Pessoa vs M. Toulouse

[Psychadelic]

Hello!

I am between buying a used Pessoa with XCH or a new M. Toulouse with Genesis exchange system. What are people’s experiences with these saddles? Which one would you recommend more? I want a close contact that I can show in and that I will be able to adjust somewhat as my horses change shapes.

Also is a forward flap or normal flap usually better?

Thanks much!

[widge]

I have the Pessoa AMO Pro XCH and I like it. It has synthetic wool flocking so it can be adjusted more easily than the foam panels in most MTs. That might be something you’d like to consider as you mentioned adjusting for horses’ backs over time.
The leather trim on the flap of MT (and other) saddles bothers me - though they are plenty popular. I just imagine that stitching has to be the first thing to go as it is where your leg will sit.
Forward v normal flap will probably depend on your leg and what you’re doing in said saddle. Your trainer might have an opinion, or compare to whatever you’re riding in now.

[173north]

I have heard Toulouse has major quality control issues, I’d be wary to buy a new one. Love a good ol’ Pessoa, though, there’s one or two floating around every barn on earth for a reason!

[Mander]

I’d find a tack shop that had some used ones and go sit in them. They’re both pretty well known brands and hold up decently well from what I’ve seen, but without knowing your exact body conformation and the conformation of your horse, it’s going to be very difficult for anyone on here to give you a hard-and-fast answer. If you need recommendations for forward/straight flap, a photo of you sitting in your current saddle will probably help.

As far as fitting a number of horses - I’ve heard that many of the “adjustable” saddles just aren’t the panacea that a lot of people hope they will be. If the interchangeable gullet system is the only reason you’re looking at those two brands, you’d probably be just as well off buying a saddle without the gullet systems, but fits YOU better and is generally suited to the types of horses you find yourself riding most frequently. Then, just shim as is appropriate for the horse you’re on. Basically, if you can’t adjust the fit well enough with just shims, you probably won’t be able to adjust the gullet on an interchangeable one any better either.

[BAC]

@173north

I have heard Toulouse has major quality control issues, I’d be wary to buy a new one. Love a good ol’ Pessoa, though, there’s one or two floating around every barn on earth for a reason!

I agree with this, although I don’t know the particular models OP mentions, Pessoa is a good quality saddle, MT is NOT! When I worked in our local tack shop people were impressed by the prettiness of that plastic looking leather and low price of Toulouse, most of them regretted their decision. You get what you pay for and with Toulouse you don’t get quality.