[3Bays]

PLEASE bear with me, gang! I am SO hoping that THIS is the last saddle and works for me and Mr. Sharkfin OTTB!

I've posted recently that I'll be trying out a Kieffer Aachen AP saddle next week for me and the Sharkfin. A few folks responded (with good reports on Kieffer) so, I did a "Kieffer" search and found that there are a fair number of Kieffer owners here on this Board. I'm hoping you guys could give me some more detailed feedback on your Kieffers (especially the AP type?)...I have these specific questions:

Is the saddle comfy for you?

Do you find the seat and the twist comfy? Is the twist narrow, medium or wide? (note: I'm a small gal and need a narrow twist at best, no more than the medium size twist...wide twists just plain HURT).

Are you TB owners and/or fitting a typical high withered horse? How is that working?

Have you noticed that the saddle fits your horse well insofar as the whole tree is concerned?

I've learned that Kieffer trees can be altered. Have any of you done this? And, where do you find the fitters/saddlers who can do this?

And, finally, what kinds of riding activities do you do in your Kieffers?

Thanks for your input! I'm surely hoping that THIS saddle is the ONE! I'm so tired of saddle fitting/shopping...and so is my guy! We just wanna RIDE!

[FancyDocsGal]

I will be the first to respond, but I will also add that I am the least qualified to do so. I bought a Kieffer dressage saddle for nothing more than trail riding. I broke my pelvis on a horse in '90 and arthritis has set in. The narrow twist on this particular saddle is the reason I bought it. I love the way it sits, you can alter the tree, and it fits a wide variety of horses. The cutback on a kieffer provides additional clearance for your sharkfin guy. My daughters riding instructor had an AP that she used on her high withered gelding with much success. She is the one that first got my ear on these saddles. They are very well made, have the ability to alter and most ( I can only testify for mine though) have a narrow twist. The leather is so soft and pliable. Also on one last note, just in case it does not work out for you, they usually hold their value really well. I am an Ebay addict and often check saddle prices on there. These saddles seem to bring good bids, so if it does not work out that is an avenue to get rid of it, if you need to. I would run a search on the model you are looking at and compare the price you plan to pay with the history of that model. Just a thought, but I haggled with the owner of my saddle using Ebay research ....good luck, I hope it works out for you! LET US KNOW! OK?

[3Bays]

Hey, FancyDocsGal, thanks for the input! (Also, apparently you have a "Doc" in your life? SO do I! He's an OTQH).

Actually, you said alot for someone who thinks they aren't so well qualified!

WOW...SO sorry to hear you broke your pelvis...OUCH!!! But, I'm really glad to hear you were able to find a saddle that allows you to ride again! GOOD for you!

Yep, I've done as much searching on the web as I can for info and general pricing on this saddle. SO far it seems that most everyone has nothing but good things to say about Kieffer in general and the little I've gotten on this Aachen AP (actually it's technically Aachen AT, but what the heck!) model is very good. Most say it's very comfy, well made and fits the sharkfin TBs quite nicely. I'm crossing my fingers!!!

As to price... I'll be getting it for half of the usual price for a new one. This one's a demo model so it's being sold as "used", but the photos I've seen make it look new to me...so unless there's something underneath I don't know about, it's a very nice deal moneywise. And, I've got two weeks to try it out, so I'll have enough time to be sure; and all I lose if it doesn't work out is the shipping.

I'm intrigued about the fact that these saddles are able to have their trees changed; I see that as a good investment for the future in case I need to use it on another horse. However, I'm at a loss as to WHERE/WHO I could send it too for a change? I know they use this mechanical gizmo to do the tree changes and "any authorized Kieffer saddle fitter" is supposed to know how to do it, but where does one FIND such a person?

Again, anyone especially with THIS Kieffer model, speak up...good, bad or ugly!

AT any rate, thanks, FancyDocsGal, for your input. And, YES, I'll be letting you all know if THIS one works! I know ALL of you will be glad if it does so I finally stop asking saddle brand questions!

[riding_reaper]

I used to own an older Kieffer AP. It was too narrow for my quarter horse and too old a model to be adjusted but I loved it soooooooo much. I hated to sell it.
It did have a narrow twist and was extremely comfortable. The seat wasnt really soft, it was harder but wasnt like a rock. A little "springy" I guess is the word for it.
The leather was as soft as butter. It didnt have any cracks at all.
So, yea, I really miss it. I still get to ride in it though as I sold it to my riding instructor who has arabs.
heres a couple pics
http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...icture-086.jpg
http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...re-1074576.jpg

Kieffer is an EXCELLENT saddle brand. You are very lucky.

[ShowJumper23]

yeah, i have a keiffer dressage saddle. i absolutely love it. is is fantastic. yes, it can be adjusted easily. i am obsessed with my saddle. i HIGHLY recommend them!

[3Bays]

WOW. You guys are giving me H O P E !!!

THANK YOU for the photos of the saddle, Riding_Reaper! (CUTE pony, too!!!).... yours is the black model and I'll be testing out a brown model that looks just like it. It does look comfy!

Since you say it was a bit narrow for your QH, that also gives me some hope. I realize that some TBs require wide trees and some QHs need narrower trees, but usually it's the other way around. And, if you feel the twist was relatively narrow that's a good sign, also.

Gads, sounds like if this works for the OTTB, it'll be a dream for me! I don't mind that you said it's not super cushy...I want SOME "cushyness", but I really dislike the "sofa" feeling I've had on some saddles I've recently tried. So, it may be "just right" (feel like Goldilocks there!).

Showjumper23, in your opinion of your Kieffer you echo what peeps are telling me! Thanks!

So, maybe we should start a Kieffer Klub?

[riding_reaper]

no problem.

[FancyDocsGal]

Well? We want to hear from you! How did it go. Have you tried the saddle yet? Keep us posted, ok?
BTW I have been trying to find authorized kieffer saddle distributors and they are few. I am continuing to look though. What area (no need to pin down exact location) are you in? Curiosity kills the cat. I must find one in your area!

[3Bays]

Hey, there, FancyDocsGal! Thanks for posting!

Well, as I type this, I'm waiting for my DH to come home with it from the post office!!!

To say I'm anxious about this one is an UNDERSTATEMENT! I am SO hoping it works out! I CANNOT say how sick of saddle hunting I am...not to mention I would like to do something other than bareback with my OTTB by now!

I'm concerned about the tree fitting my OTTB as he's just got that high withers that dip in situation going. One site I've looked at says the Kieffers all come as MW!! I nearly fainted...my boy is NOT a MW!

THEN, I read that in Europe, MW is something like a 29 or 30 cm size, Regular is like 28 cm. Well, makes sense as my Pariani (which I bought in Europe and rode TBs for years in) is a 27.5 cm! This business of "medium" being 31-32 cm is truly an American thing...maybe because of the breeds of horses available here versus there?

Anyhoo, I read every review I could and every site I could...and came away totally confused and realizing that it's just going to come down to the real saddle on the real horse with my real butt in the real saddle! ONLY then will I know. Sighhhhhhhhh.

SO, perhaps this evening, certainly by tomorrow, gang, I'll know if this might work! I got a smoking deal on this saddle if it fits as I'll get it for just less than half the cost of a new Kieffer Aachen.

FancyDocsGal: what seat size do you take? I take a 16.5"... If this one doesn't work for me, I'll post you and let you know exactly where I got it and then YOU could try it out! As for authorized distributors...it's bugging me that I KNOW just yesterday I found one that sells several models of the Kieffer line and I just can't remember it...but I promise you I'll look through my "favorites" listing of saddle shops and track it down for you, OK? Just that right now I have to run...but i'll do that for you for sure!

WEll, guys, wish me luck! Believe me, I'll be reporting back whether good , bad or ugly!

PS: JUST in case it doesn't work...what's the word on Ovation saddles?

[3Bays]

REMEMBERED the site!

Here ya go: Pelham saddlery sells Kieffers...

Kieffer Aachen AT Sug.Retail $1799.00: Pelham Saddlery

Also check out Charlotte's saddlery and Libertyville (for the dressage styles there).

Here's Bahr in Canada:
Kieffer München All Purpose Kieffer Munchen All Purpose Bahr Saddlery for all your equestrian needs Tack Shop Saddlery Store for Equestrians Horses Equine Products Dressage Hunter Jumper Eventing Supplies Apparel Tack Ontario Canada

For used Kieffers, look at Rick's Heritage site and also the B C Saddles site.

I know there are a few more and will add them later when I can figure out what they are!