Dover
Circuit Elite
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Dover
Model: Circuit Elite
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle from the Dover Saddlery catalogue at the end of summer 2006.
I paid $699 for it, and received a free matching bridle.
I bought this saddle because I had just gotten a new horse and needed to get my own saddle, but didn't have a huge budget.
I did some research, and the Circuit Elite seemed to be the best value for money.
Likes: It was a reasonable price, and came with a beautiful padded bridle. It's incredibly comfortable, and my cold-backed gelding really liked it's thick, padded underside.
It's also a gorgeous, unusual color - a rich chestnut that looks great on just about every shade and hue.
The leather is really nice quality too; my trainer liked it better than that of a $900 saddle a friend of mine purchased.
Dislikes: It was a little hard to get the stirrup leathers in at first, but after a few good yanks they slid in.
Also, the dye started coming off the flaps really fast, but after cleaning and oiling it, they became less of a color-change and more of a luster.
The billet straps are also really wide, so use a girth with rollers!
Quality: The leather is of good quality, and is durable. The seat and flaps are made up of thick, strong leather, while the knee rolls are soft, supple leather.
The stitching is very nice and hasn't even threatened to snap or disintegrate on my saddle, even after some very long trail rides.
Summary: This is definitely a really nice saddle for someone who doesn't have the means to purchase a Pessoa or a Hermes.
It would be a good choice for the show ring, but is also comfortable enough for schooling or trail riding too.
Rating: 4
Author: Tilly
Date: 2006-12-04
Usefulness Rating: 3.18605 out of 5.
43 reader(s) voted.
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