Older Devoucoux Makila with 3 Billets?

[Ttjumper]

I just purchased an older Devoucoux Makila saddle, made in 1995 - it arrived today and I found out it actually has 3 billets! It has the two regular billets (it’s a monoflap but the main billets run under the flap), but there is a smaller billet directly attached to the flap as well. It came with a girth that has 3 buckles as well, but I’m a bit worried what I will do if the girth doesn’t fit my horse. Are girths with 3 buckles (2 large and one smaller that sits on the top) made at all? My introductory google searches are not bringing anything up, and I’m a dressage newbie so I don’t have a ton of background knowledge about this type of tack to begin with.

Additionally, can anyone tell me what the original purpose of this style of billet system is? My friends and I are all very curious!

Thank you!

[Piaffe11]

I actually recently purchased a 1999 Devoucoux Milady with 3 billets (unbeknownst to me!). The third strap is to stabilize the flap of the saddle.

My girth only has 2 buckles, so right now I just tuck the third strap in with the others. I looked into 3 billet girths, but could only find a Kieffer one and it’s pretty plain. I plan to get a leather “overgirth” made at my local leather shop that’s just a piece of leather with buckles on each end to attach over my girth.

Some people cut the third strap off, but mine is well integrated into the flap. I don’t see removing it easily (or it resulting in the flap still looking nice).

Hope this helps.

[Ttjumper]

Thank you! That’s very helpful! Mine came with a girth that seems to be just as old as the saddle so the elastic is pretty much done. Guess I’ll be on a wild goose chase for the foreseeable future

[LilRanger]

Can a local saddle shop put on new elastic for you?

Or if yippy do need a different girth, maybe just have a buckle our keeper added for that strap. If you don’t want the over girth.