Harry Dabbs
Jaguar XJS Jumping Saddle (Paris leather)
Jumping Saddles
Manufacturer: Harry Dabbs
Model: Jaguar XJS Jumping Saddle (Paris leather)
Category: Jumping Saddles
Purchase: Paid $2000+ in 2004
This was one of the few saddles that fit my TB (high withers, but broad-shouldered...I needed a tree with enough wither clearance but not too narrow in order to clear the shoulders without pinching)
Likes: I fell in love with the saddle as soon as I sat in it. I had a hard-to-fit horse and actually had several saddles brought to my barn for me to try. Only 3 fit, and I settled on this one immediately. The leather was butter-soft with just the right amount of grip. It did not require breaking-in at all. I was worried that the leather would be too soft and would wear out but 3 years later it has only the smallest amount of wear under the stirrup leathers...no more than any of my other saddles. The seat is a great width--very comfortable for flat work or jumping. The 17.5" seat is perfect for me (5'5" and a size 10...about average sized). This saddle replaced my Stubben Edelweiss which I liked. However, after riding in this one, I put the Stubben up for consignment. It didn't fit my horse and after riding in this saddle I felt more secure and balanced. I never found myself fighting to find my seat. It is balanced so that I just end up in the deepest part of the saddle naturally.
Dislikes: I have no dislikes about the saddle. It fit my oddly-shaped TB perfectly when it seemed like nothing short of a custom-made saddle would do. However, the price is steep. I also have a M. Toulouse Legano which in my opinion is just as nice to ride in, but WAY cheaper without sacrificing any of the quality. I don't regret the purchase...like I said I needed this saddle to fit my horse and it does the job great. However, if you are not tyring to fit a hard-to-fit horse, I'd look at the Toulouse first and save the money.
The jaguar's tree is narrow enough at the top to clear my horse's height withers, but the points of the tree flare out which accommodates his broad shoulders. It's a combination that I haven't really seen on other horses, but if you have one with high withers and wide shoulders, it's worth a look. While it does seem to fit other horses, I think my Toulouse is a better fit for the "average" built horse.
Quality: Top quality, soft but thick and strong leather.
Summary: See above. If you have a particular kind of hard-to fit horse, it's worth it. If not, you can probably find a cheaper option. No complaints though.
Rating: 5
Author:
Date: 2007-03-22
Usefulness Rating: 2.74803 out of 5.
254 reader(s) voted.
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