Dover
Circuit Elite
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Dover
Model: Circuit Elite
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle from Dover Saddlery online on sale for $699 and it came with a free bridle. I needed a good quality show saddle at a reasonable price. My riding instructor had this exact same saddle and I loved it!
Likes: I like everything! The saddle is very well balanced and fits both my AQH and me perfectly. It is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden in and puts you in a great position for both flat and over fences. The knee roll works perfect for my legs (I'm 5'4") and the seat really gives you a good connection with the horse. It takes oil beautifully and looks great in the show ring. The colors are rich and it breaks in almost instantly.
Dislikes: Nothing (hint: I've noticed that a lot of people think that the leather are hard to get into the bars but if you are careful not to press down on the saddle when you are putting the leathers in it really isn't difficult. When you push down on the saddle to give you leverage to yank the leathers in you are compressing the area the leathers have to slide into. Just work them back and forth a few times and they just slip in. After a few times of taking them in and out it becomes like nothing)
Quality: The construction and quality are wonderful. The leather is very soft and supple. I oil the saddle on a regular basis and keep it clean and it has become the saddle of envy at my Hunter/Jumper barn. It has retained its color and the leather has developed a rich patina. It broke in super quick. The leather is great quality and feels nicer then that of my instructors Crosby saddle. The stitching is strong and doesn't even threaten to tear. I have gotten caught in several rain storms and this saddle has gotten soaked. The color remained fast and after a good oiling the leather was even more supple. The leather doesn't spot with water. The leather on the knee patches is ultra soft but not delicate, it is just as sturdy as the whole of the saddle.
Summary: I simply love this saddle. I ride every day and this saddle keeps up with everything. It is beautiful in the show ring and super comfortable. I would recommend this saddle the to anyone. I have ridden in many different saddles and this one is my favorite thus far. And the price is a wonderful bonus. Also I *highly* recommend the circuit leathers with this. The are soft and supple from the minute you pull them out of the package and match perfectly.
Rating: 5
Author: hunter/jumper
Date: 2007-06-05
Usefulness Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
20 reader(s) voted.
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