Black country endurance saddle on trial

[taffydales]

I have one of these saddles on trial for a week, it arrived today and its a lovely saddle very lite, can,t wait to try it on Merls twomorrow...weather permiting!
www.blackcountrysaddles.co.uk/item.asp?id=14

[harveydales]

I like the looks of that saddle. I'll be interested in what you and Merls think of it.

[taffydales]

Will report back as soon as I,ve tried it Pam.x

[knight]

Oh that saddle does look really nice! I too will be interested in what you two think. I love the serge covered panels.

[taffydales]

Just a quick report, its a lovely saddle, Merls seemed happy enough in it, my only concern are the way the girth straps are positioned and the wear and tear on the saddle, its not a cheap saddle either so I,m un decided to be honest.

[Debbie]

What's different on the girth straps Van? Me being nosey

[harveydales]

The girth straps do look a little odd the way they are positioned but I couldn't say what the pros and cons would be. I like the fact that the saddle is so light and good to know that you and Merls got on well with it but it is a big decision to make!

[Deleted]

It looks really nice!! How much is it?

[taffydales]

Its around £1600 not a cheap saddle, because its a single panel saddle the girthing straps are on top of the flap and I wonder if they will rub, having already lost alot of money on my free n easy that was made for Merls I really want to get it right this time.

[Debbie]

I wonder if they would rub your leg being a single flap like that? I sorta understand wanting to cut down on the weight being an endurance saddle, but there's a good reason for having two panels...one to protect the horse and one to protect the rider's leg.

[greydales]

It is a lovely looking saddle, are the girth straps over the flap? That does seem odd and I'd also be concerned about wear. Personally I'd never use a saddle which needed point or balance straps, I think they are awful