Hello,
I know this has probably been brought up a million times but new year new cost. So I’m in the brand for a new saddle and am wondering what the CWD’s run since it is now 2018. The rep told me that they also have a new cushionier seat, anyone sat in one? I’m basically wanting to know if anyone has bought one this year and how much they paid and what leather, size, style etc., it was.
Thank you
Probably should include buying in 2017 too. 3 weeks isn’t a lot of time for a saddle to be made, shipped and purchased and betting whatever they have right now would have been made in 2017.
I just got mine. Turn around was short compared to some, maybe 6 weeks? Fits perfect and I have to say I love it. My horse LOVES it. It is gorgeous and comfortable, fits us both perfect . Mine is an SE01. My rep was the best and isn’t with the company any longer.
My only issue was/is they spelled my name wrong on the plate. Sigh. Should be an easy fix but the new rep is in Florida. I’m a little steamed I paid about 5k and they got the bloody name wrong. But- the company responded on Instagram and FB. Now I need to do the logistics because no way in hell am I doing the plate myself.
Overall my my experience with the physical saddle was excellent and responsive with the main company. And my original rep was the best.
New rep- didn’t call me back until he thought he had a sale or at least wasn’t as responsive as the main company and original rep.
ooh quick turn around!! What leather did you get??
I demoed one in late November. Price depends on what tree yoou go with. Classic tree (not the 2Gs) starts at 5k and you only go up from there. I liked the SE03 the best but I ended up going with Voltaire.
I know everyone has different experiences, but the experience will depend on your rep and the area you’re in. I will NEVER go with CWD again after everything I’m going through now. So if you’re in South Florida, stay far away.
I got the buffalo leather flaps and calf seat. (I am hard on saddles).
Experience def depends on the rep. They said it could be up to 10-12 but I got it quicker. But I have to say- I love my saddle and will def get another CWD for my kid in a while. I was pleasantly surprised with my t urn-around time and the company was very, very responsive. When I emailed from the site they got RIGHT back to me. The California office was super responsive. New rep stinks. My old rep even responded to me when I reached out to her with questions and the error on my plate-- I looovvvve her (shout out Victoria 
)
Except my name plate (which annoys me) I had a great experience.
For me- it wasn’t about name- it was about fit and customization. My mare is 8.5 move and prob went to a 9 with the shoulder cut. I did have to get a new girth since the billets are shorter (I have a short leg and femur), small potatoes right? She’s happier in general and I’m kind of amazed.
So- this was my first saddle since I was 19- I’m 46. I know, I know. I was using my friend’s BATES, which was nice. I am seriously in love with my CWD and I am NOT a trend follower (hey- I still have a pair of pull on boots and a true rat catcher ha ha).
Reps are fine, but if you know what fits you and your horse- you can buy one online from their store or find a used one.
I definitely agree with Libby, I have had horrible experiences with CWD, all reps in my area have quit, they had to send someone to help me all the way from France. First time they fitted me it was totally off, they put me in the wrong seat and flap size. Then they had to replace it and ended up giving me a different saddle, which even though they were told my horse had a high withers, gave me one with custom paneling that ended up giving my horse saddle sores and rubbing on her withers. Then they gave me a different saddle while they took that one to get the panels changed and by the time they got it back to me, I didn’t even get to use it on my horse because had to put her down cause she got very sick. So I paid them over 7 grand for a saddle that I absolutely hate, and I hated dealing with them. it was a nightmare. If I could go back and change I recommend going with someone like voltaire.
The rep makes a huge difference. Your experience is horrible. My experience on the other hand was terrific, the rep was great, easy to deal with and very responsive, and my saddle fit right out of the box and I’ve loved it from day 1. So, it definitely seems like you can either have a GREAT experience when all goes well, or an AWFUL one if it goes off the rails. I had an awful experience ordering custom Der Daus, so I’m wary of custom orders in general but I was very lucky because my CWD order went perfectly. So, moral of the story for the OP is to ask around about the rep that would do the order.
Our CWD rep in VA (Katy Mcswinney) is absolutely terrific to work with and has helped us with some very difficult to fit horses. I was able to use a demo right until my new saddle came, and it fit PERFECTLY. NO problems at all. I have zero complaints. Have heard that the rep you get makes a difference as to what your experience is. Ours has been great!
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The new designs started production the second week of Jan, so there will be a difference if you compare a late December saddle to a early Jan saddle. Quite a few things have changed on the 2Gs, like the cushier seat (yaaayyy) and the panel design (no more pesky loose screws). We’ve also done some stuff to the flaps. It was all from customer feedback so thank you guys for letting us know what you want or wished was different. The 2018 saddles start at $5100 for Classics and go up depending on model and leather.
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When I ordered my Madem saddle in 2016 it was ~7400. I love it (although they had to replace the first one I got) and fits me and the horses great. That being said I probably wouldn’t order again based on the experience I had, I think I would go with Voltaire.
Find a rep with a great reputation or go somewhere else.
I customed my CWD last year, i got full buffalo. Rep of florida had just left so if im remembering correctly, the new york rep did mine. Had a great experience with her. Took about 6/7 weeks after she came to my barn and fit my pony and i. came with leathers and i believe the total ended up around 7k, but definitely worth it!
Just bumping this up for updated opinions? I see a number of people being unhappy with their newer CWD in a number of saddle fit threads. Is this still a case of poor reps? Customer service? Trees (2Gs vs Classic)? do they still offer a 1 year fit guarantee?
I noticed that the new World Champion in showjumping, DSP Alice, goes in a CWD 2G, so I guess not everyone is unhappy with their saddles.
Honestly, if you are going to spend 6k or more on a saddle just get a Stackhouse. Custom to you and your horse designed as requested. From soup to nuts…
Mine is being made as we speak, but I am currently riding in a demo the saddle I am buying (SE03). I previously had the 2G but the seat and flat were not a good fit for me. For me, I like the SE03 the best, however my horse likes the Mademoiselle tree the best (I don’t blame her it is VERY nice). With a price difference of a couple thousand I’m sticking with the “classic” SE03. I did not have any horse fit issues with my previous 2G, however they sent me demo 2GS to ride in which did not fit my poor horse at all. Then again, it was not made for her specifically so I wasn’t over upset. Hopefully mine will be done soon and fits!
It is definitely still true that your experience with CWD will depend very much on the rep you are dealing with. I would definitely recommend asking around in the local area for personal experiences before ordering.
likey that Rider is sponsored
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I think the problem with a lot of these saddles is the reps. Those big name riders you see in those saddles have the big wigs with super training come out to fit saddles to horses (or adjust pads to help the saddles fit). I’m pretty sure they aren’t telling McLain to add an extra 5mm of foam to lift the back end of the saddle to fix a too narrow tree. (Yes our local rep did say that to a friend buying a new saddle. When said friend heard that, she knew the rep was a saddle fitting idiot and passed on a CwD all together. She now happily sits in an Antares). They work for some horses, not for others. It’s very much a personal prefernce. I, personally, consider saddle shopping comparable to bra shopping.
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