Stubben vs Anky saddles

[bri79]

After a 15 year hiatus out of the saddle, I starting riding again last year I’m looking to purchase a dressage saddle and have found 2 potential options and would like to get opinions please. One is a Stubben Maestoso and the other is an Anky. I am not sure the exact model of the Anky, but do know that it has the changeable gullet system, is a monoflap design, and has somewhat large kneerolls. Both saddles are quite a drive from me, but do have the option to try.

I am 5’4" with stumpy legs. After having so much time out of the saddle, my center of gravity has changed and still working on having a great seat The horse is an over grown, with a short wide back, barrel shaped body and broad in the shoulders.

We currently ride in a Santa Cruz Centauro (custom jump saddle), I appreciate the minimal thigh block on it but had to remove the kneerolls as I found them to be in the way (the saddle is slightly too big for me so my leg dosn’t fall too nicely in it). It is comfy enough to plod around in and pop over some fences, but really not to do any good flat work in.

The saddle fitter would be out to check any potential dressage saddles, but seeing as they are quite a drive from me, was looking for some feedback before driving out to pick either up.

[dqtastic]

I’d grab both for your saddle fitter to look at. And even better - does the saddle fitter come with saddles? That is likely your best bet.

[bri79]

yes, she does come with saddles but sadly what she carries are way out of my price range.

[hoopoe]

I think knee rolls are vastly overrated, IMO. for a more sympathetic fit I would go with the Stubben

my saddle fitter said changeable gullet systems were a boon for fitters because people were always getting it put back together wrong

the best detail to look for in a saddle is felt or wool flocking that can be adjusted by your fitter as needed

but you cannot know for sure until you sit in each saddle which will be best for you. If it does not fit you, it does not matter if it fits the horse, it will work against you in the long run

[LookinForSpace]

I have an Anky I bought years ago and absolutely love it. SOOO comfy! I also love the buffalo leather that wears well and has enough grip to feel secure in, but it’s not so bulky that it feels awkward.

I’ve also got an old Stubben, but never rode in it much, just wasn’t a good fit/comfortable for me. (Yeah, I’ll get around to selling it someday…!) Not that impressed with it.

[js]

I have an old Stubben Scandica and had a newer Gensis CL Delux; I loved the Gensis, very comfortable and put me in a good effortless position; however, it wasn’t a good fit for my horse. The old Scandica is okay, seat is hard; horse was okay with it. Haven’t ridden an Anky but I think they are equally good saddles. Stubben are going to have a more curved tree and the Anky probably a straighter tree.

[atlatl]

I had an Anky awhile ago; it put me in a terrible chair seat so didn’t work for me. A BNT I was taking lessons from sat in it once and proclaimed it was like “trying to swim in clogs.” YMMV

[Cac0587]

the #1 thing i have found with Stubben is not all are made the exact same way. meaning (yes, even the brand new ones) if your buying a genesis CL in an 18 27, and it fits your horse well- you better buy THAT ONE because the next Genesis CL in an 18 seat and 27 tree will not feel exactly the same. I have heard this from SO many fitters (including Stubben fitters), and have found this out the hard and expensive way myself.

My personal and more expensive experience, was to sit in as many different dressage saddles as possible. I ended up buying a brand I would have never thought of (Fairfax) and both myself and my horse love it. bite the bullet and have several saddle fitters out and ride in as many saddles as possible.

[bri79]

yes, I only rode in one dressage with rather large blocks and found it very restricting while everyone at the barn swore by them.

[bri79]

good to know! and yes, I think I will try to find another saddle or two to try at the same time so I have a variety to compare.

[bri79]

thank you for the feedback everyone. there’s much to take into consideration. the last time I bought my jump saddle was quite long and painful to find something that fit both myself and the horse, so I’m hoping this time around will not be as difficult.