Friday, July 5, 2013

The Sadde Fitter Cometh

And the winner is?????

The County Stabilizer XTR:

Stabilizer XTR | County Saddlery

Followed closely by the County Innovation:


 Innovation | County Saddlery
Thursday, Alex and I met with the County Rep/Fitter.  I knew it would be an "interesting" fitting purely because it would be the first time Alex was changed into and out of tack multiple times over the course of an hour or more and because the rain had driven us into the indoor.  The rep noticed that Alex showed some soreness in the loin area of his back (where the seat of the saddle would hit). 
 
She looked at both my PJ and Stubben.  The PJ was immediately identified as too narrow, causing several pressure points and possibly the cause of at least part of his current issues.  The Stubben was better as far as width, but didn't provide a lot of wither clearance, became too narrow towards the back of the tree (bridging) and had flocking like a rock (it's 46 years old after all).  I did initially ride him in the Stubben so we'd have something to compare the with the other saddles.
 
I first rode in the County Sensation, which was quite cushy and definitely put me in specific position.  Alex spent a little time messing around and being an idiot, before finally settling down and showing me that he did appreciate the change in saddle.  The second saddle we tried was the County XTR, which I admit, felt very familiar since I have never had a saddle with a lot of bells and whistles.  Alex was even better with this saddle, tracking up well at the trot and giving me more push from behind.  Next we moved on to the County Conquest, which is a more eventer/XC type saddle.  I have to say I didn't like that saddle at all, the knee blocks/rolls made it hard to post and I felt like I was sitting in a chair :-)  Our fourth saddle trial was the County Innovation, which ended up being my second favorite saddle and one I would definitely consider if I could find it in my price range.  It has a few more features than the Stabilizer XTR, but not so much that I felt constricted.  Alex seemed to like the Innovation too, although he didn't seem quite as forward, but I think he was getting tired of the whole process :-)  I did attempt a canter depart in the Innovation, both directions, and was greeted with bucks.  He eventually settled, which makes me think it was more about anticipation/anxiety than extreme pain.   
 
So here is what Alex needs:
 
County Stabilizer XTR - 17.5 Medium Tree w/Skid Row Panels
 
OR
 
County Innovation - 17.5 Medium Narrow Tree
 
 
Overall, I learned a lot and I am really happy I had the appointment, but now I have to weigh my options.  County saddles hold their value well and people tend to hold on to them, so that makes the used market slim.  In addition, there's a lot of unknowns attached to getting a used saddle, you never know what's been done to the tree, it's a leap of faith.  Of course I'd love to have a new/custom saddle, but I just not sure it's in my budget :-/
 
 
Today Alex had his feet done, so no work for him.  Back to work tomorrow :-)

15 comments:

  1. It may take some time but if you're patient you can sometimes find good deals on used saddles. Especially since you found 2 that you like! I think that I googled what I needed from a dressage saddle for months before I found it on fineusedsaddles.com the 17.5 inch saddles are much easier to find. I'll keep an eye out :)

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    1. Thanks! I have been stalking that site as well as a few others. I know I'll find something, just have to be patient. Of course the County Rep keeps pushing me to buy new, but just don't think that's in the cards right now.

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  2. Agree with Hillary - fineusedsaddles.com normally has many County's listed. Several people are our former barn used that site to sell theirs. Happy Alex played along for the appt and you know exactly what you are looking for!

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    1. Yep, I'm encouraged. Now just have to find something :-)

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  3. Sounds like a great outcome from the appointment!! Hopefully you can find something ASAP :)

    Try Iselltack.com too :)

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    1. I have also been in contact with Rachel at iselltack.com. I'm sending emails and inquiries every place I can think of :-)

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  4. I was going to recommend the exact website that Hillary suggested :) I LOVE my County Innovation!

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    1. I've totally been stalking that website and others :-) I really liked the Innovation and heard from the County Rep that there were several of those saddles in your barn (I'm in your area), we'll see what I end up with, but it's a possibility!

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  5. http://www.yoursaddles.com/#/175-a-h/4542799405
    ?

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    1. Thanks for the link :-) Not sure about that color on the Innovation, just a little light for me. Wish the tree on that XTR was really a medium. Oh well, I'll get there!

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    2. In my experience the County saddles take oil really really well. I just posted a ton of links on Cob Jockeys recent post about my saddles before and afters. Just a thought :)

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  6. http://www.bayequest.info/b001/Other_7_7_1_5.htm?page&sortID=3&page=20

    2006 17.5" COUNTY STABILIZER XTR Jump saddle -$1600, $1,600, 2006 17.5 COUNTY STABILIZER XTR Jump saddle - medium tree, low forward flap, skidrow panels. Saddle has seen some use but is still in good condition. Asking $1600. Email for pics, cell 530 966-6577, Send e-mail to advertiser, Send this ad to a friend, AD ID: 172409, Chico, CA, Submitted On: 07/04, Revised: 07/09

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    1. Funny, that's actually the one that the person is trying to decide if she wants to let me try. It has a few cosmetic things (very small) which are making me wishy washy, but the price is very good... decisions :-)

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    2. The price is ridiculous. I would be tempted to ask her for a lower price if she won't allow an insured trial. You could have her list it on ebay to protect yourself?

      I will say that the resale wont be as good though because it is an older saddle. But doesn't sound like you plan to sell whatever you find anytime soon!

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  7. Yeah, apparently it doesn't fit the horse she bought it for anymore, so she just wants it gone. The main thing I'm weird about is there is stitching showing at the top of the pommel. I'm not too worried about resale, I just need to get something that fits him better. It's the first time I've done this on my own, so I'm probably just being picky ;-)

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