Saddles Similar to Amerigo Vega Close Contact?

[hunter51]

Looking for a saddle similar to the Amerigo Vega close contact (http://www.smartpakequine.com/amerigo-vega-jump-saddle-10622p.aspx) and the Dover Circuit Pro (http://www.doversaddlery.com/dover%3Fs-circuit-pro-saddle/p/X1-15455/) but a little higher quality than the Dover Circuit Pro.

Another saddle that looks like what I’m looking for is the Prestige Meredith or S1 - without the white back…

I recently tried a used Vega in my price range ($2000) and fell in love with it but it just didn’t fit my horse correctly.

Anyone know of any brands that have a similar design to these two saddles that are in the price range of about 2k?

Thanks so much!

[drs]

What about the other amerigo saddles, close contact and the DJ?

[hunter51]

Thanks for replying! I’m having a tough time finding the size I need (17 MW) within my price range that would allow me to take it on trial.

Finding a used 17M Vega for 2k wasn’t tough but finding it in 17MW seems to be ha! I got lucky and found it at a local tack shop which allowed me to take it on trial - thankfully, because it didn’t fit.

[visorvet]

Amerigo will widen their saddles up to (I think) 1.5 cm, which is the difference between their M and MW. Not sure what the charge for this service, but I recall hearing it was $300 or so.

[hunter51]

I actually did look into this - the thing is I’m not sure if it was too narrow or just wasn’t the right shape for him? (Can you tell I’m new to saddle searching? I’ve been using the same saddle for years, which was given to me.)

http://imgur.com/D0Erdbl&n14ksxt
http://imgur.com/D0Erdbl&n14ksxt#1

I sent the above photos to a local saddle fitter and he was a little bit perplexed by the fit and didn’t really say what I could do to improve it.

[sheltona01]

Try Bevel Natural. I know a couple of years ago, I tired both the Bevel Natural and the Dover on the same horse and they were a very similar fit.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

Prestige Roma Jump is very similar in looks and feel and fit for horse. $2100

[hunter51]

Thank you - will look into this. I actually had another friend recommend the exact saddle.

[hunter51]

Definitely looking into this one! Thank you

[littlemess]

Vega does have a lower line called Equipe, you can find used ones on eBay, new they retail around 2k-3k. They seem to fit a little differently then the Vega (a bit wider). I have the theoreme, synergy special. I really like mine and it has held up better then some of the other high end saddles I have owned.

I have also noticed that the Marcel Toulouse’s close contact saddle seems to be a copy of the Equipe. The thing I like about the Toulouse is that you can buy a model with the adjustable gullet, which isn’t available from Vega or Equipe. Looks like Dover even does a trail on this saddle.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/marcel-toulouse-premia-w%2Fgene/p/X1-15219/

Here are a few chron forum’s on Equipe if you want more information on that end:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?246812-Equipe-Saddles&highlight=equipe
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?328318-Equipe-saddles

[Kitt]

Check with Ann Forrest at Equestrian Imports - she may be able to point you in the right direction.

[BBowen]

[QUOTE=drs;7143247]
What about the other amerigo saddles, close contact and the DJ?[/QUOTE]

Per Peter Menet, the Amerigo designer, the close contact will fit a more TB-type horse and the DJ (deep jumping) will fit a WB-type. I have a DJ that is about ten years old and I still love the saddle.

[Cabaret_SK]

[QUOTE=littlemess;7143834]
Vega does have a lower line called Equipe, you can find used ones on eBay, new they retail around 2k-3k. They seem to fit a little differently then the Vega (a bit wider). I have the theoreme, synergy special. I really like mine and it has held up better then some of the other high end saddles I have owned. [/QUOTE]

Equipe is made in the same factory as Amerigo, but is not owned by the company, and is not one of their lines.

[alto]

@hunter51;7143212

I recently tried a used Vega in my price range ($2000) and fell in love with it but it just didn’t fit my horse correctly.

Take some time to go through the Amerigo Catalog (pdf so not I suspect very mobile friendly) - there is some good background information on the company & product.

I second Ann at Equestrian Imports - she really knows this saddle line & would be where I’d go looking for Amerigo/Vega
Note that the both lines underwent some changes in the last couple of years - you can search out jn4jenny’s posts on the details - so in terms of fit comparison, it’s important to know age (serial number) of the saddle you tried.
There is some degree of fit adjustability in the panels & tree, again EI can likely translate the serial number to saddle details.

I’ll also second taking a look at the Equipe saddles - they are remarkable quality in that price range.

[littlemess]

[QUOTE=Cabaret SK;7144533]
Equipe is made in the same factory as Amerigo, but is not owned by the company, and is not one of their lines.[/QUOTE]’

Thanks for clarifying, I was misinformed.

[Cabaret_SK]

[QUOTE=littlemess;7145039]
’

Thanks for clarifying, I was misinformed.[/QUOTE]

No problem! They are lovely saddles - I have a Gran Prix, from the Platinum line. Was closer in price to an Amerigo, though.

[hunter51]

Thanks so much everyone for your help! I really appreciate everyone’s responses, now it’s time to get my butt moving to actually try a bunch