try it!
definitely try it! everyone I know who has tried one loves it. And I know a Whip who hunts for hrs in hers for many many years. It IS close contact, so if you want a thick saddle (or the other benefits of an AP), its not for you, but its the most comfortable close contact I have tried.
Yeah, I really didn’t want a AP, but a close contact with just a bit more support in the knee, which this one has a small knee roll and a knee pad, which is TONS more than my current saddle (a true flat flapped PDN).
I think I’m going to go for it, from what I’ve taken it’s a good price and a good saddle.
its very very rare to find a used one that is that “young” for a good price, they often re-sell for just 20% off retail, and its hard to find used ones at all, as people tend to hang onto them, and they DO last. You are lucky!
Saddle preference
I have been hunting in a Crosby Sofride Event saddle for 9 years -I really like it.
BTW I am still using the original leathers that I purchased with it as well. Had them restiched but they are still working otherwise.
It was one of the few that had a 19 inch seat available and felt good to me and fit my horse - the one that I was riding at that time - it fits most of the horses that I have ridden since then very well.
Passier & then some…
Depending on who I was hunting…
I’ve had several Passiers over the years, different models - the one I have now I bought used from a very tall German girl who rode jumpers and had the saddle custom made to fit her. It suits about 110% of the time. I’ve had the best luck w/Passiers and generally prefer them for comfort to both horse and rider.
However, I have also hunted in an old Crosby Olympia II and found it very comfy. I liked it because it wasn’t like sitting in a catcher’s mit…I don’t like feeling trapped. The Passier I have now was built with pretty big rolls and blocks so it’s nice on some critters but I preferred the Crosby on my recently retired mare.
Ditto what someone wrote about saddles being like underwear. I’ve seen people hunt for hours in things I would sit in for 15 minutes…to each his own. I’ve ridden in and still own more saddles than I can shake a stick at (Berney, Stubben, Collegiate, Crosby, …) different saddles for different horses for different jobs. If you are near a good consignment tack shop or have the ability to ride in saddles belonging to friends, you don’t necessarily have to hunt in them to know which ones will make the cut and which won’t. Good luck in your search!
I’ll be in the market for a new saddle in a year or two and will probably go the Passier route again…never had a bad one…
Barnsby or Fieldhouse.
The County Extreme is a GREAT saddle! I have one and have kept it although I ride mostly dressage now, because it puts you in a great secure place. I first used one when I went to try out my current horse, because that is what the seller had. It was a time when I was scared to death to jump after a bad fall, and believe it or not ---- I jumped!!! I do not use it very much now, but I still love to see it on my fancy saddle rack. If you get the chance at least gallop in one! Good luck!
Wow this is an old thread!
But just to add- I’m no longer looking. I bought a Tad Coffin and I absolutely love it!!! I use that and my PDN still. For anyone who like a flat saddle, but with the slightest bit more in front of your knee, I highly recommend the TC!
Albion Cross Country Saddle
Hi-
I hunt in the Albion Cross Country Saddle, which I believe is called the K2. It has a knee roll and a thigh block and heavy padding at the knee rolls. It is soooo comfortable and I have yet to find a horse that it doesn’t fit. I highly recommend it.
Best of luck!
Mary
Butet
Tried a friend’s and was immediatly hooked - very comfortable, soft but my leg feels very secure and steady without bulk. Counties were so bulky they felt dangerous. Hunted in my father’s old Stubben, then a Crosby Olympia II until I got my Butet. Guess it depends on your build.
County Eventer
I’ve had my County Eventer for about a decade, and far from being “so bulky it feels dangerous,” it has undoubtedly saved me a few times on the hunt field! Like many earlier posters, I don’t like a huge knee roll or a very deep seat. I found the County Eventer provides plenty of grip and comfort on a green OTTB out for several hours of good galloping and jumping, but not SO much padding that I feel immoblized or too far away from my horse. I tried the Symmetry before buying and liked it but felt it placed me more forward than I liked for hunting; happily, the Eventer has been great for hunting and jumping. Deep enough for excellent security, but not so deep that I feel like I’m climbing out of a wheelbarrow when jumping.
Like someone said earlier, I guess it’s partly down to taste and partly down to horse and rider conformation!
I have a couple of friends that Fox Hunt (and I will be too as soon as my horse is more trail broke, lol). They both just love Courbette’s Stylist with the deep seat.
Stubben Mod
I have a Stubben Roxanne S and I found the short billits caused a lot of problems and bulk under my leg. I had the three billits and the safe removed and the front and rear billit replaced with 35 inch dressage billits. It has the advantages of a mono flap in a double flap package. My leg is closer to the horse, the bulk is gone and the saddle fits better then before. I am very pleased and recommend it for saddles with short billits.
Jim
Barnsby or Fieldhouse Pro Event
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
