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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 08:05:01 AM
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Hi,
I just brought my Ideal GP to the saddler for some flocking, and am hoping it comes back and that Esme is happy with it. However, I am prepared for the possibility that the vagaries of my horse's back mean that it isn't as good for her as first imagined when I first bought it 6 months ago.
I've been looking at unusual saddles, including Lavinia Mitchell saddles, WOW saddles, and Strada saddles.
I see very extreme reviews on WOW and on Strada, though so far I haven't read a negative review on LM saddles.
I've trawled through this forum and found a couple of WOW fans and a couple of Strada fans, and a couple of LM fans -- but just opening up the question again (sorry if this is boring to you guys!) in case you still feel the same about your saddles, or whether you've changed again.
My experience so far with Esme is to try a Sensation Treeless (it slips on her and this is one of those few treeless saddles that usually does not slip!), a Farrington Wide 17" (okay, but she's still showing that reluctance to use herself and "braciness" going into trot) and an Ideal (seemed good at first, but now less good and same braciness, though perhaps the saddler can adjust it. I fear not).
Am feeling very unsure of myself on this front, though I may be able to see Lavinia Mitchell in August and a very excellent WOW fitter, who does arab endurance, etc, in July.
Still, I need the views of you guys who know what I mean when I say my saddle doesn't seem just right on my arab...
Thanks in advance!
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 08:16:01 AM
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Hi Martha,
No experience with the Strada or WOW, and many of you know that I had Freya in an IDEAL WH, which is now being sold along with the other saddles to fund the next hunk of leather for the little lady...
I have, however, just been on the phone to saddles direct... For £15 you can order 1 or 2 saddles, they send them out to you, you keep them and try them for three days, and then you return them. If you like one, you send it back with a note saying you want to buy it, and then pay and they send it back out to you. If, within 28 days, you decide you don't get on with it, you can return it and get your money back.
I've ordered a Lavinia Mitchell GP saddle, and a Jeffries Harrier GP saddle.
Maybe have a look on their website and see if there are any on there that take your or Esme's fancy??
Hope this might help you  I know I'm turning to desperate measures for Freya now xxxx |
 
Splash&Freya. |
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jillandlomond
Platinum Member
Scotland
3586 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 08:30:23 AM
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What works for one horse, often can be a disaster on another. Lots of horses go well in, for example, Free n Easy and Reactor Panel, but these types of saddle don't suit all and can also be a disaster. It's the same with any brand really. It's a case of getting a really good fitter and listening to your horse. It doesn't matter what brand you buy, if it fits well and your horse moves well, that's the way to go....easier said than done |
    
Borders, Scotland |
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erica giles
Gold Member
United Kingdom
767 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:14:01 AM
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| Anyone got any views negative or positive on Paul Jones saddles ?? |
erica giles |
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kimgough
Bronze Member
England
109 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:19:53 AM
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I had no luck with a WoW saddle and eventually got my money back. I also had problems with a treeless saddle which caused over-girthing and back problems. I have had lots of luck with Ideal saddles but think the answer is a really really good saddle fitter. I highly recommend Ken Lyndon Dykes. He is absolutely brilliant and will brings lots of saddles and spend lots of time finding the perfect one for you and your horse. I do wish you luck as I know how difficult this can be.
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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:20:32 AM
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Annamaisy,
That is a really good resource, thank you!
The LM saddle might be able to be adjusted to fit your horse, even if it isn't fitting now. I'd get in touch with LM before deciding on that saddle. Unfortunately, you may not get her out to see you until August, as she is very busy. But you could talk to her about it.
Yes, agree with JillandLomond. I suppose that, like a stopped clocked, any brand will be right for SOME horse out there. The question might be more along the lines of who are the best saddle fitters, but not every saddle fitter is an expert in every brand. WOW saddles are modular, for example, so if you didn't have a good fitter the saddle would be a disaster just because they didn't choose the correct components for your horse.
If I look at how my Farrington VSD Wide looks on Esme, I'd say it was fine. But the saddler who saw her in it 6 months ago said that the cantle area wasn't right for her. I couldn't see that at all, which is one of the reasons I am so reliant on a saddle fitter. I don't have the eye or expertise.... |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:31:20 AM
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I'm not bothered with how long we have to wait to get her a saddle, I just want it to be right for her now. She gets long lined and walks out in hand, and then has a mad moment in her field, so at least she isn't just sat there getting fat  I think I may be overindulging her... But I don't care.
Actually, I think she is quite enjoying reclining in the field in this weather eating her grass, and enjoying her ice lollies [I made carrot ice lollies for the ponies! They loved them!!]
She still needs to buff up, so I don't think time off is hurting her at all.
Erica, I spoke to someone at Paul Jones saddles last week, regarding Freya, and although they sounded very professional, and are well known in the competing world, they didn't think they would have anything in stock for Freya that would fit her just right. At the very least, they were completely honest with me and although they said they would be able to make me a made to measure, they recommended Lavinia Mitchell [because of my odd shaped still-growing pony] and not themselves. If I decide in a few years I want a new saddle again, I would definitely speak to Paul Jones Co. again.
xx
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Splash&Freya. |
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erica giles
Gold Member
United Kingdom
767 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:41:09 AM
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My boy is pba so he does have a bit of a wither, I have an Ideal Susannah which is fab but I am looking for a gp. I tried two Paul Jones on him yesterday and they looked really good. Will ride in them tomorrow very well made saddles, but I cant find much information on them
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erica giles |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 09:48:54 AM
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The Ideal Susannah... Is that a GP??
Mine is an Ideal Charlotte, at least 35-40 years old, but in fantastic condition. I just want some knee rolls, and I don't think Freya is getting on very well with it anymore.
She's also a pb, so I know exactly what you mean!! xx |
Splash&Freya. |
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erica giles
Gold Member
United Kingdom
767 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 10:34:04 AM
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| No the Susannah is a dressage saddle, I have had a knee joint replaced so a dressage saddle helps me. But I do need a gp |
erica giles |
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FireLight
Gold Member
620 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 10:35:44 AM
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| I tried the treeless route, used a Torsion which I couldn't stay on with on spooky moments! So after lots of research I went down the Ansur treeless route. I loved the feel of it at first then the problems began. I seemed to lose confidence out hacking and didn't know why then my instructor pointed out my position had totally changed. Then Robbie started to complain about being girthed up so tightly (only way to stop the slipping). I plodded on for 6 months thinking things didn't seem quite right, I started to have a grumpy horse and he developed a phobia to me mounting. Anyway after lots of physio on Robbie, 3 months off work, a new treed saddle and my position back to normal we are happy. So yes listen to your horse, what one horse and rider finds fantastic another may find a nightmare! |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 10:41:13 AM
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Firelight, I've had Freya off work 2 months now, and physio every other week... Long! But hopefully worth it.
That's the problem though isn't it?
You know your horse, and how they go, someone who likes one saddle for their horse, on your own horse you know it wouldn't be right, or your horse lets you know pretty darn sharpish if it isn't right.
Freya first warned me the saddle wasn't right anymore when doing the girth up. She just wouldn't stand still... Although she is a real fidget bum what ever you are doing, I just knew that it could quite possibly be saddle related.
Then bucking started, and now the saddle is going to new home [hopefully anyway ].
At least your experience gives me hope lol xx |
Splash&Freya. |
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sab2
Platinum Member
8467 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:03:16 AM
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I know a couple of people who have bought the wow saddles and hated them both for different reasons , no experience on the LM saddle though  |
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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:35:40 AM
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Well, this is so interesting and informative - thank you for your responses. I hope more join in the discussion.
I have tried 2 different treeless on Esme and had the slippage problem (which I don't have with my other horse!) and the Ideal is being worked on as we speak.
Lavinia Mitchell can come in August. I can meanwhile go to a WOW fitter who is also a very knowledgeable arab enthusiast, endurance rider and Parelli instructor (Emily Titcomb). I am also having my "normal" saddler work on the Ideal, so I think pretty much I've covered the bases except the Strada alternative.....
Am extremely fed up with spending money on things that don't work for this horse (but do work for other horses!) and she hates dressage type girths, too, so that is another strike against the Wow, and possibly everything else I've mentioned....except the Ideal!
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Pop
Platinum Member
England
3051 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:39:57 AM
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| I'm beginning to think, if I ever buy another horse, I will get a saddle and then find a horse to fit it |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:40:21 AM
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The Ideal is a good saddle isn't it?
Would you consider going down the GP route with them if the price was right and fit Esme?
I'm now thinking that I should have stuck with Ideal, but I'm trying the LM and Jeffries now... I'll have to try the others after lol. I'll be queen of saddles soon enough with the amount Freya has tried! If only I could find the one!! |
Splash&Freya. |
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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:43:43 AM
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LOL, Annamaisy, the Ideal is great saddle! I liked mine to begin with and the troubles I am having now may only be a flocking issue, but I always felt as though it was a little too snug on the withers for Esme, though the saddler tells me I am wrong. What I am getting now is resistance in going forward into trot -- a "braciness', or something anyway that doesn't exist outside of riding her.
Mine is a tidy little 17" saddle with a nice "scoop", so perfect for her as it gets off her back where it has to toward the cantle, but it may need widening or it may not work at all...I just don't know. The saddler is "evening out" (?) the flocking and then wants to see her in it. Meanwhile, I am thinking of other options, as I always do. |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 11:59:10 AM
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Mine is snug too  such a shame, but I did want her to grow lol.
Strange isn't it.
My fitter [ex fitter now though] also said my saddle was fine fit wise, if not a little too long on her back... Then said I can continue to ride in it... Well considering I know it was pinching her, and it's also too long for her back, which was making her buck... I think I'll skip it and sell it and find a properly fitted saddle for the madam.
Ha!! Mine is a 15" tree with rolled panels to make a 16" seat, medium narrow and a really narrow gullet. It sits wrong on her now she has different muscle development, and I just don't like the way she goes in it. My saddle fitter was having none of it though, and basically told me Freya was misbehaving and I was letting her get away with it. PAH!! No.
She wasn't happy, and I like to think I know her well enough by now to notice her mood changes.
Exactly as you said, she only does is when I am on her, so that points towards the saddle rather than a naughty nappy ponio!
I think I might bite the bullet and look at a new Ideal... The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. A nice 15" medium GP.
Now to find the money... It's been disappearing much faster since these back and body problems Freya has thrown at me! At least I know it's worth it.. I just have to live off baked beans and bread for a few months  xx |
Splash&Freya. |
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rosie
Platinum Member
England
3662 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 1:00:53 PM
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Another one with major saddle problems with one of our horses.
We're now opting for a saddle company (not Arabian saddle company) saddle.
Bertie has had one fitted and Chelle rode in it, so now just waiting for it to be made. |
     
Last picture courtesy of Sweet Photography |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 1:25:59 PM
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So it's not just us then Martha! xx
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Splash&Freya. |
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FireLight
Gold Member
620 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 2:49:01 PM
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| Don't lose heart AnnaMaisy25 you will get there. Robbie has got a VSD Ideal and all is well, I have his back/girth area checked every 4 months and so far ok. I sometimes think horses are far more clued up on saddle fitting than any human could be. |
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AnnaMaisy25
Gold Member
England
794 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 3:01:28 PM
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Freya acts as though she knows everything there is to know in the world...
'Mum, that bush there is definitely a pony eating bush... If I rear and spin, it won't eat us'
*30 seconds later*
'See, told you mum, it didn't eat us because I reared! You are more than welcome I'll always keep you safe from those horrid bushes!!'
Cheers Frey, you're a star. |
Splash&Freya. |
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ella
Gold Member
United Kingdom
786 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 5:41:13 PM
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I love my Strada so much that when I saw another wider model on ebay I snapped it up.
I use the "Iberian" on 2 of the arabs & the "C" fit on my tabletop gelding. They fit me & all the arabs better than their made-to-measure saddles, which I've now sold (2x Farrington WH, 1x Manor WH, 1x Sandringham WH). The memory foam panels are just bliss, although they do mean the saddle needs to sit on the horse for 10mins before mounting in cold weather.
These saddles, dressage models, have flattish knee rolls and seat which allow enough room to shorten stirrups for a bit of jumping or longer canters out hacking, whilst I find the "dressage" stirrup bar position suits me better than a more forward bar.
Happy saddle hunting. It took me so many years to find something that I'm happy is comfortable for both the horse and me. |
   
"If an 'alternative treatment' has reliable effect it becomes classified simply as MEDICINE" D.B. |
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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 6:10:07 PM
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Ella, wait...don't go away!
Who fit your Strada? Apparently, there are some very good fitters and some not-so-good fitters and it makes all the difference, so I hear.... |
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Saby
New Member
10 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 9:14:08 PM
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hi, it is not so much the fitter with Strada saddles,although Ilga the owner of Strada is excellent and lways ready to help with any queries, it is fairly hard to go wrong. Basic fitting rules apply, no bridging, contact through either side of the length of the spine. Enough depth of panel so the saddle is not in contact with the wither when the panels warm up; Two fingers clearance at the pommel, sitting level on the horses back....
After that it is what the horse tells you! I would not ever want to ride in any other saddle now for many reasons.
I have had a 'complicated journey' and have 5 saddles all with different trees (there are only 6!). I can not bear to part with any of them as it gives me the ability to fit any horse that comes into my care past, present and future! If the saddle is moving or crooked I believe firmly from my experience you need to look at the horse more closely!
Ella, If you want me to talk through further please do PM me. |
Edited by - Saby on 08 Jul 2013 9:17:57 PM |
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pinkvboots
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3290 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 9:20:19 PM
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I used to ride a horse with a dressage wow saddle they were quite a new concept then and I really liked it, he was a 17h Warmblood with a huge stride and it really helped my position when riding him, although I know a few people that did not get on with them, one person said her pelvis used to ache after riding in one so I dont thing they suit everyone.
I have no experience of strada so cant comment, I had an Ideal Ramsay lovely saddle but it just didnt fit my horse and ended up causing muscle damage a few years down the line as it was too narrow.
As you know Martha I have one of Lavinia's dressage saddles and I love it glad I ordered a new one now, as I did look for a second hand one originally, Lavinia told me Arabi had totally the wrong shape back for the Ideal to ever fit properly and the close contact saddle just does not work for him, I am just so glad I found her as I have a lovely saddle that fits now. |
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WOW saddles, Strada saddles, Lavinia Mitchell
