Got a new saddle and I need new leathers and a girth! Possibly irons and iron covers too!
I need black leathers and I’m looking at either Passier or Prestige. Dover has three models of Passier leathers and I really can’t make out what the difference between the three is. The Prestige leathers are calf skin wrapped instead of the “super soft cow hide” that the Passier leathers use. Any thoughts?
Here are two of the Passier models
https://www.doversaddlery.com/passier-soft-touch-stirup-lthr/p/X1-0641/
https://www.doversaddlery.com/passier-lined-leathers/p/X1-06893/
Can anyone educate me on what the difference between these two models is? Other than price? The descriptions read very similarly. I think the Prestige leathers are $150 but out of stock in my size at major retailers though I found some at a smaller online shop. I dunno if the calf skin is worth the hassle of a separate order.
I’d prefer leathers that are going to be the least abrasive on my saddle flaps. FWIW my saddle is British made with German leather.
For a girth, I’m thinking of trying the TSF stretch tec girth, the one with the elastic insert in the middle. I’m not having any issues with the saddle sliding forward once I have it girthed up, but I have to be careful not to pull it forward while I’m doing up the girth if that makes sense. Horse has a ridiculous big shoulder and a very forward girth groove. Im currently using an inexpensive anatomical girth but it’s only an inch offset and I believe the TSF is a 2” offset. The girth I have now is a 30” but he really needs a 32” so I need a new one. Thoughts or other suggestions for a girth? For the TSF I’m not sure if the leather or the sheepskin would be better? The horse doesn’t have a history of getting rubs, but he is a sensitive soul and I want him to be as comfortable as possible.
I’m happy with my current irons but if anyone has a rec for jointed ions with an offset eye, I’d welcome the input! I have some fleecy iron covers but they kind of suck to put on and take off so I’m in the market for those too.