Henri de Rivel
Rivel Denver Classic
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Henri de Rivel
Model: Rivel Denver Classic
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought this saddle from a local tack shop in Tampa, Florida. I paid about $1095.00.
Likes: The seat is very comfortable and well balanced for a moderately priced saddle like this one. I have had great luck with my old HDR Show Jumping which I sold a couple of years back. The Denver puts you where you need to be and has a wider twist than most close contacts. It is not overly padded as a lot of these saddles are so that you can really feel the movement. Another bonus considering the price is the French leather. Although it's manufactured in Argentina, they still use French leather unlike the Crosbys which are manufactured in Argentina and use English and Argentine leather - and they cost more money!
Dislikes: One area of color (the size of a silver dollar) wore off on one side of the flap and the pointed area of the area that covers the stirrup buckle and bars rubbed off the top layer of leather and color on both sides. This is extremely disappointing due to the fact that it happened after my FIRST ride! I never had this problem with my older (7 years) HDR. I did manage to oil both these areas until they got a LITTLE darker again.
Quality: Seat, knee rolls and tree construction are wonderful. The leather/dye on the flaps are sub-par.
Summary: I really enjoy this saddle and my only regret is that I didn't bring the worn areas to the attention of the store I had bought it from. It may have been a fluke and I could've gotten a new one that may or may not have had the same issues. It fits both a medium size (wide) pony I'm training and my 16 hand (wide) polo pony.
Rating: 3
Author: Polo&PonyChick
Date: 2007-09-05
Usefulness Rating: 3.14286 out of 5.
42 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Duett Presto Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Bates Hunter Jumper Close Contact Saddles
Kincade close contact saddle Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Stein Kraut Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Diploma with gullet change system Close Contact Saddles
Camelot Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Heritage Bespoke Yin-Yang Inner Balance Jumper/Eventer Monoflap Close Contact Saddles
Bates Caprilli Close Contact, Long Flap Close Contact Saddles
Exselle Axcess Close Contact Saddles
Ovation close contact Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Evolution XCH Close Contact Saddles
Crosby DSL Equilibrium Close Contact Saddles
Beval Natural Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Parfaire Close Contact Saddles
Hermes Steinkraus Close Contact Saddles
Ovation Quarter Horse Jumping Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Crosby Prix de Nations Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Annice Platinum, Buffalo leather, Genesis tree Close Contact Saddles
