Hello - I am new to hunting and am looking for used saddle, currently using my Wintec. I have found a Charles Montfort that is beautiful, but cannot find any information on that brand. Does anyone know anything about them. How durable are they? Any issues to be aware of? Thank you.
Comfort for you and your horse is paramount. Since hunts can last for several hours, a saddle that doesn’t fit is likely to cause problems.
Personally, I ride with a straighter flap out hunting than I did when I evented because I like to ride with a longer leg. I also look for a saddle that puts me in a very balanced position so I can more easily hold a 3-point position.
I like saddle that have a wide gullet and panels that distribute the weight well. However, what works for you and your horse will depend on your preferences. I also prefer wool panels as they can be adjusted more easily.
I hunt in a Schleese monoflap (on my draft x) and a Jeffries JMX monoflap (TB).
There’s nothing wrong with wintecs if they work. My wet weather saddle is a Wintec Pro Jump.
I love my County Eventer. It’s never caused any problems on my horses, and it’s been a very comfortable, hard-wearing saddle in my time as a foxhunter. I like the slightly deeper seat, which gives me some extra grip but doesn’t get in my way when I’m jumping.
I hunt in a Crosby Centennial XL Internationale and I love it. They are no longer made, but I got this one (and my regular saddle, which is the same one with forward flaps) on Ebay–both for a song when you consider what they retailed as new.
The old Crosbys are well-made and wear like iron if you take care of them.
okay, i’ve only hunted twice so take my word for what you’ve paid for it, but both times i was in the Ainsley Chester (older, probably late 90s saddle?) and it was/is a really great and balanced saddle… I now have that saddle and have sat in it for 4+ hrs at a time and still been comfortable… but of course, it depends on rider conformation as well…
[QUOTE=beowulf;8515342]
okay, i’ve only hunted twice so take my word for what you’ve paid for it, but both times i was in the Ainsley Chester (older, probably late 90s saddle?) and it was/is a really great and balanced saddle… I now have that saddle and have sat in it for 4+ hrs at a time and still been comfortable… but of course, it depends on rider conformation as well…[/QUOTE]
That’s one of my favorite saddles. And you can pick them up for short $$.
Ideally you want to work with a good saddle fitter. Hunting is not a discipline where you want to use a lot of padding to make your saddle fit.
I bought a Beval Artisan during their Winter sale just to hunt in and I love it. It fits my horse perfectly and I find it to be very comfortable. Beval has some saddles on sale right now until 2/20.
[QUOTE=Bogie;8515465]
That’s one of my favorite saddles. And you can pick them up for short $$.
Ideally you want to work with a good saddle fitter. Hunting is not a discipline where you want to use a lot of padding to make your saddle fit.[/QUOTE]
can’t believe I only just saw this… I love that saddle! I have two… one is newer and bigger and fits me better and looks just like the one in the EBAY link below, but the other (much older one that I’ve had since HS :eek:) is just so balanced it seems to fit nearly every horse I put it on.
Now adays it may not be considered a forward enough flap or deep enough seat for those who have spoiled their tush[es] with those fancy french saddles… but luckily my bum’s never experienced the luxury that is high padding and deep seating so, I remain ignorant and in love :winkgrin:
This is the saddle I’m talking about,. but mine does not have that nice deep seat - it’s very flat:
http://lalaslavenders.ecrater.com/p/13716677/english-saddle-ainsley-chester-cross
This is mine:
http://www.antifaro.com/images/isengrim/img2765.jpg
And yes, CHEAP! So cheap.
[QUOTE=beowulf;8515342]
okay, i’ve only hunted twice so take my word for what you’ve paid for it, but both times i was in the Ainsley Chester (older, probably late 90s saddle?) and it was/is a really great and balanced saddle… I now have that saddle and have sat in it for 4+ hrs at a time and still been comfortable… but of course, it depends on rider conformation as well…[/QUOTE]
I have one of these (the older model) that is currently looking for a new home. PM me if you want the details.
This is a good source; http://www.middleburgtack.com/index.cfm?action=inventory&pCategoryID=CFEE0AB1-C291-660C-45C830FCE0920C24&name=All%20Purpose
[QUOTE=glfprncs;8528505]
I have one of these (the older model) that is currently looking for a new home. PM me if you want the details.[/QUOTE]
thanks for the shout out, but i have 2 of them and six saddles and only one horse :lol: think i need to get another horse before i consider more saddles. good luck selling it! BTW, seen them go pretty quickly on the FB page “ENGLISH TACK”
[QUOTE=beowulf;8528955]
thanks for the shout out, but i have 2 of them and six saddles and only one horse :lol: think i need to get another horse before i consider more saddles. good luck selling it! BTW, seen them go pretty quickly on the FB page “ENGLISH TACK”[/QUOTE]
Only six saddles? I’d buy it myself but my tackroom runneth over. Of course, I have two horses of very different shapes and sizes so I have an excuse :yes:.
[QUOTE=Bogie;8529194]
Only six saddles? I’d buy it myself but my tackroom runneth over. Of course, I have two horses of very different shapes and sizes so I have an excuse :yes:.[/QUOTE]
alackaday, only one of the six fits my current mount. ONE!
I hunt in Beval Stamfords, two different ones for two different horses. (Wide and regular) I like a close contact saddle and this one keeps my leg underneath me (as opposed to in front of me). Good fit for both horse and rider is paramount when spending 3- 4 hours in the saddle at a time. Brand is secondary (or tertiary) to fit.
A lot of people like really deep saddles with a lot of padding, but those really hurt my back. I like a flat saddle with a little thigh and knee block. My Butet and Antares are really comfortable and secure but don’t hurt my back.
The Stubben Roxane is a good hunting saddle if you like deep seats. It’s got a relatively forward flap, and for me it kept my leg under me instead of in a chair seat unlike many Stubben. It’s now an older model and can be found relatively cheaply.
I go out in what’s I have available and not needed while I am out playing. Usually one of several used saddles I have bought. Never gave more than $500 at best. My steady eddy until I wore a hole in one of the flaps cost $250 but cleaned up well enough. All are pretty plane jane that fit the horses well enough with proper padding. None of my horses have come up with back issues. Not the most comfy saddles I have sat in but a fleece seat saver makes up. The hunts I have gone out with don’t do a lot of walking, standing around anyway. IMO when you running and jumping most of the time the saddle just there to hold the stirrups by and large.
A number of horses that hunt in our neck of the woods are Timber steeplechasers in training. Some are ridden with a plain hunt saddle lots go out with a racing exercise saddle.
