Crest Ridge Saddlery
Sonata Saddle
Trail Saddles
Manufacturer: Crest Ridge Saddlery
Model: Sonata Saddle
Category: Trail Saddles
Purchase: I bought my saddle lightly used from a third party, but
first called Crest Ridge to try to get some information on the saddle
(it was a 150-mile drive to see it and I wasn't bringing my horse, so
I wanted to be informed). The owner spent quite a bit of time with me
helping me figure out if it were likely to fit. She remembered that
the person who bought the saddle had accidentally been given (though
not charged for) the Supracor seat option, so the saddle was a better
deal than the seller assumed (it was worth about $700 new, the lady
was asking $375). I drove up, bought the saddle, tried it out--thank
God, finally I found a good fit after months of trying to figure out
the problem and scores of saddles attempted. The problem is that my
quarter horse is narrow across the chest and withers, though he has
good shoulders--and the angles of a "regular" western saddle were too
wide--they sat on his withers then flared so there was little contact
with his sides, much like a wide, low-pitched roof perched on a
narrow building. By the way, I had some followup questions which the
owner patiently answered by phone and email; she called me back long
distance to make sure I got answers. They easily invested an hour in
a customer who didn't even buy from them.
Likes: I love my Crest Ridge saddle; it's handsome, lightweight, has
lots of rings for saddlebag attachments, and most important it FITS
beautifully. My horse used to seem anxious while ridden; since he got
a fitting saddle he has relaxed enormously. I enjoy going to Crest
Ridge's site and looking at their accessories and sale items. They
look to be into long-distance riding, packing, and hunting: they
carry a line of saddlebags, panniers, rifle scabbards, hobbles, etc.
for serious getting out on the trails with horse or mule.
Dislikes: I have no complaints.
Quality: Construction is good, but not ultimate--the seam in the back
of the cantle did not catch the leather for about two inches and I
had to glue. I understand they have since switched suppliers and the
overall quality of a new saddle would be better than my used model's.
Summary: Crest Ridge saddles are designed with the anatomy of gaited
horses in mind. I would suggest anyone with a frustrating, seemingly
insoluble
problem like mine investigate gaited saddles, whether Crest Ridge or
other. But I would specifically recommend you try Crest Ridge for the
customer
service and square deal. They will require measurements and tell you
what they can offer based on your horse's shape, then work the
details with you till you achieve a happy solution. I would give a 5,
but something's got to be left to recognize pinnacle, top-dollar
saddlery, so I'll stick with a 4.
Rating: 4
Author: Margaret Davis
Date: 2006-04-03
Usefulness Rating: 3.875 out of 5.
40 reader(s) voted.
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