I’ve heard nothing but good things about Henning saddlery in Germany. Very high end in all aspects, of course they come with the price tag though.
Second hastilow. I just got one and love it. I bought off the rack but they will do customization. I know Annette Gavin is the main US rep. British made, wool flocked, high quality, reaaonable price.
I would also suggest Zaldi and Equipe saddles.
JRD saddles are made in California. I met the owner at the 2015 World Cup. He talked a good talk but I’ve not met anyone who owns one or heard any reviews on them or the fitting process.
I have an older Hulsebos which I really love. My trainer has an Adam Ellis that is quite nice but isn’t really everything she hoped it would be.
I have a Harry Dabbs dressage saddle that I love. I bought it used, but it’s a lovely saddle, and in brown.
I have a Patrick Saddlery monoflap jump saddle. I could customize that saddle a ton of different ways. Size, color piping, accent colors, piping colors, twist size, forward flap, long flap. It is truly a custom saddle.I have been lucky that he comes to my area twice a year and I have an interesting horse so he personally has done the initial wither tracings and pictures. I have a local independent saddle fitter that fits it once it comes to me.
He primarily seems to do dressage. I see some really pretty ones on his Facebook page.
Pelham Saddlery seems to frequently have some used Patrick dressage saddles if you want to try one out.
Lemke. Made in England, based in Nevada. Wonderful leather and comfort. Puts you in a good position without big blocks etc. Deep seat, and stirrup bars are where they belong - under your ass not out in front.
I’m still confused. Do you feel like customization is not available from know brands? Black Country and Harry Dabbs will make a saddle however you like (Quote from Harry Dabbs GM, “If a customer asks whether we can put a saddle on the moon, the answer is YES!”). My own concern with making an expensive purchase from a company that is lesser known or new is that they haven’t had as much opportunity to build a reputation. I want to know that any brand I work with has a track record of excellence in both materials and customer service.
I second the Trilogy Saddles. Fully custom, and extremely well made. Worth the price!
I had a Sommer that I LOVED! Great quality of saddle!
Windsor saddles are also a very nice line and they tend to sell cheaply as they aren’t very well heard of in the US
I demo’d a Macrider saddle this year. They definitely did not ride the same from model to model so I would not get one without riding in a few different models and tree sizes. And, for the cost, I’d rather pay for a Hennig–the Macrider i liked was $4,700 brand new.
Loads of places will do this. What is the hard part about what you need? What don’t you love about those you’ve tried? Are you or your horse or both a difficult fit? Or was it an aesthetic issue?
Macrider
Very comfortable, horse friendly, as much two tone, bling, patent leather as you could desire.
Centaur Saddles by Mike Stokes.
Thanks everyone (I was at a show this weekend so am just sitting down to look at the responses). I have just ridden in a gazillion saddles and every one of them has been “meh”… some better than others. I certainly am not looking for something that makes me ride better (that’s not the saddle’s job) but I would like a really well crafted saddle that is comfortable AND well-balanced AND pretty AND well represented. I just have not found it…and I have already exhausted the normal avenues or eliminated the ones I just cannot stand. It may be a unicorn, but one would think that when one is getting ready to spend the price of a young warmblood on a saddle, it should tick all those boxes.
I did try a MacRider two weeks ago. I thought it was really lovely and DID tick the boxes EXCEPT there is ONLY one person that can fit it to my horse (the main rep??) So how does THAT WORK? Certainly one person does not service every MacRider in the US?
I would definitely check out Sommer. Bought mine after my coach recommended and have never regretted it. The main dealer in the US is Horse of Course I think - https://thehorseofcourse.com/cart.ph…ategory_id=186. The Spezial is fully customizable and all their saddles are adjustable, have wide gullets and 1/2 panels for shoulder freedom. For years thought my guy was just a stiff ride, Sommer changed that even during the fitting session, he was reaching over his back instantly.
What type of horse do you have? Some suit certain stamps better than others.
For comfort alone my favourite has to be the Wow, but I know not everyone is a fan. Fairfax are pretty nice, as is the Equipe. I have an ancient Barnsby (think it might be a showing saddle) which the horse loves but I find a bit shallow.
Stay away from JRD Saddlery. I have had multiple people that I know work with them and have not been happy. He does not respond to the customer needs even though he talks a good talk initally. He can’t fit the saddle correctly. I know many people that have had to go to a different saddle fitter to get their saddle fit correctly after have Mehrdad fit their saddle and it made their horse sore.
The Sommer saddles from Horse of Course are amazing. Marty is very knowledgeable and honest.
Depending on your saddle preferences…
-Black Country if you like “less” saddle.
-Trilogy for a more secure feel, especially if you are a short, female rider like myself
-Hennig if you are the opposite of short (I love my friend’s Hennig, until I have to use my legs. My stubs just can’t move enough)
-Dresch are beautiful, and several pro riders in my area have gone over to them
I cannot speak to the fit or feel, but David Stackhouse makes some simply beautiful saddles. A friend purchased one and he came out and did 3 different fittings/tracings/sessions before she got her saddle. She is very happy. I think she has had it 2 months now?