Who has a Smith-Worthington?

[Haffielover]

Does anyone out there have a Smith-Worthington Maxx Combined Training saddle? It’s an all-purpose/trail saddle. Here’s the link:
http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=product&id=174

I am looking at a used one, and I recently had it on trial for a bit. It isn’t a jumping saddle, but I jumped in it and loved it. Website says it is great for “the occasional jump.” I only trail ride, take jumping lessons, and love to jump small xc jumps or logs.

If anyone has this saddle, do you jump in it? For what I do, I think it would be perfect. But I want some other opinions and thoughts.
Thanks!!!

[CaitlinandTheBay]

I don’t have a Maxx CT, but I did buy a new SW Heidi last year, and I can’t say enough good things about this company. Quality products, excellent customer service, very professional. I’d recommend giving them a call Tuesday (closed Monday) and explain the situation and ask their opinion. I’ve found them to be very honest and not at all concerned with up-selling you anything. They actually convinced me to go with a cheaper saddle than i’d originally picked out bc they felt it’d fit my needs better. Definitely worth a call.

[Wayne]

I have a custom Smith Worthington from the 70’s. It is still in great shape and has fit both thorobreds and warmbloods. I broke the tree and sent it back to them to be fixed. They repaired it free of charge and sent it back to me. Mine is hard as a rock to sit on, not like the new padded ones. I use it as a reserve saddle now but I still love it.

[Hippolyta]

My mother bought her first horse in 1975. I was very small, but I remember going to Hartford & picking up her new Smith Worthington. It, too, is still in good shape (it did have a pretty easy life, but I think 40 yrs & still kicking is a good deal).

[Paks]

the Combined training saddle and the all purpose trail saddle are two different saddles. This is the trail saddle http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=product&id=168 If you have the Combined Training saddle it’s great for jumping.

I own an SW mystic all purpose trail. It’s great for low level jumps. I wouldn’t want to go to far over 3 foot in it on a regular basis. When I got my saddle I found the conpany very easy to work with. They custom fit the saddle for my horse based on 5 different tracing and photos this was included in my rather low price of $795.

The maxx line can be adjusted an infinite number of times so if for some reason in the future it doesn’t fit the horse you have you can send it in and the tree resized.

[Haffielover]

Thanks everyone! Yes, the saddle I’m looking at is the Combined training saddle. I’ve heard about the great customer service as well, so that’s a great thing.

This is the second time I’ve taken the saddle on trial. First time my friend and I looked at the fit, which we thought was pretty good. But we are not experts in that area. I rode in it as well, jumped about 5-6 jumps and it felt great. But I wasn’t sure if it was just a fluke. Hopefully tomorrow, I will have my trainer check it out on my boy and then ride in it. I will upload some pics if I can and see what anyone thinks about the fit.

Thanks again.

[Paks]

I you are interested Smithworthington has articles about saddle fitting for both rider and horse. http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=saddle_guides

I used the saddle one when I had my saddle cutom fit to my horse.

[fordtraktor]

I don’t have that model but I have two other SWs and love them. Great saddles, great company.

[GreyDes]

FYI, if you’re okay with suede knee patches, you can get a new one for under $1,400 direct from Smith Worthington.

http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=product&id=558

[Haffielover]

Thanks again everyone. Helpful information!

GreyDes, that is the exact saddle I have on trial. What do you think of the suede knee patches??? Too retro or perfect for someone who is still taking jumping lessons

[gloriginger]

I got one on ebay for $50 a few years back, rode in it once and sold my horse. I have been toying with the idea of selling it lately, as I am not riding regularly, and could use the space and $…but now I am thinking I should hang on to it.

[Sandy_M]

I don’t know about that model, but I really liked my SW Maxx Dressage saddle - until my horse “outgrew” it to the point where it could not be modified to fit him properly. I sold it with reluctance. FWIW, at one point where I had it modified earlier on (when he was 4), the saddlemaker who did the work commented very favorably on the quality of the workmanship and leather in the SW saddles.

[KarenC]

I have had 2 SW saddles. An endurance saddle (which I bought used and ended up selling because it was just too big for me), and now a Mystic VSS type saddle. I think the quality of these saddles is fantastic and they have great customer service (I have sent even non SW saddles to them to be reflocked/resized). These saddles seem to fit horses really well also - I don’t know how some saddles manage to do that (with multiple horses), but these do. I would love to get one of their dressage saddles too when I have some extra cash to throw around.

[GreyDes]

Haffie - no one will see them when you’re in the saddle, and you’ll get extra grip. For that price, I love them

[Beverley]

I deal direct with the factory as they have no dealers in the neighborhood. I bought a flattish saddle for hunting on clearance a couple of years ago and they were very fussy, in a good way, about getting the fit right via photos and measurements. And they got it right the first time. I had ridden years ago in SW’s belonging to hunters who’d been at it since the 1930s. And George Washington used them too.

[LoriO]

I love SW saddles! I haven’t tried that specific model but have owned both the Mystic and the Avalon over the years. LOVE"EM!!!

[Lady_Eboshi]

Watch out for some of the SW strap goods for sale these days, though; they’ve got some “affordable” lines of bridles etc. that can charitably be described as “passing the 25-foot test” but are some really funky painted-cardboard “leather” out of India. The “McBride” brand especially is really to be avoided unless you’re desperate enough to go show in what should be a $30 bridle. I got bagged with one via E-Bay and was shocked that SW sells these.

[Beverley]

Oh, I disagree Lady E, I bought a flat bridle for hunting 5 or 6 years ago now, fairly priced, and not the Indian cardboard. It is holding up well and I was very pleased.

[Lady_Eboshi]

[QUOTE=Beverley;7722656]
Oh, I disagree Lady E, I bought a flat bridle for hunting 5 or 6 years ago now, fairly priced, and not the Indian cardboard. It is holding up well and I was very pleased.[/QUOTE]

Right; you got the expected quality. This other stuff under their label is a surprise.

[Beverley]

Ah, I did space on your reference to the ‘McBride’ brand. I think what I have is made in England if not by S-W, I’ll have to look at the stamp.