Henri de Rivel
Advantage
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Henri de Rivel
Model: Advantage
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought it used for $350 off a friend. It's about 4 years old.
Likes: It's a great saddle! The leather has broken in surprisingly well. It has fit every horse I've put it on reasonably well also. I have loooong legs, and the flap length/cut is just perfect for me. I also find it very well balanced for such an inexpensive saddle... I switched to it from a Stubben, and my coaches commented on how my position improved immediately. Everyone who sees it for the first time thinks it's a more expensive saddle until they look under the flap and see "HRD" printed on it.
Dislikes: It is, of course, not nearly as nice as some more expensive saddles... but I really can't say anything bad about it so far! I looked at a brand new HDR saddle the other day, though, and thought the leather felt very tough. I'm not sure if the quality has changed over the past few years, or if they just all eventually break in as well as mine has. (Also, this is a "like" for me, but the flap is quite forward/long so it might not be suited for a shorter rider.)
Quality: So far it's held together very well. One of the 'HDR' button cover thingies has popped off, and a little bit of the stitching at the bottom of the flaps is coming loose, but neither are a big deal to me. The colour hasn't faded. I transport it from home to the barn a few times a week and have had no issues. I'm the saddle's third owner, and you'd never know it!
Summary: A great saddle for the price.
Rating: 5
Author: Jen
Date: 2007-12-11
Usefulness Rating: 4.66667 out of 5.
3 reader(s) voted.
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