Henri de Rival
Pro A/O
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Henri de Rival
Model: Pro A/O
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I purchased the oakbark colored HDR saddle on consignment at a tack shop for only $450, including cover, leathers, irons, girth and pad. Everything fit me and it all fit my "hard to fit" little Arab! Such a deal.
Likes: This is a very comfortable saddle to ride in. It has the nice looks of a much more expensive saddle for a very reasonable price. I also really like the oakbark color. I jump in it and, despite the complaints of some other riders, I like to ride in it on the flat. I have no trouble keeping my leg in position. Perhaps it is faulty leg position in the rider and not the saddle...
Dislikes: The part of the saddle under the flaps is stiff and tough to soften up. Although you can't see that part when schooling or showing, I don't like that. It also has rubbed a bit from the leathers, but with some neatsfoot oil it looks much better.
Quality: It is great quality for the price. The leather on my saddle is soft and the seat is so comfortable. As mentioned above, the leather under the flaps is not the same nice quality as the outer parts but overall, it's a nice saddle.
Summary: I would absolutely recommend this saddle for anyone just starting out and looking for the most bang for their buck. There are certainly higher quality saddles out there but for my needs I am very pleased with it. Everyone who has ridden in it has been comfortable in it too.
Rating: 4
Author: Amigo's mommy
Date: 2006-07-21
Usefulness Rating: 3.23684 out of 5.
76 reader(s) voted.
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