M. Toulouse
Merina
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: M. Toulouse
Model: Merina
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle at Bit of Heaven in Collegeville, PA for $999 with free leathers. Wonderful store that was extremely helpful.
Likes: It's a great looking saddle that gets a ton of compliments. The leather is quite soft and although it scratches if you get too close to it, the marks do come out easily when cleaned.
Dislikes: After owning one for a year, I'm not impressed. I bought mine new, and it seemed super comfy at the time. I don't know if all the models are like this, but my Merina has a slippery underside on the flaps that WILL NOT break in. It almost damaged the outer leather on the flap when it started to crack. It's not well balanced, and the tree flexes. I started using it on my wider Hanoverian until his topline became built up and I could accurately buy a new saddle. The gullet of the Toulouse now measures 5" across, after using it with a front and rear shim pad. I've never seen a tree stretch the way this one has. Overall, I'd say its just OK. I think they'd be great for someone who had an older, better saddle for everyday use, but wanted something nicer looking for the show ring. I am not happy with mine as an everyday saddle. Whenever I get a chance to ride in something else, I see an immediate improvement in my position. If you're looking at spending $1K for a new one, I'd definitely recommend looking at better quality used saddles. The resale on them is not so great either. After this one, I'll NEVER buy another saddle made in Argentina.
Quality: Nice leather on saddle, tree is poor quality that does not hold its shape. Matching leathers are junk that stick to the saddle, come apart at the stitching, and are destroyed by the stirrup bar.
Summary: Might be fine as a second saddle for shows, but skip it if you're looking for an every day saddle.
Rating: 2
Author: Kelly
Date: 2011-01-13
Usefulness Rating: 3.03471 out of 5.
461 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Duett Presto Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Bates Hunter Jumper Close Contact Saddles
Kincade close contact saddle Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Stein Kraut Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Diploma with gullet change system Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Heritage Bespoke Yin-Yang Inner Balance Jumper/Eventer Monoflap Close Contact Saddles
Bates Caprilli Close Contact, Long Flap Close Contact Saddles
Exselle Axcess Close Contact Saddles
Ovation close contact Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Evolution XCH Close Contact Saddles
Crosby DSL Equilibrium Close Contact Saddles
Beval Natural Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Parfaire Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Steinkraus Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Quarter Horse Jumping Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Crosby Prix de Nations Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Platinum, Buffalo leather, Genesis tree Close Contact Saddles
