Stackhouse Saddles - Tell Me All About Them!

[PrinceSheik325]

Ok, COTH, I am considering purchasing a new Stackhouse saddle without ever having seen one in person or ridden in one. I am going solely based on the glowing reviews I’ve heard from countless riders and trainers. This proposition is causing mild heart palpitations for my risk-adverse self…especially given the price tag! :eek:

SO - please help a girl out and tell me about your experiences with Stackhouse saddles. Why did you buy one? If you sold it, why did you sell it? Would you buy another one? What are your likes and dislikes? Any other brands I should consider?

Thanks SO VERY MUCH!!!

[sheltona01]

Please do not buy a saddle without riding in it unless you can return it!!!

[Saskatoonian]

Ditto - and that comes from a person completely addicted to her Stackhouse. I have a friend who absolutely hated it. Swore it was like sitting on steel bars or something. I only bought mine after trying a used one and loving it (too bad it was a 16" and I’m 5’7" - suffice to say I had to order one).

[PrinceSheik325]

I’m certainly concerned about purchasing a saddle without ever having ridden in one and am in the process of trying to see and sit in one, but what is a person to do when there are no demos available?

[Fergs]

I bought a Stackhouse without really trying one (I think I sat in the off-the-rack version at VTO briefly) and it was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. They are 100% custom to your horse and you, and made with the best materials available. I only sold mine after the horse it was bought for died and then it didn’t fit my new horse.

[Saskatoonian]

There are plenty of used ones out there at stores that allow trials. Even if it’s not exactly what you’d order, you’ll get a sense of how they feel and how the balance is.

[Xctrygirl]

The Tack Box in Middleburg has a BUNCH on consignment, used.

Reach out to them first.

Emily

[tarheelmd07]

Ask David if there’s anyone in your area with one - I know he’s called me a few times when someone in my area wants to see one or sit in one before buying. I don’t let mine out of my sight but I’m always happy to have someone come sit on my horse in mine.

I love love love my Stackhouse jumping saddle - so much that I had them make me a matching dressage saddle. I love that they’re totally custom…and that they were willing to trim my saddles in my favorite color - hot pink!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I love mine…I have an older xc jump saddle, two new monoflaps and a monoflap dressage.

The hard part about test riding in one is that they are built for a specific rider. Mine were built for me…with trees sizes that work for most of my horses (the jump saddles have different trees). So the balance will not feel the same unless you are similarly shaped as the owner. That said…when a pro rode my horses…he happily rode in my saddles…and he is sponsored by a fancy French saddle maker…

Mine are as soft and comfy to ride in as were my well known French saddles.

[ACMEeventing]

Mine is in production as we speak. I’ll post pics as soon as it’s finished (probably Saturday)

[CindyCRNA]

[QUOTE=ACMEeventing;8221448]
Mine is in production as we speak. I’ll post pics as soon as it’s finished (probably Saturday)[/QUOTE]

So how’s your saddle? Considering one for my hard to fit TB. OP, did you end up getting one?

[ACMEeventing]

Hey! I did get one and I absolutely love it. It fits Cotton (standard Tb type) and will fit my other Tb as soon as he gets some back meat, but David said I could use sheepskin with it now and it would be fine for him.

I’m at work right now but I’ll get a photo posted tomorrow. I went with the brown monoflap and just some subtle piping in navy blue.

The balance on that thing is amazing and it accommodates my freaky long femur very well.

[CindyCRNA]

[QUOTE=ACMEeventing;8363782]
Hey! I did get one and I absolutely love it. It fits Cotton (standard Tb type) and will fit my other Tb as soon as he gets some back meat, but David said I could use sheepskin with it now and it would be fine for him.

I’m at work right now but I’ll get a photo posted tomorrow. I went with the brown monoflap and just some subtle piping in navy blue.

The balance on that thing is amazing and it accommodates my freaky long femur very well.[/QUOTE]

How did you get fitted for the saddle? Did you haul your horse somewhere or did you have a local person do tracings? I have a high withered, big shouldered, short backed RED HEADED TB fitting disaster which I am considering Stackhouse jumping saddle for.

[ACMEeventing]

I am very fortunate in that the Stackhouse home base is in Pinehurst, about 20 minutes from my farm. He came out and did all the measurements himself. The first step is to email or call him and find out when he’ll be in your area (he travels a lot!).