Beval
Devon 2000
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Beval
Model: Devon 2000
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I purchased my saddle in almost-new condition from a tack shop for $1000 in December of 2009. I bought the saddle because the Crosby saddle I had didn't fit my horse properly, and I was looking for a quality used saddle that would give me a secure, close contact feel and a balanced position, and of course fit my horse well.
The Beval Devon I bought is regular tree with a plain flap. I was not familiar with the brand and model when I bought it, but chose it after test riding quite a few saddles. Nine years later, the saddle is still in excellent condition. In recent years I've had the opportunity to ride in several different high-end saddles (including Antares and County), I still really prefer my Devon for the close feel it gives me.
Likes: I have two horses of my own and also frequently ride other people's horses, and the saddle fits most horses very well. The saddle has a flat seat that makes it very easy to ride in a half seat when needed, and gives me a very balanced jumping position. I love the close contact feel of the saddle. It has always felt like it fits perfectly supporting under my seat bones and gives me a tight, secure feel through my whole leg. While it isn't very padded, I have always found it comfortable because it fits so well. A lot of the newer, more padded saddles with the wide twists make me feel less connected to my horse and loosen my calf.
Dislikes: Compared to many of the newer saddles, the seat isn't very padded and can feel hard if you're in the saddle for a long time (for instance, if trail riding for more than an hour or two).
Quality: The saddle is very well constructed of full grain leather, and even after 9 years of hard use, riding 4-5 days per week (in jeans most of the time, I might add) the saddle is still in excellent condition and looks good. There is some wear on the piping between the seat and the flap over the stirrup bar, but all is intact. The billets are still in very good condition, and the saddle hasn't needed any repair at all.
Summary: I highly recommend this saddle to anyone looking for a very close contact saddle that helps put you in a correct balanced position both for jumping and flatwork. I ride hunters and jumpers and jump up to 3'6 and it seems well suited to what I do.
Rating: 5
Author: Oregon rider
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
3 reader(s) voted.
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