have had my antares since 2011, and ridden literally dozens and dozens of different horses in it and it has held up extremely well with care. It’s also calfskin and I would estimate that it has probably performed close to 6,000 hours if that helps ease your mind.
My PJ wore like iron. I think part of the problem with French saddles is that people don’t know how to care for them properly and don’t clean and condition them regularly. My PJ gets cleaned with Stubben Saddle Soap and treated occasionally with pure Neatsfoot oil. That’s it. And heaven forbid, I ride in JEANS! I had a Tad Coffin that held up really well. And, as another poster mentioned, the best saddle to buy is one that fits your horse and secondly, fits you.
I got rid of it a few years ago.
Smith Worthington sadly is no longer in business. But you can still find lightly used ones out there. I love my 2 smith worthington saddles! I needed xwide hoop trees for my 2 boys.
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I LOVE my Ideal – incredibly comfortable, wool flocked, holding up wonderfully (purchased 2018)
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I am really lusting after a Tad Coffin saddle. It’s silly, because I’ve never ridden in one and don’t know anyone who has, I just think they look classy and comfortable. It seems like the TC2 model generally fits thoroughbreds better, is that right?
