Pessoa saddles..any good??

[greygirls]

So the day has finally come that I have all I need in the way of horsey things. I can now daydream about "upgrading" my cheaper than cheap items for better quality ones. I was looking through the Greenhawk catalogue & really like the looks of one of the Pessoa saddles. I have never ridden in one (at least not to my knowledge anyway) & so I have no clue what these saddles are like outside of a picture in a catalogue. Anyone know anything, good or bad, about them? It will be a long time before I get around to upgrading my saddle (I'm starting with the smaller items first) but it doesn't hurt to inquire ahead of time. Thanks guys!

[viperchick1209]

I currently own the Pessoa GenX and i love it! It's like sitting on a moving couch. My position improved ten fold because i wasn't thrown forward by the saddle. And my jumping position and security improved greatly.

the leather is tough and takes a punishment from time to time with me and the kids at the barn. the leather is soft right from the get go and i was easily able to fit my oddly shaped TB Paint X.

i hope you find one that you like They are well worth the money in my opinion.

[kshnooks]

I've heard position wise, they're decent. They are definitely made and designed for the rider. However, they are manufactured in Argentina. Apparently, the manufacturing has improved tremendously from when they moved it over there but it can still be hit or miss. I would definitely recommend sitting in a bunch of saddles to see what you like before purchasing a new one, especially since it would be an upgrade for you and I assume you would be hoping to have it for a very looooong time!

If you don't like the Pessoa's, I would look into the English made saddles. Some of the decent ones in the same range as Pessoa are Crosby, Northrun, County and Beval (used though), Frank Baines and Cliff Barnsby. Good luck!

[barnmom]

Nicole is upgrading to a Pessoa, she has been riding in one and absolutely loves it, if she has to sell her Ian Miller it is the one thing that will make it somewhat ok.

[greygirls]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I already know I love Schleese saddles but they are way out of my price range...plus, I don't really want a dressage & that's mostly what Shleese does. Does anyone know how Pessoa compares to Schleese?

[kshnooks]

schleese saddles are usually 100% custom, I believe. So I would think there is no comparison! LOL

[Slim Pikkens]

Don't let the fact that Pessoa saddles are made in Argentina deter you. The Pessoa's, a family of brilliant riders are from Brazil. The leather is imported from France.

[greygirls]

Originally Posted by kshnooks

schleese saddles are usually 100% custom, I believe. So I would think there is no comparison! LOL

True, but I'm just talking comfort, not just the fit but the whole package.

[Hideaway]

I loved the old Pessoa I rode in. I'm told the new one's aren't made like they used to be. I really wanted one and I have a friend who loves hers. In looking at saddles at the Dover store here, I liked the Wylde saddle over the Pessoa. It's built not only for the rider but for the horse too. Super comfy! That's what I'll be going for.

[kshnooks]

Originally Posted by greygirls

True, but I'm just talking comfort, not just the fit but the whole package.

Agreed. However, I would think that if someone spent the money on a Schleese to be customized to them, they would like the saddle fit and comfort. I have found it nearly impossible to find Schleese saddles used because of this fact, and even if I did, I would probably not like it as much as the previous owner who had it custom fit to them. So if you're going to go Schleese, go all out! LOL If it makes any difference too, I've heard they're excellent to work with compared to some of the other so called "custom" saddlers out there.

And I did mention Pessoas being made in Argentina because when they originally moved the manufacturing there they were crap (they used to be made in England way back when) However, I've heard that Pessoa has really started improving the QA on the saddles. It wasn't something to try and deter you, just a FYI as something to think about.

Personally, if you sit in it, you like it, and it fits your horse and is in your range, I would go for it. I would say this about a $300 saddle or a $4000 one...your body and your horse will tell you whats right, where its made or by who is secondary.

[greygirls]

Originally Posted by kshnooks

I have found it nearly impossible to find Schleese saddles used because of this fact.

There is actually one in this area for $1200!! I was drooling over it in the tack shop but, at the moment, I can't even afford that...it's killing me though! I just keep telling myself, "I don't want a dressage saddle anyway" but it doesn't really help.

[Dream Ponies]

Many times you can find amazing bargains on used saddles. We found a used Smith Worthington saddle in like new condition for $250.00. The original price was $4200.00. So I have learned to just keep my eyes open.
My friend has an older Pessoa and I love it. By far it is one of the most comfortable saddles ever.

[kshnooks]

Originally Posted by greygirls

There is actually one in this area for $1200!! I was drooling over it in the tack shop but, at the moment, I can't even afford that...it's killing me though! I just keep telling myself, "I don't want a dressage saddle anyway" but it doesn't really help.

aw man! That sounds like one of those times where you wish that money giving trees were real...or long lost relatives who leave you a fortune.