The joys of saddle shopping.
I’m looking for recommendations of other models to add to my search based on what is likely to work. I tried a County Conquest medium/narrow tree which fit my horse in front and back but bridged underneath. The lovely folks at Highline suggested that he needs a brand that uses a curvier tree such as Butet.
My trainer’s Pessoa (not sure the model… not helpful I know) fits him, as does a barnmate’s Stubben Camelot, as does another barnmate’s Courbette Alpina, which is what I’m borrowing until I buy something.
I have a Pessoa queued up from Pelham but it’s currently on trial with someone else, so if it comes back I’ll get to try it. It’s one with a changeable gullet system; it’s coming in medium because the narrow was out of stock, but they recommended I grab a narrow to swap out if needed. Seems like there isn’t a medium/narrow available so not a clue whether it will even work.
So, I’m hunting the used market for these models but would like other ideas for models that might also work/have a curvier tree. I’d prefer a flatter seat/plain as it gets (I used to have an older-than-dirt Crosby Hunterdon which I adored) but I can live with a thigh block etc if the rest is right. My budget is $1500.
I had an amerigo farouche that I bought on eBay but ended up reselling because the shape was actually too curved for my horse’s back. Purchase and selling price on either end was about 1500. Other than not fitting that particular horse I found it to be a nice quality saddle.
County tends to run wide so you might do fine with a medium in another brand.
I have a lovely Courbette Stylist narrow tree. Paid $50 for it. Put new billets on it for $75, it’s old but it’s basically in new condition, though it was neglected before I got it. “Out of fashion” type of saddle of course, which is totally my style. Pancake flat old school saddle, the very best IMO. I bought it to rescue it, and eureka! It fit my narrow TB mare just perfectly. So comfortable and secure to ride in. And no, it’s not for sale. But highly recommended.
