Thornhill Berlin vs Duett Rondo 2

[FatDinah]

I am looking for a good hacking out saddle and am thinking about a used Thornhill Berlin or a Dusty Rondo 2 about the same age/condition and price. Horse is a wide arab/warmblood cross.

Any thoughts or experiences on either?

He is currently in an old Wintec 2000 with the wide tree but it is really stiff and hard and not comfy for either of us.

Thanks in advance!!!

[FatDinah]

Poops auto correct … a Duett

[FatDinah]

Also found older Black Country and Frank Baines saddles in my price range. Better choices?

[ZELLA]

I tried several Duetts (which fit my cob but put me in a chair seat) but ended up buying a Thornhill Berlin about 10 years ago. It has held up very well and remains a very comfortable saddle for hacking and light jumping/dressage. Strongly recommended.

[Lusoluv]

I had a Thornhill Germania Klasse and a Duett Fidelio for a table backed PRE many years ago. Liked the way both saddles in XW fit this horse. But the Duett was much more comfortable for me. If the saddle is for hacking/trail riding, I’d go with these dressage models. Duetts tend to be a little more $, but worth it!

[EventingJ]

the rondo is an all purpose saddle - is that what you are after?

I had a presto many years back that I really liked - well built, wool flocked, comfortable, fit my leg well

have you ridden in both?

[FatDinah]

[QUOTE=EventingJ;8858205]
the rondo is an all purpose saddle - is that what you are after?

I had a presto many years back that I really liked - well built, wool flocked, comfortable, fit my leg well

have you ridden in both?[/QUOTE]

No, I have never ridden either of these models. I have ridden him in an Albion SLK and Smith Worthington dressage when we competed in dressage also an old NICE close contact. I love Passier saddles for the narrow twist but have never found one wide enough for him. I rode TBs in a CWD and great to jump but AWFUL just to ride in.

I ride rough country and think an AP model is best as we do jump into and out of washes, sometimes over downed fences.

[EventingJ]

i would want to test ride in the saddles especially if you have a big twist width preference. but I’m also kinda lazy and hate reselling things if i get something i don’t like!

the presto was a very comfy saddle for me, so i imagine the rondo is as well