I love my l’apogee. It is hands down the most well balanced easiest to ride saddle I’ve ever ridden in. A close second is my old Childeric model D which is a very simliar design.
I tried quite a few saddles last year when I was shopping for my saddle. But I ended up falling in love with the Albion SLK Ultima which I did end up getting.
It just seems to fit my mare and I very well. She is quite sensitive in her back and didnt seem to like most others. But she goes very well in the Albion.
In second place I really like Custom Saddlery. I have sat in a few of their models and liked them quite well.
I’ve been saddle shopping this year so I’ve tried lots of the little boogers. What a pain, I’m hoping it will be over with soon.
I’m 5’8" and have a short distance from pelvis to hip. My leg is a little on the short side compared to upper body. Horse is a SWB gelding, big shoulders, shark-fin wither, a rather rangy sort with a good bit of TB in his pedigree.
The contenders have been: Custom Saddlery Advantage (I loffed, my horse not so much), Verhan Odessey (fell forward and twist was too wide), older Equation (didn’t like, leather bunched under leg, stirrup bars not right), older Saddler’s Bench (crotch buster), Black Country Eden (comfortable, but too flat for me, horse didn’t mind it), own a Spalding which is comfy but not deep enough (fits horse pretty well).
Bought a newer Equation as it fit my gelding well. For me, it’s not uncomfortable by any means, the adjustable stirrup bars are nice. But I always feel that I’m sitting on top of it and never in or around it - if that makes sense to anyone.
Well… along comes the Custom Saddlery Everest (for the high withered crowd) - I love it for me and this is the third ride in it today and gelding seems to be fine with it too!
So… if all goes well with the Everest… anyone need a Spalding or Equation saddle? Good prices…:winkgrin: 
Verhan! Innovative wide panel wide channel design that cushions the back, weight distribution that frees up the shoulder, indestructable buffalo leather on the flaps, very comfortable, a well placed thigh block that allows the rider to relax his leg muscles. Custom made for the same price as a non-custom off the shelf saddle.
Spirig - very long wearing and comfortable.
Neidersuss Symphony, beautiful leather, beautiful quality work, just didn’t happen to fit my horse.
wow! i can’t believe i’ve actually ridden in or had almost every single saddle that was mentioned. i’ve been through a schleese, 3 albions, 2 passiers, 1 custom hulsebos but now i have a stübben genisus with the biomex seat and the anky remy carriet (both awesome!).
i’ve never ridden in the childeric tho. looks like i might have to really work on the research and prep of this webisode before sitting down to script the pre-production on it.
thanks to you all for the insights on your favorites!!! this was super helpful!!!
FYI i have some great pictures on my blog from training this last week. i’m getting super excited to head to holland and train with anky in about a week from now and the training at home is going great! http://blog.horsegirltv.com
thanks again!
