Hi,
I’ve recently been on a casual search for saddles, particularly something with an adjustable tree because I will be riding lesson horses as I do not have my own. I was a bit interested in M. Toulouse saddles until I read a few posts and reviews on them, and about the inconsistency of their design and lack of quality. I also discovered Ovation saddles, which, from reading reviews, seem to be a great bang for their buck.
I was interested in either the San Diego (http://www.victorycanter.com/Ovation-San-Diego-Saddle-468687.html) model or Evolution (http://www.doversaddlery.com/ovation%3F-evolution-xch-1090/p/X1-15787/#ProductTabs). They both seem like nice saddles and I have heard good things about them.
Which of the two models would be better suited for hunters? I am just about to switch barns so I will probably continue hunters and move up to jumpers in a few years. And if anyone has one they are selling in a 17" seat, please let me know!
Thank you!
They are a steal of a deal, and are made at the same factory as Pessoa, with a lot of the same features.
I would think you could get by with either model in the hunters, though the Evolution is more classically styled.
Ovations are decent saddles for the money, and their changeable gullet system is way easier than the Wintec/Bates. Keep in mind, though, that changeable-gullet (or adjustable tree) saddles only address tree width, which is only one facet of saddle fitting - you have to consider tree shape, panel configuration and billet system as well. If all the pieces aren’t correct, being able to change the width won’t make the saddle fit correctly (in spite of what most of the advertising copy would have you believe). Also, the changeable gullet / adjustable tree saddles were NOT designed to be changed frequently; they, like any mechanism, will weaken and eventually wear out / break.
I had an Ovation “Showjump” model and loved it. I rode in it for the first 2 years that I came back to riding (after 20 years off) and it fit a number of school horses that I used before buying my own horse and upgrading to an Antares. My Ovation was sold to a kid in the barn who has abused it mercilessly and it still holds up beautifully. I found it gave me a very secure position and was a quality product for the money.
I should also mention that Trumbull Mountain has a great free trial program and they sell lots of ovations.
I have two ovation saddles. A regular tree for my 16 hand petite built quarter horse mare. And a wide tree for my two gypsy ponies hehe. Love love love them. Have had a regular tree saddle for 7-8 years and I bought it used. Feels and sits like a much more expensive saddle. Good bang for your buck!
When I was riding with a University team (just did the lesson part as alumni) they had a LOT of Ovation saddles. I liked them. They must hold up pretty well, too, since they had a LOT of riders use them. That being said, I also own two M. Toulouse saddles and maybe I lucked out, but I love them both. (different models.)
I still have my Ovation (going strong 7 years). I do like it, though I wish the flap was more forward. We did a test with a few different riders, and it seemed to be prone to encouraging riders to pitch forward. But it fits an impressively wide range of horses (Holsteiner, to Quarter Horse, to Thoroughbred).
