In the middle of saddle fitting troubles with my newest horse who absolutely hates my current saddle. His previous rider rode him in an Equipe saddle and he was very happy and comfortable - so now I’m wondering what everyone thinks about Equipe saddles? Longevity, adjustability, comfort, quality? Currently working with an independent fitter who has a few Equipe saddles in stock that I am exploring, but I don’t know anyone who has experience with them!
Amerigo is their wool flocked sister that comes out of the same factory. FWIW, I’ve had my Amerigo for nearly 3 years and been very happy. I also tried out Equipe which was very comparable–only difference was they’re foam flocked. We went with Amerigo only because I really wanted wool flocked; my guy was shifting musculature a little too much in the early days.
They are as comfy as any of the French saddles but with way more fit options for horses. Plenty of fit options for the rider, too.
Do get the reinforced flap guard if you can. The saddle is calfskin; you do have to take care of it.
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I have several Equipes. I first sat in them trying horses in Europe because they are more popular there. I thought every one I sat in was comfortable. I then got a dressage saddle for a very picky horse because they had one he found acceptable after trying lots of saddles. They have a lot of tree shapes and sizes available compared to some brands. In my experience with their calfskin saddles in a couple of different ranges, the leather quality is very good. Better leather than some French brands that now cost a fortune. My oldest Equipe saddle is now 7 years old I think and in great shape. It also has gotten the most use.
They do make a flocked panel option now as well, and more of the tree models are adjustable than they used to be.
I bought one new 2 years ago, I absolutely love it but within a year the stitching went on the skirt, I asked the agent if she could get it fixed and she sent me a photo of another clients saddle recently repaired to show my saddler. That’s my only complaint.
I rode in one and the only reason I didn’t buy it was because I didn’t want to drop that sort of money on a 3 year old who was changing shape. It was lovely and I liked it as much as my Bruno Delgrange. Doesn’t really answer your questions about longevity though, sorry!
I wasn’t aware that it was a “sister” to Amerigo! I will keep that in mind and look at those as well. I think wool flocked is probably going to be by best option with this horse since he seems to be quite picky.
They are made in the same factory in Italy. The care products are also identical. The saddles themselves have several differences, though. I think that’s why Equipe now offers a flocked option.
I bought 3 saddles new which have held up fine. I got an older EKGO in calfskin used as a good enough for now saddle for a growing horse. The flap guard needed stitching redone which cost me very little to repair. It doesn’t seem to have been taken care of as well as I’ve taken care of the ones I’ve bought new, but other than a couple scratches on the underside, there is no major damage or wear in that well used saddle.
They also offer a “grip” leather flap that I don’t particularly care for myself but should be more durable. And they have calf/grain options as well as full calf.
