I have a saddle fitter coming Friday, and they are bringing me these brands to try in the likely case that they agree that my current saddle doesn’t fit my horse or me. I can’t find very much info on these saddles. Anybody have one? Thoughts on these two brands?
Hastilow and Fairfax will fit pretty much the same way as they are built on the same “Simatree”. IMHO Hastilow fit and finish and leather quality is miles above Fairfax and is a better value too. I think Fairfax products appear cheap but are very pricey. The adjustable front gullet works for many horses but not all. I loved my Hastilow Concept Flexibility and it fit my RIDSH very well but did not work for my OTTB at all.
Not all Hastilow have the changeable gullet tree. Panels and options may vary as well. Both are good saddles that have many fit options and depending on which models and what options they have will determine whether they will fit similarly or not. I don’t feel that they feel the same for the rider.
Fairfax leather quality is CRAP! and after sales services stinks, i would avoid…
I’m actually kind of surprised by this. I had a K&M and thought the leather was really nice. I would still have it if it had fit me properly. I’ve been told by this fitter that they have since redesigned the tree so I’m hopeful that it will fit me better. When I first got the saddle and had questions about the gullets and the billets Hastilow USA was great to work with.
I’ve also had problems with Fairfax leather, albeit not on saddles.
I have a now discontinued Fairfax Dressage Cob. Wool flocked, adjustable gullet and takes the S-Bar (designed for “propane tank” type backs). I am very pleased with it and even though it was lightly used I think the leather quality is very good for the price point. I would highly recommend and probably won’t sell it anytime soon.
My trainer was just talking to me about Fairfax saddles today. 2 of her clients bought Fairfax dressage saddles (and one a jump saddle as well). She has ridden in them and like them very much and thought they were of very good quality for the price.
I think I am now more considering Hastilow simply because they are a bit more customizable. With Fairfax it sounds like what they show in the stock photos is what you get.
We bought a K & M for my daughter. It is very adjustable, wool flocked and changeable gullet. Mr sensitive pants loves it. The leather is not a soft and grippy as my French saddle but for the money it was worth it. We had some problems with the dye on the flaps and they replaced them no problem and timely… Our trainer and my daughter think that it is very comfy.
I was just at Fairfax saddlery today visiting. One thing to note is that you really want to use their saddle conditioner. Because of how they finish the leather, only natural produces with beeswax and such should be used on them. Not glycerin or saddle soap and such. I always recommend that you use the produce that the company provides because they match up to their leather.
I will keep that in mind. 
I have a hastilow concept dressage saddle. It is a very nice saddle that puts me in a correct position. My ability to ride effectively actually took a big step forward when I switched saddles…
That is the one that I am getting. Fitter came out last Friday and I got to ride in that one. It was love for me and my horse. I got some of the best lateral work I have ever gotten out of her, and for the first time in pretty much ever I felt balanced in the saddle. I didn’t want to get out of it.
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