barrelracr131 - 2014-03-03 5:29 AM And so far I really like it!!! I'm a very "up" rider thanks to my background in English, and this saddle feels really nice and secure for that style. The tree is SO balanced on the turns. I am still working on what pad to use, and will possibly try another gullet size (I have an 8" ATM). I am having to shim it quite a bit... my horse is more atrophied than I thought. I am using a shim they sent, plus a biofit pad by CE. I also have to speak highly of the quality of the saddle itself. The leather is really nice, tooling is pretty, and overall it just seems to be really well made. Great program Martin/Equibrand offers. If you are thinking about a Crown C, I highly suggest taking advantage of their test ride program. It is 100% free with no obligation. You do give them a CC number, and the only time you will be charged is if the saddle is not returned. They pay shipping. For someone like me, who is far from any nicer tack shops or saddle makers, this is a really really great program. And fitting/shimming tips and tricks are appreciated. I have the saddle for a week, so I can try some things out in this time. I would really like to buy the right gullet size on the first try if I end up with a Crown C. I see quite a few for sale. I know they are popular, but I also know many have bought the wrong size and are having to sell them. Side note, since my horse has fairly large, flat withers and bulging shoulders, I like having a saddle that sits behind the shoulder and does not "slide back" as others of mine have in the past. He is REALLY extending his stride nicely under this saddle. In conclusion, any tips are appreciated.... also this program Martin is offering rocks.... and happy sunday! :)

cheryl makofka - 2014-03-02 9:22 AM

My horse who has big shoulders and a flat back is a size 11. I am not sure you will just be able to buy one saddle as it may be too much shimming

skye - 2014-03-02 9:06 AM


A saddle should not fit on the shoulder, if set on the shoulder they naturally slide back to fit over the withers.  I like the crown C especially the seat, is sweet, because of the angle of the cantel.  It is not steep like say the Double J. 

Longneck - 2014-03-02 10:03 AM

 Are the seat sizes the same for Billy Cook and Crown C? (I see you have one for sale) I would love to upgrade from my Billy Cook once I have a horse I know I will be on full time.

barrelracr131 - 2014-03-02 9:27 AM


I'm not exactly sure if he has big shoulders, or if he is really just extremely atrophied, causing the shoulders to look bigger than they are. I am thinking my last saddle was fitting pretty badly for his body type. I am still learning about saddle fitting, TBH. My previous knowledge was somewhat lacking!

I am thinking down the road I may need to get something wider, depending on how he develops as he is worked. I am hoping it "fills in" as others have seen. I am scared to go wider at this point since I am already having to shim quite a bit, and the saddle did seem to fit across his back. He's pretty out of shape from winter. I am going to take another look at it today in the daylight, and try to snap a few pics.

Thanks guys!

barrelracr131 - 2014-03-02 8:29 AM And so far I really like it!!! I'm a very "up" rider thanks to my background in English, and this saddle feels really nice and secure for that style. The tree is SO balanced on the turns. I am still working on what pad to use, and will possibly try another gullet size (I have an 8" ATM). I am having to shim it quite a bit... my horse is more atrophied than I thought. I am using a shim they sent, plus a biofit pad by CE. I also have to speak highly of the quality of the saddle itself. The leather is really nice, tooling is pretty, and overall it just seems to be really well made. Great program Martin/Equibrand offers. If you are thinking about a Crown C, I highly suggest taking advantage of their test ride program. It is 100% free with no obligation. You do give them a CC number, and the only time you will be charged is if the saddle is not returned. They pay shipping. For someone like me, who is far from any nicer tack shops or saddle makers, this is a really really great program. And fitting/shimming tips and tricks are appreciated. I have the saddle for a week, so I can try some things out in this time. I would really like to buy the right gullet size on the first try if I end up with a Crown C. I see quite a few for sale. I know they are popular, but I also know many have bought the wrong size and are having to sell them. Side note, since my horse has fairly large, flat withers and bulging shoulders, I like having a saddle that sits behind the shoulder and does not "slide back" as others of mine have in the past. He is REALLY extending his stride nicely under this saddle. In conclusion, any tips are appreciated.... also this program Martin is offering rocks.... and happy sunday! :)

LuckyNGG'sGirl - 2014-03-02 3:52 PM

Granbury is where they send them out from - scratches on the pommel sounds right. Probably the same one! Small world - I really liked riding in it when I had it and the guy I dealt with, Jesse, was really helpful.