Saddle Review: PDS Escapado

SADDLE REVIEW

PDS Escapado

Part of the Carl Hester collection, the PDS Escapado is designed for close contact and rider comfort, offering support without constricting or forcing position.

In eighteen months Steven the Standardbred had changed his shape, blossoming into a muscular gelding with a well-developed topline. It was time to find him another saddle.

His owner, Skye Wassens, explains that her Kieffer Europe no longer fitted him. “I needed one which accommodated his massive shoulder and very round barrel, and all my other saddles were unsuitable.”

Skye, who lives in Beechworth, Victoria, is an Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University and an internationally recognised ecologist. “I have a property with my partner, I occasionally go away on field work and the rest of the time I’m based at home with the horses. They’ve always been part of my life,” she says. “My family and I rode a variety of breeds. We also had donkeys which had no withers and very straight backs causing saddles to slip forward, so we rode them bareback or on an old exercise pad!”

These days she trains in Three-Phase Equitation (3PE) and in classical dressage which, she explains, focuses on creating natural self-carriage by working with the horse’s biomechanics. “And I’ve begun 3PE because it’s good for green horses and keeps their minds on the job,” she adds.

Steven will be starting 3PE very soon wearing his Escapado. “He’s pacer bred and when I got him in 2020 he was just out of training. He never made it to the racetrack. It took him a while to establish a quality trot, but once it and his lateral work were established, the canter came naturally.” Skye gave him a chance and she gave him the time – and he responded.

When looking for a replacement saddle she wanted to ride in one for at least a few hours. “With The Saddle Hub there’s a fourteen-day trial. You can take it out on long rides, ensure it doesn’t slip back, and get a saddle fitter if necessary.”

The PDS Escapado is especially suited to a wider, lower withered horse like Steven. It also has knee rolls. “I’d never ridden in them before which was another reason I wanted to trial it. I got used to them after a couple of rides and they’re certainly handy out on the trails when he shies at quails flying out of the grass!”

Initially Skye was going to train up her Standardbred and move him on. “But I’ll continue working with him, and I’m looking at getting another one. Steven’s been enjoying his work, he’s so tractable, sensible and very comfortable in his Escapado. It worked out so well buying it through The Saddle Hub.”

The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit www.equestrianhub.com.au and browse through their fantastic range.

All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. Terms and conditions apply.