Luc Childeric
Model FM
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Luc Childeric
Model: Model FM
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle in France from Mr.Childeric by the recommendation of my jumping trainer. He said me this would be the best investment of money, because the quality of the saddles is so high, and in case i would like to sell it, the manufacturer can take it back for resell to another person. It sounded very encouraging. Mr.Childeric personally came to our barn, looked at my horse, at me, and let me try to in one of the used saddles. Soon my new saddle arrived with the price 18,000 FF,
wich was 5 years ago a little more than $2500. When we arrive in USA i saw the Childeric saddles for almost $3000 in Mary's Tack and Feed store in San Diego, CA. Now you can buy this saddles through Internet. The FM model which i've seen in the shop was with a little flatter seat than mine, but i think it is because my own saddle was made so called on special order.
Likes: This saddle is worth every penny you pay for it. The quality of the leather and craftmamship is unique. It fits any horse, from wide WB/QH cros to skinny TB. The horses love this saddle! It has so soft flexible panels, so there is no bulk or any discomfort during riding and jumping for them - i can feel the swing on their relaxed backs. The knee support is great - the small triangle blocks and soft padded flaps provide the security even on the very hard landing. After 5 years of riding 3 horses every day there is no discoloration or any signs of wearing, cracking or loosing stitches. On the contrary, with apropriate cleaning and oiling this saddle looks more and more luxsorious. This saddle is very comfortable on flat (with a little longer stirrup leathers than over fences) and secure andsupportive over fences, even the big ones.
Dislikes: The only thing which makes me sad is that every small scratch is getting visible on the rich mahagony surface of the calf skin leather. I can't use the hunter chaps for riding because the upper cuts of the chaps leave the traces on the seat. Fortunately, after light polishing the scratch desappears. But this saddle needs to be handled with care if you want to have the brilliant look on the show. I try to get the saddle of a little "havier duty" for everyday schooling, with a little sturdier leather - but there is no saddle with the same comfort.
Quality: This is very balanced, high quality materials saddle. The pannels are wide and soft, and i use minimum padding for a close contact riding without risk to have horses fatigue. The stirrup bars are light and set deep for no bulk. I need to admit the original construction of stirrup leather exess - easy to clean and comfortable to use. The saddle has the calf skin leather of very high quality.
Summary: Everyone qho tried to ride in this saddle is very impressed. Not only the rich look and craftsmanship - the comfort and durability are exeptional. This is the high level saddle. There is no risk you pay to much - you will love to sit and perform in this saddle.
Rating: 5
Author: Rimma Paul
Date: 2004-11-24
Usefulness Rating: 4.78571 out of 5.
518 reader(s) voted.
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