Saddle Decision- Help me pick!! Berney v Albion

[ridefirstthinklater]

Hey everyone! So I am in a bit of a dilemma right now. I have the option of buying one of these two saddles, but I keep going back and forth between which one makes more sense. I am not able to try either one, so its a gamble either way but I want one of them. I am almost positive they will both fit my TB, and imo both are worth the risk.

First saddle- 18" Berney Bros Dublin Jumper for 400. very good condition, serious cross country/galloping saddle
Second saddle- 17.5" Albion Kontrol for 500. Has seam damage around the seat but otherwise good condition.

The Albion seems like a steal at this price, and I’m not going to be showing any time soon. I feel like if I pass on this one I’ll be throwing a great deal away? It comes with a sheepskin seat cover, but it is a little on the small side for me.
The Berney is very tempting because I’d love a serious xc saddle, and it is a bit bigger, but I’ve heard they put you in a bit of a chair seat on the flat.
At this stage with my horse we won’t be jumping for at least 6 more months, and then I’ll just be starting him over little fences. I do a lot of hacking, trails and flatwork so I’ve heard the Albion is better for that…

Help! How do I decide? What are your opinions and experiences with these two brands?

[24eventer]

If the Albion is a little on the small side for you, no matter how good a deal it is, I would pass. The saddle needs to fit you as well as the horse. Maybe you need to keep looking. There are a lot of saddles out there! Make sure you get the right one for you and your horse!

[HereComesZach]

Personally, I love both brands. If the Berney fits you and the horse, I wouldn’t turn it up. You’ll need to ride in it to see if it puts you in a chair seat, mine fits me well and it doesn’t.

[Outyougo]

Well don’t know much about Albion saddles. But my Berney Bros is nearly 30 years old. It took Advanced and has been used hard on lots of horse. Even though I abused it Rode it in miserable weather I can not kill it. My saddle is “Junior Jumper” 16”. I am 5’5” if I stand up on toes. Good fiend that saddle. Hard as rock. Like it mentioned…can’t kill it.

[kmwines]

My albion is probably at least 15 years old, probably closer to 20. It has some damage on the seat edges (years of riding in jeans) but the flaps and the rest of it are in fantastic shape.

[16_Hands]

Love Love Love Berney Bros. They are just the bomb in my book. Kind of sorry I sold my last one but it didn’t fit my horse at the time.

[IFG]

What do you want to do with the saddle. I had a Berney Tom Waters. Not only did it not fit my TB very well, but it put me in a chair seat. Was really only good for XC.

[midstride]

another vote for Berney! Just got one myself would have loved that price too. Coming from HJ land and unsupportive saddle, the Berney Dublin is exactly what everyone on here says. You can find many threads on it too.

[SonnysMom]

I have ridden in a few Albions and I find them hard and uncomfortable. Riding in one that is too small would just be miserable

[16_Hands]

OP, if you pass on the Berney, PM me.

[banmharcach]

@16 Hands

Love Love Love Berney Bros. They are just the bomb in my book. Kind of sorry I sold my last one but it didn’t fit my horse at the time.

Well–here is how it was made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jre_rfhkhI

[gottagrey]

Don’t know anything about Albion but over the years I’ve done a lot of riding vacations/trekking in Ireland. I think we rode about 20-25 miles a day - the saddles were/are Berny Brothers… never got sore, never felt uncomfortable. I didn’t use or even feel the need for any sort of seat saver. While much of the riding was hacking - I jumped stuff I’d never jumped before in that saddle. Never felt insecure or out of balance. And I tell you those saddles were not well taken care of. At the end of our day’s ride, we piled them up in some shed. They wore well and I can imagine how nice they’d be if they were well looked after. Writing this I’m wondering how it is I never brought one home with me?

[16_Hands]

@banmharcach

Well–here is how it was made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jre_rfhkhI

Thanks for posting that, very cool.

[Beam_Me_Up]

I’ve owned both a Berney DJ and an Albion Kontact lite. Loved both for xc–very forward. BB was more old school (very flat seat, balance toward the rear, the Albion more leg support.
They are pretty different in terms of horse fit though. Most of my horses were too short backed to handle the really long, curvy BB tree. My saddle fitter has pretty much nixed it for everyone so far. So, worth considering how each would fit your horse

[ridefirstthinklater]

Thanks for the responses everyone! That video was awesome to watch. Well, I ended up finding an Antares at a very reasonable price, so I’m going to try that first. If it doesn’t work, I will check out the Berney.