For the most secure feeling ever, County Conquest!
Today I hunted in my Wintec Pro Jump. I got teased because I have many more $$ saddles. My excuse was that it was raining when we left, but it also is a very secure saddle.
Love my Amerigo DJ Pinerolo!!
I’m a newbie in eventing as well and we did all three phases in it. I’ve gone through a few saddles (a Cliff Barnesby, a Pessoa, a Devoucoux Biarritz and now Amerigo) and I found three things that you really should pay attention to–#1 of course it has to fit your horse well. If your horse hates it there’s not point. The Devoucoux I had was like a dream for me and it was so comfy but it didn’t fit my horse so I unfortunately had to let it go. #2 the balance of the saddle. Your legs should NOT move when you’re riding. If you feel your legs swinging back and forth in the canter the saddle probably doesn’t do great with your balance point. The Pessoa saddle I had fits many school horses but it wasn’t until later on I sat in the Devoucoux that I realized how much I was fighting the tack to stay balanced. #3 is optional but I think fairly important-the leather. Tacky, buttery soft leather will really keep you secure in the saddle, but it is not an absolute necessity especially with different budget. French-made saddles usually are nicely made with great leather but unfortunately they’re all foam-flocked so there’s not adjustment after you purchased it. If your horse is still changing shape I would definitely not recommend that. It was also the reason I went for Amerigo instead of other brands.
Just my experience.
