They look nice for the horse’s back. Does anyone know how they ride?
Bumping this. I’ve decided to buy a Trilogy dressage saddle and saw this jump saddle on their website. Does anyone have experience with the forward flap version? A photo maybe?
Bump. Anyone?
Well, I own one! I dont have the forward flap version though-am 5’8" with a 32" inseam and fit fine in the regular. The different size blocks are awesome. I bought this saddle because it is flocked v. foam. My horse seems quite happy with it and it fits him well. Extremely comfy for me, VERY balanced and easy to ride/jump in. Defin. worthy of a test ride! Good luck.
Thanks for the reply! What level do you ride in? What kind of horse do you have? Is he narrow-medium by any chance?
My barnmate just bought one last week. It’s a typical Walsall-made English saddle, and I mean that in the best way–leather quality is high, workmanship is good, and the thick wool panels + ability to customize mean it can be made to fit a wide variety of horses.
Seems all the Walsall makers are making something like the Talisman, which I’d describe as being “a semi-deep jump saddle with a lot of general-purpose-type influence but still the balance of a jump saddle.” In other words, a “couch type ride for people who like a lot of deep seated security and aren’t planning to jump much higher than 3 feet.” If that sounds like you, then it’s a beautifully made saddle and very comfortable to sit in at an eminently reasonable price.
That said, I’m not sure I’d go way the heck out of my way to buy one because ALL the Walsall makers are making something of this variety. We happen to have a very good and trustworthy Trilogy rep in our neck of the woods with Master Saddler credentials, so it made sense for my friend to go with the Trilogy Talisman. But if I didn’t have a Trilogy rep local to me, I’d pursue whichever of these Walsall-made saddles WAS local to me or that I could get in touch with a rep for (because they are all very much of a piece): the Black Country Wexford, the Frank Baines Enigma, the Ideal Gazelle 1550, the Hastilow ProFlex Jumper Saddle, the Barnsby Milton Pro-Seat, etc.
If you’re in the Ohio/Pennsylvania area, I highly recommend Heather Soones-Booher, the Trilogy rep. I had her adjust my Dominus dressage and Amerigo CC saddles, and from there I’ve recommended her to a number of other folks. I really like her work and I think she’s honest and straightforward with her saddle advice.
I actually spoke to Heather about getting a Trilogy dressage saddle. She was wonderful, but unfortunately does not represent my area. She just came down to work with my trainer for a few weeks. I’m going through Debbie.
I plan on moving up to prelim soon, but I do like the idea of a deeper seated jump saddle. I never feel quite secure in my Albion, although a lot of it is my own position issues.
Just took a look at it online and wow - that looks identical to the Black Country Wexford, for a lot more $$$$.
Trilogy isn’t a very well-known brand when it comes to jumping saddles. If I were you, I’d look into Black Country as they’re far more sell-able and you can customize for a lot less.
Is the Black Country Wexford wool flocked? That’s the most important thing for me since my OTTB’s shape is always changing.
I was sort of thinking the same way as far as Trilogy not being well known. I’m going to sit in one just for fun as I start to search for a different jumping saddle. I know I like the monoflap at least.
Yup, the Wexford (ALL of the BCs) is wool-flocked. My saddle fitter says that it’s stuffed with high-quality wool, too - not like the Stubbens she’s worked on. I’d definitely look into those if you are looking at a Trilogy - you can get a full customized one (right down to the color welting!) for around $2400-2600.
I looked at it briefly on their website. Is it more of a general purpose saddle or would you say it was a “forward seat” type? Like I stated earlier in the topic, I’m eying a move to prelim this summer/fall and would like something similar to my Albion. I’ve ridden in a Stubben before, but have had Albion for most of my prelim career (with my other short-backed Irish TB).
Lindsay - which one? The Trilogy or the Wexford? I can’t speak for the Trilogy, but I can help with the BC saddles.
The Wexford is definitely more of an AP saddle. If you’re looking to move up, I’d look into the Tex Eventer or the Quantum/Ricochet. The Tex Eventer has the most forward flap, with a large balance point. I have a TE and I find that it’s remarkably secure when my Trak tends to launch himself off of banks or jump the standards. They’re ALL comfortable saddles. I had a Ricochet, a Quantum, and a TE on trial and found the balance on the TE the best of all. The Quantum was heavenly to sit in but it didn’t fit my horse quite right. I didn’t even sit in the Ricochet on my horse as I fell in love with the TE and bought it immediately (thanks, CookiePony and RunForIt! It’s their old saddle).
Trilogy v. Black Country- have to chime in
I would normally not do this but have to comment- I actually purchased a Wexford, trialed two different quantums- the Wexford has a noticeable ‘bucket’ seat and would not recommend for high jumps at all. The quantum felt more open, but not as secure as the Wexford- so couldn’t find the security I was looking for combined with a more open seat. The Talisman offered BOTH- security that is adjustable with 4 different size inter-changeable blocks, and while the seat is slightly deeper- it was open enough for drop jumps and higher jumping (my friend jumped my horse over a HUGE oxer as well as others and loved it). When I jump I have never felt so secure and balanced but yet don’t ‘notice’ the saddle.
What I didn’t like about Black C was that it just didn’t have a durable, super high quality feel- the vintage leather was nice, but the flocking was so soft - the barely used one I tried had squashed down quite a bit. Overall the Trilogy is just more solidly built. Same with the seat- although very comfy at first, the padding in the BC was not resiliant- and my seat bones would hit the hard bottom and be sore after a long hack. I sold the Wexford as it just wouldn’t fit my horse and I HATE it when ‘seatbone dents’ appear in the leather- I know it is common- but gave it a lesser quality feel- happened in both Quantums and Wexford. The Trilogy is holding up to my sharp seatbones- NO dents- yet never sore after a long ride.
As far as other Walsall brands- I tried them all- NONE offered the versatility, comfort, durability, security, and fit- not to mention service, the Trilogy did (Hastilow came close)- I know I sound like a sales rep for them but seriously, I searched for forever and tried everything- yes it cost a bit more but worth it- the only way I’d sell it is if I sell my horse (which may happen if he doesn’t stop with the hissy fits!! :)) Sorry- just had to chime in as my search was so long an tedious- wanted to share my experience- not intending to undermine others opinions…Thx!
Haven’t tried the Trilogy, nor have I seen it in person, so I can’t comment on it.
However, I was told that the BCs come lightly flocked because they expect a competent saddler to adjust it to fit the horse. I’m sure you can request a BC to come with “firmer” flocking. As far as leather goes, mine is in the Vintage leather, and has been through two COTHers before me (CookiePony and RunForIt), and it still looks brand new. However, I DO have well-padded seatbones :lol: so I’ve never had that particular problem (seatbone dents in my saddle).
I don’t care for a very deep seat, but neither do I like the truly shallow ones of, say, the Bates Elevation lines. I find the Tex Eventer a wonderful combination of secure, yet open, especially when my gelding makes like Superman and launches himself off a drop.
Thank you for the replies! I’ve honestly only ever ridden this horse in his Albion jump saddle so I have no idea what I’ll think about other brands, but I think it’s time to try some. I feel like there’s got to be a jump saddle out there that gives me the “a-ha this is what it’s supposed to feel like!” feeling I got when I put the Trilogy dressage saddle on him.
I guess I should say I want a secure saddle, but maybe not “deep” because I don’t want to be inhibited over bigger fences and drops as Holly2 said.
Holly2, you sound like I did when I was telling my coach how awesome the Trilogy dressage saddle is. If it’s a perfect match, of course you’re going to be excited!
I know this post is on an older thread, but today I saw and sat in a Trilogy Talisman saddle and I am blown away. Never heard of this brand but this saddle is so well made it looks like it could go through a medieval war and come out unscathed. I can’t believe these aren’t well known. All I can think of is the price point? On the website it says 'call for price ’ which usually means big money. The used one I’m trialing is over $2k which compared to others seems like a bargain. What is the deal with Trilogy? Why not more well known?
