[AllAroundRdr]

Have anyone's foam panels gotten squished down over time? If they haven't, then maybe I should stay open to that possibility, because I'd rather not pay $1400 if I really don't have to, even though I know I'll get a higher quality saddle. The most important thing for me is that my horse is comfortable and that the saddle will hold up. I've ridden in some hard saddles, and it doesn't really bother me. But a nice, comfy saddle would be nice.

My HDR is ridden in daily, at one time was used on over 8 horses per day on the flats and over fences AND shown in on weekends (now it's limited to 2-4 horses per day and shows) and as you can see from my picture, there's NOT condensing of the foam pannels, and the leather on mine is anything but cheap and cruddy -- the only wear you can see on my saddle after nearly 8 years is SLIGHT discoloration on the fenders from the leathers rubbing.

[kristenc812]

Thanks..that sounds great. Thanks for the help!

[turn-n-burn5477]

I personally don't own an HdR but I do take lessons in one.
The mare I ride is built nothing like your boy I'm sure and she needs a wide tree.
It fits her exceptionally well. And the leather on that thing is soooo soft.
I absolutely love how it sits me, and I'm trying to find the same one, used, with a regular tree for my TB. It's a dream to ride in. It's an HdR Pro A/O.

[MIEventer]

You should contact a Saddle Fitter/Maker and have them come out and assess your horses back, you and how you ride. A good one will bring out a truck load of saddles to put on your horse for you both to try out under their observation - then they can tell you what works best for the both of you.

Name brands Shname Brands. Go with what best works for you and your horse.

Most manufactured saddles are made to fit the wither - but there is so much more to it than that. You are far better off having a Professional help you along your path of your saddle search so that you can find a good quallity saddle, a saddle that really does fit your horse properly, and you.

People can shove out name brands and types of saddles all they want - but that doesn't mean that those saddles are going to work for you and your horse.

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by AllAroundRdr

My HDR is ridden in daily, at one time was used on over 8 horses per day on the flats and over fences AND shown in on weekends (now it's limited to 2-4 horses per day and shows) and as you can see from my picture, there's NOT condensing of the foam pannels, and the leather on mine is anything but cheap and cruddy -- the only wear you can see on my saddle after nearly 8 years is SLIGHT discoloration on the fenders from the leathers rubbing.

To give IHeart credit, there ARE different levels in quality of the HDRs. I would agree with her on the HDR Club line of saddles. They are not worth buying at all. The Advantange line is "okay", but low on my list. Yours looks like the Pro line, which are definitely nice saddles for the money. I certainly wouldn't pass one up .

[walktrotcanter]

I love my HDR. As stated by AllAroundRdr, it IS like riding on a cloud--and I have the same saddle. Mine is only about a year old, and only used a handful of times, and it shows no wear at all. They are wonderful for the money.

Pessoas are my all-time favorite, but they just didn't fit my budget at the time. Leather on the (OLDER) Pessoas becomes VERY soft, VERY supple, and VERY pliable...could be a contributing factor as to why they 'rip' commonly.

[MIEventer]

If you have about $1,000 to spend - you would be smarter to look for a good French Made saddle. French Saddes are the top of the line.

Research, look around on other sites like www.tacktrader.com and ebay and tack stores. You can find good quallity French Made Saddles, used for decent prices.

I still higly suggest contacting a Saddle Maker/Fitter to help you out.

[iheartcloudnine]

Also adding onto the HDR thing. I just think you can spend the same amount on a great quality, used saddle. It will last you far longer than a brand new HDR.

[sweet mustanq]

i have an HDR dressage saddle and i loveeeeeeeeeee it!
i think its really comfortable and it deff catches your eye

[imjustjoking22]

I know this is a little random, but I have 2 schleese saddles and I love them (one jump saddle)- the jump ones aren't as popular as the dressage and I think on ebay they are pretty reasonable, and the trees and flocking are fully adjustable.

They also have wonderful, buttery leather right off the bat and super comfy seats