I have tried a Mademoiselle and LOVE it but simply can not afford one currently (to my great dismay). Being so I am looking to explore other options but have no idea where to start. I know it has a narrow twist and I believe the rep said it has a wide(ish) flatter seat. I had a 2G for the past 3 years which did not work for me at all (twist + padding pushed my legs forward and away from the horse) although it was comfy. I have back problems which are exacerbated by jumping so finding a well fitting, comfortable saddle is important. If anyone could help point me in the right direction. I have a budget around $3,000 and would prefer to buy used and under budget as I will most likely upgrade to Mademoiselle in the next year or two. I currently have NO saddle so I need one that fits well for the inbetween!
ETA the balance point is further forward on the Mademoiselle than the 2G (as it was explained to me and was how it felt while riding). I think I would also like to stay away from Antares after reading about broken trees and bad customer service.
If the narrow twist is your favorite part of the Mademoiselle, I’d look at a Butet. It’s the most narrow I’ve sat in, and I loved it. I’ve since gotten an Antares with a narrow twist and it’s close, but not quite the same feel. I do like the overall seat in the Antares better than my Butet, though. (For reference, “E” is the notation for the narrow twist on the Antares coding, if you’re looking used)
That is helpful thank you! I was thinking butet as well but am afraid the seat will be too hard. The Mademoiselle has much less “padding” than the 2G but is still remarkably more comfortable. I don’t think it was simply the twist (although it would be great if it was as easy as that) - the whole saddle was much more comfortable and put me in a MUCH better position. I realized while sitting in it that I haven’t had my leg truely under me in a long while.
What seat/flap combo did you try in the Mademoiselle?
I have one…thinking back the saddle I have had most recently that feels the closest was in fact an Antares. Nothing is quite like it, though. You might want to see if you can try a Prestige in the X model which has a similar flexible seat arrangement you might find comfortable.
I was told it was a flat seat and it was a 2L flap - the seat is whatever the standard demo saddles are (I’ll have to ask my rep). I could have the Antares rep out but having a broken tree would just be terrible.
How about a flat Tad Coffin? The A4 (??) not sure of the exact model number. Or a Voltaire?
This is a total CWD rep thing to say, but there is nothing like the Madem. The tree, the shape, etc is all different from anything on the market. However, since the budget is out. Did she have you try the SE03? It’s narrower in the seat, but the twist is simila, and I only ride in the SE03 or the Mademoiselle.
Outside of that, I’d maybe try a Butet in a full leather or somwtthing very broken in. Also there is more gushy, comfy seat in the Madem versus a regular 2Gs. It’s different material (gel vs specialized foam).
Oh I totally agree! The flap is even straighter than the regular L flaps on other CWD models. I was looking at the SE01 and the SE03 as I read they were both a flatter seat. I have ridden in both but that was years ago - the SE03 is what a different rep fit me into around 4-5 years ago and I rode in a SE01 while working for a show Barn later that year. Totally don’t remember what it was like to ride in either one and I don’t think the SE01 was the right flap/ seat size. I’m sure I can get one on trial though.
I haven’t heard anything ever about Antares saddles tending to have broken trees… my trainer has ridden in one for a decade and the barn I rode with as a junior used them too and never had an issue. My current Antares is an '06 model and good as new.
Also, my Butet at least was super comfy - I don’t think I’ve ever sat in a French saddle that is not comfortable in the seat, padding wise
Is there a specific model of butet that has a semi deep (from what I gathered CWDs flat is still semi deep when compared to other brands) with a fairly straight flap and a narrow twist (though they all seem to have a narrow twist).
What about a Bruno Delgrange? I ended up with a Rivoli after the 2G. Remarkably (for me) I found it more comfortable and it’s a tiny profile in comparison.
I have found Equipe saddles to be quite comfortable. There are carbon tree models at a cheaper price than CWD, and the calfskin wears well but is soft and grippy. I’ve ridden in my trainer’s, which has far too short of a flap for me (my stirrups are set 9 holes lower than hers), but as they’re fitted to sit directly over the center of gravity, I still felt balanced. They’re relatively affordable as the brand isn’t as well-known in the US. I believe they are manufactured at the same place as Amerigo.
I love Delgranges! Granted the two I rode in were made for taller people, but they were SO comfy. I almost bought a Delgrange instead of my 2G. I’ll have to look at Equipe as well. I’d love to stay with the carbon fiber trees.
Do you know anyone in Europe?
They are literally half the price there but you need someone to ship it to you.
https://cwdsellier.com/fr/fr/boutique/occasion
The dimensions you are talking about are very standard so it shouldn’t be that hard to find a demo. Save you skipping over another saddle while you save for a new one.
Greysfordays- I did find one in demo condition, though not sure if it is a scan or not (doesn’t have any red flags besides lower price and wanting a wire transfer instead of PayPal). Even so it’s still about $800-900 what I can afford right now (so dang close yet enough that I can’t stretch my budget that far).
I paid $4900 for my Mademoiselle used.
Soloudinhere - The one I was looking at was cheaper than that but I still only have around $3,000 to work with 
I have a Mademoiselle. The closest CWD model would be the SE03. If you switch between brands, the closest I could compare the balance to would be a Butet. I’ve had two personal Butets (L medium deep) that definitely did not have hard seats. I hated the Antarès’ I’ve had, couldn’t keep my leg under me. Good luck!
