[addie_loves_scout]

I have an English saddle. It’s:
-17in seat
-the Crosby brand
-Model: Prix Des Nations

I want to show in Hunter Under Saddle next year. The problem is that the cushion is little to nothing. I’ve tried oiling it and I’m not sure that it solved the problem.

I really don’t want to have to put a saddle cushion over it.

Is there a way I can possibly spring up the cushion? Or is there a way I can get more cushion put in my saddle?

 

[ClearDonkey]

No matter how much oiling you do, you will not make the seat anymore comfortable unfortunately. Saddles weren't always designed with comfort in mind, and if your Crosby is an older model, any padding that was there is likely now compact and hard... You will probably be out of luck in the comfort department with this current saddle, unfortunately!

If comfort is a priority for you and you want to go into the show-ring with the saddle, a new saddle will likely be needed. There are some nice entry-level saddles, but shopping the used saddle market can yield a high-end, budget friendly saddle that is as comfortable as a lazy boy in a living room.

 

[addie_loves_scout]

No matter how much oiling you do, you will not make the seat anymore comfortable unfortunately. Saddles weren't always designed with comfort in mind, and if your Crosby is an older model, any padding that was there is likely now compact and hard... You will probably be out of luck in the comfort department with this current saddle, unfortunately!

If comfort is a priority for you and you want to go into the show-ring with the saddle, a new saddle will likely be needed. There are some nice entry-level saddles, but shopping the used saddle market can yield a high-end, budget friendly saddle that is as comfortable as a lazy boy in a living room.

What budget saddle brands do you recommend?

 

[ClearDonkey]

What budget saddle brands do you recommend?

I personally enjoyed my Collegiate when I had it - but the best thing you can do is go sit in as many saddles as you can at a tack shop, if any are around. Each person is made differently and saddles are made to fit different horses and their riders a bit different.

For example, I loved my Collegiate, my M Toulouse was just okay, and Prestige makes me immediately hurt - but others swear by Prestige, and love M Toulouse!

Are there any saddle fitters in your area that could assist in finding a perfect saddle for you and your horse?

 

[addie_loves_scout]

@ClearDonkey Not that I know of. I live in Oklahoma, USA. There’s not a lot of English shops or saddle fitters around here. The one shop I go to doesn’t have a saddle in my size. Also my budget is minuscule. I’m trying to see what tack I can sell to get something that works for me and my gelding!

 

[Dreamcatcher Arabians]

You might check with The Horse of Course in Claremore. If I remember right they take in saddles on consignment and might have what you're looking for.

 

[tinyliny]

Just having a hard seat doesn't always make a saddle uncomfortable, nor is the converse true. If it fits your pelvis shape, it can be ok. Also, will you be actually SITTING in it a lot? won't you be posting most of the time?

I agree that it won't be optimal if it's murder uncomfortable, but for awhile, you can manage if it fits your horse and you. Crosby makes a nice saddle. I had an old Crosby dressage saddle. I loved the close contact of it, but , yes, it was very hard leather and made my knees and lady bits sore.

 

[starbuster]

Unfortunately, the older Crosby Prix des Nations were known for having hard seats (that's just the way a lot of older saddles were made) and no amount of oiling will change that. Over-oiling may actually damage the leather. I think the best you could do is add a seat saver (ThinLine has some discreet looking ones, though I'm not sure how much padding they'll add).

I have an old Crosby PDN that has a very hard seat as well, as well as several other older saddles with hard seats. I agree with the poster who mentioned that hard seats don't necessarily have to be uncomfortable and not all soft seats are comfortable, but if the seat is the wrong shape and width, and the twist is too wide or too narrow, that can create issues. If this is the case, the saddle may unfortunately not be the best fit for you.

I will say though, that I have a late '90s Crosby Sovereign that is much more comfortable than my '70s PDN with a more well padded and wider seat, so I wouldn't discard Crosby as a brand if you look into a different saddle. They're high quality saddles and in good condition and well fitting for both horse and rider, are a great choice! The older Collegiates are designed after them, but IME have more comfortable seats.

I think your best bet would be to sit in as many different saddles as possible to see what you like. Since people are built differently, a saddle that is comfortable for one person and allows them to ride effectively doesn't necessarily work well for another. It's also important to make sure whatever saddle you choose fits your horse, of course.