktoria or Glamour models built on the e-carbon tree? I’m considering taking the plunge because the horse really likes the tree. Has anyone tried both models? Also, is there a meaningful difference between a +1.5cm tree and a +2cm tree? I’ll be hunting for a used one. Thanks!!!
I have a Viktoria. I don’t think the Glamour model was around when I was looking, but based on the description I don’t think they are the same tree. Sounds like the Glamour has more curve. The Viktoria tree is pretty flat. I have never seen a +1.5 tree, only +1 and +2 and there’s definitely a difference. Also keep in mind at least for the Viktoria that they have made some changes over the years. If your horse likes a new demo, he may not like one a few years old or more. While there are some similarities, older models will fit quite different. I looked at an older one (and not exactly “old” like maybe 5 yrs old max) for my new horse which had the same tree and panel as the one I already owned but fit quite differently.
I have two Viktorias. They are heavenly.
I have ridden in both. The glamour is allegedly built for people like me with long femurs as it has a more forward flap and the blocks are shaped more with a cutout. I had my second Viktoria made with the forward flap and a different block, so it’s similar. I prefer the Viktoria, but the glamour is still a very nice saddle.
one of mine is a M tree and it fit my wider horse as well. But now he’s just too wide as he aged. So it’s now for sale.
I have a friend who has had a Viktoria 2 years. It’s a nice saddle and she likes it. But just like any saddle, the tree shape has got to fit your horse. Even if I wanted a Viktoria it would never fit my current horse.
Many thanks! I’ve ridden the horse in a friend’s older Viktoria - but I prefer to ride a bit short and thought from the description that the Glamour flap might work better for me. I ride my others in Custom Saddlery saddles with short blocks. I will try to find out which year - I didn’t know there had been significant changes.
I saw a used one with the m tree, and didn’t know what that was, so that fact is very helpful. I think I’m looking for a regular tree in +1.5, but it may make sense to connect with a fitter and know for sure before I start trying things.
I understand trade secrets and all that, but I wish they put out more information about the construction of the tree. Being a fan of other sports where carbon fiber has taken those worlds by storm (cycling, for one), there are some intrinsic disadvantages to the material that I’m very curious how they overcame. For one, I don’t generally associate carbon fiber (and even the carbon fiber polymers that I’m personally experienced with) with having the flex needed to move with a horse. Additionally, although traditional carbon fiber is extremely strong, if it cracks in many cases even just slightly, that’s it. The structural integrity of the piece is ruined, and trying to restore that structural integrity is next to impossible. I’m very curious to know how they’ve addressed that, or if they’re handwaving that away.
If you do talk to a fitter and can get a solid answer out of them, I would love to know, because there are some really compelling reasons to give carbon fiber a shot if the downsides can be mitigated.
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I have worked with the national US rep as well as local rep. I have found them both to be incredible.
My horse stepped off the mounting block differently with the Equipes, and I haven’t had another saddle on him since. The other one, same. I used to ride in a Custom Wolfgang Solo with a short block, and that didn’t work for my horse. Long story. But I won’t use Custom again.
The fitters are great with looking at photos and steering you in the right direction. I sent you a PM :).
My Viktoria has a forward flap and a custom block, so it’s possible to get one of those to fit you. A +2 tree is a generous MW. +1 will ride more like a roomy medium. This is different from Amerigo (made in the same factory), which tend to run wider for the same number system. I can’t say I’ve seen the tree sizes go in .5 increments. The flaps can be marked 1.5, 2.5 etc., though.
Carbon Fibre is a woven cloth and is used in conjunction with a composite material that would provide any felxibility. There are many composite materials available depending on application. It is interesting that they say these trees are only narrow twist. Either they are cheap and don’t want to make another mold, or there is a structural problem with a wider twist.
Pic here; https://www.equipeusa.com/saddles
Or that’s just their rider fit philosophy. Wide twists are pretty much a British thing.
On the contrary, wide twists are for people that need them. Unfortunately, saddle makers cannot decree that riders have any type of conformation. Rider fit is not a matter for philosophy.
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Thanks all! I talked to one fitter today and am waiting to hear back from another. Also found a used Antares with the perfect specs, so I’m considering having that one shipped in to try as well.
Uh, what?
Saddle makers can make whatever saddles they want. If they don’t have one that fits you - guess you aren’t buying one. So what?
This isn’t some kind of democracy. I can rattle off a dozen brands that don’t make wide twist saddles. Stating that they don’t do so because of structural failure is 1. Weird and 2. Untrue.
Equipe does make wide twist saddles.
+2 is definitely a serious wide. Not a MW. And trees can be in 0.5 increments.
