Saddle similar to Antares Monoflap dressage?

[Lusoluv]

I rode in my friend’s saddle today and it was like heaven, PLUS my horse liked it too. But at $5200, it is NOT in my non-existent budget

Does anyone know if there is a similar calfskin monoflap to the Antares? Maybe I could find one used? Is the Devoucoux Mikala Monoflap related to the Antares They look very similar, but the Mikala tends to be at a lower price point from what I’ve seen.

Any feedback greatly appreciated!!

[sheltona01]

What would be your budget? That would help to tailor the recommendation.

[Come_Shine]

A used Antares is about 2k. Worth every penny.

[Lusoluv]

I would be able to do up to $2k, but I haven’t seen any of the used calfskin Antares 17.5 monoflaps online for that price. That is why I was looking for similars. I guess the Toulouse Alyssa calfskin is a knock-off, but it isn’t a monoflap.

[polkadotedpony]

A lot of French type saddles should ride pretty similar. Like devoucoux, luc childeric and arc de triumphe. I have an Arc de triumphe monoflap (classique I think?) and it has a narrow twist and is a very comfy. I’ve seen saddles in most of those brands around the 2k price point used on eBay, usually a little more from saddlery websites. The ADTs may be a bit cheaper since they mostly cater towards hunter riders as a company and aren’t that common or well known in dressage land. Are you super set on calfskin? I’m not sure it’ll change the ride that much and it probably drives the price up quite a bit and will not wear as long as other types of leather.

[Lusoluv]

I just learned a rider at my barn has a Devoucoux Makila I can try. She said she had tried both and since they were so similar, but the Makila was a bit less $, she bought it - loves it. If she is right about the similarity, then I guess I’ll be on the hunt for either saddle in my size and price range. Whichever one comes up first, I will get. Will try to resist doing something impulsive in the meantime…!

[BrokenArrow]

There’s one on Ebay at the moment for $2600…if you can stretch the budget a bit

[Lusoluv]

BrokenArrow: Right now there really is no budget…so stretching it is not an option

[arabiansrock]

HDR Austal. Its a knockoff. I have one and really like it. And it is almost 3 years old and looks like new. Classic Saddlery has them.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks for the suggestion arabiansrock!

[soloudinhere]

I have the Antares cadence (paid $2800 used in like-new condition, it was a trade in to CWD) and am very familiar with devoucoux - the cadence and the Makila don’t fit the horse the same at all - and while I love my cadence I could not make the Makila work for me at all. Ymmv.

Have seen and tried the HDR mentioned and it is in nowhere near the same league as my Cadence. Not just in terms of quality but it doesn’t sit anything like my Cadence does.

[Lusoluv]

Well, I rode in the Antares Monoflap and Devoucoux Makila. The Makila fit my horse a bit better than the Antares, though the Antares leather felt more cushy and luxurious to me

My trainer also agreed that the Makila was the better of the 2 saddles, so that’s what I’ll be hunting for…used!

Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and feedback. The hunt is on!