Hastilow dressage saddle - anyone ride in one?

[Dr_Doolittle]

I have one out on trial, and really love it so far!

Very soft, grippy, good quality leather – the saddle is really nicely balanced and comfortable, with wide, cushy panels. And it’s adjustable!

My young mare seems to like it too, she moves out nicely in it

I read a few posts about it on this forum, and the one downside to the saddle seems to be the resale market; since it’s an unusual brand, marketing it will be more difficult.

OTOH, if it fits me and the horse, and is adjustable!, maybe I won’t have reason to resell it?

My one complaint is that the flaps are a bit on the long side, and I’m 5’3"…

[jaybird660]

Good saddles with versatile fitting options. If it works for your horse, I would recommend it.

[UrbanHennery]

If/when you decide to sell it, consigning it with someone familiar with the brand will help it find a new home. I tried to sell my Fairfax on my own for several months with no luck. Consigned it with a local fitter that sells them and it sold in a week for a very good price. Even paying her commission I netted more for it than I had it listed for on the usual sales sites.

[arabiansrock]

We have a Hastilow Dressage saddle, similar model to their concept line. Very nice saddle, only one maresy approved of. excellent leather, We have had it probably close to 6 years now and there are virtually no signs of wear on it.

[asterix]

Er, me! My fitter really likes them and I just got one. I actually think my riding has demonstrably improved since I’ve had it. I agree on resale- my fitter is local enough to you that you could easily send it to her for resale when you need to. They do do a lot of customization so although I have an off the rack one (don’t hate me, I am an off the rack girl), shouldn’t be hard to customize the flap. We just changed the tree out as Eli has changed a bit over the winter and it was very quick and easy.

[Dr_Doolittle]

@asterix

Er, me! My fitter really likes them and I just got one. I actually think my riding has demonstrably improved since I’ve had it. I agree on resale- my fitter is local enough to you that you could easily send it to her for resale when you need to. They do do a lot of customization so although I have an off the rack one (don’t hate me, I am an off the rack girl), shouldn’t be hard to customize the flap. We just changed the tree out as Eli has changed a bit over the winter and it was very quick and easy.

So THAT’S The saddle you were talking about? Really, really nice saddle – I’m very impressed with the quality – and Ella seems to love it.

Now that we have your County jumping saddle and this lovely dressage saddle, I feel as though the world is our oyster

Or at least as though we have a fighting chance to progress this year, even to the point of doing some baby events! One step at a time…

Very cool that you found something that you and Eli both like so much!

[asterix]

Eli likes his jumping saddle better (also a hastilow) because, well, more fun stuff happens then…but they both fit well. So funny that you are in one now too!

[Dr_Doolittle]

I know! We are clearly connected, somehow

[artisticgold]

I have two Hastilows, a Concept Elevation for my warmblood, and a custom Elevation for my incredibly hard to fit Lipizzaner pony mare. I really love the quality and the adjustability, they are really very nice saddles with a good balance point.

[scruffy_the_cat]

I really liked my Concept Flexibility. Fit my RIDSH really well but I had to retire him so I sold it because it doesn’t fit my OTTB. A friend rode in it and said, “it’s like riding in a Mercedes!”. Very correct position and lovely, lovely leather. Ditto above- 2.5 years of 5-days-a-week riding and it looks like new.

[Dr_Doolittle]

Thanks, all

I am LOVING this saddle more and more; it really facilitates a correct position and my young mare MOVES better in it! Even on the longe line. Very comfortable, soft and good quality leather.

Two thumbs WAY up!!