Dover Saddlery
Circuit Close Contact English Saddle
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Dover Saddlery
Model: Circuit Close Contact English Saddle
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle used (although the lady I bought it from had only used it for a year before she got a new, bigger horse and sold it) for $400. It retails new from Dover for around $750.
Likes: This is a GREAT saddle for the price. It rides like a $3000 saddle. It's a very balanced saddle with a in-between depth of the seat -- not too deep or too flat. The flaps are a bit longer then some brands, which is great for the long-legged riders. I like that the knee blocks are there, but smaller than most; not pencil style, but not massive either. Mine does not have rear thigh blocks, which is to my personal preference, although I believe these saddles generally come with both. While the leather isn't quite the quality of a more expensive saddle, it is certainly workable and the saddle as a whole has stayed together a lot better than other saddles I've used (not a stitch loose so far!). This model is very comfortable as well. The picture in Dover does not do the saddle justice. It is quite pretty once oiled.
Dislikes: I've only had two small problems with this saddle. The first to be noticed is that it seems the tree (it only comes in one size, regular) is a bit small. It works great on the Thoroughbreds and more slender horses, but on some of the massive Warmbloods it's a little tight. If they made the tree a tad wider or offered a wide size, I think it would fit a even greater variety of horses.
The second small issue is the leather. Truthfully, this isn't really a problem; even for a $1000 saddle, it would still be quality leather. As I metioned earlier, though, the leather is not quite the same as the leather you would find on a Hermes or a PJ, so I thought I would point it out. The leather seems to get dirty more easily than some more expensive saddles, although I couldn't say for sure whether this was an actual matter of leather quality or if it's just my saddle soap (I clean the saddle once or twice a week, so it's possible).
Quality: The construction of this saddle is great; not a misplaced stitch, and everything is balanced and proportioned. The quality is good as well; so far, it's proved very durable.
Summary: Overall, this is an excellent saddle for the price. I would expect a saddle like this to cost at least $1000, if not more. I am very happy with my purchase.
Rating: 5
Author: Nikki K.
Date: 2005-09-02
Usefulness Rating: 3.82353 out of 5.
34 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
