Beval
BZ Natural
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Beval
Model: BZ Natural
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I will be attending an equine school in June and was looking for a good saddle to use for jumping. I found this saddle used at a local tack store. Upon sitting in it, I knew immediately that this was to be my new saddle. It was in excellent condition and I paid $1200 for it, which is quite a steal because they retail for around $2600 new.
Likes: I have problems with jumping/close contact saddles having long enough flaps. I'm 5'8", but have really long legs for my height (especially hip-to-knee). This has the size 2 flap and fits me perfectly. I also have trouble with my knees hanging over the front of the saddle when my stirrups are short enough for jumping. Even though this isn't the forward flap version, my knees sit comfortably behind the knee rolls (which are small but very effective). I think Beval truly designs their longer flap saddles for a tall rider by changing the shape/positioning of the flap rather than just adding length. The seat is incredibly well-balanced. As soon as I switched from my lower-end all-purpose to this saddle, my position improved drastically over fences. I love the color of this saddle, too. It's 2-toned and very beautiful.
Dislikes: I can't think of a single thing I dislike about it.
Quality: This saddle was made in England, but rivals the more expensive French and Italian saddles I've seen/ridden. It far out-shined the Collegiate, Courbette and Pessoa saddles I tried out. I'm not sure if I just got an exceptionally nice one or if they're all like mine. Either way, I have an exceptionally supple, buttery soft leather saddle that I expect to last many years.
Summary: This saddle cost substantially more than I had wanted to spend, but I'm very glad I spent the extra money, as I feel it's taken my riding to a whole new level.
Rating: 5
Author: Beth
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Stubben Siegfried II Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Diploma with Easy Change Gullet Close Contact Saddles
Thornhill Pro Trainer Grand Prix Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Convertible Close Contact Saddles
Wintec Close Contact w/ easy CAIR System Close Contact Saddles
County Stabilizer Close Contact Saddles
Luc Childeric Model M Close Contact Saddles
Canterbury Canterbury CC 16.5 Close Contact Saddles
Pessoa Gen X Long Flap Saddle (not the interchangeable gullet model) Close Contact Saddles
Carlyle Distinction Close Contact Saddles
Beval Devon Close Contact Saddles
Beval The Natural Close Contact Saddles
Pessoa A/O XCH Close Contact Saddles
M Toulouse Lucia II Double Leather Close Contact Saddles
Paris Tack Lafitte Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Collegiate Finalist Close Contact Saddles
Antares Hunter Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Crosby Mark VII Close Contact Saddles
Wintec Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
Regent Olympic Close Contact Saddle Close Contact Saddles
