More Saddle Shopping
Next up:
Ideal – 17.5″ W
For him: This sat WAY too low around his withers, which bummed me out because otherwise it seemed like a really good him: very flat and wide, with a generous channel and pretty flat panels both side to side and front to back. It was right down on his withers when girthed up so I did not sit in it.
Passier Optimum – 17.5″ W
For him: I thought this one sat on him pretty nicely from what I could see. Panels could be a little flatter side to side? He backed up fine in this one. Started out very distracted / high-headed / tight-backed because of horses and pigs outside of the arena. Not sure if the saddle contributed. He overall felt pretty normal while riding.
For me: I immediately liked the narrow twist. It felt like there were weird grooves right behind the knee block, though (maybe from the front billet being threaded through a keeper on the inside of the flap?). My leg wanted to fall into them but they were not the right shape. Overall put me in a chair seat.
Schleese Jane Savoie – 18″ MW
For him: Also a decent fit to my untrained eye. Panels could be a little flatter side to side. Balance point too far back? While I was riding, he was reluctant to back up and felt rushed and choppy at the trot.
For me: Oof, this one felt like sitting on a board. I’ve never been able to feel such distinct, hard edges to a saddle seat before. Put me in a chair seat.