Saddle assessment

I guess I meant large in comparison to some of its European counter parts. :rofl: :rofl:
Darn about the distance!! Surely they could make an exception for 20km!!

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I sent an e mail asking if they have used CWD`s… or if they could tell me who to ask in my area. Well - lets wait and see if something good happens :slight_smile:

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I hope you have good luck!

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Panel design has also changed over the years. 2016 or 17-ish and older panels won’t be the same as newer panel design either. So on an older SE25 maybe this horse needs a 710 RT+ to fit that shoulder but might not be true for a newer one. To get the balance right, maybe you have to lift the back but maybe not once you have the front not too narrow.

But at the end of the day, if the tree is too narrow for the horse, you likely won’t find workable options with CWD because they are more limited in the tree size compared to the more popular brands you listed.

Could this work out?

PA 305 RT+ RC

The balance could be better on this one (it has foam added to the back), but I’m not sure if it will be wider in front compared to the one you tried.

Yes its the 305, 5 mm added to the back, right? What means RT+ RC?

I am thinking about trying this one… But not sure if its a good idea. I am so done with the company but just like the saddles…

I also had contact with the shop owner where Dörnberg works… They do not resell CWD. But they are able to visit my place. They can only offer Amerigo, Erreplus, Prestige, Kentaur… Hm I just don`t know what to do next…

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I have no particular insights to offer on CWD saddles, since I’ve never owned one.

But I want to reiterate what others have said: It’s irrational to be so stuck on one brand of saddle when a) you’ve personally experienced some really awful customer service from the company; b) the CWDs that you’ve tried don’t work on the horse you currently own; and c) there are so many other brands of saddles out there some of which might not suck.

Sticking with CWDs in this circumstance is similar to someone staying in an abusive relationship (I am exaggerating to make a point).

On reflection, I think that c) is possibly a problem because they are so many other choices that it’s hard to identify another saddle that you like and that would work for your horse as well. That’s what independent saddle fitters are for.

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I have a herd of horses with rather diverse shapes. I had a calfskin Prestige Meredith, that lasted a long time, but it needed to be replaced. I tried a few French brands when I needed a new saddle. Nope. None of them were anywhere as good of a fit for my horses, or me, as my Prestige. One might fit some of the horses well. And vice versus. But the only brand I have ever found to fit my different shaped horses and me at the same time was Prestige.

So, I bought 2 new Prestige saddles. I will select that brand, from now on. The Meredith fits around half of them really well, and the rest it fits OK. So, I added a Michel Robert to the mix, and presto, everyone is happy. I use 3 slightly different pads to make things perfect.

Prestige saddles cost less than French ones, or they did last time I bought new saddles. I added a Michel Robert to the mix, for my horses with bigger shoulders. The Meredith and Michal Robert are the same size, fit me pretty much the same, but fit the horses differently.

I prefer the Lux Leather over the calfskin. My saddles are around 3 years old now, and both look new. I ride 2 to 5 horses a day, most every day. Granted, I take decent care of my saddles, but they sure seem durable. Wonderful saddles!

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Yes 305 is 5mm added to the back. So it won’t look as high in front relatively. RT is some shaving of foam at the back of the scapula area. RG is foam removed in the lower trapezius area, which is common to find on the Mademoiselle saddles because their pommel design tends to lead to more squeezing there. RG provides some relief for horses whose spine is a bit wider or withers a bit longer into the gullet. What the saddle will still have compared to the last one is standard panel in front view. And the Mademoiselle tree may also fit a little narrower than the other 2Gs, but depends on the year and modifications history.

Probably too late to pipe up on this thread, but I personally would avoid the CWD saddles. I LOVE riding in them. Literally cried when I sold mine. But they are not a good fit for most horses. Mine absolutely destroyed my boy’s withers, and caused nerve impingement and nerve damage over time. Even with padding to pull it up off the withers, it smashed down over his shoulders. After buying & selling multiple saddles that fitters told me “fit” him…we arrived at the Erreplus saddles with the SL panels (owned by the son of the founder of Prestige saddles). TOTAL GAME CHANGER! It almost feels like my CWD to jump in. Not 100%, but about 95% - which is close enough! And it actually fits him! Wither clearance for days, and nice and soft and conformed AROUND his shoulder rather than sitting on his shoulder. If you haven’t purchased one already, try an Erreplus! I have the CA model, which is only available in Europe, and is an older style - but there are several other options to try too with the same panel.

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Hey guys

I haven`t bought something yet. But I maybe focus now on Erreplus and Prestige saddles, they are also easier to get here in my country. I dont have nerves for CWD and their “service”. This is too much stress for me ^^.

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Of note, I primarily ride CWD.
CWD and other foam panels will need to be girthed and warmed up to properly evaluate fit.

My saddles fit quite differently from the moment they touch the back to after a ride.

Good luck! If you find a good fitter they are worth their weight in gold. CWD has a few good ones in Canada and I’ve been lucky though, some horror stories just like most brands.

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OP, if the Harry Dabbs still fits your horse well, consider another of those. You said your current Harry Dabbs is not great for you, but they have more options than most for rider fit, including different twist widths, seat depths, and much more. If you can figure out what you need, they will build it.