Horse Tack Review
Ascot International
Riding/Eventing/Jumping Saddle
All Purpose Saddles
For Sale on eBay
For Sale on Amazon
Manufacturer: Ascot International (View all products by Ascot International)
Model: Riding/Eventing/Jumping Saddle (View all Riding/Eventing/Jumping Saddle reviews)
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle because it was advertised as a relatively inexpensive "step up from the saddles normally sold on eBay." According to the vendor, a California based company called Frontier Equestrian, the saddle retailed for $599, but their "special relationship" allowed them to sell the saddles for under $200 -- mine cost $165.
Likes: This is an attractive, sturdy saddle with reinforced stirrup leathers and a medium tree that I've had no problems using on Morgans, thoroughbreds, and Quarter horses. It's easily as comfortable as some of the more expensive saddles I've used in the past. You definitely get more for your more for your money -- I would say $500 an accurate reflection of the quality.
Dislikes: The vendor implies that Ascot is a European company and "used extensively" throughout England and Germany (however, I have NEVER seen an Ascot saddle advertised in UK horse publications), but they are actually made in India; the leather is very dull, making these saddles shine is impossible...that's my biggest complaint. Also, be aware that this is a very forward saddle -- if you are prone to hunching (like I am), you may want to find a more traditional seat.
Quality: The construction is very good, it can take a beating and still look snappy. The quality of the leather, as I mentioned before, leaves something to desired.
Summary: This is a good middle-ground piece of tack for a serious rider who is still novice. It's safe, comfortable, and while $600 may be highballing the price somewhat quality wise, the $145 - $250 range they're sold for through Frontier Equestrian is a great deal.
Rating: 4
Author: Tracie
Date: 2004-07-08
Usefulness Rating: 4 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Yves Cazeneuve saddle all purpose All Purpose Saddles
Thornhill Jorge Canaves Saddle Trail, Endurance, Foxhunting etc. All Purpose Saddles
EquiRoyal Pro Am All Purpose Saddle All Purpose Saddles
Kincade Redi Ride AP Synthetic Saddle All Purpose Saddles
Stubben Genesis VSD All Purpose Saddles
Startrek Icelandic All Purpose Saddles
Jeffries Falcon All Purpose Saddles
Wintec 2000 with CAIR easy change gullet system All Purpose Saddles
Wintec Pro All Purpose with CAIR All Purpose Saddles
AFFORDABLE EQUINE SUPPLIERS SABANNA SADDLE All Purpose Saddles
Ghost Ghost Firenze All Purpose Saddles
Syd hill and sons Australian stock saddle Suprema drafter poly All Purpose Saddles
Ernst Goedicke English Sadle Original All Purpose Saddles
Ghost Treeless Quevis All Purpose Saddles
Stockman bush rider saddle Bush rider All Purpose Saddles
Fairfax Thorowgood All Purpose Saddles
DixieLand Saddle Endurance Skirt All Purpose Saddles
JC Martin Wade Saddle All Purpose Saddles
CTK Saddlery G120 All Purpose Saddles
Duett Saddlery Companion Fox Hunter All Purpose Saddles