I LOVE LOVE LOVE my old Stubbens, I have a Wotan and a Tristan that are at least 30 years old. They are in great shape and the most comfortable saddles to ride in. Nothing fits like that old Wotan! And mine have been abused for many years… Would love to find new saddles that were made as well…
Another Stubben lover. My old Siegfried, circa 1985, has fit just about any horse I ever put it on, with the exception of one very high-withered App. I love my Imperator because it is easy to care for - sort of the Wintec of its day. My Tristan dressage saddle hasn’t been used in years, but I can’t bear to part with it. The only saddles that hold up better than the Stubbens are the Parianis - however, it’s hard to find a horse these days that the 1950s/60s Parianis will fit. They tend to be very narrow.
Great info, folks, keep it coming…
Now I am sorry I passed on the 25 year old Siegfried…
I love the Stübbens. Love. A 31cm Siegfried VSS fits lots of horses, is super secure, and works for my butt. The one I have is an early 80s model, but you’d never guess.
I also have a Stübben Scout which is the most comfy thing I’ve ever sat in (it’s what the RCMP have switched to, too), and works great if a VSD cut fits the bill. It wasn’t available with the BioMex seat when I got it, but I’d go for that option now if I were getting another.
…while we are in the conversation, the Stubben Rex is a perfectly scaled down version of the Sigfried for the children. No kid was ever done wrong by starting riding in one of these indestructible, value-keeping little saddles.
I have a Parzival from ~1971 that I still use. A Dressage model, but also comfortable for small (up to 3’) jumps and trailriding. I even 2 point in it easily. It has had a hard life but it is still in good shape, though it could use a reflocking. I never plan to sell this saddle.
Christa
[QUOTE=WilfredLeblanc;4587324]
In a related vein, anybody have a sense of how much it should cost to have billets replaced? My Stubben Wotan’s have about had it. I’m not sure they’re the originals, as the saddle was made in the 80s. They still function, but they’ve split.[/QUOTE]
The last time I had billets replaced it was about $60 here in PA.
I’ll add my 2 cents. Stubben Siegfried–the older the better. I bought a used German made one about 15 years ago. Don’t know where it had been, but it was in PERFECT condition. Just as I remembered them from 40 years ago.
I sold it a few months ago because I wanted a smaller seat size. Found another excellent used one. Not German made but still old and still fabulous.
I have found that they do indeed fit a lot of different horses. Don’t know why so many folks have trouble fitting a saddle to a horse nowadays…
I have found that they do indeed fit a lot of different horses. Don’t know why so many folks have trouble fitting a saddle to a horse nowadays…[/QUOTE]
I cannot tell you how much I agree with you! Not only about the fact that Stubbens seem to be really forgiving and fit a lot of horses, but in general. I have NEVER had saddle fit problems like people on these boards! It just must be hype.
OK, vent over, back to topic.
Re saddle fitting, the 25 year old model was meant for my narrow 25 year old TB, who normally goes in an el cheapo Wintec dressage saddle or various school saddles, and liked it just fine.
When I tried it on my 4 year old, who has TB sharkfin withers but a chunkier build and goes in a custom MW County, he looked around at the saddle and pinned his ears… I laughed and laughed–didn’t need a saddle fitter to tell me he didn’t like that one.
So it is not only the riders that are spoiled these days, but the horses…
[QUOTE=sadlmakr;4583153]
I really don’t think it would only cost $20. to redo a Stubben.[/QUOTE]
Wish it was $20. I just spoke with Clifton Saddlery. Stubben told me I had to go through my local dealer for saddle work…$150 to get the panels restuffed.
So, sounds like a plan, they’ve gotten hard with age on my Lorelei.
Yeah, I should have clarified that… I have never had to use that service and when I heard about it, it was like 20 years ago! (dating myself).
[QUOTE=headsupheelsdown;4605320]
Yeah, I should have clarified that… I have never had to use that service and when I heard about it, it was like 20 years ago! (dating myself).[/QUOTE]
I remember paying $325 for my Siegried new at Gayer’s in Laurel, MD.
