Remember the OLD (like really OLD) Pessoa GenX

[Rebels_Princess]

So 20 years ago as a 16 year old, I was given the choice of using some of my birthday money towards a car or a saddle. Of course, I chose a saddle and settled on one of the original Pessoa GenX saddles - it was used (a steal at $400) and beautiful two tone leather, with the seat and knee pads being lighter. It just had very small pencil role blocks. I rode in this saddle for YEARS. At least 12 years probably, until a fall on cross country (yes I was young and crazy) cause the tree to twist.

I haven’t been able to find a saddle that feels like home since! I’m wondering if anyone here might have some suggestions of saddle to look into and possibly try?

[StormyDay]

No help, but I also had (and still have, though it fits nothing) an older model Pessoa and it’s so comfy. I remember when I was a tween my trainer getting on and commenting how comfy my saddle was compared to hers; a custom French saddle :lol:

[gottagrey]

I had one, loved it but sadly bought for a young horse and then it didn’t fit him anymore. But it was comfy and broke in very nicely. Now I have a Hastilow which I really like. I tried a saddle ages ago - Prestige or Verhan that I felt like I rode like a million. Sadly that didnt’ fit my horse. I still dream about that saddle.

[Rebels_Princess]

I was riding my little Arabian when I bough the saddle so it was perfect. It worked until my new mare really filled out correctly and until our fall but she was to the point of needing something else soon anyway.

I would just love to feel that saddle again though or at least one like it. My main riding horse is pretty robust…so it wouldn’t fit her anyway but I still have my retired Arabian

[Nickelodian]

An older butet would fit the bill and probably be easier to find. These also pop up on eBay from time to time. There’s an a/o model from the same era out there now (which was my saddle of choice as a 16yo, 24 years ago).

[mvp]

@Nickelodian

An older butet would fit the bill and probably be easier to find. These also pop up on eBay from time to time. There’s an a/o model from the same era out there now (which was my saddle of choice as a 16yo, 24 years ago).

I’m not sure the French tree is comparable to the tree in a Pessoa.

OP, those Pessoas were pretty horse-friendly. I think this came from the shape of the panels as much as from the shape of the tree.

If I were looking now, I’d choose a British (rather than French) brand. Did your Pessoa have the wider seat? I think they “invented” that for the very comfortable, earlier-generation A/O saddle and the innovation stuck.

In terms of fit and perhaps balance, I’d look for an old Crosby AGA Grand Prix. Or I might look for an Ashland saddle. I don’t know why I recommend the latter, but I’m getting a vibe from God about it. So if you happen to run across one, check it out. Oh, and God just got more specific: He’s not sure about the comparability of the fit for the horse, but He does think that the balance for the rider will be the same. (I think “the same” is perhaps overstating it.)

[DiamondJubilee]

Is this the saddle you are looking for? I think mine was a 1999 and I bought it second hand. Used it for years and loved it but found it did put me in a chair seat. I sold it a couple of years ago though and now use an Antares which I love. It fits me and my ponies a lot better, but the Pessoa did fit a lot of different shaped horses, thats for sure!

[Nickelodian]

@mvp

I’m not sure the French tree is comparable to the tree in a Pessoa.

OP, those Pessoas were pretty horse-friendly. I think this came from the shape of the panels as much as from the shape of the tree.

If I were looking now, I’d choose a British (rather than French) brand. Did your Pessoa have the wider seat? I think they “invented” that for the very comfortable, earlier-generation A/O saddle and the innovation stuck.

In terms of fit and perhaps balance, I’d look for an old Crosby AGA Grand Prix. Or I might look for an Ashland saddle. I don’t know why I recommend the latter, but I’m getting a vibe from God about it. So if you happen to run across one, check it out. Oh, and God just got more specific: He’s not sure about the comparability of the fit for the horse, but He does think that the balance for the rider will be the same. (I think “the same” is perhaps overstating it.)

Well I suppose you could go off of my opinion based on having ridden in older butets (think 98-03) and the gen x or God’s.

[Rebels_Princess]

I actually have an Ashland in storage that was the replacement for the Pessoa…it never fit my leg quite the same but the saddle has sentimental value so I’ve kept it.

I currently have an Antares and I’m just not into it…it feels like too much saddle.

I’ve been eyeing Butets.