I asked in the dressage forum, but since so many eventers love Black Country, thought I might ask here. Saddle fitter recommended the Eloquence over the Eden for my mare, and I’m hunting for used options. In dressage forum, Baines Elegance was also mentioned, but what other saddles have a similar fit, in the classic tree, not hoop? I’m seeing lots of Walsall-made saddles in my price range, but scared to get another “not quite right” saddle. Budget under $2000, the lower the better;). Thank for any inputs!
Bliss of London. The owner, Nikki, worked for Black Country for many years before starting her own company. I have a custom Loxley by Bliss dressage saddle and I really like it.
I found a used Eloquence on eBay (mislabeled as a Bellissima - same saddle only the Bellissima is calfskin) for $1500. They are out there!
I would hold out for the Black Country Eloquence. They are out there used for reasonable prices and I found the fit of the Bliss saddles quite different for the horse. Frank Baines fit very different for me as a rider. Lots of great saddles are made in Walsall, but you need to try them individually to know which ones work for you and your horse. It’s been a long process for me! I just know Black Country saddles worked for my horse and I, but I spent over two years and a lot of money on saddles that I thought would be similar, when I should have just gone with BC from the beginning.
Thanks for all the help, guys! PMs helped with measurements of med-wide, and found a saddle - a Black Country Eloquence in the right size and in budget! Yay, COTH!
