Frank Baines saddles and/or Black Country Quantum

[inca]

Looking for an affordable used saddle (or an affordable new one) for the horse I am leasing. My barnmate’s Toulouse Annice fits him fairly well so I am borrowing it until I find something for him. (She recently got a new Antares so doesn’t mind.)

The mare I own has a custom County that I bought last year so I am not ready to drop that kind of money on another saddle at the moment. I have an Ovation but it really does not fit him at all.

Anyway, I have my eye on a 1 year old Frank Baines ($1,700) and a 8 year old Black Country Quantum ($1,600.) https://www.fine-used-saddles.com/saddles/pc/17-Black-Country-Quantum-Hunter-Jumping-Saddle-5p1009.htm

The other alternative would be to buy a Toulose Annice ($1,250) but they don’t seem that durable.

Obviously fit is the deciding factor. But, I was wondering if anyone had any input into these 3 brands. (I would love to stay in the $1,000-$1,500 range.)

[jaybird660]

We have experience in selling both brands. Which Baines jump saddle? They are both quality saddles and both are made in England and I would highly recommend them over the other alternative but couldn’t tell you without photos if they would fit your horse.

[vxf111]

Both the Baines and the Quantum are very nice. If you can find what you need used, I don’t think you’ll be unhappy with either. My BC Quantum looks as new as the day I took it out of the box 3 years ago (wow, has it been that long) and it can exactly as ordered and fit like a glove. I wanted to try the Baines but no one had demos and so I didn’t.

[Trixie]

I have a Baines - wool flocked - and I am in lurve. I didn’t get my choice on a lot of things (I would have gone with the havana over the sort of chestnut color) and it’s not exactly the same leather quality as my Butet, but I still think it’s one of the most comfortable saddles I’ve ever sat in (I tried a TON) and my horse goes REALLY well in it.

[inca]

Unfortunately I don’t know which Baines model it is or if it is wool flocked. But I will be able to try it on my horse at a show the 12th. A local trainer has it for sale.

I am going to try to time the trial on the Black Country so I have it that weekend also and can compare.

This guy doesn’t look like he has high withers to me but my saddle does not have enough withers clearance. It also bridges. It has the interchangeable gullets but not sure that will solve the problem. I would definitely prefer to get a wool flocked saddle that can be tweaked a bit.

I haven’t tried my County on him but it is custom for my mare so I’d rather not use it on any other horse.

[Libby416]

When I was trying saddles, I was told the Frank Baines would be a great fit for my mare. Had a saddle on trial to try it, and I hated the thing. Felt more like a dressage saddle to me then a close contact saddle.

That being said, the leather was nice and there have been threads on this site of people who have gotten some of the English built saddles to have the look, and a similar feel to some of the french saddles.

But considering that your looking at getting a used saddle, I would see if you can get a trial.

[inca]

I definitely won’t buy without riding in it at least once! The Black Country will have a 5 day trial. The Frank Baines I should be able to ride in at least one day at the show (if it fits well enough to do a test ride.)

I rode in my barnmates Toulouse again today and I actually like that saddle. But, I also know from hers that they don’t hold up well. The stitching is loose at the bottom of the flaps and the leather is worn through in one spot.

[Jumper_girl221]

No input on the Frank Baines, but I LURVE my BC Ricochet…its like riding on a comfy couch (a sentiment that has been echoed by several friends).

With that said, I have a friend that detests it…says the pommel and twist hurt her pelvic region

[acoustic]

I’ve ridden in both. I preferred the Black Country and would love to own one. The Frank Baines was a nice quality saddle but there was just too much between my horse and I. Not a close contact feel at all. I don’t remember which particular saddle it was though, sorry.