At the beginning of the year, I found myself in a bit of a predicament. I had mentioned to another student at my barn that she could trial my saddle and if she liked it, she could buy it. I can't even say fast-forward days later, because she handed me cash for the saddle the day she tried it. So,Bye Bye Beval! Without a saddle, I was using my trainer's Butet until I found another one. Let's take a moment to rewind though okay? I bought my Beval for basically two reasons:
I reached out to Double Oak Tack, which is based out of the DFW area. And WHAT A DAY I had with them! Cindy Aruna (the owner of Double Oak) was super helpful in looking for, finding, and fitting a saddle for me. She brought out about seven to look at and I ended up riding in three. I had a pretty precise price range and she found ones that fit them with ease and didn't pressure me to buy outside of what I was comfortable in! The first one I tried was a Devoucoux. I liked it best (in theory) because it was the cheapest, but as soon as I sat in it, it didn't feel super great. Don't get me wrong it was a GORGEOUS saddle, but I felt pitched forward and after a short ride, I knew it wasn't right. You know how they say when you try YOUR wedding dress on you KNOW. I mean, I know that happened to me when I got married. I didn't really expect that to happen with my saddle, but it did. The second saddle I tried was the one I ended up buying. The MINUTE I sat in this one I knew. It put my leg in the a great place, I felt balanced and more importantly, I felt secure and safe. But, it was at the top of my price range and determined to find a 'better' saddle (aka better price) I tried some more. <--- The last saddle I tried really SOLIDIFIED why I needed the Butet. It was a deeper seat, which I thought would mean a more secure seat but I was so wrong. I was immediately gripping with my hip flexors and my leg was all over the place. So, I rode in the Butet one last time, and after taking a few jumps, I knew I had to buy it. I wish I had the words to describe how it easy it was to feel where I was in relation to the jump and how easy it was to know what Grady was doing while riding in it. I was literally smiling at the end of the trial. Buying a saddle is a huge commitment, and an investment. But after a few months of riding in my amazing new purchase, I can tell you it is worth it! And if you are in Texas (or even US she does ship!) I highly suggest you check out Double Oak Tack, because it is hands down the best equestrian retail experience I've ever had! And I'm in no way affiliated or sponsored by them, I just REALLY like them that much!
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