Pessoa saddle thoughts

[RubyHorse]

Getting back into riding after a few years break. I used to have an old Pessoa saddle I loved but don’t have it anymore. Thinking of getting a Gen-X3. Do they make Pessoa saddles as well as they used to? I love riding in CWD (they feel like a cloud to me!) but it’s out of my budget. I could get used, but considering a new Gen-X3 and breaking in myself instead.

I ride multiple horses, so looking for a saddle to fit me more than a particular horse.

Also - do people like the Oak Bark color? With neatsfoot I am wondering if it turns into a lovely warm brown (my old saddle was closer to that color) or if it is too “orange” in general. There is also that Dark Havana color, but not sure if I like it as much.

Much appreciated!

[TBForever]

I don’t think the new Pessoas are comparable to the old ones. Most of the new “moderate priced” saddles like Pessoa do not have particularly great reviews. How “old” was yours ? Maybe check Ebay or consignment tack shops such as Rick’s Heritage, Pelham Saddlery, etc to look for an older Pessoa that is similar to the one you liked.

[RubyHorse]

It was a good 20 years old - held up so well, balanced, did great with multiple horses.

That’s definitely a good point to look at some used saddles - however I’m fairly picky over the care of my tack and don’t always love how people care for their saddles and break them in, so was thinking maybe new might be a better option for me…… but if they aren’t made as well these days, maybe not! Will take a look around at used options, used CWD etc. Thanks!

[outside_leg]

If back in the day you—like me—rode in an old Nelson Pessoa, you’re going to be sorely disappointed in the new Pessoa. The old Nelson’s were made in France and used good leather. The new Pessoas are made in Argentina (I believe) and the leather is vastly inferior.

You will get more bang for your buck buying used rather than new. If the French saddles are out of your price range, you can look at some English or Italian brands. When I was shopping on a serious budget, I found a great Prestige secondhand. That saddle was vastly superior to anything I could’ve bought new for the same price.

Check Facebook and some of the online consignment stores. I can’t stress enough how awful the leather is on the new Pessoas. No amount of oil or conditioning will improve it as much as you’d like.

[RubyHorse]

Thank you. This is very helpful! Will start looking around at used. I think you’re right, I would be annoyed with a new Pessoa if it isn’t like my old one. Much appreciated!

[Tha_Ridge]

I definitely wouldn’t buy a new one. I have an old A/O on consignment on my store at the moment — they sell almost as quickly as they come in.