How do newer Passiers compare with older ones?

[Bristol_Bay]

I sold my circa 2000 GG a few years ago in favor of a cushy, grippy modern type.

Big mistake.

I’ve since switched to riding in a close contact, but I want a dressage saddle that I and my half-leaser can ride in.

I’m just wondering if the seats in the newer saddles are less hard? Is the leather any grippier? I know a M with the cutback head will fit my TB, but I would like something softer to sit in.

[rideastar]

My GG is about 15 years old, it has 3 patches, has been re-flocked many times and it still fits me and my horse “like a glove” as the saddle fitter said. I often think about replacing it, but I have seen too many people having a saddle that doesn’t fit their horse or them or both. So I guess I’ll stick with the GG. Use the passier leaderbalsam (sp?) it makes the leather nice and grippy.

[Halt_Near_X]

I had an older GG and then bought a used 2010 Optimum II. The seat on the Optimum II was a little more padded than the GG, but the leather was similar (neither grippy nor slick).

[jaybird660]

Many if not all of the new ones have the freedom panel which offers more wither room. The panels are sewn in a little lower. The lateral angles are also more open and better suited to more horses.

[Bristol_Bay]

Thanks, everyone. I have my eye on a few, and the prices are very good.

[Foxtrot_s]

For some reason (marketing maybe?) Passiers are very well priced when used, although they are wonderful handmade saddles the last a lifetime. They are not a ‘cheap’ saddle, but inexpensive when second hand.

[Sadiegem]

I had a Passier Lenox that I loved, but couldn’t sell for the life of me. Ebay suggested I sell it for $198!! Umm, no. I donated it to a therapeutic riding facility who happily said it fit a bunch of their horses and would be well used (yay!). I took the tax deduction, instead. I loved that saddle but it didn’t love my wider mare.

I plan to look at the newer ones and it’s good to hear that they are still quality saddles.