M. Toulouse vs. Collegiate?

Hi everyone,
I'm currently on the hunt for a new saddle. My Pessoa Gen X just doesn't fit my Warmblood quite right, so I've found a few options.

The first is a used M. Toulouse Annice DL (medium tree). I was just wondering if anyone had ridden in this saddle or had anything to say about it? I'm quite familiar with the Premia, but this one is new to me. I found it for a steal at the local tack shop and have it on trial for a few days. I would love to get feedback on the saddle!

The second is a new Collegiate Alumni Convertible Saddle (regular tree). My best friend has the same saddle and likes it. She says it fits her wide large pony and other wide horses she rides, but I'm wondering if it would fit my slightly wide, very uphill horse? This saddle is also a bargain. I'm not too familiar with the saddle, so I would really love if you could share your experience/knowledge.

The only catch is, I'm on a bit of a crunched time frame. I'm going to look at the Collegiate on Thursday and the trial on the Toulouse ends Friday.

I was just wondering which of the two you guys would think to be the better option? They're both real bargains but I don't know which to chose. Any suggestions/comments/etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

I just tried a Toulouse today. Can't say I remember which one it is other than it's a close contact model. It was a smidge wide for my TB, but otherwise fit him very well and gave me perfect balance. I really like it to the point where I'm considering using a corrective pad to narrow things up a little in the shoulders to make it fit. Can't help you with the other ones. Sadly, all saddles will fit you differently. Much like finding a good pair of jeans, you'll have to try every one you can sit in.

Well I want to say toulouse just cause its french like me , so gotta be good

No but seriously, I used HDR for the past 5 years + and love it!
Now, that's more for hunter/ jumper
For dressage I would go for a good german brand, they re known for their quality on dressage saddle

I have the toulouse premia and I love it. Had it for over a year now. Been used 5-6 times a week for a year and still looks perfect!

Frankly I think both brands are nice. I personally own Collegiate (although the different model) and rode in M. Toulouse (not on my horse though), and both are comfortable. I'd just go with what fit your horse and your butt the best. :)

I would go with a Toulouse over a Collegiate personally - I agree with Kitten Val it all depends on how the saddle fits your horse and works for you. Brands come last over the importance of fit.

HDR's are very low quality and I would stay away from them if possible.

Actually I really hate when people post this, for lack of a better term, "BS". The advantage line is very low quality. The pro is a little bit better. The Rivellas and the Deauvilles are actually quite nice. I chose my Rivella over a Pessoa and a Prestige. I could have afforded the Prestige but for the style, fit, quality and beauty of my Rivella, I chose it.

I think if you are going to talk down about a line of saddles you should at least be aware that they offer different product lines and have tried these product lines.

As such, I'm not going to comment on the Collegiate and Toulouse issue, because, while I have sat in both of them and enjoyed it, I don't own it or have seriously ridden in it and I'm not going to talk down a brand I haven't had a whole lot of experience with.

^Agreed. I had an HDR for my first saddle, and altough it's scuffed and battered, it's still going good and I use it when little kids want to ride Blue. Now would I get another, no I wouldn't, but still. For the price, it's a good saddle.

I agree with MIE on the fact that it's all going to come up to what fits you and your horse better.

Rivella is nice - I tried it too. But I still chose my Pessoa!

I agree too. I have my HDR for now 5 years, using it quite often, and its still like new. Not the best quality, but so far 5 years and still going, im not going to complain. It is my first and only saddle for now, and as long as it is not falling apart im fine. Very comfy, and the only thing starting to wear off are the girth attacment as I ride 4 to 6 different sizes of horses everytime.
My next saddle might not be an HDR, as im more looking into a dressage one, but my HDR has been wonderful, in jumping and training.