Kieffer
Salzberg All-Purpose Saddle
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Kieffer
Model: Salzberg All-Purpose Saddle
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this Kieffer Salzberg saddle used on eBay for a scant $280. It is well worth much more than that!
Likes: Except for some smooth leather trim, the entire saddle is suede, including the seat and flaps. This, coupled with a deeper seat and large , but not bulky knee rolls, makes this saddle very secure, which is a great plus on my very green horse. It would also be wonderful for trail riding, or any other time an English saddle that is comfortable and secure is needed. The other thing I like about this saddle is that instead of being a "no purpose" saddle, it is geared more towards dressage, with a straighter flap. It is forward enough to start colts on some small jumping, and also allows a more forward seat and easier posting, which makes training easier on the horse's back. It also has a cut back pommel to accommodate high withers. The 31 cm tree on the saddle accommodates a range of horses and doesn't pinch at the gullet. The saddle places my leg in the proper position, so I'm not fighting a "chair seat" position.
Dislikes: My horse is somewhat flat-backed, and the panels are built for a horse with more curve in its back. It has wool flocking, so an adjustment should be able to improve this flaw, but it is just a matter of horse/saddle fit. Also, the stirrup bars are very tight, which makes it difficult to put on and remove the leathers. The cantle could be just a hair lower, too. The saddle is kind of unattractive, and is strictly a training saddle for me, and won't see the inside of a show ring because of its looks.
Quality: Because I purchased the saddle used, I don't know how much it was used in the past, and therefore can't tell how quickly it wears, but it is very well made. The billets are in need of replacement, and appear to be made of a couple thin layers of leather, instead of one thick layer. The stitching and general workmanship is excellent, as well as the wool flocking.
Summary: This is a great saddle for training younger horses for dressage and beginning jumping. Very secure and comfortable, but not the best looking for showing in.
Rating: 4
Author: Nika
Date: 2007-06-26
Usefulness Rating: 3 out of 5.
19 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Barnsby Omega All Purpose Saddles
Kreiger (Made by Chevalier) GP (with interchangeable gullet) Newer model All Purpose Saddles
Guffey Western saddle with Wade Style Tree All Purpose Saddles
J C Martin Saddle 16" A fork Wade All Purpose Saddles
Henri De Rivel (HDR) Pro Buffalo Event Saddle All Purpose Saddles
Collegiate Dignitary All Purpose Saddles
Barefoot Stella Drytex size 2 All Purpose Saddles
Antill All Purpose English saddle All Purpose Saddles
Courbette Magic All Purpose Saddles
Wintec Pro Endurance Saddle All Purpose Saddles
Arabian Saddle Company Sylvan All Purpose Saddles
Wintec Wide Flocked All Purpose All Purpose Saddles
FreeForm USA Endurance Saddle Short Back All Purpose Saddles
TSI Venturo All Purpose Saddles
Ideal Apex All Purpose All Purpose Saddles
The Australian Stock Saddle Co Bronco Poley w/ Horn All Purpose Saddles
The Australian Stock Saddle Co Bronco Poley w/ Horn All Purpose Saddles
Crosby Sofride All Purpose Saddles
Stubben VSS Siegfried All Purpose Saddles
Whippy All Purpose All Purpose Saddles
