Campbell Saddlery
Close Contact
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Campbell Saddlery
Model: Close Contact
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: A girl I was taking a horse training class at my college gave me the saddle because she thought it was junk and it didn't fit her anymore. I tried it on my no-wither-wonder and it fit like a glove, so I kept it and gave it some much needed TLC, and oil.
Likes: I never hear of Campbell saddles before so I didn't think twice about the quality until I got to cleaning it and noticed that it had a stamp on it, so I sat in it on my saddle stand by stuffing a bunch of shirts underneath to mimic my horse's back - I could literally feel every crinkle in the shirts. I didn't even have riding pants on. I had no idea that is what a close contact saddle should feel like (I don't compete, so I had no need for a $1500+ saddle). I tried it on my horse and rode, and I could feel the muscles in his back. I really like the fact that the leg flaps are also very close contact, since there were no extra padding on the knee roll (it's also over 20 years old, maybe that's why?). All I know is, this saddle is amazing! I love doing training in it since I can feel exactly how my horse feels and sense when he is thinking about being naughty so I can correct faster. It's heaven!
Dislikes: Aside from the previous owners never taking care of it, nothing!! As old and unloved as it was for most of its life, it is still in incredible condition. It is actually better than my brand new HDR since the stitching on that one is starting to look uneven in some places, and I haven't even ridden in that yet.
Quality: The leather is absolutely amazing! I think it is the same leather that was used on the old Crosby's that many people love. It is thick, yet it let's you feel every bit of your horse. Even the brass is still clean. I wish I could still see the full stamp on the inside flaps, but the saddle works and that is all I care about.
Summary: It is a shame these saddles aren't made anymore and they are extremely hard to find. Many people don't know the brand, so they toss them out or sell them for very cheap thinking it's an off brand saddle. If you see one, and it fits you and your horse, buy it! You will not regret it! All else fails, you have yourself a good schooling saddle to set the young ones straight. I am in love with mine!
Rating: 5
Author: Burnin'Herman
Date: 2012-02-08
Usefulness Rating: 3.27586 out of 5.
29 reader(s) voted.
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