It's comfortable and fits Tony well but I do occasionally find dry spots
behind his withers so I don't think it's a perfect fit. I use an Equi-gel
with it - not because I really have any reason to - Tony's never shown
indications of a sore back - I guess it just makes *me* feel better
<vbg>.Won't ever sell it tho - they are $2400 new and the workmanship is
incredible on it. Just had the billets replaced - outghtta go for another
12 years!
Went thru a "hafta to have a new saddle" crisis last year -
Tried a Tucker Saddlery saddle - they are a Memphis based outfit that makes
saddles for mounted police and the like (among all other kinds of leather
stuff and western wear). They also make an endurance model. Brought it home
and tried it on but the rigging hit me _right_ on the inside of my knee -
possibly a larger seat would have placed me so that that didn't happen -
dunno - the seat I had fit well. Otherwise, saddle fit well, had lots of
rings, was reasonable ($795 I think). Woulda kept it except for the
rigging. (They do make that saddle with an english rigging - looks really
strange and is a custom option so no return) Sent it back for saddle
below:
Tried a Crosby Marathon (Whitman Paragon look-a-like). Very comfortable for
me - very padded seat but sat "on top" of Tony and moved too much for my
liking. Of course, I couldn't find this out till I had ridden in it several
times, already passed the return period, and had put billet marks on it.
The only comment about it I have is I'm not too sure about the way the
billets were secured - I dunno - didn't look like the best stitching job to
me. Otherwise the saddle was made well, leather looked okay - finish was
already coming off tho under the stirrups. Sold it for a $250 dollar loss
not counting trip to Memphis, shipping and insurance on both saddles,
etc...
So...back to the Passier for now. Ideally I'd like to be able to sit in a
saddle (maybe a demo model) on Tony before committing (yeah, wouldn't we
all!) Talked to Boz and Ortho-Flex last year too but the monetary
commitment and the waiting period make me want to try some other options
first. You just don't see a tremendous amt of them around here (southeast)
either.
I am a lightweight rider - 5'11" and 135 lbs - very long legs. Tony is an
15H Arab built pretty typical for the breed - decent withers, short back,
sufficient barrel.
Tina
hickst@nichols.com