Although I have a TC dressage saddle, thought I would get a better response here then in the dressage forum, since I doubt there are many TC dressage saddle owners out there. Anyway, I bought one used and I would like to get a few things fixed on it, stirrup leather keepers are missing and panel leather is loose or the flocking needs to be redone (I realize it isn’t traditional wool flocking etc.) and curious about the new Smartride tree. I’ve emailed TC twice and no response. Question - are his repairs/refurbishment reasonable and anyone upgrade to the Smartride tree, was it costly? Do they actually respond to emails or should I just call? They list their email as a point of contact but doesn’t seem to be getting me a reply.
Call him. He got hacked about a year ago and ever since his response has been blech via email. Call the office or his personal cell phone (listed on the “does your saddle fit” brochure).
He’s very helpful over the phone 
I have a Tad Coffin, and liked it so much I bought a used one to use in rain, etc. I asked him about putting a Smartride tree in the used one, and he said about $1500. Used saddle without Smartride tree is nice, but I absolutely love the one he made for me with the SmartRide.
I had the SmartRide tree put in my TC and a repair on the seat done where the leather was ripped - it was about $1800 - the biggest problem was that it was gone for 3 months - so you might want to see if you can find a time when you aren’t without a saddle for that long - I had a loaner for about 2 weeks but then it had to go back – took a lot longer than they initially said it would - so that was a little frustrating
Yes, call them. I had an A5 refurbished and Smartride put in and I was very happy with the improvement. It helped me get another 2 years out of the saddle, which actually was just sold by Tad, as I bought the TC2 this year
You aren’t the only one! I started with the A5 for jumping and just bought a dressage saddle this past summer. Your best bet is to call. I am going to be sending my jumping saddle to him for the smartride tree and a few other repairs. The dressae saddle will go after that LOVE my tad dressage!
Another thumbs up for the Smartride upgrade on the A5, if the saddle is in good condition.
I love love love my tc saddle. I bought one custom from him just this past year. It takes longer than they estimate. Borrow something that you can hang on to for awhile. Call him on his cell. He even receives text photos if necessary. He always called me back. I felt prioritized. It was very nice. He is the easiest to reach early or late in the day. Midday he is usually out. Call his staff at the office, they are super sweet too! But while they do not usually answer any questions or can quote anything they will know his schedule. If you get his voicemail on his cell, be sure to leave a detailed message and he will call you back. He even checked in on me after I got my saddle and rode for a few weeks. (Now a word of advice, he likes to lecture and you’ll just want to go with what he says or you’re asking for a full blown argument!)
Oh, and I have the smart ride and my mare is a lot less back sore than before.
Agree with everything maureeniroo said. That was my experience too, for the one I got two years ago. Love love my TC saddle, and so do my horses.
After sending him short video clips of me in the demo, I did exactly what he recommended as far as the size and the model (A5 with SmartRide), and he was exactly right. He even made me do a second clip on my other horse because he wanted to see the demo on both.
