CLIENT FEEDBACK
I had real concerns for my young mare, the saddles I had were not fitting
her properly. Sue came out and did a thorough job of finding my mare the
right saddle..we must have tried at least 15 different makes and models
on..The Black Country Saddle was the best fit, and oh so comfortable to sit
in as well! I have a slightly early Christmas present.Just love it!..Thanks
:)
Julie, New Zealand
I recently purchased my third Black Country Saddle, the Eden Dressage in Black with New Market Welting.
Donna from Sundance Saddlery , Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada did a wonderful job fitting and measuring and also when the saddle came making sure it fit well and I was happy.
In 2008 I also bought my first Black Country saddle, the Wexford jumping saddle in two tone Black and Oxblood and bought my daughter in 2010 the GP Event all purpose in two tone brown and Havana .
I am very pleased and amazed at how comfortable each of these saddles are, how well they are made and how fantastic they fit each of our horses. I get lots of compliments on the two tone Wexford Jump saddle in Black with Oxblood and so far 3 of my friends, and also my daughter , who rode in my saddle have all ordered their own saddles. Fantastic selection of saddles, leather types and colors to choose from. When I start looking for a new saddle I checked alot of the brands out and once I sat in the Black Country I couldnt believe the quality and comfort and that was 3 saddles ago!
Keep up the great quality saddle making, they truly are the most comfortable, best made saddlles out there!
Thanks
Janet Hartigh, Canada
Excalibur Legend owned by Silhouette Stables in Bainesville Ontario has won Canadian Grand Champion Senoir Morab Stallion and High Point for the Day -- all his saddle classes having been won in his amazing Black Country Celeste ENDURANCE saddle! (Fitted by Jerrilin Tack Shop in St. Lazare, Quebec)
For a great horse, you need a great saddle -- a Black Country saddle!
Jin Month, Quebec
Patty (Merli) is wonderful and I\'ve learned so much from her. I just love your saddles. I was telling Patty that this year when I was in Florida I was in the warm up and I saw so many people whose jumping could improve 10 fold if they only sat in a Black Country! I\'m amazed at how much the saddle makes a difference to the horse as well. To the jumps I LOVE the Vinci! It is truly the best jumping saddle I\'ve ever sat in! I look at my pictures of my horses jumping down big drops and the sloping seat with the simple forward flap, it makes it effortless. The balance is not to be believed! All of the jumping saddles are so interesting since there is a saddle for every person and every horse! All of my students have found a Black country that helps them be better balanced on their horse which in turn helps them ride better. Not to mention ALL of the horses immediately move better in the Black Country saddles. I don\'t know why anyone would knowingly ride in anything else!!.
We are truly thankful for your saddles!! Not just for ourselves but our horses and students! We need to tell the world! Ignorance is not bliss. A Black Country is!
Darrah Alexander, USA
A few weeks ago Heleen from Riel Klumper came over to visit me and my 2 horses Tiësto and Wallstreet Shuffle, in a very professional way she measured the horses and explained to me about the many options I could choose from. It was very nice to try several models, I could also give my special wishes, which are combined in the new saddle. The saddles are built from the right tree size/shape, the individual wishes from the customer can be combined like : leather type/colour, shape of kneeblock, flap length.
Today Heleen came to deliver my new Adelinda dressage saddle, which is sponsored by Black Country.
I am very grateful to Heleen who made the connection to Black Country and her professional service.
Frank Hosmar, Dutch Paralympic Rider, WEG Silver medalist 2010.
www.frankhosmar.nl
Frank Hosmar and Tiesto, Dutch Paralympic Rider in the Adelinda
I just wanted to email & say that I am just so excited about my new saddle and that I just can\'t wait till it arrives. Lizzy from Priory Saddlery came & termplated my horse on Saturday 26th March.
I have wanted this saddle since last year, but as Ben had just been backed & broken I decide to wait so 12 months on & have I got the saddle on order.
I cant wait to be sat in the Wexford & have the armchair ride, I am hoping that it will arrive before easter as I am lucky enough to have some time of work and I would love to spend it sat in the saddle. I knew when I seen the saddle last year that it looked comfortable, but I do not realise until I rode in it how comfortable it is. As you can see I am very excited about receiving the saddle.
Claire McCann
CMA, Black Country Saddles, Mary Lou Wells, &, JerrilinTack shop
This is an extremely poignant and memorable day for me and for my competitive/breeding MORAB Stallion – Excalibur Legend to have received awards for this breed on February 19th, 2011 at the OCTRA Banquet held in Belleville Ontario. The awards were presented were the Perpetual Morab Breed Award ~ Canadian Morab Association (CMA) as well as HIGH POINT MORAB from OCTRA.
• 2009 Fitted by JerrilinTack shop in St-Lazare Quebec & Sponsored by Black Country Saddles in England for their Endurance saddle “The Celeste” (giving us now European visibility and recognition).
• 2009 TOP TEN NOVICE RIDER - OCTRA
• 2010 TOP TEN NOVICE RIDER - Champion Reserve - OCTRA
• 2010 1st place - Canadian National Long Distance NOVICE Championships – OCTRA - New Lowell, Ontario this past July.
• 2010 chosen by Equine Canada to represent the Canadian MORAB Breed in their book that they produced for the WEG in Kentucky this past 2010.
Monica Grundmann, ON, USA
I am writing tell you about the Black Country Saddle that Martine Liefstingh arranged for me. IT IS FANTASTIC. Beautiful leather, great shape and very comfortable. My horse and I are very happy with the new saddle. I will recommended the Black Country label to all my friends!!
Ellen, The Netherlands
A huge thank you must go out to your wonderful team, as well as Tiger at The Horse in Sport. The first one is that he is an extremely challenging horse on which to fit a saddle an enormous shoulder that sits so far back, and his girth channel so far forward resulting in the saddle wanting to be pulled up onto his scapula. Combine this with the fact that he is extremely close-coupled and short backed, and it makes for a difficult fit! On top of all this, I had my own issue with regard to saddle fit. Having been in a significant and somewhat debilitating car accident, I was left with a severely compromised spine, making my position in the saddle as a rider crucial. However, Tiger was able to address all of concerns with an Eloquence which we had custom-made from the tree up! I understand more than a few eyebrows were raised when our combined measurements were received in Walsall. The first time I rode in our new saddle I cried. The change in his topline in just a few rides was incredible. I never thought I would ever again be able to ride my special boy upper level! Now every day is a special gift to be enjoyed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Stephanie Soule
I always have had trouble sort of sliding in my previous saddle but in the BC I am in just the right place and can sit on him with no problem. You should have seen his piaffe/passage today. He is so elastic in this saddle. He has an awesome piaffe passage, anyway but today felt like it never has before. I and was able to balance him so much more easily for the pirouette work. I think the previous saddle was pinching him or something. And the half halts on him today left me thinking ”all this time I thought I was using my seat wrong but no, I was just sliding all over the place because I had nothing to sit on”
I have tried many other saddles . The ones with the big blocks without exception were intolerable to ride in. The reason was because the blocks would force the thigh back, which would then sort of jam the lower leg and foot down into the stirrup. The only way to ride in one of these was to lengthen the stirrups but then it was like riding bareback and to engage the seatbones, one needs a little angle through the hip and knee. But in these saddles that was not possible so I ended up riding on my crotch, hollow backed and my back screaming at me. Now understand that I have learned, been trained and ride balancing off my seat bones with a loose leg and open knee. In my previous saddle, the blocks are small and this allows freedom to shorten the stirrup to a place that you can sit on the seat bones. But with the narrow twist, and the “open country” between my upper thigh and the saddle I would close my thighs and pinch with my knees to try to keep from sliding forward and this pops the seatbones right out of the saddle. So you lose all the influence of the seat and I think clamping the thigh shuts down the horse. The only way I could avoid this was to lean back. Then I was in a chair seat position with a driving seat. Gosh no wonder all the horses were running through my half halts, then through the bridle, then pulling me out of the saddle, or up the pommel. The result of the “open country” between my thigh and the saddle was a very floppy lower leg, especially in the ankle area. Just having something to sit on in these BC saddles has made that go away COMPLETELY. So many coaches have told me to push down in the stirrups, drop my lower leg etc etc. So many hours riding without stirrups. So many holes in my stirrup leathers trying to fix this. And to find out that giving something for my upper leg to lay on results in stabilizing my lower leg is just amazing. And it is not forced. Amazing.
(After another new Eloquence)
The saddle is beautiful. We put it on Wagner and made the necessary adjustments. I rode in it ,for real, today and after it had settled on him after about 15 minutes, my seat settled into that \\\\\\\"sweet spot\\\\\\\" that all 3 of these saddles have and it was wonderful! (Forever after known in my barn as the \\\\\\\"BC Sweet Spot\\\\\\\")
I am no longer sliding forward at every half halt , ending up in a driving seat instead of a collecting seat and he is no longer hollowing his back at every half halt, as a result. In fact on Darkan today in one of the downward transitions, it was so on the spot that I thought “whoa! Where did THAT come from?” And none of them are wanting to hollow their backs now. Also his piaffe came easily today and I think it is because he was not dealing with the driving seat of a scrambling rider.
So what can I say? - Success!
Thank you and the wonderful team at Black Country and Tiger that did this for me. I simply cannot express how grateful I am. And I can assure all of you that this kind of help and consideration cannot be found anywhere else. Fitting Wagner was a leap of faith but having done the other two saddles first and having the last two years of trying everything I could lay my hands on all helped in knowing where his problems are. Being able to hand them over to a team that could actually deal with them is quite amazing. And once again, when I lifted the flap and got an eyeful of how the billets were done on the first two saddles, my heart jumped for joy and I thought \\\\\\\" Now we\\\\\\\'re talking. Somebody out there DOES have a clue\\\\\\\". . This equipment change has changed everything and I have to tell you I am absolutely thunderstruck by the difference this is making. Never in a million years would I ever have expected to see such a radical change just by getting the equipment right.
Susan Schneider, Grand Prix Dressage Rider - CO, USA
It has been seven months since I purchased my BCS Equinox and I have ridden many, many trail and wilderness miles in it and it is even more comfortable
with age if that is possible. Every time I throw a leg over and sit down in
this saddle, it is like sitting in a comfortable chair. I am never sore after hours of riding. However, my horses back is the most important and he is never sore either. This horse had a very sore back when I bought him a year ago and it was almost a dealbreaker. Yes, I have done chiropractic and yes I have done lots of stretching and suppling with him and yes I have had an extraordinarily diligent saddle fitter (Patty Merli) that has adjusted the saddle as his back changed, but this saddle is amazing because he is never sore after hours of riding and never reacts anymore with vet/chiropractic checks. I have had three people ask to sit in this saddle and they were all shocked at the comfort; I know one of them was on the
search for a used BCS Equinox. I am just so happy and wish every horse could have a saddle like this!
April, NC, USA
April Mink
Celeste Endurance is wonderful, i rode for England in August and the comfort was second to none. The 2nd best purchase of the year, my horse is the 1st!
Sarah Porter
I’m riding here my BC Adelinda, which fits and sits perfectly!
The saddle gives me and my horse great pleasure, the freedom-tree gives my horse great shoulder freedom and she moves very flexible.
Thanks to Heleen Klumper and BC, we both love the BC Adelinda!
Sanne Lampers and Wannadoo Uno – Wierden (Netherlands)
I recently bought a wonderful used BC Quantum that fits both me and my green
TB perfectly. In fact, it showed me just how badly my old saddle must have
fit as her progress in the last month has been outstanding.
Katherine, DC USA – October 2010
We bought the Vinci Tex Eventer for our eventing daughter and her 4 year old mare Miss Conception. Our daughter absolutely loves her saddle. She keeps it on a stand in her room and has even named it. She says her little mare started to go better right away. Our whole experience has been awesome, from the work with the BC authorized saddle fitter in Quebec, www.jerrilintackshop.com to the sponsorship arrangement. To all of our Canadian eventer friends and even competitors: A Black Country saddle will be one of the best investments you can make in your eventing careers
www.robyn-townsend.com
From Robyn Townsend, sponsored rider
I am very pleased and truely appreciate the extra effort that has been provided by Donna of Sundance Saddlery and the additional support by Black Country.
Gary from Alberta, Canada - Sept 2010
I purchased 3 Black Country saddles from Trumbull Mountain Tack. I am so pleased to find a great tack store thousands of miles away. The staff are excellent in saddle fitting via pictures and tracings!
I love all my saddles and nothing has ever come close to the quality and comfort. Its all I ride in.
Denise, WI USA - July 2010
I received my Black Country Equinox last week and have ridden in it every day! I had the pleasure of riding in a demo model Black Country Celeste while waiting for my Equinox, and it too was a wonderful saddle, so the choice was not easy! The Equinox is a beautiful saddle and it was a pleasure to deal with Patti Merli, professional saddle fitter, here in the US. She immediately knew the BCS endurance saddles would work for me. Thank you for your prompt service in making this saddle. As an endurance type rider, this saddle is comfortable for me and my horse for hours. My vet is so pleased with the change in my horses back since riding in the BCS saddles. Thank you very much for taking so much pride in your work and producing such great and beautiful saddles.
April, NC - USA - June 2010
I\\\'ve tried many saddles on my pony since I bought him 2.5 years ago and nothing would fit. It was getting to the point where I thought I would only ever be able to ride him bareback, until Paula from Saddleworld in Canberra Australia and Black Country Saddles came to the rescue. Through this wonderful combination of exceptional craftsmanship from Black Country Saddles, and Paula Jeffrey\'s expertise in saddle fit and horse care, my pony has a wonderful saddle that not only fits him, but looks great and makes him a much happier pony.
The saddle was custom made by Black Country Saddles and I am so pleased with its quality. I am very proud to ride my pony in this saddle and I can\'t thank you and Paula from Saddleworld enough,for taking the time to get it right\', especially considering all my ponies conformation issues including a very short and curvey back.
This is a beautifully made saddle and well worth the money. Thank you for getting me back in the saddle again.
Dee, NSW - Australia
I\\\'m so excited about finally getting my very own Black Country saddle. I have ridden in many high end saddles and NONE compared to the comfort and fit of the BCs. It\\\'s much like riding in melted chocolate :)
Kelly H, NJ, USA May 2010
A few months ago Heleen Klumper sold me a Black Country Adelinda dressage saddle.
My first impression was : what a beautiful, good looking quality saddle.
It’s always very exciting to buy new brand, and not easy because I ride different kind of horses, but Heleen looked at the horses and advised me of this saddle, which is suprisingly fitting all of my horses well.
My first ride in the saddle was unbelievable, after 3 pases in trot all of my horses gave a sigh and began to move with more shoulder freedom.
The saddle is so stable and stays behind the shoulders, I see my horses developing more muscles in places which I thought they were already developed.
My seat is independent and natural, I don’t have to think about it at all.
The saddle is used very intensive, but the panels are still in shape now, and I love the Oxblood colour.
Yvette van Wezel, The Netherlands - January 2010
Black country saddles have been the fit for me for 15+ years. My horses love them, I love them and the ability to be able to re-flock them is paramount. I ride several horses and the black country team is helpful and supportive in keeping them fitted in order to achieve the utmost performance from my horses. The quality and craftsmanship is evident in their durability and comfort
What ever your disciplne I recommend them. Being a three-day eventer I ride in a different saddle for each of the three phases
Cathy Wieschhoff, 4* International 3-day event rider
Paula's service & advice was outstanding. I have a very difficult to fit thoroughbred. After trying many different saddles to no avail we decided
to have a BC Bellissima made to fit. It is a very comfortable saddle for both horse & rider. I often receive comments on how lovely the saddle looks. I have now been riding in the Bellissima for a number of months & I am extremely happy with it.
We then wanted to purchase a jump saddle for the same horse so lots of different brands were tried but once again it was the BC that was a
perfect fit.
Recently my Australian Stock Horse finished a growth spurt which took him
from a medium gullet to an extra wide fitting. Once again we tried a large
number of different saddles & believe it or not the BC was the closest fit.
We ordered the Eloquence this time to be custom made. We fitted it yesterday
& it looks great, can't wait to ride in it.
I can highly recommend Paula at Saddleworld Canberra. Her knowledge,
patience and expertise are exceptional. There are no compromises or hard sell tactics, just good old fashioned service & quality advice.
Despite having two differently shaped horses I now have three BC saddles that I am extremely happy with.
I am impressed that the turn around time from order to arrival from England is so quick. It is wonderful having such a service so readily available to us. Paula & Saddleworld Canberra coupled with Black Country Saddles are a wonderful team.
Tanya, NSW Australia - December 2009
Just wanted to let you know that I bought a Vinici dressage saddle back this past summer from Trumbull Mtn. It was the best easiest saddle fitting/trial
experience I have ever had. I LOVE this saddle and so does my mare. My mare
was very clear about which saddle she preferred, this was the only one that
when set on her back she didn't try to bite me. Luckily for me it too was
the one I favored. Thanks again
Leslie, MA USA - December 2009
This is another company that you will be hearing more about. The quality of their saddles is superb, and best of all, they fit! This company has gone way beyond the average in listening and responding to customer comments, and we feel that they make some of the finest saddles found today. The flocking in the panels is a soft, resilient wool that is supple and comfortable for the horse. Their saddles are available in many different leathers, and they are able to accommodate custom specification in remarkably short turn around time.
Trumbull Mountain Tack Shop, Vermont USA
You will be both excited to know, I was able to ride in the new Equinox saddle on Saturday at the Foxcatcher ride! I set it up, and took a short 1/2 hour walk at the ride site on Friday in it, and decided to go ahead and start with it on Saturday. Well, not only was it comfortable for me, but seem to fit Otis perfectly! I can’t believe it didn’t even need break in time! His back was in perfect condition after more than a 9 hour ride! I can’t say enough positive things about your saddle! I also wanted to mention the increase in stride Otis had, due to using his back muscles so freely! What a bonus!
Connie Walker, USA Endurance Pan-Am Gold Medallist
The Black Country Vinici I have is lovely, my older stallion is riding daily in it and his extensions have improved he is looser in his back and free in the shoulder. His other saddle I believe bound him too much he also has NO reaction when you palpate his back now, the chiropractor was very impressed.
Kim – Engage Saddles
I find my Black Country Eloquence offers my horses the best possible design to maximize their efforts in comfort during training and competition. In addition, the fine workmanship and high quality leather gives me confidence that my saddle will stand up to the rigors of my training schedule. The options available on this saddle allow me to address the unique needs of each horse I train.
Claudia Tarlov, Dressage rider and trainer, USA
Saddle is great and I am looking forward to getting a lot of use out of it. I got to ride in it only once so far and it amazes me how much happier he is. You guys are the best and I can not thank you enough for giving the best trial anyone could wish for and for your expertise in fitting horses. It has been an absolute pleasure and I wish you all the continued success. Even though I am now a huge fan of Black Country, I am a bigger fan of Trumbull Mt. Tack! I’ll be back!
Kerry, USA July 2009
The colour is beautiful, the two colours of the leather makes it very special. The service Mieke from Zadelcheck is excellent; she takes all the time for the client and is a perfectionist. The most important thing, it feels very good, to ride my horse with it and my horse also gives the impression to be happy with the saddle. You may be proud of your job.
Letty, The Netherlands July 2009
Lovely saddle, great fit very comfortable, huge thank you to Paula from Saddleworld Canberra for freeing my horses from years of badly fitting saddles! And Black Country for finally making a saddle that fits!!
Bronwen, NSW Australia May 2009
The NEW Ricochet Hunter Jump Saddle
That’s great! It certainly has been a wonder saddle for Red. I continue to be very comfortable in it myself, and I can’t believe how much happier and more willing Red is. I hope more thoroughbred jumpers find it helpful too!
Chelsey, USA November 2008
I have a VERY hard to fit big shouldered wide backed QH. I had tried a ton of different saddles, and nothing was ever wide enough. I was getting extremely frustrated. When no one was able to help me, I resorted to spending hours on-line researching saddles. I finally came across Black Country on Trumbull Mountain Tack’s website, and the Quantum X seemed like an answer to a prayer. It was more than I wanted to spend, but at this point, I didn’t have much of a choice. I contacted Sara at Trumbull Mtn, and after talking with her, decided to give it a try. Every other saddle I had tried to this point was not only not wide enough, but none of them felt right to me. They either put me out of balance, were uncomfortable, or the blocks jabbed my legs.
Well, the moment I got in the Quantum, I was sold. It was extremely comfortable, put me in the correct position, and I did not even feel the blocks. While the first saddle she sent me was too wide (it was an XW), I sent Sara some wither tracings back with the saddle, and she sent me back a wide tree. He actually measured a little bit wider than wide, but we were hoping that with the Freedom tree, he would have enough room. It fit him perfectly, so I put it to the test out at our foxhunting territory with a vigorous cross country ride. It passed with flying colors! It fits my horse beautifully, it fits me perfectly, and I absolutely love it! I was convinced I was going to have to get used to an uncomfortable saddle as long as it would fit my horse, but I didn’t need to. It was a lot easier to spend that much on a saddle that not only fit my horse, but me as well. It is a beautiful saddle, and I am very happy with it. Thank you!
Bernadette, FL, USA September 2008
We are both absolutely delighted with the stunning GPD that Chris Todd recommended for us. The fit is superb and it gives my horse’s huge shoulders plenty of room to move as well as accommodating my long legs
The advice and service given by Chris has been second to none and I have had no hesitation recommending Jobsons of Alnwick and Black Country Saddles.
Nick is the envy of the yard!
Wendy - Tyne and Wear, England June 2008
In the past 2 years I have purchased both a jumping and dressage saddle from Black Country Saddles. Both of these have surpassed my expectations in terms of the quality of craftsmanship, comfort and fit for both myself and my horse.
Brenda from Tacknology helped me select the models which would be most beneficial, your ability to take her measurements and create saddles that so accurately embody them truly impressed me.
Both saddles are exactly what I wanted when I started my search.
Anna - NH, USA September 2007
Crimson and I are sssoooo very pleased with our new Equinox saddle. I cannot thank you enough for your patience and diligence in your efforts to create a saddle that fits both of us.
What a concept - deceptively simple, but, oh so elusive. We’re all set and I am anticipating many many happy hours in the saddle. Thank you
Jane - OK, USA August 2007
Well, I rode in my new Eden and it was excellent. It fits her like a glove. I’ll admit to being surprised at how well it fit. I was doubtful that you could get it that good just from pictures and tracings. Every saddle I tried on Angel (and that was a lot) was low in the front or if it wasn’t, the tree points were digging into her. I had to prop everything up with towels and girth covers just to get a good feel of it. So, it was level and even on her right out of the box…amazing. I feel like I rode forever last night and did lots and lots of sitting trot just because it was so comfortable!
Thank you so much for a great saddle!
Christine - RI, USA February 2007
I recently purchased this saddle from Trumbull Mountain (excellent customer service!!!!)First of all, Edie from Trumbull Mountain made is very easy to find a saddle for my Oldenburg/SF mare. She has a wide back and a huge shoulder. After discussing all the option and problems of finding a fitting saddle for my mare, we came up with the Eloquence. Promptly, I receive a trial saddle and from the first moment I liked it. It fits my mare wonderfully, it fits me, the leather is super soft, the construction superb. The Eloquence is a very good choice for wide backed warmbloods. There are also several option available (I think all without charge). I could fine tune the saddle more to my likings and needs. My horse and I am more than happy with this saddle.
If I ever need another saddle, it’s going to be a Black Country.
Mich, USA January 2007
After many trials of many brands of demo saddles....I custom ordered this Black Country saddle from Engage Saddles at Ocean Heights Farm in NJ, July 2005. My dressage instructor has a BC saddle that I fell in love with and could find nothing to even come close during my months of demos, so I had to have one. Kim at Engage Saddles was so very helpful and accommodating regarding withers tracings, photos and helping me decide on custom options choices. These saddles are made in England, and Kim communicated very well directly with them about building this saddle. Custom order only took about 3 1/2 weeks!!
I can’t say enough about how nice Black Country saddles are!! The options for customizing your saddle choice are innumerable and at NO EXTRA COST. I got the Eden saddle, because I wanted the deepest seat, and they built it with a Vinici flap style (monoflap). I chose wool serge covering for my panels and it has held up very well, it’s cooler and conforms to horse very well, and no saddle pad slippage at all!! They have many wonderful leather choices too. I love absolutely everything about this saddle!!
Quality: I have the schrumph leather seat and it is very durable and does not show marks very easily, but it is still soft and grippy. The serge on the panels on the underside of the saddle is holding up very well, I am happy I chose it. The stitching and construction is impeccable. Summary: I am very impressed with the personalized service and helpfulness of the Black Country saddle makers. I would have a hard time finding a better saddle, and the price is much more reasonable than others of the same quality. If you can find one second hand don’t pass it up!!
TX USA December 2006
I was on what seemed to be an endless saddle search for Safi, my wide, short backed Icelandic.
After many demo’s we ended up with a Black Country Equinox from Trumbull Mountain Tack in Vermont.
IT ARRIVED! And it is better than my expectations. We had a perfect ride yesterday. Safi (who can be pokey at times) moved out better than he ever has. I attribute that to the great fit, (we got the x-tra wide tree) and the close contact you get with a mono-flap.
Keeping a centred seat as effortless, the narrow twist lets my legs hang comfortably underneath me (rather than being splayed out to the sides, as with every other saddle I tried), so I could actually give leg cues.
I worked with Nancy who answered every question and understood my concerns. Not everyone could afford one, but if you can manage it, it is well worth it. I splurged and bought the Equinox II, but I got exactly what I wanted. Oh, and did I mention it’s beautiful; I was just going for a great fit so this is just a bonus. Thank you all for your advice and help in putting us in such a fabulous saddle.
Janine –n- Safi, USA May 2006
I chose a GPD and contacted Anita at Colberry Equestrian who measured and ordered it for me. It is better than I expected: it fits beautifully, looks fabulous and is lovely to ride on. The whole process has been totally stress free. Thank you so much.
JN, Cheshire, May 2006
I have had a saddle custom made from your company via Katy at Saddleworld. It is the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat on and I am impressed by the quality and the standard of workmanship that has gone in to making it.
Thomas, Hertfordshire, UK March 2006
I ordered a made to measure Vinici jumping saddle and have now had it for just over a week. So far it has been a great success and have greatly enjoyed getting jumping again. Thank you very much for your help and my saddle is absolutely beautiful. I hope to have a lot of fun in it, in the coming season ahead.
W Cotter, Harrogate, UK March 2006
What can I say Thank You some how does not seem enough after searching for a saddle to fit my event horse Celtic Spring for over a year I was beginning to wonder if I would ever get one to fit!! After numerous failed attempts and badly fitting saddles finding a made to measure was becoming a pipe dream
After several consultations with Chris Todd saddle fitter from Jobsons and yourselves I now have TWO saddles that fit!! My Vinici Jump saddle made to suit me and my horse, now fits my long legs and my horses short back the saddle is proving to be very secure and comfortable, the Vinici Dressage saddle has significantly improved her way of going she is much looser through the back and I can sit on her during more active work. The quality of leather and workmanship is excellent, the service and advice I received is exceptional all in a short turnaround. Black Country Saddles really are a hidden gem.
C Makepeace, Co. Durham UK July 2005
I jumped in the Quantum this past winter and fell in love with it. . I was also very impressed with the quality I observed. Frequently you see saddles that are priced considerably higher and built using trash. In essence, Black Country produces an excellent product.
Thank you for your response. Good customer service is a rarity these days and that is another attribute that Black Country possesses.
Regards, KW, from FL April 2005
I have a very long thigh, though I'm 5'8" tall. A midget compared to you. I have a Black Country saddle. If you Google them you can learn more about them. What I’ve learned about the company is that they will customize a saddle to your specs for no extra charge and ship from England in 3 weeks. I have been dealing with them via e-mail and phone and I have to say I’ve never had better service. LOVE MY SADDLE!!
Found on a website chat room! 3/05
I purchased the Eloquence dressage saddle last fall and I am loving it! I have not only had it on my horse but several others belonging to my instructor. It has fit every horse well and the ride is wonderful. Thank you, Thank you!
Elleanor NY, USA 25/2/05
Just a quick note to thank you all for my saddle (Village Saddlery - black 18inch dressage) he obviously had the measurements spot on as the saddle is an excellent balanced fit, and exceptionally comfortable!
The quality is second to none - far superior to any of the others tried (and I’ve tried most of them, including all of the expensive ones endorsed by professional riders)
Anyway I thought I would you know that I am delighted with my saddle and next time I need a new one you will most certainly be first choice.
Susan P 3/2/05
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job on my saddle. Its fits perfectly and I am very thrilled with it! I am so appreciative and will gladly tell others about what a good job Black Country Saddles does! Thanks so much for the quick turnaround as well.
Rena Mastor 25/10/04
Thank you for my wonderful Wexford. I had despaired of ever finding a dressage saddle that fit my horse until fitter Nancy Shedrick put a Kur on him. When it came time to buy my first jump saddle...the same fruitless search ensued. Finally her partner, Brenda Hammar from Tacknology, suggested asking if Black Country would make a jump saddle for me on the Kur tree. When she called and described what I needed, she was told "that sounds like the new Wexford!" She sent my horse’s and my measurements to you and my saddle arrived before you left for your summer vacations. I have adored it. It’s so comfy and has made me feel very secure...something truly important for a 46 year old beginning jumper! You make lovely saddles and should be proud of your work.
KC, New Hampshire USA 26/10/04
Many thanks to you all for the huge effort involved to get the saddle I ordered through Colberry Equestrian. My daughter is absolutely delighted with every aspect of the saddle. This is the 3rd "made to measure" saddle we have had for this pony.....and the first one to fit correctly!! Needless to say it is our first Black Country saddle and the first time Anita and Colberry have been involved!!
The pony is really happy and my daughter feels secure when jumping. The vintage leather is beautiful!
Once again, thanks for you extra special efforts with a difficult fit!!
Regards P.S. 19/8/04
Have tried an Event on my TB mare, along with others from your range via Niki Combe at Wadswick, it had the additional little gusset piece which ensured perfect fitting for my TB mare, brilliant for those who have high withers like mine. Absolutely fantastic saddles, extremely comfortable and put together really well, a brilliant standard of work and a fantastic price for the quality.
I have been recommending to all and sundry!
August 2004
Thank you very much for your prompt reply I have been in touch with Andrew Allen and he came out today. I will be riding in my GPD this evening.
Which I did tonight and he feels more fluid and striding out really nicely now. I can't thank your company and Andrew Allen enough for your prompt action.
Elke Hamson, Happy Customer
OUR SADDLE RANGE
 |
THE VINICI RANGEExperience true ‘closeness’ with your horse. |
 |
THE BCS RANGEThe only saddle you’ll ever need, from novice to the most experienced. |
