Collegiate
Finalist - 17" wide
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Collegiate
Model: Finalist - 17" wide
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought this from a local tack shop/stable brand new, out-of-the-box for a heck of a deal at $499 (new!). I've been looking for a decent saddle for my horse but cannot pay a whole lot. The previous saddle I had was not working anymore, so I needed something different.
Likes: It fits my horses perfectly. They are both TB's, but one has a very wide barrel and the other is built like a warmblood. Plus, the flaps are forward and long enough for a rider with a very long thigh to ride with plenty of room at the knee (a first for me ever). The leather is very nice on it, and the saddle has great balance. It is comfortable and secure on the flat and works well over jumps, even with a powerful jumper. I love the position it puts my leg in, and is very easy to ride in.
Dislikes: The only thing I don't like so much is that it is hard to find matching stirrup leathers for-but I did.
Quality: Construction and quality is great. I'm very picky about saddles and leather, and this is one that fits the bill. The saddle fits horses very nicely, and even if it's a smidge wide it works very nicely. The leather breaks in easily and is very comfortable for both horse and rider.
Summary: This is a great saddle to buy, even at retail. The wide works great on slightly wider horses and has great balance on the flat and over fences. It is one of the few saddles that I can ride in the right seat size and have enough flap with my very long legs. Both my picky horses love this saddle, and if I had to get another, I would.
Rating: 5
Author: TBfreerider
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 3 out of 5.
21 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Duett Presto Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Bates Hunter Jumper Close Contact Saddles
Kincade close contact saddle Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Stein Kraut Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Diploma with gullet change system Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Heritage Bespoke Yin-Yang Inner Balance Jumper/Eventer Monoflap Close Contact Saddles
Bates Caprilli Close Contact, Long Flap Close Contact Saddles
Exselle Axcess Close Contact Saddles
Ovation close contact Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Evolution XCH Close Contact Saddles
Crosby DSL Equilibrium Close Contact Saddles
Beval Natural Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Parfaire Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Steinkraus Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Quarter Horse Jumping Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Crosby Prix de Nations Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Platinum, Buffalo leather, Genesis tree Close Contact Saddles
