Stubben
Columbo II
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Stubben
Model: Columbo II
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle from eBay, and I am the third owner. I paid I think about $300 with shipping and no fittings. I think new they were $900-1200. I bought this saddle to restart my riding career after a life created a long horsey hiatus and all of my tack had been sold.
Likes: I absolutely *love* the buffalo hide. It is much more grippy than cowhide or pigskin, but does not at all make you feel like you're sticking to the saddle. I have ridden in plenty of saddles over my horsey lifetime, and I have grown to truly appreciate a saddle that takes care of you as a rider and does not have any features that work against you. This one puts you in a correct, balanced position, and does not have overly large rolls or blocks. It is wonderful over fences. Experienced riders will appreciate this saddle, and newbies will learn what it feels like to sit correctly. It is not particularly heavy either and the seat is flat but soft. I have used this saddle in the ring, over fences, and on the trail. It is a very secure trail saddle, even up and down very big hills!!! No D rings on the off side for a bag though...
Dislikes: The II is more of an all-purpose model. The Columbo also came in other styles, though I have tried none. One previous owner allegedly rode in this saddle at the Grand Prix showjumping level, but I find that the flaps of the II are not quite forward enough for the big stuff. I am an intermediate HJ person, and it feels fine to me over 3'-3.5' fences. I have not tried to school in a classical seat for dressage in this saddle, so I cannot speak to its versatility. I think that the seat of this particular Columbo is too flat for dressage. There is a VSD model for dressage however.
Quality: My saddle is probably about 15 years old, to my knowledge has been regularly used its whole life, and some of the stitching is just now coming loose. The flocking has gotten hard too, but that's to be expected. I will have it reflocked soon. The leather is amazingly supple and strong, and even the looser stiching is still quite secure. Stubbens are built to last a very long time (with proper TLC of course), and I believe it!!!
Summary: If you find one of these, buy it!!!!! You will love it! I ride in Courbette's also (which I love), but just for everyday riding and schooling, this one's by far my favorite.
Rating: 5
Author: Keeffer's Momma
Date: 2005-07-14
Usefulness Rating: 3.21429 out of 5.
84 reader(s) voted.
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