Henri De Rivel
Close Contact Saddle
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Henri De Rivel
Model: Close Contact Saddle
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I've had three students who've bought one of these saddles in the last year or two. One bought used for about 500, the other two paid full retail of between 700-1000.
Likes: The only thing this saddle has going for it is that it looks like a high-quality piece of tack, when it is new. The styling and colors are similar to the pricey brand names found in every good hunter stable.
Dislikes: The quality of these saddles is very poor. The leather is very stiff, and doesn't break in well, even after a year or more of daily riding. They seem to perch on the horse's back, which can cause soreness, and also puts the rider out of position.
Quality: The leather is very stiff and hard. Also slippery. The color rubs off much faster than similarly-priced saddles. The tree seems to run narrow and is very inflexible.
Summary: I would not recommend this saddle for anyone. For the retail price, a used millers or collegiate, or any made-in-England saddle is a much better value.
Rating: 1
Author: element
Date: 2007-12-05
Usefulness Rating: 4.11111 out of 5.
9 reader(s) voted.
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