Passier
PSL
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Passier
Model: PSL
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: I needed a dressage saddle that fit a very high-withered Thoroughbred. I had trialed a Stubben Scandica and a County Competitor, in addition to the PSL. The PSL was on clearance from Dover Saddlery for $1700.00 because it had a small scratch on the seat. My model had a 16.5" seat, short flaps and short billets.
Likes: I have several 'likes', which I will list:
1. Leather. I love the leather. I owned and rode in this saddle frequently for the better part of 5 years. I wiped it with a soft cloth after most rides, and stored it inside. I just sold it last month, and the buyer said it looked brand new. There was no wear anywhere except at the flap bottoms where stirrup-leathers rub, and even there it was very minor. The stitching was completely intact, also. I also found the saddle very comfortable to ride in.
2. Versatility. I used this saddle on a TB with a very high wither & spine (fence-rail back), and also on a round-backed Arab. It fit both equally well, which I attribute to the wide channel.
3. Comfort. The PSL means 'passier soft line', and the seat is both deep and soft. I took this saddle trail riding, for 8 hours at a time, in addition to my dressage riding, and never was uncomfortable.
4. Positioning. I am an advanced rider (25 years+), and found this a saddle well-suited to a woman of my diminutive size (5'2", 115 lbs). The short flaps, which are usually a special order, were very helpful. I like a straight leg style of riding, and found it easy to maintain. I was also able to crank up the stirrup leathers and take some low little jumps without much discomfort. The only problem I had was a tendency to slightly lean forward. I do not know if this was because of ME or because of the saddle. I rode in a Hennig and seemed to have no problem sitting straight, so I'd love to say it was the saddle, but that is probably wishful thinking:)
Dislikes: IF my leaning was due to the saddle, that would probably be a result of the twist. Woman should have a narrower twist, and I have been told that Passier's are more traditionally designed for a man's pelvis width. This is heresay, though. I would consider my Passier PSL's twist to be med-narrow or medium.
Quality: A++++ quality, A++++ construction.
Summary: Excellent saddle at a great price. I would definitely purchase a Passier again. Of all the saddles in which I have ridden (incl. Rembrandt, County Competitor, Bates Caprilli, Wintec Dressage, Hennig), the only saddle I would purchase INSTEAD of a Passier is a Hennig.
Rating: 5
Author: C Strickland
Date: 2006-01-10
Usefulness Rating: 3.77778 out of 5.
63 reader(s) voted.
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