saddle search part 3: possible saddles - opinions please!

Some of these are at Trumbull (which would require some shipping to try out saddles since they are in VT and I'm in MI) and some are at a tack shop that is a 15-20 minute drive for me. All are medium or medium-wide trees, so they should fit my horse. They are also within (or near) my current budget. I haven't sat in any of them yet, but I'm just curious what you guys think...

Saddles at Trumbull (also listed in my post titled "saddle search part 2"):
HDR pro Senior Event (all Purpose) saddle 17" seat mw tree for $600- This saddle is practically brand new.

From Classic Saddlery (the local store):
Consignment Saddles

-Toulouse Candice (The one that they are calling a "second" because of the color, and selling for a discounted price. I could care less if the brown is a little different than what it's supposed to be.)

-Crosby Equilibrium Jumping Saddle

-Ovation Quarter Horse Saddle with leathers/irons/50" overlay girth and matching bridle included

-M. Toulouse Padjette

-M. Toulouse Lucia II



Your opinions on any and all of those, please!

I really liked the look ofToulouse Candice and Ovation. Given Candice are new the price is not bad at all (and in this case you know you don't get a twisted tree or something, although I'm pretty positive Trumball checks the trees).

So I'd say Toulouse Candice, Kieffer, Ovation, and for some reason I liked Nice .

Definitely if the tack shop is close by just get 3 or 4 saddles on trial and try all!

I am an M.T Fanatic! Jealous, I wish I could afford one of those!

Did you see the one that they are calling a "second" because the color is a lighter chocolate color than the regular stock? (I could care less!) For the price of $650 I would get the saddle and fittings! That would be so awesome if my tush likes it and my position is good.

The Padjette and Lucia II are also clearance-priced. That would be SUCH a score if they work out.

I like the looks of the Ovation saddle package too though, and EventinginMI looked at it previously and said she loved it but it didn't work with her leg.

Definitely got some options there. :)

I personally hate HDRs and Wintecs. I've sat in one HDR that I liked and that was it. For the price of a new one I think you can get a better quality used saddle.

The Kieffer is an AP, did you want an AP or a close contact?

I just ordered the Candice (CWD knock off) for one of my students and it was beautiful! It oils up nicely and it's breaking in great. Very grippy, nice quality for price, esp the sale price! I don't know how well the MTs wear over time. We'll see!

I ordered the Padjette (Delgrange's PJ knockoff) for another one of my kids but it hasn't arrived yet. I'll let you know!

One of our school horse saddles is an Equilibrium and it's wonderful. Excellent quality, puts the kids' legs in a great position, and it can take a beating and still look great. One of my fav school horse saddles. It's the kind of saddle that will last a long long time.

One of my kids just got an Ovation (not sure what model) and it's excellent as well. Puts her leg in a great place and looks nice. She got it at a steal on ebay. Again, don't know how well Ovations wear over time. I don't think they don't look cheap, I just haven't personally seen it.

Nuts! I just called and they had sold the last Toulouse Candice earlier today. Bummer! They still have the M. Toulouse Padjette and Lucia II and the Crosby and the Ovation, so I'll be checking those out on Saturday!

Upnover, I'm looking for an A/P saddle. At this point I mainly trail ride and tool around in the arena (which usually involves some xrails to finish up) but I want an all-around saddle that I could do anything with, from trail riding to low-level showing.

If you could let me know what you think about the Padjette, that'd be great. I did read this review online and am looking for more opinions.
http://www.horsetackreview.com/revie...lay/11683.html