Prestige Optimax vs. 2000

[BarbellsAndBroncos]

I’m in the market for a dressage saddle for a stockier TB mare (16.2, built more like an Appendix or WB cross). My current PJ/Delgrange jumping saddle is too narrow for her (4 inch tree), and I’ve read that many of the Prestige saddles fit TB types well.

I don’t currently have the budget for a new saddle so I’ve been looking for a used one. What’s the difference between the older 2000 and the Optimax? I’ve also heard great things about Schleese and CWD. I personally need more of a narrower twist. Thank you in advance! Photo of my mare is attached for reference.

[BigMama1]

I would skip them both and look at the newer Prestige models like the D1 and D 2. The tree is very different from older models and with the extreme shoulder freedom seem to fit a really wide range of horses.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

The 2000 has a bigger block than the Optimax, so the flap will feel straighter to some (though they are almost identical). Both have a high cantle. The 2000 is grain leather, so more slippery than the calfskin Optimax. I wouldn’t be afraid of trying either. The newer Prestige models are a bit different, in a good way, but the oldies still fit well.

[ebott2015]

Your horse looks like has a slightly higher wither than mine but very similar otherwise! I had a 2000 before and it actually fit him pretty well. It is a bit on the slippery side and size wise you wanna go down half a size(say if you’re 17.5 normally, get the 17). The optimax was quite curvy so might rock on the back and has smaller gullet channel. I would maybe take a look at Albion Ultima platinum-it’s an adjustable tree and it was one of the saddles that has good everything-great gullet clearance, wither clearance, and a good tree shape that’s not too curvy or too flat. Also the balance is great I didn’t have to search for the seat it just came naturally and kept me in the saddle in many moments of naughtiness.