I’m not in love with the shape of the tree in relation to his back. I have another one that I’m going to try that is fit for a horse that is shaped more like mine than the 1st one I tried on him. So yeah, you can widen it and narrow it and then of course flocking it but if the tree shape as far as the point length and how curvy/straight the rails are still affect how the saddle ultimately fits your horse.
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Haha! I just saw this after replying to that comment, and I think that we are saying the same thing!
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Yes, the Albion is a dressage saddle, and while it does an okay job, I would like something that is going to help me be more effective.
And I do appreciate your concern regarding my trainer, however she couldn’t care less what brand I end up with as long as it puts me in a better position and fits the horse.
She is not pressuring me to buy another saddle but she did bring up aand confirm a concern that I had regarding my current saddle. And the current saddle is sufficient until I find what I’m looking for. But I would like one that helps me rather than hinders me.
I have had enough saddle fitting nightmares of my own to agree 100%. @Squirt didn’t say exactly why they weren’t thrilled with the fit, so I was just guessing it might be something fixable.
Tree shape obviously isn’t one . Good luck on finding a saddle.
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God, I hate saddle shopping. I can only commiserate with you in that finding a new saddle for the horse sucks and finding the right saddle for yourself can be just as hard. But PLEASE don’t underestimate what the right saddle can do for you and your dressage training. Things that have been so difficult can suddenly become so easy when you finally find the right saddle and stop fighting your position and your balance. I need a narrow twist or all I can think about during the ride is the saddle. I don’t know your area so I can’t recommend a fitter but definitely find someone who will work with multiple brands.
If you like the Customs and they do fit your horse, there’s a million for sale, so you should have no issue finding one used. Most people find them to be super comfortable. They’re good for horses with wider, flatter backs, like your traditional warmblood. They tend to be very long and have rear gussets, so not many will fit a compact horse (they do make pony panels but I don’t see them very often) or a barrel-shaped horse. I personally find it hard to balance in most of the Customs I’ve sat in because the stirrup bar is too far forward.
I’ve liked a lot of the Albions and Trilogys I’ve sat in. I actually liked one of the newer Stubbens but it was too curvy for my horse’s back. I had a County I also liked but they are for horses with curvier, long-ish backs, too.
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Yes, we are saying the same thing! I very rarely do saddle fitting anymore, but have been working in a VERY limited capacity for a handful of geographically close, and personally recommended clients, and poorly matched tree shape is not that uncommon. In fact, I have a Custom that I bought, not knowing the tree shapes well, and after a few months, it became unstable on my horse, as my horse needed a VERY flat tree, and this one had been well flocked to seem flat, and I wasn’t working with someone who pointed that out. Rather annoying, given I know how to fit saddles, but even a saddle fitter cannot see the tree shape on a brand new saddle, that is where working with a brand and knowing the build details and models is handy.
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Normally I stay quiet on the issue of saddles as there are some strong opinions out there. I ride my clients horses in the saddles that work for them and their horse, and keep my mouth shut. However, I just got the newly released Albion Unity for myself (finally) and I quietly asked it where it had been all my life. I really, really like this saddle. It does not put me in a chair seat like the ever so comfortable Custom saddles. Somehow, the seat accepts my seat bones easily and my leg falls nicely down underneath me. I have 100% accessibility to my leg and therefore am more effective. I have had a total hip replacement and also have knee issues. This saddle also has short thigh blocks (you can choose whatever you want) that allow my knee to come under it and OMG, my knees are pain free. Albion now has more options on trees, etc., since the company has been sold and wants to re-enter the US market. The previous owners had health problems which is why they sort of disappeared. The person I use when I am north is Lauren Bond/Mid-Atlantic Saddlery who is in Maryland. While in Florida, I use Anne Forrest. Good luck in finding the saddle that is best for you. And everyone is right, the correct shape of the tree is essential for a good fit.
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I am also newly with Albion and very happy with my Unity and Fabrento.
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Wanted to post an update…I found a Wolfgang Solo in the right size and under budget (gotta love that!) even with shipping. It has the upgrades that I was looking for and the older style that worked well for my horses in the past. It looks like it fits right out of the box. Rode in it tonight and wow. Huge difference! While it may not be a forever saddle, I think that it will do the job for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for all of your input and advice!
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