Collegiate
Post Graduate with Easy Change Gullet
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Collegiate
Model: Post Graduate with Easy Change Gullet
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I ride several horses: from a 17HH thoroughbred- size medium narrow tree- to a 16.1HH quarter horse- size medium wide tree- to a 14.2HH Mustang (MY baby!)- size extra wide tree- and I needed a saddle that could fit the majority of them (or even ALL of them!) and also fit me! I knew I wanted leather (love the smell and feel...) and I preferred close contact style.
My boyfriend bought me this saddle for Christmas (what a sweetie!) after 4 months of asking several Equine Massage Therapists, saddle-fitters, equine veterinarians and horsey-friends for advice and researching 'adjustable' saddles online. I've always liked the comfort, style and durability of Collegiate brand saddles and Dover Saddlery online was offering a great deal- $899.00 plus a FREE bridle (valued at $99.00).
Likes: I was amazed how light this saddle is- it must be half the weight of my old saddle (wooden tree, 16", leather, all purpose style). The leather smells wonderful and is very soft to the touch. It grips like suede and it's not shiny or slippery. The seat feels marshmallow-fluffy when I'm riding. With the help of the gullet gauge, in less than 10 minutes I can size the horse and change the gullet to fit ALL of the horses I'm riding. So far it fits 12 out of 12 horses I've ridden without evidence of any pain to the horse or myself.
Dislikes: A few things I didn't like about this saddle was the lack of color choice and needed components. I prefer cordovan or chestnut color, but close contact style only came in dark havana. (The free bridle only came in chestnut brown!) Loctite 243 is needed to keep the screws from working themselves out as you are riding but does not come with the saddle. I haven't been able to find any online or in any hardware or auto parts stores. I'm tightening the screws during and after each ride. Additionally, the gullets must be purchased individually or as a kit separately from the saddle and aren't cheap. ($19.95 each or $89.95 for a kit with 6 gullets, extra screws and Easy-Measure Gullet Gauge.)
Quality: The saddle is well-built and the quality is what I expected for Collegiate brand.
Summary: I'd definitely recommend this brand and style. It looks great and still feels marshmallow fluffy when I ride- 5 months later!
Rating: 4
Author: Amy Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: 2004-07-20
Usefulness Rating: 4.55405 out of 5.
74 reader(s) voted.
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