Saddle and fitter advice Marin Sonoma

[sandraevans]

Hello!

I am going to sell my Schleese saddle that i bought custom (ouch $) and want to get a saddle that is more in the french classical style saddle. Less block, deeper seat, more contact.

I am considering the following

Custom saddlery omni Wolfgang
Custom saddlery icon echo or flight
Fairfax dressage saddle the stella

I am reading and studying and i think I want a brand that will be around a while

I am not really sure about foam or titanium trees
I think
Wool flocking and wooden tree
I am suspicious of trends

Adjustable is a must

Is there an agnostic saddle fitter in the area or at least one that carries fairfax?

The custom brand is well known but maybe leather on the fairfax is better than custom saddlery saddle.

Are there fitters locally for fairfax?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

I will buy a used saddle this time.

Thank you!!

Sandra

[CanteringCarrot]

I don’t know about your area, but Fairfax is not built on a wooden tree, and they have pretty substantial blocks, IMO. They do have wool flocking, but also Prolite in the panels as well. I’ve owned a model similar to the Stella and the balance point was a bit further back than preferred, and was a bit “chair seat” at times for me. Overall quality was good though. So definitely try one out first. I think you can search their website for a stocklist/fitter local to you. I felt much closer contact with my Amerigo that had removable (velcro) blocks, but dressage saddles are so personal.

Hopefully other posters come along with some local sources.

[Phean]

Hi,
Im in your area. I have not used these people, but they are recommended by lots: Optimum Saddles Kelly Robinson and Kristen of Saddlery Solutions. Look at Facebook in Marin Sonoma Horse Group for local suggestions.
Good Luck!

[Scribbler]

IME Custom brand saddles are big blocks and may have a somewhat “back seat” configuration going on so opposite of what you want for a classical seat. I like Passier on my horse

[sandraevans]

Thank you for your thoughtful response!

Sandra

[sandraevans]

Thank you for the feedback!
Sandra

[sandraevans]

Thank you for the feedback!!!
So appreciated. Amerigo does look like a great saddle.

[2tempe]

I have had two Customs over the years, one Wolfgang and one Icon Flight. They did put me somewhat in a chair seat, which my then-trainer didn’t bother to mention. But also, I found the quality of the saddles was not great - the blocks on both eventually got wear holes (we are talking a year or so…) One seat had the leather crack and a hole form under my seat bone. The second had the seat leather wrinkle significantly. I had that seat recovered by a non-Custom saddle fitter for about $400 less than Custom was going to charge. I would NOT recommend.

Edited to add: I now have a Trilogy, which I am quite happy with. Check them out, they have various blocks and styles. They have a fitter in the San Fran area.

[First_Wegan]

My current saddle is a Custon Icon Flight. It is a great fit for me and my horse. I have had Custom saddles for multiple horses and have not had any issues with quality. The fitter for this area is in the south bay, but comes to Sonoma county fairly regularly.