My transition from hunter/jumper to dressage is official - really nervous, but happy!
Anyway, I just sold my Devacoux and am purchasing a Frank Baines Reflex. I’ve ridden in a Reflex before and loved it, but I didn’t have it for very long so I’m not sure about it’s long term wear. Has anyone had any experience with this saddle? Good, bad, etc.
I bought my Reflex new in 2008. I love pretty much everything about this saddle. It’s worn well, has fit a variety of horses, and still looks good (except when I was letting someone borrow it now there’s a scrape on the seat!). I was livid. Anyway - I suppose the only thing I have issue with is the velcro which I find hard to clean but it isn’t a big deal. I also have this Frank Baines dressage girth. The leather is so soft and scrumptious - I definitely recommend this!
I have the Reflex as well. Not sure if I got it custom made four or five years ago. I have found it wears well even though I am lazy about cleaning it. (unlike MKV I have never bothered cleaning the Velcro). I really like it and would definitely buy another.
I didn’t have a Reflex, but I had a Capriole. I bought it very lightly used, and the leather held up well. However, a friend of mine also had a Capriole, and she used some sort of leather cleaner on it every time she rode, and the black dye faded pretty badly, especially on the seat. I usually, but not always, wipe my saddle down with a damp cloth after I ride, very occasionally use glycerine soap on it, and will oil or condition the rough side of the leather. My Capriole went on a lot of trail rides and to the beach … I think they are a very nice saddle for the price.
[QUOTE=quietann;7991223]
I didn’t have a Reflex, but I had a Capriole. I bought it very lightly used, and the leather held up well. However, a friend of mine also had a Capriole, and she used some sort of leather cleaner on it every time she rode, and the black dye faded pretty badly, especially on the seat. I usually, but not always, wipe my saddle down with a damp cloth after I ride, very occasionally use glycerine soap on it, and will oil or condition the rough side of the leather. My Capriole went on a lot of trail rides and to the beach … I think they are a very nice saddle for the price.[/QUOTE]
No opinions about Frank Baines saddles, but Glycerine soaps fade leather. I can imagine using it every ride would do it quite quick.
[QUOTE=Pembroke;7991579]
No opinions about Frank Baines saddles, but Glycerine soaps fade leather. I can imagine using it every ride would do it quite quick.[/QUOTE]
Off topic - I love CWD saddle conditioner and soap as well as Mad Cow Leather care. Both have worked wonderfully on all my saddles and smell great.
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