Bruno de Heusch
Close Contact Saddle 17" Reg.
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Bruno de Heusch
Model: Close Contact Saddle 17" Reg.
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I took this saddle on trial from Trumbull Mountain Tack. They had it on Consignment for $1300. I rode in it everyday for about 10 days and after much debate decided not to keep it.
Likes: Its reasonably comfortable, it doesn't interfere with my position over fences, it has nylon reinforced billets, and the quality of the leather on the seat and panels is soft and supple. The panels had been converted to wool so it would have been easily adjusted to fit my sensitive TB. They were also deep enough to clear her high withers and seemed to fit her decently. It definitely would have needed to be restuffed if I was going to keep it, but that is usually how it works with my horse.
Dislikes: Its not as comfortable as I would like. Over fences its fine, but on the flat its a little hard to hold your position, but i guess thats what a dressage saddle is for. The leather on the flaps is thick and stiff. That may soften some with use and oil, but I couldn't test that theory.
Quality: It doesn't feel cheap, but it doesn't feel like the best quality either, and I don't think it was worth the $1300 they were asking for it. Originally they were asking $1450 and dropped it to $1300. I think at the moment Dover is selling them new for $1600 (supposedly thats their sale price). They compare this saddle to the PJ Original and I can tell you it is no where near the quality nor comfort of a PJ.
Summary: It was very hard to find information about this saddle that wasn't tied to a seller. The few reviews that I found were all over the place in terms of ranking and I am concerned about resale value. Over all I didn't hate the saddle, but I didn't love it either and $1300 is too much money for me to not be convinced.
Rating: 3
Author: Jessica H.
Date: 2007-11-08
Usefulness Rating: 4 out of 5.
4 reader(s) voted.
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