Tekna
A8 Smooth Seat
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Tekna
Model: A8 Smooth Seat
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: Ebay used for $300. I needed a slightly wider saddle and something that would do a little more for me position wise now that we are attempting the medium and extended paces (not always with the greatest success or balance). I had read that it is similar to the Prestige saddles in styling, which I love, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Likes: Very comfortable seat, not too deep, not too shallow. It's not piles of memory foam, but I have enough padding back there of my own. I was used to a slick seat Tony Slatter that had a knee roll, but no padding, so this saddle is plush for me. I have read reviews that say it is uncomfortable and hard, but have not found it the least bit uncomfortable.
BUT, what I love the MOST is that my horse's canter improved dramatically when I put this saddle on him and it's effortless now for me to sit his attempted mediums. Yeah, it's a synthetic, but it's a nice one. In 26 years of riding this is the first synthetic I've ever owned, though I've ridden in my share of Wintecs and knock-off synthetics and swore I'd never have one.
Care is super easy, of course.
Looks- it's a pretty convincing fake and I like the extra detailing stitching they put on it. Pleasant grippy feeling, but not too grippy. Very similar to a tacky type leather
Dislikes: If I have to be picky, the flap doesn't lay quite right if the movable velcro block isn't placed just right, but that's being really picky and I couldn't tell when I was actually in the saddle. Also, I wish they offered the new Tekna S-line dressage saddle in BROWN as I prefer it for my odd-colored horse.
Quality: Panels are latex and wool combination. I haven't taken it to get fitted yet, so can't comment on the ease of that, but apparently it's supposed to be simple. It is lightweight, but doesn't feel flimsy. The saddle was used, but you can't even tell.
Summary: Very happy with my purchase and I'm even thinking of getting their jumping saddle for the rare occasion that I wish to leave the ground. I do hope that Tekna will bring BROWN back to their dressage line because I will be looking for another one day!!
Rating: 5
Author: Golden Horse
Date: 2012-05-20
Usefulness Rating: 4 out of 5.
57 reader(s) voted.
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