Your thoughts on this saddle?

HDR Pro Event English Saddle (Foam) - SAVE $100 + FREE $175 Incentive Package! - HDR - Henri De Rivel English Saddles - Save $100+ plus $175 Incentives

I'm Buying another horse very soon, so I thought I might start my saddle research.

I will be doing Eventing, low level to train the horse how to jump for the first year/s. 50cm - 1m.

I heard that if you are doing eventing but only can afford two saddles, get a Dressage (obviously) and a Jump saddle instead of a Event saddle. But I'm not a big fan of the flaps going over the horses shoulders. Pro's and Con's of a Jump saddle vs. Event saddle?

Also - the HDR brand... again, Pro's and Con's?

Thank you!
Oh also - I know you have to fit it to the horse and rider, etc. but might as well start by knowing if the saddles a good brand, and what to look for!

HDR saddles are great and very comfortable! I think its really personal preference. I personally have a close-contact/eventing saddle as that is what I feel comfortable in and it helps my horse and I but I know plenty of other people who have gone the other way and gotten jumping saddles. So I don't know what to tell you on ES vs JS but HDR is a wonderful brand.

Thank you (:

I've read very mixed opinions on HDRs. I always though they are not the best ones. However the one I looked at in Dover other day was nice looking and I liked the leather (and I'm quite hard to please ). With that being said I'd suggest to look also in M Toulouse - those are very nice saddles for the price and have number of different models.

Actually may be moving this thread to "Tack and Equipment" would bring more opinions and advices. Let me know if you want it to be moved...

Yes thank you, I didn't really know where do put it, if you think it'll get more responses would be great! And thanks for your reply, I will look into the M Toulouse!

Moved from the other section of the forum. Bumping up for OP...

Thanks!

I've never found an HDR that I liked, however with that being said I haven't seen any of the new ones in person and it seems that the leather has been changed/upgraded? In that case perhaps i'd like one now.

I'm also not a fan of foam filled/flocked panels which I believe this saddle has based on the description.

Yes, thank you!! I know, that's the only thing I don't like is the foam/flocked filled panels... what do thinks the best? CAIR???

Well I have three actually - foam, CAIR and wool flocked. Personally, I prefer the wool. The CAIR is okay for random uses on other horses, but the wool actually molds to fit my horse and can be adjusted to fit him whereas the CAIR, from what I know of it, doesn't give that many customization options.

It all comes down to personal preference i'd say.