Saddles with a narrow twist?

[alternate_universe]

My saddle hunt continues. The local tack store ordered me an Ovation Palermo (18" forward flap) and I was optimistic given the plethora of positive reviews for the brand overall. I sat in it for the first time today and it was a complete failure. I think the twist was all wrong? I felt like my thighs were being painfully spread apart to the point that I physically could not drape my thigh over the saddle. There was nothing but air under my thighs when I attempted to keep my lower leg on the horse.

So that one’s going back. Should I try other Ovation models or are all the twists similar? The store also sells Bates and Pessoa… while those brands are usually out of my budget, they have some models on closeout and some used ones.

Any other brand suggestions? I’m trying to keep this around $1200.

[4LeafCloverFarm]

I strongly recommend a consignment store or tack shop with a good consignment area for saddles. Sit in as many as you can. Reviews are great, but better utilized AFTER you narrow it down to one or two saddles that really feel “right”… then see what others say about them as to how they hold up over time, how well they wear, weird issues, etc.

The most popular branded saddle may not be the right saddle for you (or your horse). So find the saddle first by trying them all out, narrow it down, then ensure it also fits the horse comfortably.

[alternate_universe]

Unfortunately I don’t think any of the local places have a truly large selection. There is one store I haven’t checked yet because they don’t have a great reputation regarding customer service, maybe it’s time to stop by.

[4LeafCloverFarm]

Not sure where you are, but if you’re an hour or two from a large metro area, chances are they have both a larger selection (more tack shops) and a consignment shop or two. You can get a heck of a deal finding a used higher $ saddle that way. Might be worth a road trip!

Another tip is if you find a new saddle that’s out of your price range that fits super well. you can always look online at one of the big used saddle places for the same make, model and size. There are a number of them these days. There was a thread on COTH recently about this. Just another thought.

[alternate_universe]

Yeah, I’ve using/checking High End Used Saddles and Middleburg.

[limptoad]

I’d avoid getting a new saddle in that price range, that’s a really common issue in cheap tack. I’d get an older used saddle that is well kept. I’d try an older Devoucoux, PJ/Bruno Del Grange, Antares, etc. Redwood Tack is another spot to keep an eye on, I’ve had great luck on two saddles (and my budget was similar for each). Both have held up beautifully.

[AEQ817]

I like Butets for a narrower twist. Some say they are “back killers” for the horses but I’ve had both my vet and an independent saddle fitter confirm the saddle fit and my horse hasn’t had back issues since. We had a CWD before that. I have sat in a Devoucoux before and have liked the twist. It depends on the saddle year and model though. Stay away from CWD.

Edit: Your best bet may be buying a few from one of the known sellers above and returning the ones that don’t work. I’ve actually worked with Redwoodtack before on trying/buying a few and did not need to pay a restocking fee/etc as long as I ended up purchasing one.

[Arelle]

I purchased this saddle for myself for Christmas after trying to find something that would be similar to my Butet but without breaking the budget.

https://www.doversaddlery.com/circuit-premier-special-eq/p/X1-15060/

I know it’s the Dover brand and some folks will insist that buying a used high end saddle is always the way to go, but I am IN LOVE with this saddle. I believe they have a try and buy program, but I don’t know much about it.

[touchstone]

@limptoad

I’d avoid getting a new saddle in that price range, that’s a really common issue in cheap tack. I’d get an older used saddle that is well kept. I’d try an older Devoucoux, PJ/Bruno Del Grange, Antares, etc. Redwood Tack is another spot to keep an eye on, I’ve had great luck on two saddles (and my budget was similar for each). Both have held up beautifully.

Having sat in the above saddles, I would cross the Delgrange off the list. It was too wide for me. I agree that the Devoucoux and Antares tend to be narrow.

IME: You’re not going to like the Pessoas either.

I agree with an earlier poster that Butets fit the bill in the twist department. There are some great deals to be had on older used ones.

[Spud_amp_Saf]

You might want to try a Luc Childeric (Model M specifically) if you can get your hands on one. They can be found used in or close to your budget, and offer the French close contact with a narrow twist. They are also available in a more forward flap (which would translate to a 2.75 or 3 flap).

[alternate_universe]

@touchstone-

IME: You’re not going to like the Pessoas either.

Interesting you say that! I just sat in a Pessoa this evening when I returned the Ovation and I thought it felt more narrow.

[AAHunterGal]

@alternate_universe I would second what folks have said about favoring used over new. It’s possible to find older Butets with 4.5 dot to dot trees and the narrow twist you like - in fact, I just sold mine a few months ago that fit that description.

Middleburg Tack Exchange always has a great selection at fair prices, if I lived in Leesburg again it would always be my first choice. Maryland Tack also typically has some. High Line Tack, Buck’s County Saddlery, and Redwood Tack are three more good used high end saddle options, as well as eBay if you’re pretty certain that your horse will fit most medium trees and don’t need to put it on its back.

Also, the older Crosby’s had super narrow twists, though not much of anything else to keep you secure and they also had the reputation for being narrower than today’s H/J horses’ backs - they fit the more common TB of the early/mid 90s. You can find some W/M tree Centennials on eBay that are of the older, better Crosby quality, and they would be at the very inexpensive range of your budget.

[EverElite]

@"A"HunterGal

@alternate_universe
Also, the older Crosby’s had super narrow twists, though not much of anything else to keep you secure and they also had the reputation for being narrower than today’s H/J horses’ backs - they fit the more common TB of the early/mid 90s. You can find some W/M tree Centennials on eBay that are of the older, better Crosby quality, and they would be at the very inexpensive range of your budget.

Totally agree re: Crosby Centennial. I called my Centennial my “budget Butet.” If you look for the Centennial Internationale model, you can find upgraded darker German leather. Unfortunately, regular Centennials are usually bright orange.

Have you tried a Tad Coffin? I had a TC2 that had the narrowest twist of any saddle I’d ever ridden in.

[goodmorning]

I think it depends on the Pessoa because I was going to suggest one of those. I prefer a narrow twist (Butet, Tad Coffin, Black Country Solare, Voltaire Palm Beach) and I thought Pessoa was a fantastic option for the price range.

[findeight]

Used Butet or Luc Childeric. The " Butet Back" was eliminated when they redesigned the area under the cantle circa…oh…2002ish. Childeric used the be a saddlemaker for Butet but you’ll find a premium price for the Butet name…almost the same saddle, definately equal quality having had both.

The North American distributed fir the LCs is a tack shop inToronto called Running Fox IIRC. Contact them, they are wonderful, handle some used ones and can cheerfully answer any questions you may have. Even with the complication of international shipping, don’t think I ever had better customer service then with them. Has been a few years but assuming it’s the same.

[Lisa_D]

Antares makes saddles with a narrow twist. If you review the stamp on the inner flap, look for the letter E.
Their “ready made” saddle models: Spooner, Hampton Classic and Signature, also have a narrower twist.

I agree with the other post to look for a used, well kept higher end saddle - you will be better off in the long run.

However, I would try the used saddle sites from the manufacturers since the saddles are inspected for any repairs or issues before reselling - similar to a car dealer’s certified pre-owned program / frenchusedsales or equitack
Plus, they offer trials for the saddles so you can actually ride and sit in it for making a final decision.
Good luck with your search!

[Spud_amp_Saf]

@findeight

Used Butet or Luc Childeric. The " Butet Back" was eliminated when they redesigned the area under the cantle circa…oh…2002ish. Childeric used the be a saddlemaker for Butet but you’ll find a premium price for the Butet name…almost the same saddle, definately equal quality having had both.

The North American distributed fir the LCs is a tack shop inToronto called Running Fox IIRC. Contact them, they are wonderful, handle some used ones and can cheerfully answer any questions you may have. Even with the complication of international shipping, don’t think I ever had better customer service then with them. Has been a few years but assuming it’s the same.

I agree Running Fox customer service is fantastic. They are one of my local tack shops, so I am quite lucky. They have a lo of Childerics on consignment most of the time, so you could definitely take advantage of the exchange rate if you decide to give them a go.

[streamline]

I really enjoyed my beval natural when I had it and I’ve have 2 different/custom Voltaires.

I like a very narrow twist and need long/forward since I have a freakishly long femur and short little calves.

I bought a Crosby prix de nations and it fits well in the seat, just doesn’t accommodate my long leg. It fit my horse fine for several months then he lost some top line and now has saddle sores from wearing it for 20 minutes? Anyways.

Lots of good deals on those saddles on eBay and I know everyone has enjoyed working with redwood tack and being able to have a trial for saddles is always a plus.

[alternate_universe]

I think I’m going to first try to find something locally. One of my issues with having something shipped is that the cost of returning it is not refunded. I spent $80 sending a saddle back the other week. I can’t do that repeatedly.

[AEQ817]

@alternate_universe I would suggest possibly throwing out an ISO on a local FB group or English Tack Trader and designate a distance you’re willing to travel for pickup.