I want Tacky! In my saddle: Inexpensive jumping saddle with sticky or tacky leather

[afox2332]

I am on a tight budget, and am looking for a jumping saddle with a more forward knee flap (I’m short & chubby but have long femurs), a regular or short length flap, but most of all, leather that is somewhat tacky or sticky! (used would be great)

Currently I’m riding in a very comfy Ainsley Chester that I bought used for eventing a greenie, particularly for the forward flap and deep seat, but I feel like this saddle is helping me push my legs out in front too far. And I’m back to hunters.

I’ve been attracted to the M. Toulouse Annice or Bridgette, which I have heard are calfskin and thus stickier leather. I’ve read a lot of positive things about this brand lately, although I know a few years ago the reviews weren’t as good - but, hey, the price.
Also, I know someone who has a Circuit that they LOVE and they said it is very sticky. This person is a h/j pro, and not a rich one.

Any suggestions for tackiness? Er, stickiness? Thanks!

[541hunter]

I have a similar body type (5’4", curvy, with long femurs) and I have the Beval Artisan. The seat is calfskin and nice and sticky, and the flaps are grain leather. I LOVE it. I bought it during Beval’s Black Friday sale and got it for $1750 brand spanking new (they’re normally $2500).

I haven’t seen many used since it’s a newer model, but I have spotted a few demos on sale for around $1800. But if you can wait until November/December, you could get a great deal. I didn’t even have to wait for it to ship because my local tack shop was kind enough to honor the sale price (shout out to Gallops in Lake Oswego, OR!)

[Bristol_Bay]

I bought a used Pessoa Heritage covered leather saddle recently on eBay. It is very grippy and has helped my position and balance a ton. There are many options for panels and flaps, so you need to know what you want, but it fits me and my horse great (after the saddle fitter got done with it.)

[IndyEquestrian]

How tight is a tight budget? Some very nice used higher end calf saddles can be had for $1600-$2000. . . but at less than 1k they are harder to come by. . .

The Toulouse’s have improved. . . I still don’t love them. . . A used Pessoa may work for you.

A Beval Salem is what comes to mind for a very slim budget. It is covered, and tacky. They don’t make them anymore, but the kids at my barn who have them love them. They are super comfy! They retailed for $1200 new I believe, so if you can find one, I imagine it would be priced in your budget!

[KandC]

I had an HDR Advantage that fits my femur (5’8 with super long legs), and was honestly lovely. It was an older model (bought used in 2004ish); used it up to 3’3" and Novice XC. Was super comfy.

[Sunflower]

Suede seated Wintecs are very tacky if you get the seat a bit damp.

[winstonian]

A used Nona Garson by Prestige might work.

[Outyougo]

Sporty Sticky spray

[ohmissbrittany]

If you want to keep leather tacky, don’t use saddle soap on it- the glycerine is meant to clog the pores to hold in moisture, but over the years, this makes a saddle slick!

[Spud_amp_Saf]

I have a Santa Cruz, which is essentially the Canadian version of M. Toulouse saddles, and it is the stickiest saddle I’ve ever sat in.

If you know the size and model you want, there is a bunch of Santa Cruz/M. Toulouse on this website and with the clearance price/dollar disparity, you could get a great deal.

www.pleasantridge.ca