Saddle shopping for a new horse. My Amerigo doesn’t fit him, and wouldn’t buy the model that supposedly would fit him because they don’t stand behind their product. I tried the Tad Coffin, horses seemed to like it, and I think he’s the most innovative saddle maker out there (I did the heavy water test and it got my attention). But my nether regions screamed NO!. So now looking at Bruno Delagrange and Antares. I’d love to hear your comments about both, and suggestions for others. I’m short, with short legs and usually prefer a deeper seat saddle, so I was surprised that the Tad didn’t seem too flat for me. thank you!
I used to have an Antares and absolutely loved it, as did my horse at the time. Sold it because it didn’t work for my new horse and wanted to get a new Anatares but found the rep in my area the be very unresponsive- and heard of others having a hard time as well. That was enough to turn me off, but I still really like the saddles. I’d ask around about both reps in your area and how other’s experiences have been with them.
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My previous saddle was an Antares. Despite being custom fitted for me and my horse, I never loved it. There wasn’t anything wrong with it but I never felt as close and connected to my horse as I wanted. Maybe just too much saddle for someone who grew up riding in flat saddles during the 70’s.
After eight years, when it needed a new seat and repairs on the flaps, I bought a new Butet. From minute one, I was in heaven. The leather feels buttery and it gives me a close contact feel while still being supportive. Most of the riders at my barn, from Grand Prix to long stirrup, also ride in Butets. There are many seat and flap options.
My trainer and a few amateurs ride in Devacoux saddles. I tried one and liked the soft French leather but I didn’t feel quite close enough to my horse. A top amateur hunter rider at my barn rides in a Tad Coffin. She says it’s uncomfortable and wishes she’d gotten a Butet.
Good luck with your search.
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I have an Antares that I purchased new about 2 years ago. I absolutely love my saddle and it fits me great and it fit the horse it was purchased for great too! I had a really good rep though.
Like you, I am short with short legs. My saddle is the Classique model which they don’t make anymore, and it is supposedly a deep seat, but I would call it half deep it think. I found the Contact to ride just as deep as the Classique and they call it either half or semi deep.
My barn is primarily Antares and Bruno, and everyone I know who has a Bruno absolutely loves it. If the Bruno rep had been out I think that I would have likely went with a Bruno instead, because their flaps are wider which is one thing I don’t love about my Antares; if I drop my stirrups a few holes I have a tendency to run into the calf block. I also think that the Bruno leather holds up better and is less prone to discolouration, which I also appreciate. That being said, they are both excellent saddles, and assuming you have good reps for both, I don’t think that you can go wrong with either.
I love my Voltaire, Palm Beach, second skin option. Like it a lot more then the 3 Antares I tried. I also really liked the Bruno I had on trial but the flap was too long.
I love my ancient Bruno PJ Lite (now Athena) and dearly wish it would fit my current critters! Incredibly comfortable, if I had the money I would have ordered a new one for them custom-fit (and I’m sure I will in a few years).
