What kind/brand of saddle do you hunt in?

[JSwan]

fuzzydise - I completely forgot about the County extreme. It’s similar to the Stubben Roxanne S, right? I don’t remember.

I bet that’s a nice saddle. I’m very pleased with both my County’s although I no longer use the cc for hunting - it is still a very well made saddle that has stood up to some harsh use. Same with my dressage saddle - the County WB is the best dressage saddle I have ever sat in.

Although - like others said - it really does depend on rider preference. I just like how they’ve held up over the years. I think the County cc will fit the yearling eventually. It’s too wide for the draft cross now and way too wide for the Appendix with his shark fin withers. - which works out because it was just way too flat and thin for me - since I am no longer flat and thin myself!

But the Stubben fits both of them - which surprised me.

For the OP - let us know what you decide on.

[rivenoak]

Courbette Galant

I, too, used to hunt in a PDN. With approaching decrepitude and finding that the PDN wasn’t all that fun for eventing either, I switched to something with honking blocks a few years ago. :lol:

Risk-Averse Rider has a Galant too and we call them the Seat Belts because they keep you secure. Courbettes wear like iron, so they’re a great value for the price.

[SteeleRdr]

Thanks for all the responses, I’m going out today to try a few. I had really considered the County too, so I’m gonna try to talk to Gina Perilla (County rep) this weekend and see what she can do for me. Seems like many people I have talked with do adore their County saddles. Now lets see how my checking account reacts!!

[Bogie]

I hunt in a Schleese event saddle (mono flap) or a Wintec Pro XC. The XC is a very comfortable and secure saddle. They aren’t made any longer but if you can find one, I think they are a bargain.

I hunted for several seasons in my old Stubben but found that it put me in a bracing position that I didn’t like.

[Steif]

L’Apogee www.LApogeeSaddles.com

[fuzzydise]

jswan…
Similar, yes. I love the County Extreme. very forward flaps and serious knee rolls though. So if you do not like forward flaps, not the saddle for you!!! Very comfy seat. Has held up VERY well. I finally has to replace the billets this year. the rep was thrilled with how good it looks and it has hunted HARD through Mississippi mud (aka-Concrete) and serious wet conditions!
To the OP-I got mine used through Middleburg tack exchange. I have seen some good prices if you decide you like a county. Check with your rep. They often have demos or used saddles that people have “opgraded” to.
Do let us know what you decide on!!

[HappyTalk]

I am not presently hunting but do hunter paces and competitive trail over some tough terrain. I am currently using a 15 year old Passier Baum and just love it. It has big honking knee rolls and really puts me in a secure balanced postion especially down steep hills. And I am able to jump in it!!!

[DocNDabby]

Although I am not currently hunting, I have hunted in my oh-so-comfy Pariani (which is now about 42 years old and I’ve had it from day one). Also in later years did jumper in it…and even with all of that it has held its looks and is in good shape. I worked from the age of seven to twelve to afford it and here I still ride my OTTB Hunter in it at age 54!! Built to last! (Now if I was just built to last…)

I’ve not seen anyone else list a Pariani…anybody out there have one???

[mcm7780]

@Bogie

I hunt in a Schleese event saddle (mono flap) or a Wintec Pro XC. The XC is a very comfortable and secure saddle. They aren’t made any longer but if you can find one, I think they are a bargain.

I hunted for several seasons in my old Stubben but found that it put me in a bracing position that I didn’t like.

There is actually one on E-bay right now. I am addicted to looking at saddles on E-bay. Of course I don’t have a horse anymore so I can’t buy, but I love to look!

[Houndhill]

DocNDabby, I was not familiar with the Pariani saddle so had to look them up on the web. Beautiful saddle, they now retail at $3200. Aren’t you glad yours has lasted so many years, just goes to show that quality does last!

OP, if you are interested, I bet you could find a used County or used any of the saddles mentioned for much less $$$ than a new one, and if it is a good quality saddle, it will hold its value over the years. So many places now will let you try them, so once you have a general idea of what you like and what fits your horse I would just try a bunch of them with an open mind.

[mcm7780]

DocNDabby – I have a Pariani that my dad bought used in 1990. He used it to learn how to ride and then used it for polo until he bought a proper polo sddle. :lol: I got it when I grew out of my first saddle. LOVE IT! They are so well made!

If anyone is interested in Pariani’s, you can usually pick them up cheap on E-bay. (Told you I was addicted!) There are usually a few older ones listed for about one or two hundred dollars. I have only seen a handful of newer ones on E-bay.

[DocNDabby]

Yep, Houndhill, I learned to try for the best quality you can manage from my grandparents! Although they were Arizona ranchers and I lived overseas doing my English riding thing at the time (but could not have a horse), they strongly encouraged me to go for the gusto in a saddle that would last. Five years is a LONG time to a kid, but I knew I wanted that saddle! I’m SO glad I did that!

Of course, even tho it’s in good shape and I still do ride in it, I recently decided I needed a second saddle what with a new horse and all!:yes:

Didn’t have a ton of money, but have tried to do the best I can within that budget. And, at 54, I don’t think I need one to last another 42 years!:lol:

I am curious, tho, about the County saddles you guys have mentioned… can you tell me about them??

[Trakehner]

Passiers and Stubbens

I prefer my Passiers…all purpose or full jumping saddles (I have hunted on my dressage saddle when I packed it by mistake…still did great).

For godawful weather…I bring the Stubben Siegfreid out of retirement.

[wateryglen]

Me?

Me? I ONLY hunt in my Hermes of course!! :winkgrin:

Wouldn’t be caught dead falling outa anything else!..:lol:

[ToolTime]

Stubben! (and county)

Stubben seigfried VSD, GREAT saddle for hunting and you should be able to find one at a reasonable price.

I also own a County Pro-fit, which I adore and is soooooo comfortable, but it does not fit the horse I hunt. Luckily he wears the Stubben.

We also picked the Stubben up for a reasonable price at the Middleburg Tack Exchange and it practically brand new!

(Edited to add: God Bless y’all who hunt in PDNs!! — You are hardcore and you rock!)

[Painted_Wings]

Pessoa Event

I hunt in a Pessoa Event Saddle. One of the older ones made by Harry Dabbs in England. Not Argentine.

I had my husband add D rings behind the flap as the Pessoa’s don’t ordinarily have these.

I like my Pessoa for eventing but I’m thinking of trying something different for hunting. I’ve been looking at the Cliff Barnsby saddles. They look really well built and comfy. I’m going to make sure I meet up with John the Barnsby salesman when he comes through Missouri in August. If nothing else he’s a hoot to listen to. I had a chat with him at Rolex, he was wonderful.

[armandh]

PW can try about any one she wants

because her hubby has a tack shop
http://home.att.net/~TheTackRoom/
given the unlimited choices
her answer is probably better than what I have tried.
I like mine but understand the model is no longer made.

[xeroxchick]

I hunted for years in a Crosby Olympia II Softride and was very happy. Now I hunt in a Butet and love it - no bulk, very comfortable, soft leather and my leg feels like it is in a channel. Very secure and comfortable for hours.
Stubbens are so hard nowadays. The leather isn’t what it used to be. That “armchair” kind of saddle feels overstuffed and I, personally, feel insecure in those.

[imissvixen]

Flyover

I bought a Flyover in January and hunted the rest of the season in it. I love it! It replaced my 45 year old Barnsby. In between I tried a new Barnsby and a County and I didn’t like either. I think it must depend alot on your own confirmation and how you fit your horse. The nice thing about the Flyover is it has the knee pads but with the monoflap there is nothing else between you and your horse. My horse has shark withers and a well sprung rib cage so it is tricky for me to find a saddle that lets me get my short fat legs around him.

But I don’t think you need to have short fat legs to like a Flyover.

[SteeleRdr]

So after much searching, I have settled on a few choices and wanted some opinions. I have started leaning towards a Tad Coffin. I found one in great condition for about half the price of a new one and it’s less than a year old. Anyone have experience with a Tad Coffin saddle? I’ve heard they are fairly comfortable, but that is from friends that are h/j riders, not foxhunters. Thanks in advance.