Hello. I am a total lurker (in fact, had to create a username for this post) so I am stepping out of the comfort zone of anonymity to post this question to the group…
I am looking for a dressage saddle manufacturer who makes a high-end, excellent quality, highly customizable saddle. I would prefer (obviously) wool flocked, but I will entertain wool/foam. Superior leather and excellent customer service (although the lack of an area rep is doable…I can travel if needed). I want to stay away from the “usual” suspects, the Schlesse, Custom Saddlery, Hulsebos…and go for either an up-and coming or smaller saddle maker. Anyone been to Europe and seen anything they like? An American manufacturer would be fine if the quality and knowledge were there. I have pretty much reached the end of the Internet on the subject and everyone seems to ride in the same ol things (the majority of which I have sat in). Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
hastilow saddler (HastilowUSA.com) They make their own, also have several other brands available, including Ideal. With their brand there are many items that are modifieable. I have one of their saddles and my sons mare loves it!
If I were going to go totally custom, (couldn’t find a off the rack saddle to work) I would have David Stackhouse fit my horse and I.
There are ton of different brands. Can you be more specific on what you are looking for other than a lesser know brand? The few that come to my mind that I sell are Borne Saddlery and Adam Ellis. www.thesaddlefits.com Both are bepoke or custom. Otherwise there is Patrick Saddlery, King, Frank Baines (more well know), Ideal, Harry Dabbs, etc. Those are just what I can think of off the top of my head.
No, I know there are a ton of different “brands”… I’ll try to narrow it down…I am looking for something that is customizable…as in, a choice of colors (brown, black, or two toned), full or short block, etc. as well as being custom fit to the horse so that it is very well balanced…more of a “boutique” type saddle. Custom saddlery does a pretty good job of it, but I just don’t love the saddles (having had one or two over the years). Since I have sat in or looked at most of the popular/accessible saddles out there, I figured there were some that were regional/foreign/small that I had not seen or sat in. Thus the query.
I have a horse who needs a saddle, the one I am using on him fits him well enough with a little shimming but most certainly needs to be replaced. If I am going to pay out the nose for a saddle, I want it to be one I (and my snowflake horse) love. And, frankly, I have looked at everything…I have, as they say, reached the end of the internet.
Macel, Bellior Saumur, Forestier or Butet, all out of France.
What have you not liked about the saddles that you have tried and what have you liked? Big external blocks, velcro blocks, short or long blocks? Deep seat, open seat, narrower twist and or waist? How is your horse built? Do you a long thigh and short calf, the other way or normal? This determines flap and stirrup bar position. I know Adam Ellis and Borne will do all of what you are suggests among other brands.
Not sure where you are located, but I love my custom saddles from Superior Saddlery - Paul Selvey.
Have you looked at Smith Worthington? They are in CT, and make their top of the line saddles in the UK, with a mid-tier and lower end line from Argentina.
They have full custom - http://www.smithworthington.com/inde…product&id=150
You can also customize any of their existing models for a DIY fee - I think it’s a 20% premium over the base model.
Black Country (England). Choice of leathers, leather colors, flap length/forwardness, block size and attachment (sewn in or velcro), details (welting, patent, crazy colors), several tree types, leather or serge panels, extra cushion in the seat or not. They’re beautifully made. www.blackcountrysaddles.com
My dressage saddle (bought it used) is from King’s Saddlery, and I have been very pleased with it. I have had it at least 15 years and it has held up very well. They are in Walsall, England.
A very well known but unfashionable saddlery is Stubben. They will customize all their saddles, I believe, if you have them come to your horse.
Have you looked at N2 Saddlery? They are getting more popular and have a booth at Global, so I don’t know if you’d consider them a usual suspect or an up-and-comer.
I’ve sat in a few Vincitores, and really liked them. Sadly, a bit out of my budget atm, but I can vouch they’re very nice.
Check out Paramount Saddles - made in Canada, all custom and you deal directly with the company owner. www.paramountsaddlery.ca
Some excellent suggestions! Thanks, ya’ll!!
Try Trilogy.
BTW, I don’t know N2, but I had considered them…I was wondering if anyone has experience with these saddles and the customer service?
On another note, has anyone ridden in MacRider saddles? I sat in one while trying a horse a few months back and it was an excellent saddle, it sat on the horse in a lovely way, and, I was told, comes in a variety of models and colors (even navy) with some tasteful bling. The leather was beautiful. However, I have heard that they are a bit hard to get and difficult to get fitted and serviced. I don’t mind driving/traveling but it does have to be accessible. Any reviews on these?
I have worked on a couple of N2 Saddles. My understanding is that they are a spin off of Custom Saddlery. I do not know if they have a lot of fitters yet.
