:lol: Been in the smaller rings…the International Ring, not likely. :lol:
[QUOTE=Collegebound121;6162603]
Limone- Which saddle did you end up with?[/QUOTE]
I’m so sorry I don’t come on here often I ordered the Palm Beach Second Skin model. I can’t wait for it to come in a few weeks!
I had a boondoggle with my custom boots by another brand and did not get them fitted properly in time for Thermal, and all Monacos in my size were sold out online and at Thermal. I bought some from Voltaire that were demos that pretty much fit me. I had to take out the insoles, cut my toenails and when they drop they will likely cause my toohighbootitis to act up, but they are stunning. And the lining is bright blue. Tightest ankles I have ever seen, fancy trim up top (alligator or croc, I’m not quite sure), and I threw those puppies on, tossed on my spurs, threw a leg over the saddle and rode in them.
[QUOTE=Limone;6182822]
I’m so sorry I don’t come on here often I ordered the Palm Beach Second Skin model. I can’t wait for it to come in a few weeks![/QUOTE]
Love my Palm Beach! I don’t have the second skin, but I looked at one a few months ago…jealous!
[QUOTE=eclipse;6179721]
And the fact that I could buy one that’s named after my city, Calgary. :lol: I wonder how they decided on names for different styles?[/QUOTE]
The last new saddle they introduced, they had a contest & the winning name received the saddle :yes: (unfotunately I read this in the article announcing the winner 
:sigh: )
As for “Calgary”, Forestier also had a model named the “Calgary” 
I saw them recently at the Fall Classic and a woman who rode my horse is sponsored by them. She rode my mare in it and it fit well and my mare seemed comfortable. She told me she was loyal to the other French brand for years (what I ride in too) but switched for 2 reasons 1. They are made for a woman’s seat, narrower than a mans so the tree and twist is different and 2. The billets are attached to the tree directly, you see this if you lift the flap, so there is less twisting/moving of the saddle while jumping. They are beautiful sadlles although I can’t decide whether I love or hate the non leather blue stripes. I think I would tire of them but if the saddle works…
These are all over my barn! I think a trainer there has some kind of sponsorship deal with them. I rode in one once and found it fairly uncomfortable, but the leather is definitely dreamy.
[QUOTE=shjhorses;6183762]
I saw them recently at the Fall Classic and a woman who rode my horse is sponsored by them. She rode my mare in it and it fit well and my mare seemed comfortable. She told me she was loyal to the other French brand for years (what I ride in too) but switched for 2 reasons 1. They are made for a woman’s seat, narrower than a mans so the tree and twist is different and 2. The billets are attached to the tree directly, you see this if you lift the flap, so there is less twisting/moving of the saddle while jumping. They are beautiful sadlles although I can’t decide whether I love or hate the non leather blue stripes. I think I would tire of them but if the saddle works…[/QUOTE]
Not commenting on any other point but by design, all billets are attached to the tree. If she means that they are somehow directly attached to the wood of the tree, you certainly wouldn’t be able to see that by lifting the flap, so I am guessing these are attached like others to nylon that lays over the tree.
Yes they are okay saddles. I would highly recommend a CWD though
Just wanted to provide an update. I’ve had a demo Palm Beach second-skin saddle for a week, and it is fantastic. Seems to fit my horse quite well and he is moving much more freely through his back and shoulder.
The company has been great to work with as well- everyone I’ve spoken with has been very responsive, friendly and helpful. So far I’ve been really pleased with the experience and can’t wait to get the new saddle.
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I’ve ridden in one. The leather is Sooo nice and they are so comfortable! If I had the money, I would definitely buy that or a CWD. also, the knee rolls are like air filled and very squishy(: very nice saddle.
[QUOTE=Faith Shirley;6191683]
Yes they are okay saddles. I would highly recommend a CWD though[/QUOTE]
What did you not like about the Voltaire saddles you test rode?
I rode in one several months ago. If I had the funds, I would already have bought one – I like it even better than my Devoucoux! Very comfortable, and I felt even closer to my horse. Quality is top notch - as it should be for that price! Plus the rep is super easy to work with.
I got a pair of boots (ordered last fall, arrived around new years) that I LOVE!! Best boots I have ever owned, and they look as good as they feel. I would highly recommend their boots to anyone.
I got a pair of Voltaire leathers. The quality of the leather is superb - they’re buttery soft - but I actually dislike riding in them. They are SO soft and narrow that they actually flip under your leg even when your stirrup is oriented correctly. I never had this issue with my mid-range Stubben leathers.
I kinda want to return them, to be honest. They were way too expensive to be uncomfortable. But I think I’ve used them too much to return them - they are also already showing wear after only a couple of months.
To add on, my only complaint about voltaires as that the pretty fabric doesnt stay all clean and perfect,it does get dirty, so don’t expect it to look like all those pictures because it will get a little dirty. Not horrible though.
Hi All! I just wanted to chime in. I don’t usually post on the H/j forum (lifelong eventer here!), but Voltaire Design is one of my clients, so this popped up on my radar screen.
First, to answer the question about the saddle names. Each saddle is named after a city that hosts a major international horse show. The latest saddle, the Elkton, was named via a facebook contest from a list of cities that we generated.
Of course the only exception to this is the Second Skin which is named for its design. With an inner flap made of specially treated, extremely supple calf skin, the airy Second Skin greatly reduces the bulk of the saddle and gives the rider the feeling of riding bareback.
On a personal level, I just ordered a Voltaire for myself (the Lexington) and I’m counting down the days until it gets here! For me the decision was really made by my horse. Lissell (a 20yo TB mare) can be tight through her back and often takes a bit to warm up. I didn’t think anything of it because my saddles fit, and she’s old, so I figured it was normal.
Then Bryan put a Second Skin on my horse and I was in love. And so was Lissell, who was free through her shoulders and soft through her back within moments. Unfortunately, I’m not a h/j rider, so I needed a different type of saddle, so I tried the Lexington next. Same thing. Happy horse = happy me.
Now I’m pining for a pair of tall boots (much to my boyfriend’s dismay :lol:).
I highly recommend Voltaire to friends, and not just because they’re a client! They stand behind their product, and their product is a good one.
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[QUOTE=CiegoStar;6197093]
I got a pair of Voltaire leathers. The quality of the leather is superb - they’re buttery soft - but I actually dislike riding in them. They are SO soft and narrow that they actually flip under your leg even when your stirrup is oriented correctly. I never had this issue with my mid-range Stubben leathers.
I kinda want to return them, to be honest. They were way too expensive to be uncomfortable. But I think I’ve used them too much to return them - they are also already showing wear after only a couple of months.[/QUOTE]
Why not contact Voltaire & discuss this with them?
I traded my CWD in for a Voltaire. It is so much lighter and more comfortable than my CWD. And the biggest thing is that my horses are loving it so much more! I was undecided about the blue stripes at first, but the saddle is so awesome and well made that it could have any color or pattern and I would be happy with it!
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Just an update I have had my saddle for 2 weeks now and I am in love! My mare is 100x happier and more comfortable in it compared to her in my Butet. She is moving better and jumping better. Everything feels easier and my balance is impeccable in comparison. I am thrilled with my purchase and can’t wait untill Old Salem next week to show in it! Also it is breaking in easily and comfortably and it wasn’t even slippery the first few rides. What I love most about it is the ability to really grip with my thigh. Until I rode in it I didn’t realize how hard it was to grip with my thigh in my Butet. I now feel incredibly insecure in my Butet compared to my wonderful Voltaire. As you can see I can’t say enough good things about the saddle. The worst thing about it is that you don’t have the option to order it without the “special” lining. I hate the lining and think it is overly advertising a brand, which I HATE (it is like wearing GAP or PINK across your chest - just tacky to me). But in reality it is a small cosmetic issue that is majorly outweighed by all the great assets this saddle has.
Samantha
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Anyone willing to share prices on their tall boots? I can’t seem to find anything helpful online…
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