County
Stabilizer XTR
Close Contact Saddles

Manufacturer: County
Model: Stabilizer XTR
Category: Close Contact Saddles

Purchase: I purchased the saddle as a demo from County Saddlery rep in my area. The XTR retails for $3500. I paid the demo price of $2800.

Likes: The rep came out to my farm and measured my horse. After we determined he was a medium she pulled out 4 different english models in medium trees for me to try. The styles ranged from xc to classic close contact. I was able to ride in each saddle back to back to determine which one we preferred. We selected the Stabilizer XTR. It was a perfect fit for me and as I was riding I totally forgot about the saddle because it was so comfy and such a good fit. What sold me was my horses response..trotting around for a few minuets my horse dropped his nose to the ground in approval for a big long stretch.

Dislikes: Nothing. While the wool does require a bit of maintenance it is well worth it to know my horse is happy and comfortable in his work and that the saddle can be changed to fit him as he changes. He is not exactly a stoic type guy and has a history of bucking with a poorly fitting saddle. Luckily with my County being a perfect fit we have not seen the first buck out of him.

Quality: The leather is buffalo printed and is so wonderfully soft and grippy. The best part is that the saddles can be flocked to fit your horse perfectly with out bulky pads underneath. The quality and stitching are beautiful. The wool panels are softly flocked but supportive for your horse...very comfy for your horse

Summary: I was thrilled with the whole process. I found that the County was a great buy considering it came with a fit consultation and can be adjusted. All of this for for similar $ if not less than the other "nicer" saddles. There are many very nice saddles (Antares, Devecoux, PJ etc) on the market today but most are not wool flocked and can not be adjusted to fit your horse. The other brands also don't come with a MSA trained fitter to come to your farm to ensure you order the correct size. To me it was well worth the $

Rating: 5

Author: Emily H

Date: 2010-06-28

Usefulness Rating: 2.89474 out of 5.
19 reader(s) voted.

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