[QUOTE=CJ82Sky;7556971]
mvp - not sure I follow sorry! yes I blog for IST and several other sites as well and am always open/honest about it, I work in marketing and blogging is a big part of what I do. Circling back to the above, I’d LOVE To have anyone interested guest blog their reviews of ANY saddles for IST’s product review blog. Yes, the owner gets approval on all blogs, but she doesn’t ONLY sell French saddles, that’s just her specialty and preference (and I tend to agree - I ride in a Voltiare, no I don’t do their marketing, but I DO love their saddles).
Anyway, anyone who wants to blog, can email me at cj@iselltack.com 
and if not, that’s fine too. I’m enjoying reading about the other brands as well. I’ve ridden in CWD (loved the saddle, hated the weight), and a few others, but have not experienced Antares, L’Apogee, Butet, or Delgrange, so reading more at least for me is interesting.
And if anyone wants to review Stubbens, or County Saddlrey, or well just about whatever, that’s welcome too. I always like to read and learn more!
Has anyone ridden in the Stuggart yet by Voltaire? I don’t like it as much (that’s just me) because it has bigger blocks and more padding and I’m a true close contact minimalist kinda girl, hence the second skin being my true love lol. Just wondering. I sat in one at Rolex - the Stuggart - but was wondering if anyone rode in one yet.[/QUOTE]
L’Apogee makes a great saddle. My friend bought the custom one that was made for her horse from his previous owner. It is very comfortable and well balanced. I don’t think the leather is as nice as some of the new French saddles, but this L’Apogee was from the early 2000s so they might have gotten different leather options since then.
I rode in the Stuggart during my trial yesterday with the Voltaire rep. He had me try the Palm Beach and the Stuggart based on what I told him about my riding style, horse, and what we compete in. I think he thought the Stuggart is what I would prefer but I actually rather disliked it. Not in terms of the quality of the saddle, just a personal preference. I felt very “locked” into my position as opposed to having the adaptability to go from a galloping seat, light seat, or full seat. My barn manager commented that I looked “busy in the tack” and I think that was due to me constantly fighting the position the saddle was forcing me into. It’s just a lot of saddle and too deep of a seat for me personally. I also noticed my horse moved significantly more “free” when I switched back from the Stuggart to the Palm Beach. But that’s probably a horse preference too :lol:
I didn’t get a chance to ride in the second skin and therefore didn’t order it…should I be changing my mind? :/. I am pretty long from hip to knee so I got an extra forward flap Palm Beach and was told the second skin wouldn’t be too big of a difference for me. I was concerned with the quick wearing of the second skin and the bunching up when you tighten your girth since the leather is much more flimsy…Wish I would have sat in one with the second skin! You think I should call Voltaire?
