The "original" Albion Original Comfort

[hfa86]

This saddle searching game is never ending. My young KWPN mare is continuing to grow and is having some saddle fitting issues (high withers, longer and very wide back). She typically wears a MW or W (depending on the saddle tree and shape) but I was lent the original (first version) of the Albion Original Comfort and it fits her very well. She is a totally different horse under saddle compared to my current saddle which does not fit and multiple other saddles I had on trial.

Does anyone know the shortest flap length of this saddle? The one I have currently is a 16" flap and can work but shorter would be preferred (it has a 17" seat which is perfect). I am concerned going to the following version of this saddle might impact the fit unless the tree shape was not changed. Has anyone completely re-flocked this saddle? It appears that the flocking is minimal and compressed (it is an old saddle).

[preppyeq]

In my experience, Albions tend to vary even within the same models. When I was shopping for my Albion jump saddle I looked at the same model and one of the mediums was wider than a medium wide and so on. There didn’t seem to be a set standard. I would post pictures of the saddle you like with all of the measurements and someone might be able to find you another Albion that fits you and will also fit your horse.

[Stacie]

If you like that saddle, you might look into Michael Stokes Centaur Saddlery. His v dressage saddles have the same type of flat seat area. He is a master saddler and amazing at fitting. His used saddles can be found at great prices.
my experience is the original comfort is unlike any other model of albion

[MysticOakRanch]

@Stacie

my experience is the original comfort is unlike any other model of albion

I agree! One of the big differences is the very wide twist, which is not seen in many models anymore. And some of the OC models had serge panels, which are wonderful in hotter climates. Black Country adopted those panels in some of their saddle designs…

[mzm_farm]

If you like THIS particular saddle and it fits - BUY it, you will never find another one exactly like it. Just my experience. Identical label does not mean identical product in my experience with saddles.

[UrbanHennery]

I just finished my adventure in this Albion rabbit hole, except I was looking for a specific version of the HR (I rode in one on consignment at a local shop that my gelding loved but it tragically had a twisted tree on closer exam) and was willing to compromise on an OC if I could find one that worked.

I shipped in 5 HR/OC saddles from across the country for trial. All stamped 17.5 MW and appearing to be the same saddle based on pics and age. Literally no two were the same and none fit like the first one that he loved and I liked well enough.

I gave up. Then randomly 3 weeks ago the same local shop posted a pic of a new consignment Albion with no detail about the model. It looked like an HR so I got in my car that day and drove down there. It turned out to be the right unicorn and after literally a year of saddle shopping I found a saddle that works for us. It will be pried out of my cold dead hands.

All this is to say preppyeq and mzm farm are right - if you like it, move heaven and earth to buy it.

[hfa86]

I am hoping I can work it out to buy this particular saddle but owner still might need it. I have yet to find one in same size seat and flap length (assume therefore no smaller flaps) though will keep looking and consider both M and MW as always so different.

[Myout]

I have had this same experience with Albion OCs and HRs…weirdly rode in a client’s 16.5 (I am 5’7" and wouldn’t normally even try this size saddle) when her horse was being bratty and it was best thing ever sat in…an HR. Tried a few OC’s over the years that were okay for me but great for the wide backed horses. Bought an HR two years ago that was used and awful, couldn’t get my balance situated at all. But still remember that great one so a few days ago happened to see one on ebay and bought it just to see ( was cheap). Hoping its one of those unicorn ones!