Saddle Update

I first talked about my saddle (a WOW saddle) way back in January after I had first gotten it and it was basically an OMG I love this saddle post.  Which I am still totally in love with it.  It is my magical unicorn.  But I thought I would be able to go into a little more detail, because I have actually used it for awhile not and also because the company has also updated their website.  It has tons of information if you are curious.  I am mainly doing this because I really like this brand and it isn't very popular in the US, plus the concept is pretty magical.

His second favorite thing (Timothy is number one!)

My favorite part about this saddle is that it is totally modular.  If I got a few screw drivers I could take my saddle totally apart (I am not ever going to do this because I would end up with that one extra bolt...).  The company has been using the exact same layout since they started.  That doesn't mean that they haven't made changes, it just means that you can still have parts swapped on the old saddles with new parts.  For example, I think that Stinker has put on enough weight/muscle that he needs to go up a size in the head plate.  I don't need to have the saddle put on a tree press or order a new saddle while trying sell my old one.  I contact the rep, she is sending me an equiform, I will make a model of his back, and send it back to her.  She will look at the model of his back and say yes you are right here is the piece you need to change or not you aren't right you need to do X.  This makes me supremely happy.

Love this thing!

The next thing I like about this saddle are the flaps.  I have long legs, like should have been a super model long legs (too bad I like food).  They have a special flap that is cut for long legs and it is perfect.  My knee finally has a place to go that isn't over the block.  This is the first saddle that I have been in that I haven't had to fight and it is an amazing thing.  I am pretty sure they have short people flaps too for those of you that aren't giant, but I am a giant and love my flaps.

My third favorite thing (who am I kidding this is probably my true favorite because it is Stinker's favorite and he controls my life) are the panels.  I have the flair panels and I was initially nervous about this because they aren't wool.  I know the ones that love French saddles are laughing at me and the ones that love English made saddle are probably having the same thoughts as I did.  I actually made the vet check his back multiple times after I got this saddle because I was so paranoid (he was already seeing Stinker so if I was paying a bill I was getting his back checked).  Stinker loves these panels.  He seriously hates any wool flocked saddle and all half pads now.  That made me a believer.

They are so soft and squishy!

Finally, the change in Stinker's behavior under saddle was astounding.  Pre EPM, his Albion fit him fairly well and he still didn't like to walk.  Post EPM it was a hot mess, so I will ignore that for now.  He was so so in the various County saddles that I tried, but as soon as we started with the WOWs he was more than happy to walk.  Sure he would still get tense and jig, but we at least had a walk.

If you are looking for a saddle (mine was $4000 but with some swapping I should be able to continue for my lifetime and you can find them used in the UK if you know what you are looking for) and want adjustability I highly recommend looking into these saddles.