Devoucoux
Biarritz 2004 Calfskin
Jumping Saddles
Manufacturer: Devoucoux
Model: Biarritz 2004 Calfskin
Category: Jumping Saddles
Purchase: I wanted a saddle that was comfortable for me and comfortable for the hard to fit horse that I ride. I was using this uncomfortable Crosby that didn't fit well, but didn't pinch or rub. I did some searching on Ebay and found a used tack seller's website. I went through all the saddles that she had listed and was my seat size (16.5). I fell in love with this one instantly. It was very even all the way though the gullet, which I never see with a Crosby. It was the right tree size (medium) and I knew that this was going to be my saddle. It was $1750, but I paid (including shipping, insurance) $1,878. This saddle did not come with anything else but a saddle cover and girth and girth cover.
Likes: I LOVE everything about this saddle. When it first came, I was a little worried it wouldn't fit the horse. When I took it to the barn and put it on the horse I ride (Tennessee walker mix), it fit very nicely! I used my friend's calfskin leathers so that I would not damage the soft calfskin flaps. When I tacked up and got on, it felt like a dream come true. I warmed him up, and I realized that he had opened his gait a lot more and flowed much better. When I asked for the canter, he transitioned into a balanced, slow canter (which never happens). When I brought him back to the trot, he still was very flowy and soft. He was never like this before! He likes this saddle just as much as I do. It's comfortable for him and comfortable for me! The panels are so squishy and wonderful as well as the awesome knee rolls. The thigh blocks are okay, but I don't really realize that they're there. The leather is soft and grippy. I feel much more connected with him when riding in this saddle. Great for horse and rider! I'm extremely proud and happy to be this saddle's owner.
Dislikes: I love everything about this saddle! I feel bad saying anything bad because this saddle has done miracles for me and the horse. The calfskin does scratch easily, but that's just because it's delicate and you just have to be careful, which I am. No putting the saddle on a pole without padding under it. My mistake, but everything was fine. The scratch marks that are on it aren't a big deal and will oil out (I bought it used). I love everything about this saddle, even the delicate calfskin!
Quality: Devoucoux saddles are made beautifully. You can see the beauty and craftsmanship put into this. This saddle is very high quality and obviously made to last. The tree is wonderful and everything about it is totally awesome. Not one thing about this is low quality or cheaply made. I love how this saddle is constructed. I was worried that the gullet would be too wide for him, but it fit perfectly. The gullet is very even all the way through and it is made to free the withers and put the rider in a good position. The flaps are positioned really well also! Beautiful saddle that's made to last.
Summary: This is the best saddle that I have ever ridden in or owned. I can't even imagine parting with it.
Rating: 5
Author: Thelma
Date: 2010-11-23
Usefulness Rating: 2.97129 out of 5.
209 reader(s) voted.
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