The Ashland I is a shallower seat than the Ashland II. The flap on the Ashland I isn't terribly far forward. I had a 16.5" and a 17" and they both had the same flap hung on them. But if you are ordering a new one, you should be able to specify options like knee blocks and flap length/width. The leather is top quality. The seat is a little wider. The twist is narrow but not uncomfortable so. Very comfortable saddle for flat riding. I don't jump so I can't comment on that. I posted pics at Search Results Horse Pictures (& somebody else did, too.)
The M tree is more of a TB tree. That newer saddle I had was a W. The MW older one, I think had either been widened or had spread.
Aside from the flap not being forward enough for my long thigh, I really liked those saddles. Since they are made in England, they will have more sturdy trees and better leather than your Collegiate.
Eww. That's not good. I have really long thigh. To give you an idea of my dimensions. I'm 5"10 and 110 lbs. I wouldn't say I'm all leg, but my thigh is pretty long, but my butt is non-existent, so it's always been a balance trying to find a saddle that fits my thigh, but that my butt isn't swimming in. Here's a photo of me riding in the Collegiate I have now.
I tried the Ashland saddle out today. It was comfortable. I liked it a lot and felt like it put my leg in a very secure (and better) position than my Collegiate. However, lo and behold, my knee was popping off the edge of the saddle a bit. I think it is a 16.5 seat. The owner is selling it for $500, which is a complete steal, but maybe it's not the right saddle for me. I'll try to get a picture of me sitting in that saddle on my horse.
Any close contact saddles you can recommend that have a more forward flap?
I've also been looking at Bevals, just on eBay and what not. I've ridden in a few, and liked them, though I can't remember if I had the same issue with my thigh or not...
Over at COTH, Chronicle of the Horse, there are threads about h/j saddles for tall riders. Stubben Roxanne S is one. Stubben has an S more forward flap option. Ovation is made by Ruiz Daiz. Ruiz Diaz Saddles Some of theirs have a forward flap / long flap option.
The Crosby Prix Des Nations, old plain flap one, had a forward flap model. The current padded flap one isn't really forward - I posted a pic at horse grooming forum Gallery. The older California Prix padded flap (also pics of a couple over there) is. But the Crosby Centennial can be ordered with different flap options, so check that one out. The Bates Caprilli and Collegiate Diploma (same tree) have a flpa option that's 1" longer and 1" farther forward. The HDR saddles, a couple, have a flap option. I had a HDR 16.5" W with XL flap but it was too long in the flap for 5' me.
I'd really like to get a used saddle. I definitely can't afford a new custom one. If I can't find what I'm looking for I'll just keep riding in my old saddle until a nice used saddle comes my way.
I've heard really good things about Stubbens, and these two look like they has a more forward flap.
Luvs2ride posted this for searching all of Craigslist:
Quote:
Go to google.com and click on "advanced search". Search for show saddle silver, and put craigslist.org in the "Search within a site or domain:" box. Click on the "Date, Usage, etc.." link and under "Date: (how recent the page is)" click on "past month" (so you don't get expired ads). That will search ALL of craigslist.org, every city and every state. If you find one you like out of your area, email and ask about shipping.
