Did a search on here and didnt find much. I have rode in a Cecil phillips for the past 5 years and had a freak accident last summer where my gelding flipped himself over and broke my tree. Needless to say one as heartbroken I LOVED everything about that saddle. Been looking for a forward feet hung saddle since. I test rode a Martin btr but to me the tree was really weird on it. Looking into a Merrill and was wondering what y'all thought of them? I currently have a Coats but still feel like I want my feet more forward. Are they handmade saddles? I looked at their website and wondered what their new "flex" they advertised if it fit horses good or not? Any input would be appreciated.
I've never owned one, but I borrowed one from a friend, rode it twice for maybe a total of 20 minutes and brought it back to her. It didn't fit my mare at all, it pinched her really bad. So bad that she was flipping her head and getting all humpy on me. I took it off and put my Pozzi back on her and she was back to her normal self. I've heard a lot of people say they like them for the way they feel to the rider, but don't' like the way they fit the horse. They also had a hard time with the trees breaking for a long time, so maybe the "new" flex that you read about is the new trees that they have been putting in them?
Also, it felt like a suction cup to me when I rode in it. I felt like I was stuck in the seat and wasn't going anywhere. So secure to the point I couldn't get up out of it if I tried. I felt like I was a couch jockey instead of riding my horse.
I have 3 Merrill saddles and I love them! They are one of my favorite saddles. I own a variety of quality saddles, and I really like my Merrill's. I really should sell one, but I hate to part with any of them. ??
Merrill saddles
