Prestige Saddles for Rider With Long Thigh?

[equest]

Hello all,
Sorry in advance for adding to the glut of saddle fit threads, but I am interested in Prestige saddles. I have been running across some good deals on Ebay. I recently sold my Childeric M 17" because the flaps were not forward enough for my long thigh. I am a tall gal (5’9") and have a long thigh bone.

Ideally, I would like to buy a couple of saddles (I also like to ride in a dressage saddle and don’t have one at the moment) so I am trying to be judicious in how much I spend on a replacement for the Childeric (so I would like to stay below $1500 for a high end used saddle). I know the Prestige tree is adjustable by a dealer which is a nice feature since I lease a horse currently. I’m really just trying to fit me. I’d like a more secure and comfy saddle for long rides and jumping, and potentially getting into hunter paces and fox hunting.

What do you think about the “Professional One” model, or the Nona Garson Prestiges ?
Other suggestions for nice brands that would feel comparable to the Childeric but not more than $2000 for a used saddle.

[ammy-ville]

The Prestige leather is a little odd on under sides of flaps… some sort of shellac or something on them? But their standard flap is 13", you would definitely need a long flap.

[bfeintn]

I had a Prestige Grand Prix long forward flap and it worked very well with my 22" thigh. They are adjustable by a rep - but if you are looking for that make sure you get one of their models that has wool flocking. Not all of them are wool. The tree is heat adjustable up or down 2cm by a rep from the original stamped tree measurement. I found my Grand Prix to not be comfortable for trail rides or actually sitting in the saddle. Great for jumping - because you aren’t seated!
Here’s just a thought - I recently sold my Prestige for and ordered a Loxley by Bliss Saddle. They start around $2315 for a FULLY custom saddle! That’s for you and your horse. They have an adjustable tree and wool flocking. That means you can adjust up and down a bit just like Prestige and the wool can also be changed if you change horses. So - for just a little bit more than your $2000 you could get exactly what you and your horse needs. Let me just say my Loxley fits me better than any other jump saddle has ever fit! Feel free to send me a PM and I will give you my reps information and maybe she can put you in touch with her rep. And I can actually sit comfortably in it as well as feel extremely secure with my Green Bean over fences!

[yellowbritches]

I have a long thigh, though not as tall as you. I really like the Nona Garson and the Eventer/Eventing. Both have nicely forward flap. I’ve sat in the Nona Garson and it actually works with my insane leg (I’m basically all thigh and no calf). The event one looks like it would, too.

[KandC]

I have the Nona Garson and it’s a touch too small for me. (5’8, 34" inseam) But I think if I had gone up half a seat size it would be perfect.

For reference, I had an HDR Advantage in 17" seat and upgraded to a Prestige Nona Garson in a 17" seat.

However, my trainer has an older 17" Prestige that fits me perfectly. I don’t know what the model is though. Just goes to show that each model fits a little differently!

I also tried a 17" Forrestier (not sure of model) that fit me well; just didn’t fit my horse.

[yellowbritches]

A lot of people think that a 17" in one saddle will fit like a 17" in every other. Just like with clothes, that’s not the case. Some saddles ride a lot smaller or bigger than they measure. At 5’9" and with a long thigh, OP, don’t limit yourself to just 17" saddles. I would definitely sit in some 17.5 or even 18". I’m often surprised how tiny a saddle a lot of people ride in!

[Brutus614]

I’m short, but I love my Prestige Meredith! Bought it last winter and it’s been an excellent saddle for me so far. Quality is top notch, and the company [and rep] were both easy to worth with.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

I bought one of the Meredith’s new awhile ago (9 year or so??). I ordered an XL, forward flap and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that saddle. It still looks new. I’ve had it adjusted two or three times now (have to ship it off to an approved fitter). Fits lots of horse types and the foam is still great.

I agree their underside leather is weird–it does have a little shell, that scratches and shows more wear, but it is just that little layer and doesn’t affect the saddle. The seat, flaps, etc. look new (and to think I was worried about calf).

I have a crazy long thigh. I am only 5’ 8.5" but I tried jumping saddles that fit men and much taller women and I was over the flap.

I should sell it, I just ride dressage these days. But I just can’t seem to do it… It just sits on it’s tree in my spare bedroom. sigh

Is Ebay the best place to sell and buy saddles still?

[horsepoor]

The models can be quite different. I’m shorter (5’5") with short legs and have a 17" Prestige Hunter D Classic that fits me perfectly- regular flap is just right for me. I have also ridden in the same saddle with a long flap and it wasn’t too bad for me, so unlikely it would work with someone long thighed. I also rode in a 17" Carisma (yes, autocorrect, that is how Prestige spells it so leave it alone!) that had a long/forward flap – it measured as more of an 18" or larger seat (very flat and open) and the flap was way too far forward for short legged me, so that might be a good option for someone with longer legs/thighs.

You pretty much have to try the different models to see what you like. My impression has been that different years can also affect the fit, and the quality of the leather (my Hunter is a 2006 and lovely leather; another Hunter that was a bit newer had a totally different feel and look to the leather, but was supposed to be the same “D” calfskin wrapped). VTO Saddlery has a lot of demos and sells quite a bit Prestige, so you might see if they can help suggest some.