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Close Contact Saddles Reviews
Customer Reviews for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
The M. Toulouse Premia?is hand crafted of natural vegetable tanned, pigmented, aniline finished leather which will accept oil. All leather is tanned by French tanning methods. Classically designed by Marcel Toulouse, Master Saddler in France, to meet all the demands of the horse and rider. Ultra soft comfortable anatomically shaped seat to provide better support for the rider and center the weight properly.?
Average Customer Rating:
(16 Reviews) 16
Rating breakdown 16 reviews
5 Stars
11
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
2
1 Star
0
14 of 16(88%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Review 1 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
fit perfectly, great value, quick break in!
January 14, 2013
ByZinger415
fromSan Rafael, CA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Other - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
"I did a trial in this saddle on a recommendation from my trainer because I needed an affordable saddle which would fit both my large, dippy backed, high withered, young, growing TB and me (tall, long legs). The moment I put it on his back I knew it fit. I'd test ridden a few other saddles, the Kent & Masters, the Thorowgood hybrid (from Trumble Mtn)- and both just looked wrong, bridged on his back and in general were terrible fits. I understand the M. Toulouse saddles are "knock offs" of higher end saddles and if that's true then great for me! At this time I can't afford an Antares or Pessoa. The assistant trainer at my barn was drooling over it when I brought my saddle to the barn. The leather is very nice and soft, almost immediate break in; yes the billets are stiff but for the price it's no big deal. I've heard some negative comments about the M. Toulouse and I don't understand why, I'm not expecting it be an Antares but for the price it's exactly what I'd expect, even better. Obviously it has to fit your house, and the Premia did for me! I can not comment on durability as I've only had it about 3 weeks now. I only wish it came in black!
Thank you SmartPak for your wonderful test ride program!!!"
Thank you SmartPak for your wonderful test ride program!!!"
Review 2 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Best Saddle I've Ridden In
January 2, 2013
ByBella7308
fromPennsylvania
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"Let me start by saying I've been taking lessons and riding in several different brands, mostly Pessoas. I was looking for a saddle to use at home and on various horses I exercise, and to use on the hunter I'm hoping to get soon.
This saddle is amazing quality. It has just the right amount of stick - you don't at all feel trapped in it, but it's not slick like many other saddles tend to get. It does lose a little stickiness after you use it, but not a considerable amount. I've been cleaning it with Leather CPR conditioner (the tag recommended treating it with a conditioner after each use) which hasn't changed the color and has helped soften it a little. It felt broken in when I rode in it the first time, but once it's broken in I'm sure I'll be better able to feel the thigh blocks. It puts my leg in an excellent position (something most saddles cannot do, even the Pessoas) and I feel very balanced in it. The seat is also well padded and soft, excellent for long trail rides!
I'm planning on moving up to rated shows this year, and am completely confident that this saddle will give me an excellent edge in the arena.
The leather is gorgeous to look at - it looks nicer than a few Devoucouxs I've seen and it hasn't sustained any wear marks yet (about six uses). This is a beautiful chocolate-brown saddle that I would highly recommend."
I'm planning on moving up to rated shows this year, and am completely confident that this saddle will give me an excellent edge in the arena.
The leather is gorgeous to look at - it looks nicer than a few Devoucouxs I've seen and it hasn't sustained any wear marks yet (about six uses). This is a beautiful chocolate-brown saddle that I would highly recommend."
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Review 3 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
So Happy
December 1, 2012
ByMarTheStarfish
fromNew York, NY
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
3
of
5
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"Possibly the most beautiful saddle Ive ever seen (besides my friends Antares) Ive had the opportunity to ride in Prestiege, Devocoux, Pessoa, Bates and Barnsby saddles but this one is my favorite out of all of them. The seat and knee rolls are beautifully padded and its a beautiful rich chocolate color with a few natural blotch spots and the seat is a shade or two lighter than the flaps. I honestly have never been more happy with a purchase ever. The quality of this saddle is amazing and the stickiness is enough to feel secure while not feeling like I'm trapped in my seat. I cant wait to see how it ages!"
Review 4 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Super Quality for Price
November 26, 2012
ByGoldenDiv
fromMontgomery, AL
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Trainer
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"This saddle sits the rider in a correct position, which is your first concern in choosing a saddle. The knee and thigh rolls can be moved, so you can do with or without as needed. It gives a close contact ride. The saddle fit our hard-to-fit Thoroughbred wonderfully and we could tell a big difference in his stride, relaxation, and rhythm within the first few rides (while still on trial). Ridden by a long-thigh equitation rider, I wish it came in a long flap option as going up a size wasn't something we could do. It's a super saddle for the price. The quality of the leather is very surprising in this price range - instantly broken in feel without compromising quality. We are leather snobs and this met our requirements. We highly recommend this if you are staying below the $2000 range!"
Review 5 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Nice, quality saddle
June 8, 2012
ByMD8Horse
fromMaryland
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
"I did a test ride of this saddle, knowing the seat size would be a little small and I would probably need long flaps. It is a very nice looking, good quality saddle...however, it did not fit my horse. I was hoping that it would, but there were too many things that just made it look off. The only other thing I noticed is that it looks like it has a slight reddish tint to the leather rather than being a rich chocolate, but that can vary for all leather. If it works for you and your horse, I would recommend it!"
Review 6 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Love this saddle
February 22, 2012
Bypaintedpony2008
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Expert
Quality:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I have ridden in many saddles and currently own one of these as well as an Ovation. I ride in my Ovation whenever I hop on something a little crazy or ride in jeans. This saddle is by far the best I have ever ridden in, I love how soft the leather is while being sturdy. My leather turned out a beautiful chocolate color! My horse seems to be much more comfortable while I ride in this as opposed to other saddles!!"
Review 7 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
February 20, 2012
ByPeaceLoveEquestian
fromGeorgia
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I wrote a review below, but I thought I would review it again because I have had it a bit longer, and I wanted to comment on how well it has held up. I have had it for about seven months now, and this saddle still looks almost new minus stirrup leather rubs. My horse has a bad allergic reaction on his back, and this saddle is really comfortable for him. I also love how soft this saddle is. It looks amazing in the show ring, and it holds up through every day use. I have used this saddle seven days a week, and it still looks great!I love how the billets are the correct length too! This saddle also lasts through many rides in the rain! :) I have rode in some 3k and 4k saddles, and this one is honestly my favorite!"
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Review 8 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Love love this saddle!
January 8, 2012
ByErin1235
fromLouisville, KY
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I never knew how much a difference a saddle could so drasticially improve confidence/ position. When I sat in this saddle in a horse show booth I fell in love with this saddle so of course I went online and started reading reviews- and dispite some lukewarm reviews I ordered it.
The first time I rode in it I felt like I was riding on a cloud- the seat is so soft and cushie. This saddle put my leg in the perfect place it it doesn't move if my horse gets squirmy under me.
If you are questioning if this saddle is a good fit/price do it! This is the BEST decision that I ever made in my riding career."
The first time I rode in it I felt like I was riding on a cloud- the seat is so soft and cushie. This saddle put my leg in the perfect place it it doesn't move if my horse gets squirmy under me.
If you are questioning if this saddle is a good fit/price do it! This is the BEST decision that I ever made in my riding career."
Review 9 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
December 13, 2011
Bydebonaire
fromDurham, North Carolina
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
"I actually couldn't buy this test ride saddle as my new horse is "uneven" in his hips and because this saddle is foam lined it could not be adjusted to him. However, I love the saddle's comfort and know a few fellow boarders who love their M. Toulouse's."
Review 10 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Not impressed
September 30, 2011
ByGiddyUpGal
fromNJ
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
2
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Share this Review:
"I just tried the Wide tree test ride saddle and while it was pretty and comfortable, the panels were sewn on unevenly. This could damage a horse's back. My horse generally takes a M/W tree, but this Wide seemed narrower than other brands so it fit reasonably well. The panels are said to be foam with wool, however, they were very hard and didn't feel a bit like any wool flocked saddle I've ever felt.
Overall, I was hopeful that this saddle would work for my horse, but the lack of quality workmanship combined with the soft, fragile covered leather flaps, will keep me from trying another Toulouse saddle."
Review 11 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Best Saddle EVER!!
September 25, 2011
ByPeaceLoveEquestian
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"All I have to say about this saddle is WOW. It is honestly the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat in. I have rode in Tad Coffins and Antares saddles, but this is by-far the most comfortable one ever. The leather is soft and supple right out of the box. I ecieved my saddle from a tack shop. I have a wide warmblood draft cross gelding, and he is hard to fit, but the wide version of this saddle fit him perfectly! It looks very classy in the show ring, but durable enough for every day use. I use mine every day, and ,minus a few rub marks from leathers, looks new! It is grippy and puts your leg in the right place! It is a must buy for any hunter/jumper!!"
Review 12 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Two Years in and still LOVELY!
June 30, 2011
ByKarenCG
fromNashville, TN
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I bought this saddle new on Ebay two years ago and wanted to weigh in on how it looks/feels/performs when broke in, as I'm asked a lot by people how the Toulouse saddle holds up. Well, the answer is, BEAUTIFULLY. It's better looking now than it was when I bought it. The leather color has darkened and it's a deep rich brown. It's just as soft as it was when I got it, the leather is in perfect condition, it honestly is holding up REALLY well. This saddle goes fox hunting, to the jumper ring, and runs XC and works great every time. The leather is really grippy which I appreciate as I enjoy a secure feeling in the tack.
I have had only one negative with this saddle, which is the gold buttons with the manufacturer logo on them (that sit on either side of the pommel) had plastic covers over them which have fallen off. Their purpose is purely cosmetic, and this isn't a big deal to me but I thought I would share, as they BOTH came off after maybe a year or so.
The saddle is used six days a week, by myself and my trainer, who rides in a Devoucoux, and she ALSO loves it. One of the students at the barn rode The Mare one day and proceeded to sell her saddle (not sure what brand it was) and buy a Toulouse, she was that impressed with it.
Overall, I love this saddle, so much so that I bought the Aachen dressage saddle a few months ago, as well as the Toulouse anatomical girth that matches the Premia perfectly. I would absolutely recommend the Toulouse items to anyone."
Review 13 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
April 26, 2011
ByArabianEventer
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
2
of
5
Share this Review:
"I purchased this saddle in February of 2011. The saddle is very comfortable and places you in a nice position on the flat and for jumping. I really liked the nice forward flap with the adjustable knee and thigh block. The one big problem I had with the saddle was it always slides to the left. I tried a non-slip and a breastplate and the saddle still slide. I had a saddle fitter come out to look at the saddle. She informed me the panels on the saddle were manufactured incorrectly and were not placed on straight. Smartpak was generous enough to reimburse the cost to ship the saddle back to the manufacture to correct the problem. Now I am without a saddle for over two weeks. I have never had this problem with any other saddle before."
Review 14 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Wonderful & Affordable
April 25, 2011
ByNSKDodge
fromsouth salem, ny
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"Love the color and feel of the leather. this saddle is the most comfortable close contact saddle i have ever ridden in. i dont use the adjustable knee rolls much but the saddle comes with them placed in a nice spot. easy fit for the horse and rider!
not worth spending $3000+ on a brand name, this saddle is just as nice!"
not worth spending $3000+ on a brand name, this saddle is just as nice!"
Review 15 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
June 9, 2010
ByHorsemama
fromFlorida
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Non-competitor
Number of Dogs:2
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I absolutely just love this saddle. The leather is very soft and easy to break in. With the adjustable knee and thigh blocks you can easily adjust to your riding style. What a difference this saddle has made in my riding ability and confidence. Great buy!"
Review 16 for M. Toulouse Premia Close Contact
Overall Rating:
Great Saddle
August 24, 2009
ByMeganW
fromCrawfordsville, IN
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Number of Dogs:2
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
"This is a awesome saddle! The leather is soft and supple. I am used to riding in my dressage saddle, but this is the most secure jump saddle I have ever ridden in."