Classic Saddlery
Avante Garde
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Classic Saddlery
Model: Avante Garde
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: I got the saddle used from Trumbull Mountain Saddlery (FABULOUS customer service--so above and beyond it's ridiculous!) for $400. I acquired it as a saddle for my 14.1 hh pony who is hard to fit (him being a pony and me being 5'-6").
Likes: The balance is excellent. It is well made for a lower-end saddle and is wool flocked. My saddle fitter was able to move the flocking around to improve the fit on my pony.
The Avante Garde has velcro thigh blocks, which is one reason I chose it. My pony is quick and can be spooky so I wanted thigh blocks but since I have to ride w/ shorter stirrups on him than I would on a larger horse, my leg can't be in the straight dressage position most dressage saddles w/ blocks mandate. I can move the thigh blocks around, angle them, etc. I looked into having the blocks shortened (so I could have them at an angle without their protruding) but ended up simply using the large blocks from my Wintec Pro Jump saddle instead (which also velcro on). They work great and make it a very comfy ride for me.
Dislikes: Nothing! Great saddle for the money!
Quality: Much better made than most comparably priced saddles (new). It is wool flocked and the leather is very nice.
Summary: This is a very nice saddle which was a godsend for me and my pony! He LOVES it and so do I!
Rating: 5
Author: pawsplus
Date: 2012-02-09
Usefulness Rating: 3.07692 out of 5.
26 reader(s) voted.
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