It's time for a new saddle... maybe

[SouthernYankee]

So I just finished my first season of hunting and I’m quickly learning what works in the ring (or even xc course) does not always work in the hunt field.

I’m also coming back to English land after riding reiners and cow ponies for years. AKA I’m not in as great of shape as I used to be in.

I have a 15 year old Collegiate Graduate that I bought when I was 15, it’s the only English saddle that I know and it’s been through a lot with me. High school, Eventing, Pony Club, College, tornado, multiple horses, etc. It’s still in very good shape and has aged very well, and is old enough that it was made before their quality control tanked. But it’s hard, with very small blocks and after 4-5 hours of hard hunting on an ambitious mare I’m almost crippled (I have awful knees). I didn’t realize how bad it was until I rode in a friends M. Toulouse Premia. My buns did a happy dance when I sat in that saddle.

The Collegiate fits my mare pretty good but I’m sure I could find something better. She’s a 15.1 running type QH, most people think she’s a small TB. Not overly wide with prominent withers. I do not know of a saddle fitter in my area.

So while it may be a few months before I’m seriously ready to start shopping I’m wanting to get a head start. I really liked the M. Toulouse but some of the reviews have me hesitant. Although my friend loves hers and hunts in it 3+ times a week. I was at a Dover store last weekend and sat in a lot of their saddles and still preferred the Toulouse over everything else. At this point I’m looking for what works for everyone in the hunt field. I don’t care if it’s overly pretty, comfort is going to be the biggest factor for me.

Thanks!

[Hinderella]

I ride a large pony with a build that’s built like a horse, not a pony…decent withers and a typical (not round) ribcage. I ride in a Smith Worthington all purpose saddle. It’s not as cushy as my Pessoa was, but it’s of a sturdier leather that holds up to rain & scratches well and it’s quite comfortable. Stubbens are another good choice, but the older ones have a reputation of having a hard seat.

[jawa]

I have a Barnsby for my lg pony that is very comfy.

I have a County Conquest for my TB. The County is comfy, but even better is that I feel it puts me in a perfect position to deal with whatever terrain I happen to have in front of me.

If you let people know your general area, they may be able to let you know of a saddle fitter that works near you.

[ISR]

You’ll get recommendations all over the map, but until you know how it fits you and your horse it will all be fairly meaningless.

I highly recommend a company like Trumbull Mountain who will help you with fit (there are online instructions on how to measure) and allow you take different saddles on trial. If you’re in an area that’s a bit remote it’s a very viable option.

The saddle maker at Heritage Saddlery in the UK is very helpful too, and not as expensive as one might think (less than 2K or so for very well made semi custom saddles).

[konjina]

Yes, Heritage Saddlery is great - my recommendations

[Arabiandressage]

http://www.theconnectedrider.com/saddles/

I run an online tack store, we specialize in Arabians and other hard to fit breeds. If you need any assistance when you get ready please let me know.

[Spartacus]

Have you sat in a County Innovation yet? It has a little bit of a deeper seat, and a more specific “sweet spot” than the Conquest, which is aimed at cross country, but they are both great saddles for hunting.

Some of it is going to depend on what kind of price range you are looking in, but I would definitely hesitate on the Toulouse—they don’t seem to hold up that well. If you are looking at a price point similar to that, you might want to look at Stubben.

[shall]

There’s a lovely Albion Kontrol for sale on Ebay at the moment. It is not mine. The owner says she used it for fox hunting. It has a very wither friendly design. The balance is excellent - so easy to two point. The Ultima leather wears like iron and it has enough cush and support. Love mine.

[Mitch]

[QUOTE=ISR;8121723]
You’ll get recommendations all over the map, but until you know how it fits you and your horse it will all be fairly meaningless. [/QUOTE]

Agree. Check out a stock show or western convention in your area where you’ll be able to browse a dozen or more saddle makers in just a couple hours. Detail your riding style and goals and chat up the reps.

[Beverley]

Well, I would still be using my 1971 vintage Crosby Prix des Nations if it fit either of the current stock. I am pleased with my most recent acquisition for my little mare, a Smith-Worthington that is nearly as flat as my Crosby. Even though they have no dealers in these parts they were very good to work with via long distance in me getting measurements and photos to them and back and forth on little details. They got the fit right but I could send it back for adjustment as the need arises.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

If it is your knees that are bother you the most…try changing the type of stirrup that you are using. Typically one with a wider foot base will help substantially. There are LOTS of choices out there.

If your saddle fits you and your horse…I’d really try just change the stirrup first and maybe just add a seat cover for more comfort.

[SouthernYankee]

[QUOTE=Spartacus;8135472]
Have you sat in a County Innovation yet? It has a little bit of a deeper seat, and a more specific “sweet spot” than the Conquest, which is aimed at cross country, but they are both great saddles for hunting.

Some of it is going to depend on what kind of price range you are looking in, but I would definitely hesitate on the Toulouse—they don’t seem to hold up that well. If you are looking at a price point similar to that, you might want to look at Stubben.[/QUOTE]

I have not sat in a County yet, I’m just starting the search and wanted to get an idea of what the Hunters of COTH rode in. I did go to the Dover store in Atlanta and sit in everything they had, the Toulouse Premia was still my favorite.

@shall;8135532

There’s a lovely Albion Kontrol for sale on Ebay at the moment. It is not mine. The owner says she used it for fox hunting. It has a very wither friendly design. The balance is excellent - so easy to two point. The Ultima leather wears like iron and it has enough cush and support. Love mine.

Oh yes… I found it and am drooling.

Ideally I’d love to not have a budget… however I’m married/engaged to a non-horsey accountant so that’s just not going to happen. If I can find a steal of a deal in the $1k range then that’s my best bet of getting a ‘new to me’ saddle. I really doubt he’s going to go for the Albion’s price tag.

He’s in sticker shock over the price of saddles (hence why I’m starting to let him process now rather than right before hunt season), and his thought process is my current saddle is in great shape and has worked for 15+ years so I ‘want’ a new saddle rather than ‘need’ a new saddle. Unfortunately I’m not a teenager and still riding constantly, my muscles aren’t quite what they used to be.

@bornfreenowexpensive;8137518

If it is your knees that are bother you the most…try changing the type of stirrup that you are using. Typically one with a wider foot base will help substantially.

I’ve already got the flex stirrups, and have played around with the stirrup length. Are there options that offer the wide base with the flex that aren’t over $200? Nothing is helping. And seeing the pictures of me in the hunt field I can see where my lower leg needs to come under me more. I know I need to work on my position, I’ve been riding reiners for the past 5 years. I’m not looking for a saddle to magically fix it, but my current saddle has tiny knee blocks and isn’t helping to balance put my leg into position. When I was younger and riding all the time I could hold myself where I needed to be, now not so much.

I’ve been told by multiple specialist that I need surgery on both knees (bone on bone) but they can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to ride competitively again. So I’m dealing with it until I absolutely can not stand the pain.

I’d also like to add to the search criteria that I MUST HAVE a narrow twist, I’ve got narrow hips and cannot get comfortable in anything else.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=SouthernYankee;8137609]

I’ve already got the flex stirrups, and have played around with the stirrup length. Are there options that offer the wide base with the flex that aren’t over $200? Nothing is helping. And seeing the pictures of me in the hunt field I can see where my lower leg needs to come under me more. I know I need to work on my position, I’ve been riding reiners for the past 5 years. I’m not looking for a saddle to magically fix it, but my current saddle has tiny knee blocks and isn’t helping to balance put my leg into position. When I was younger and riding all the time I could hold myself where I needed to be, now not so much.

I’ve been told by multiple specialist that I need surgery on both knees (bone on bone) but they can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to ride competitively again. So I’m dealing with it until I absolutely can not stand the pain.

I’d also like to add to the search criteria that I MUST HAVE a narrow twist, I’ve got narrow hips and cannot get comfortable in anything else.[/QUOTE]

Well the Royal Riders are under 200. I don’t love the composite stirrups but I have had these. http://www.doversaddlery.com/flexible-itln-jumper-stirrups/p/X1-0736/

It sounds as if the balance on your saddle may not be right. Have you tried a sight riser pad to see if that helps your balance. You shouldn’t have to hold yourself. It should be easy to put yourself in the correct position if the saddle fits right and has a good balance.

If you do go for a new saddle, I’d be looking at higher end USED saddles. Do not go for cheaper new.

[jawa]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8137647]

It sounds as if the balance on your saddle may not be right. Have you tried a sight riser pad to see if that helps your balance. You shouldn’t have to hold yourself. It should be easy to put yourself in the correct position if the saddle fits right and has a good balance.

If you do go for a new saddle, I’d be looking at higher end USED saddles. Do not go for cheaper new.[/QUOTE]

I agree with this.

Play around with shimming your current saddle a little bit to see if a change in balance will help you to be in the “sweet” spot without fighting it. Just be ware that you don’t want to make it right for you and then ruin the fit for your horse.

I second the idea of getting a used, higher end saddle rather than a similarly priced new saddle. The higher end saddles with have better quality control and better leather and craftsmanship that will make it hold it’s value longer and last longer.

[wateryglen]

And I’d add that if you have bad knees; you might consider as little knee roll as you can tolerate. When you ride in thick knee rolls, you are banging your knees into them in a manner of speaking. OR get a saddle a size or 2 larger than your seat might want to ease knee problems. Ditto on a saddle with a longer flap as a good thing for bad knees. Been there; doing this. Ride a hole longer and consider also a non deep seat which is bad for you back.
I’m very pleased with my Toulouse Premia for hunting. Good quality and super price brand new. I don’t think name brand saddles are worth the prices these days. I don’t want a saddle to outlive me!!

[rivenoak]

I have an ancient Stubben Parzival jumping saddle now that would be great for hunting, as the first time I sat in it, it was like coming home. It has a hunting provenance.

But, I’ve hunted in anything from flat PdNs to dressage saddles.

With bad knees, you might want to ride with a longer stirrup leather.

[candysgirl]

I foxhunt in a Stubben Roxane that is meant for it. Its super comfy.

I have knee issues too and I’ve found the flex stirrups make it worse. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Composite Wide Tracks. They’re only $35 or so. The footbed tips ever so slightly to accommodate a heels down position, but doesn’t do anything drastic. Its super stable. They are really light and I have had people tell me they find them difficult to get a stirrup back if they lose it. I’ve not had that problem with them though.

[Ambitious_Kate]

I was just on the smith worthington site, and they do make some really lovely saddles purposed for hunting, as well as some really nice all purpose styles. some have more cushiness than others, and the materials they used for the hunting saddles impressed me. Might want to peruse that site.

[Hinderella]

The folks at Smith Worthington are great to work with too. If they send you a saddle to try you get to really RIDE it, not just walk around with leathers covered by socks. And the fitters are all riders, they can answer a lot of questions from experience. I have found that I need to go up a bit in size with their saddles for some reason to get the best fit, but I have really long femurs.

[Doctracy]

I’ve tried the Collegiates when I was taking lessons. I couldn’t find a sweet spot on them and never got comfortable.
I now have an older Albion ( model no longer made) and love it. I need to get it reflocked for my new guy but hoping it will continue to fit.
My knees are pretty bad,too. Longer stirrups help.