[QUOTE=Jax90;6293448]
Anyone willing to share prices on their tall boots? I can’t seem to find anything helpful online…[/QUOTE]
Thank you for asking this, as I was getting ready to do some googling!
I think they start at around 800 for custom, and up depending on the features you want. I can ask the rep.
I bought a pair of boots that were their demos. As in, these boots were custom made, for someone else. There was not a pair of off the shelf tall boots in my size to be found by the time I got to Thermal (7 slim tall, extra extra tall if you have it) and my customs were incorrect when they came in. I had borrowed boots but they were really big on me through the calf. I have chicken legs.
My trainer (who knows I have a shopping problem) told me the borrowed boots were fine. He told me not to go down vendor row. I went to see some California friends, and that da*n Voltaire booth was not in vendor row. It was on the way to the ring. By the way, did you know Voltaire boots are lined in blue?
The boots were 1/2 size too small and I knew they’d be a touch short when I broke them in. I feel like Cinderella’s taller stepsister when I ride in them, and I had to take out the cushy insoles and still they pinch my feet if I am sans golf cart, but the leather is LIKE BUTTER and I rode in them immediately and showed in them the next day. The style on these boots is the absolute best. Tiny bit of croc at the top of mine, and the skinniest ankles I’ve ever seen. I love them, and I am having a nightmare getting my customs that I ordered done right (and they actually cost more). So, if you are considering custom boots, I’d spring for these. You are certain to get the most fashion forward look if that’s what you want. They do look a little different than other boots, so if you don’t like to look different, keep that in mind. They are really fitted. I left the barn in jeans and paddock boots and came back in those boots and new Animos. I had suspected my Animos were too big and the Animo rep informed me that I’ve been wearing a 42 when I am a 38. When I walked back to the barn I looked like I’d had a major California makeover.
The boots cost the same as any other high end custom. Think Der Dau, not La Mundial.
My boots are at the barn. I will take pics on Tuesday for you!
[QUOTE=Justice;6296596]
My boots are at the barn. I will take pics on Tuesday for you![/QUOTE]
That would be awesome! I’m not actually looking (since I have no hope of getting into the show ring this year), but a friend was and we’ve had quite the time finding her boots. Similar sounding issues to yours, her ankles are the tiniest I’ve ever seen!
She’s so hard to fit that I literally wouldn’t let her buy anything where the rep wasn’t within driving distance, just in case they still screw them up. That pretty much left us with Gemelli boots…the guy was great and they’re gorgeous boots, so hopefully they work.
Meanwhile I will continue to dream of the blue lining of the Voltaires for myself…
I got lucky riding (no pun intended) on my trainer’s coat tails and sampled a couple demos.
Hands down, this is one of the most balanced saddles next to my old trainer’s CWD which I covet. I have to work very hard to stay balanced in my County because it really doesn’t fit my leg now that I’m a full grown adult (it’s not long enough nor forward enough), but in the Voltaire all that work is done for me so I can focus more on other positional issues for both me and the horse.
The blue stripes along the gullet don’t bother me at all. A good fitting saddle is a good fitting saddle.
The seats tend to run on the small side–I was most comfortable in an 18’’, although in everything else I’m normally a 17’’. I have exceptionally long femurs, and the extra long extra forward fit me beautifully. knee blocks were minimal which I really like.
I was most intrigued about the reflockable foam system which they advise you do every three years or when you get a new horse. It is either a brilliant concept that will work fantastically, or it will be a big PITA. But since I am currently free-lance riding until I find a plausible free-lease (maybe), I am hesitant to try and get my County sold and put down the investment on a better saddle. And now I really want to look into boots. These new (yes, as in less than a year old) ariats are not holding up as well as my old Crownes. I might as well bite the bullet now for a really sturdy pair of customs… ugh.
[QUOTE=Limone;6292763]
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[/QUOTE]
Glad to read your feedback on the Voltaire. I just ordered a Second Skin 14 1/2" for my 8 year old daughter, who rides for Frank at Old Salem. Yes, almost $5K is quite a bit of cash for a pony saddle, but she’s a committed rider and I look at her saddle as an investment in her riding career. I love how the saddle should give her a much better feel, plus the saddle is being built to give her a great balanced position. I know that Stella Manship rides in a Voltaire and loves hers. The Youth Program was a real selling point for me as well. I hope to get at least a year of use before she has to upgrade to a bigger seat. I’ll post when she receives her saddle and rides a few trips in it.
So, what did we findout about these saddles? I’d love to get the complete run-down on them.
I have a friend who is considering purchasing one, but I’m not sure what to tell her? Yes or no?
I had one for about 6 months. While I loved the look/leather, how it was light weight and the overall balance, the panels were already wearing down considerably with only weekly lessons (which costs several hundreds to replace), the fabric underside would never come clean, and I had some very unpleasant experiences with the west coast rep. I bought the lovely leathers as well…after about 10 rides they are already stretched, and peeling at the ends.
Boots
Boot pic!
My fancy Koenigs just came in, and I still don’t like them. They don’t have the nice snug fit through the heel and ankle. I think these have spoiled me for anything else.
My sister and most of her barn in Nor. Cal. ride in the Palm Beach and she LOVeS them. My oldest rode in it when she was there last and said it was a very nice ride. My sis used to have everyone in Antares but switched many when she checked out these saddles! Super comfy and makes the horses happy!
If I had the extra $ I would probably swing for one myself! 
My experience was, I tried one, palm beach, I think and my horse, who is the hack winner in most competitions, never felt better!
I was amazed, then I jumped and almost fell out of the tack, there was nothing in front of my knee!
The rep said I needed more of a forward flap, but didn’t have one for me to demo and I would have to buy it and if I didn’t like it"he would make it work"!
Too bad for me, because I think they are on to something!
So many of us have had amazing results on the flat, oh well!
Hi All, Can someone tell me what is different about these saddles that allows horses to go better? Thanks, fg
According to the rep I talked to they have a wider gullet that allows more flexibility in the horse’s spine when jumping. Not sure I buy it, but it was interesting nonetheless. I haven’t sat in one, but I did notice Beezie switched to them so they can’t be just fashion without function!
Hi All, I thought I saw a post saying a COTHer works for Voltaire. Can someone point me to that individual? I can’t locate the post now. Thanks, fg
Milouette, I believe
COTH poster Amandine works for Voltaire…
My friend has a new Voltaire. With the blue channel and the blue billet guards. It’s actually very comfortable and you can’t see the blue just looking at it. She got a great deal on it, $3500 new… But then I think the rep got in big trouble for giving her that price.
I tried one…nice saddle
I took a Voltaire Palm Beach with second skin on trial. Beautiful, beautiful saddle with great balance on the flat. The leather was so nice that everyone at the barn wanted to touch it! New, it was around $4500.
I had a very nice experience working with the FL based rep via phone. I was trying to fit a hard to fit thoroughbred type horse and this was one of only two saddles I tried that worked for him. I did really like the wide gullet design and the panel design gave him tons of clearance. He moved extremely well in the saddle, a noticeable difference.
The only reason I ended up going with the other fitting saddle option was because I didn’t like the Voltaire as well over fences. It didn’t seem to support my leg as well. It was too minimal for me over fences. I ended up getting a used narrow County Stabilizer for half the cost. It’s not what I anticipated I’d buy, but it works really well for me and the horse so who can complain?
Based on my experience with Voltaire, I like the company and its a quality product…I would look at them again down the road.
