Stubben Equi-Soft Saddle

[Glyphica]

Has anyone tried one? If so, how did you like it? Did the segmented seat make the saddle more or less stable feeling? How did it effect your seat and aids?

Why I’m asking – one of my horses has proven to be extremely difficult o fit a saddle to. When he bends, the saddle tends to be pushed rather dramatically to the outside. We’ve widened the tree, adjusted the flocking multiple times, reconfigured the billet straps every which way (now currently have a front point billet and a back v billet), and use a non slip girth tightened to the point of popping his little eyeballs out. The saddle doesn’t really slide – it comes right back to center after every turn, but the shifting through each turn make it extremely difficult to keep an independent seat. The horse also tends to be very tight through his back and struggles to relax into a bend, and I’m sure the saddle isn’t helping.

Horse is a brick house stock horse. Saddle is a Custom Wolfgang Solo (an older one).

Thanks!!!

[sheltona01]

I would check to make sure you are able to use the saddle at shows. I know at one point, their saddle that had independent sides was not legal in the dressage ring. The Wolfgang Solo would not be my first choice for a stock horse. Too narrow in the pommel / rails.

[Glyphica]

@sheltona01

I would check to make sure you are able to use the saddle at shows. I know at one point, their saddle that had independent sides was not legal in the dressage ring. The Wolfgang Solo would not be my first choice for a stock horse. Too narrow in the pommel / rails.

I wonder if it counts as an open gullet. I’ll send a note to USEF. What brands/models do you recommend for a tabletop horse with this type of issue?

[sheltona01]

I would like to see some pictures of your horse to comment on the brands/models. It would also be helpful to see him in his current saddle to see if I can spot the issues though the pictures. However, I will say there is no substitutions to seeing the horse in person. Also budget is a factor. Feel free to email me if you want instead of posting them in public. thesaddlefits@gmail.com

[Guyot]

I’ve ridden two horses in the split tree equisoft saddles at FEI…
The saddle is very interesting, it moves very independently and is actually slightly easier to sit (almost more like riding bareback)

It will stop your saddle from slipping off the side as the horse drops down so does the saddle and it doesn’t pull the other side with it.

As to the seat for the rider, it’s a typical stubben, not overly comfortable… but if your horse goes better it’s what you ride in…

For the record, I have three horses going in this style saddle… two in the Genesis and one in the Arimus.

[Glyphica]

@Guyot

I’ve ridden two horses in the split tree equisoft saddles at FEI…
The saddle is very interesting, it moves very independently and is actually slightly easier to sit (almost more like riding bareback)

It will stop your saddle from slipping off the side as the horse drops down so does the saddle and it doesn’t pull the other side with it.

As to the seat for the rider, it’s a typical stubben, not overly comfortable… but if your horse goes better it’s what you ride in…

For the record, I have three horses going in this style saddle… two in the Genesis and one in the Arimus.

And you show it in no problems? Any comments on the ordering process?

My plan is to call USEF tomorrow to make sure it’s legal, and then call stubben to see if I can get a demo.

[Glyphica]

@Guyot

You can see the split in this photo of me. This horse throws his saddle left and causes a sore back… but not in this saddle!

Which Genesis model?

[no.stirrups]

Stock horses tend to need hoop trees, and last I knew Stubben didn’t make one.

[L00kAtMeN0w]

@no.stirrups

Stock horses tend to need hoop trees, and last I knew Stubben didn’t make one.

I have a rather wide horse (Belgian/QH). Her favorite saddle (after trying DOZENS of models and lots of hoop trees with various saddle fitters) happens to be the Stubben Genesis. I have both the jump and Dressage versions. The curve of her back, muscles around her withers, and large shoulders actually made it the best option for us. (short of possibly going fully custom with a Patrick saddle, which was out of budget and I couldn’t even try on my horse). Although, I did not try the Equi-Soft saddle, as I just didnt need to.

[Guyot]

I’ve never had anyone question it… some people ask questions about it but never when getting bit checked or anything.

The 34 tree should be shaped like an upside down U in the Genesis where the 32 and under are A shaped trees.

It’s the regular Genesis model with the upgraded leather. Pretty sure Stubben will put the equisoft system on any of their dressage saddles. I had heard they stopped doing it on the jumping saddles but that’s not official.

[SassPants]

Did you ever call USEF and get an answer if this saddle is dressage legal?

[Guyot]

I never felt the need to check, others were questioning if legal, but I showed in them for years. Still have two in the barn but those horses aren’t currently showing.