Beval
Devon 2000
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Beval
Model: Devon 2000
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I bought my Beval Devon 2000 flat seat for $700.00 used on Ebay, because of security and close feel to the horse. I liked the thought of suede knee roles and wanted a close contact saddle for jumping as I am 42 and started riding again after 23 years away from the sport. I have bought and sold a lot of saddles within the past 2 years trying to find the one that fits me best. I bought most of them on EBay which can be a double edged sword if you are not careful.
Likes: The Devon was broken in in the right leg position so my knees and thighs drop comfortably and I do not feel like I am being pinched out of the saddle. The knee role is padded and very comfortable and while there is no knee block, it feels like I have a good grip due to the seude. It is very easy to keep my legs on the horse because there is not a bunch of extra padding.
Dislikes: I would have chosen the deeper seat. The flat seat could be more comfortable. It is a bit hard (this may be due to the fact it was bought used). I have no problem getting and staying forward for jumping with this saddle but I think the deeper seat probably has more added security which I would have liked. It fits my horse properly with no pinching.
Quality: This is a very well constructed saddle. It appears to be an older model, but the seams are in tact with very little wear. The overall leather & billets also, are wearing well with minimal stretching or color change. I am notorious for keeping my tack clean to extend the life of my saddle.
Hint: If you ride in JEANS your seams will wear out ALOT faster. Britches are the best to keep the life of any saddle!
The suede is wearing out faster than a regular calfskin kneerole, and is beginning to show small holes. I find that dissapointing but it is a small price to pay for the comfort I get.
Summary: All in all, I like this saddle. In comparison to others I have ridden in, including HDR, Harry Dabbs True Brit, Pessoa A/O it is the one I use as my main riding saddle. As I said before I would prefer the deeper seat for added security. My other favorite is the D.G. Stackhouse if you can get D.G. to come out and custom fit you that is.
Happy Riding!!
Rating: 4
Author: Cheryl M
Date: 2005-04-12
Usefulness Rating: 4.29412 out of 5.
17 reader(s) voted.
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