GFS (Fieldhouse)
Pro Event
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: GFS (Fieldhouse)
Model: Pro Event
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle because my Crosby XL did not give me any contact with my horse, and I am now riding dressage and hunters. My trainer loaned me her GFS Pro Event, and I loved it. It is actually more of an eventing saddle than an all purpose. I ordered it in black from Elite Saddles in England. I paid around $1100 for the saddle, including shipping to California. It has a gullet exchange system, so I ordered a medium and it fits my horse perfectly.
Likes: I love everything about the saddle. I can feel my horse's back, every muscle movement, it's extremely comfortable, even brand new, it feels almost broken in. The best part is the change in my horse. He used to be stiff, hollow, and did not stretch out when he moved. He now moves out beautifully, longer strides, takes contact much more quickly, and seems MUCH happier!
Dislikes: This isn't really a dislike, but expect VERY stiff billet straps. I oiled them until they could not absorb any more, then rolled them up forward and backward, and they are now more manageable. I'm sure after they've been used a few more times, they'll be just fine.
Quality: The quality of this saddle is outstanding. The leather is beautiful, the stitching is tight, the knee rolls are just right, and it wasn't nearly as difficult as usual to get the leathers through the stirrup bars, which was wonderful. Also, the panels are wool flocked, so the saddle will mold to my horse's back, and can be reflocked as needed. Also, if I do buy another horse, chances are good that I can use this saddle with another size gullet plate if necessary.
Summary: I would highly recommend this saddle to anyone who wants to do eventing, or just jump and do dressage. The shape of the knee roll allows you to do both. The people at Elite Saddles went out of their way to give outstanding customer service, their communication with me via email was prompt and so polite and helpful. The manufacturer initially sent them the saddle with the wrong gullet plate, and they handled everything and got the saddle to me in a very short time.
Rating: 5
Author: Harley's mom
Date: 2010-06-22
Usefulness Rating: 3.04245 out of 5.
212 reader(s) voted.
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