I went through and read some of the old post regarding his saddles.  Can anyone tell me how they fit compared to a Shiloh? I'm looking for a saddle for my young colt and was thinking either a Shiloh Contender or a RP. What is the quality of the RP Saddle, comparable to Shiloh?  Any input would be great, Thanks! 

I had a Shiloh Finalist and, to be honest, I wasn't all that impressed with it. I didn't fee like it was as good of quality as some of the other brands I've ridden and owned over the years (Double J, Martin, Roohide, Merrill). The Finalist felt like it was just perched up there and I couldn't really sit down in it and roll my pelvis up underneath myself (yes, the seat was plent big enough for me. I talked to Shiloh and gave them my height/weight and they suggested a 14.5 or 15 for me, and I got a 15). I sent them photos of my mare and the tree that was suggested ended up soring her up pretty good in the shoulders.

I ended up ordering a Robbie Phillips and so far I have really liked it. Quality seems a lot better than the Shiloh I owned. I like the way it sits me. He just had an ad in Barrel Horse News (in the Christmas gift idea section) that talked about them. I believe it says it is on a tree very similar to the one his father (Cecil Phillips) built his saddles on, with some more flare to free up the shoulders (don't quote me on this, I don't have the magazine in front of me). I actually own two RP's now, one with a hard seat and one that's padded suede. I feel like the hard seat sits a little deeper than the padded does.

I have two RPs and really like them both, though they both sit a horse a little differently.  

I am NOT an expert on his saddles, so take what I give you with a grain of salt.

I believe his tree or one of them is the original Cecil Phillips tree.

I have one of his original saddles - that was made by Robbie himself.  The leather is lighter and there's more movement in the stirrups than the newer (and outsourced to a saddlery) one.  I like both of them a lot, but they seem to be different saddles, probably due to leather weight and the fact that the "original" I have is far more broke in.  One of my saddles is wider than that other.  I can't find a seriel number or sizing mark on it, but I know he makes wides and average gullet width saddles.  

Bottom line:  I really like both of the saddles.  Having the two different gullet widths is very helpful and between the two, they fit pretty much everything I have.  There's little issue with dry saddle marks, though I use a good Best Ever pad wtih both.  They sit me down and keep my feet forward and their price point is decent.

I had a Shiloh and I really liked the fit for ME.  I feel like the Robbie is similar, though my "butt memory" isn't good as I sold that saddle years ago.  The Shiloh didn't fit the horses I was riding at the time - seemed to run downhill on everything.  I'd say the quality of the RP comparable to the Shiloh, though the newer, outsourced RP is made very well...better than the original.

I have ridden in Shiloh before and have never cared for the quality. Had a hard time getting them to fit my horses. That's why I was wonder what the difference was between the 2. I ride Roo and don't want to buy my colt a Roo until he is older so I am looking for a Saddle for him and was curious about the RP. Thanks for replying back to me 

Are you sure the newer saddles from Robbie are "outsourced" to another saddle maker? When I talked to him on the phone while ordering mine, he told me he just hired another guy in the shop so they were hoping to be able to build more. I don't think he hand builds every saddle with his name onn it anymore, but I also don't think he "outsourced" his production efforts.

I had heard they were outsourced, but I can't swear to that as it was 2nd or 3rd hand info.  It is definitely a different saddle than the original.  Perhaps just because of the age and/or some newer techniques in the shop.  Not pointing fingers or wanting to start rumors.  I LOVE MY ROBBIES.

I haven’t had a Shiloh but recently ordered a RP and although I have not received it yet the one I sat in and demo’d was high quality.

I just bought my first one this fall and love it! I bought it directly from Robbie and his knowledge and customer service is top notch. Time will tell how it holds up compared to other saddles I have owned, but so far happy with my purchase.