Hopfner
Dressage Saddle
Dressage Saddles
Manufacturer: Hopfner
Model: Dressage Saddle
Category: Dressage Saddles
Purchase: As a student of leather re-conditioning, I bought this saddle on ebay. It looked pretty discolored but I knew it was a good brand, so I took it on as an "experiment." I purchased it for $230 used. I have seen them used on consignment sites for $1000.
Likes: With no personal prior experience with Hopfner saddles, I was amazed at the quality of leather and detailed attention to workmanship of this saddle. The leather came back beautifully with re-conditioning and had a patina and feel that I've not run across in my experience--even above the Stubbens. Hopfners are also designed in a way that supports the way women are built, so they feel natural.
Dislikes: I found the pommel a bit high for posting, but sitting any trot in this is a breeze.
Quality: The size and tightness of stitches, the way every surface was covered with leather, even the extra billet (it has on each side) show craftsmanship. The leather turned out to be so beautiful that if I decided not to ride in it, it could be a lovely decorator piece in my living room next to my leather sofa!
Summary: This was a brand I was not familiar with, but after researching it, I found that it is a highly-respected name. Before you buy anything, be sure to check into the used saddles, especially the German-made ones, as this was a MOST pleasant surprise. I recommend Pelham Tack and Trumbull Mountain as places to look for purchase and to get a feel for prices.
Rating: 5
Author: Sandra McKee
Date: 2007-08-20
Usefulness Rating: 3.45455 out of 5.
33 reader(s) voted.
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