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Stubben Saddles - Genesis Deluxe

Dressage
#1

So my incredibly hard to fit (I thought) OTTB with decent withers and I have I hope finally found our perfect match.

We’ve been through a Custom advantage (I loved; but the wither clearance just wasn’t there for him, even with adjustment) that was decent for us, a Toulouse Aachen AND a Toulouse Larissa, a Bates Caprilli (I ride him in a Bates Caprilli jump saddle so I figured that would be it… it wasn’t…) and finally, last night my BO put her daughter’s Stubben on my guy.

It was a glove. I haven’t ridden in it but I went home and searched and searched, because I was not spending thousands on a saddle when I’ve been through the run around lately. I found one for a decent price, and closed my eyes and hit the button. Hopefully it gets here soon!

So, my CoTHers… reviews on a Stubben Genesis Deluxe (it has that biomex seat and the equisoft seat where it splits into the two panels, which I originally thought was super weird but I guess it might work)?

I don’t mind not loving a saddle if it fits him, and I seriously thought we had our “ahhhhhh” moment from the saddle Gods last night when she put that one on him. Any reviews?

#2

I really hope it works for you but… just because it looks perfect on a standing horse does not mean it will still fit when he his moving and lifting his back. Is it returnable just in case?

#3

What is the tree size? Stübben uses a headplate with an unusual bell shape. Because of that shape the often look good on high withered horses even though it still isn’t the right size. BUT, I think you will have the best luck with the Stübbens because of that tree shape.

Also, you absolutely need to buy a saddle that fits you as well as your horse. You will be able to put up with a saddle you don’t like for maybe a few months. But it will eventually compromise your riding or cause discomfort, and that won’t do you any good.

2 Likes
#4

I loved my Stubbens on my OTTB so much that even after the horse passed, I will not sell those saddles. I don’t know anything about the Equi-soft seat and have my reservations but I adored my Aramis and my Zaria Optimum with Biomex. The Genesis didn’t fit my leg as I have a proportionally long femur. Good luck.

1 Like
#5

I would check, at least a few years ago, that saddle was not allowed in the show ring at rates shows. If it is the saddle where the back moves independently.

#6

The equisoft seat is split and is absolutely allowed at rated shows… I’ve shown two horses through FEI in them and at championships; no issues at all. And I train with a large S judge.

If your horse likes stuff to move on him; he will love this saddle. That said it is not what I would call the most comfortable seat! Haha it’s worse then most stubbens for comfort.

OP another good feature on this saddle is that the stirrup bar is very adjustable so you can play around with the balance point for yourself. Best of luck!

1 Like
#7

I had a normal Stubben Genesis (not the equi-soft seat and no Biomex) that I loved but unfortunately did not fit my horse. Everything just felt SO much easier to me as I am muddling through the whole hunter/jumper to dressage position change. I liked that the seat isn’t as restrictive as a lot of the other saddles I’ve tried but it was still supportive enough for mid-winter shenanigans.

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#8

Good to know about the saddle! I was told that by a stubben rep about 5 years ago.

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#9

Personally I hate the Biomex, but others love it. It’s a good fit for many horses with a curvy back, not great for a flat-backed horse. Is reasonably close contact so offers a decent feel of the horse. Biggest difference between the Stubben and the Custom is where it places the rider. Custom is designed to have the rider sit slightly behind the centre of gravity, where Stubbem should place you over it. That’s why many ammies like me find the Cuatoms make it easier to sit the trot. If you are used to a restrictive seat the Stubben might also take some getting used to, but it is still quite supportive.

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#10

I tried the same saddle a few years ago for a hard to fit TB. Large shoulders, wither wasn’t crazy but his back was shaped like a banana! Hated the biomex seat! I don’t remember if it fit him or not.

Ended up going with a total custom Voltaire, with pro panels and special cushioning for him, it was half a seat size to small for me but he had a short back and any 18 inch caused rubs.

I know the Stubbens sell well on eBay and usually have good deals as well.

1 Like
#11

I have an OTTB, and have gone through saddle fitting hell. Had the Stubben fitter come out, and they all fit him beautifully. However, I hated the Genesis. We ended up with a semi-custom Aramis. It fit him the best, and me.

#12

Update - I got the saddle and it is a near perfect fit for my guy! I only rode in it yesterday for about 30 minutes, but he was super happy walk, trot and canter in it - very free and forward. I do find that I wish I had the outer block instead of the standard small block under the flap, but for now it will serve us very well. I think it is very comfortable, too - I love the equi-soft seat because I just felt better communication with my seat. Hopefully this is the saddle that sticks around for us, minus my one wish about the block. Oh well! Thanks for input, everyone!

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