My new-to-me saddle arrived safely and I was able to try it out over the weekend. But first, take a look at how dry it was. (This will be a picture-heavy post.)
Obviously it had been conditioned over the years as it was still in very good shape, it just hadn’t been conditioned any time recently. I broke out the Belvoir.
After two coats, it was looking much more hydrated. I did a total of four coats over a few days, and it was ready for me to try on Eli by the weekend.
But just to remind you, the saddle I have been riding in for a decade and a half needs a makeover.
I’m going to keep it in storage until I have the spare change to give it some life, with a new seat, new panels, and new knee blocks. But with that much work needed, I opted to just get a new used saddle so I would have something to ride in that wasn’t falling apart.
Eli, as always, to anthropomorphize a bit, was skeptical. But also thrilled to be turned out regularly again after the rainy weather.
The no-trial gamble paid off, as the saddle set very nicely on Eli.
It looks well-balanced, with plenty of with clearance and no glaring pressure points, with the points of the tree sitting just behind his shoulders. As far as I could tell, without wanting to stand on a step stool directly behind Eli, the panels were sitting in even contact on either side of his spine. Was the fit custom? No, of course not. But the fit was good, and I think with the Ogilvy half pad, any minor faults in fit will be mitigated.


Overall, I am very happy with the fit for now. I am considering having a saddle fitter come look at it later in the spring, to evaluate the fit with me in it.
But with the magic of Ogilvy, I am confident Eli is comfortable in this saddle. He has felt great the two times I’ve ridden in it–very loose, forward, not looking back at all. Hopefully this week I can jump around a little, and have an over fences lesson on Saturday. I cannot remember the last time I had a lesson!
Completely off the topic, my phone camera went wonky for a few pictures–rose-colored glasses, anyone?
The saddle looks good on him! I’m jealous your saddle-shopping process went so smoothly, haha
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I definitely got a little lucky! I don’t in any way think my experience was a typical one. My familiarity with the brand I wanted did help a lot, though.
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Wow, it looks so great with some TLC! What a win!
That picture is interesting. Never seen something like that!
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Love it!
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Ooooh! Love it! Nothing like a bit of conditioning. 🙂
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Looks great! Glad you ended up with a successful gamble 🙂
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Look at the difference the conditioning made! Looks like all your research paid off. I’ll have to remember to be as thorough as you were.
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Oh, I like the pink picture. Weird.
Glad this worked out! Yay!
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I like the new saddle! The lighter seat gives is quite a spiffy look.
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Yay for an easy experience! Love the ‘rose colored glasses’:)
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I wish it were an actual filter so I could use it lol
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You win the saddle shopping lottery!
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I wish I had such good luck with saddles!
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yay it looks great on him!!! nice score 🙂
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Pretty saddle!
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Wow what a difference after some conditioning love! It looks great 🙂
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