After reading up a lot about this saddle and following the conversations in the Facebook group, I had to try it for myself and my hard to fit Irish Cob.
I am so happy that I did. Getting on the first time, it immediately felt right. Different, but right. My mare and I move more in unison, and I don’t feel like I’m perched on top of her anymore. She’s definitely happier with the TCS too, I can just tell with how she moves under it. I’m a happy convert.
What I love the most is that no matter how long the ride, or the weather conditions, or the terrain, the TCS doesn't move, it's never left any marks, he doesn't have any sore muscles when I do my post ride check of his back. Bonus is, having previously suffered from a sore lower back after rides, now I'm pain free!
I believe it's allowed my growing 5 year old Welsh D to move freely, with zero restrictions on his shoulder and therefore given him confidence in moving forward, perfect for his first year under saddle and accommodates his changing shape too.
I'm not the most accomplished rider and was concerned about how I would cope with the TCS but it's shocking how quickly I've come to prefer it! It's comfy, stable, secure, lightweight and easily transported. Can't sing it's praises enough.
Exactly as I thought it would be, easy to buy, easy to get delivered (actually very quickly in the UK) I have previous experience with a TCS so was excited to own my own. And now I do. Short billet was the right choice as I had not long bought a specific girth for my trees saddle in the hope of using that again, but I wasnt comfortable or happy in it and my 4yr old mare was clearly not happy either. So the TCS hasa given us a sence of security and confidence to hack out. We hit lucky with the right padding from what I had at home.
So my review is....... Buy one new or ex-trial and you'll find a freedom you didn't think you could have.
Wow , what a fab piece of kit . I love the quality of the leather , ordered it and it arrived in 24hrs
And it’s been better than expected to ride on .
My horse loves it
I am 2 months into my TCS journey and this saddle is nothing short of a miracle. My pony is now moving forward, freely and comfortable and her muscle growth in just 2 months is incredible. Will never be looking back now this saddle is our only way forward
A brilliant addition to the TCS saddle. Makes it look more “traditional” and helps with my posture and seat
I've had my TCS for nearly 2 years borrowed my friends seat, instant game changer for my older high withered mare! came home and ordered my own, recieved 2 days later, perfect!
Love love love my TCS, The premium is so soft and padded underneath and my pony is finally able to relax and stretch down under saddle which he has not done prior in treed or even treeless saddles, also had no slippage even when mounting from the ground on my very round non existent withered cob, the company has also been incredible to deal with and are very quick to answer any queries, highly recommend!
Love this saddle! . Super comfortable for both me and Higgins, who is a big shire.
The ride is like nothing before, really feel at one with my horse.
So comfy for rider and pony! He is now happily forward and free moving.
Absolutely love it! My old boy is so free in his movement with this - super happy pony - hes a cob so wide and covered so didnt need much padding and it wasnt too different from riding in his wintec, but as he is getting sway backed with age, suited him better! Much more relaxed pony!
Lovely stirrups - im 5ft2inches, bought the 20 inch stirrups but they are two short so exchanging them, probably need around 26 inch - but lovely product
This is my 3rd TCS over the years and yourve really outdone yourselves team. Beautiful work. Comfy horses make happier horses.
I'm very happy with the girth guards so far. I'm keen to protect the underside of my synthetic total contact saddle. My leather total contact saddle has already got a few marks on it from the girth buckles, over the 4 years I've used it, however I have bought a pair of the guards to use with that saddle too, to prevent any more marks. They work very well with both the leather and the synthetic saddle girth straps, I've had no issues putting them on either saddle. They are a great addition to the saddle.
Brilliant saddle, wish I'd bought one sooner.
Very pleased with our new TCS pony is happy and rider more comfortable.
The quality of this saddle is very good. I've been wanting one since the synthetic saddle first came out but I haven't ridden in it yet, since the pony I got it for is not yet backed, but I will be backing him in the saddle. It is my second saddle, my first one is the classic leather TCS. I love the freedom I feel in the TCS, it has improved my riding over the 4 years I've had my first TCS. It was a no brainier buying a second, because I have two horses, I shared the same tack for my previous horse and pony but my newest pony is smaller and now has his own tack. I do prefer synthetic tack over leather too for the convenience of it. It is not heavy although it's a bit stiffer than my leather TCS was but I know over time it'll soften a bit. It is the newer design, my leather TCS is the older model so it'll be interesting to see how I do ride in it when I back my youngster. But so far I am very happy with my purchase
So pleased with the TCS. My horse is more relaxed and so am I!
I immediately loved the TCS and so did my horse. I have never felt so comfortable and secure in a saddle as I do in the TCS. Honestly so glad I purchased!
I felt that after several years of being unable to ride my ponies, for various reasons, I needed to it right for Daisy in terms of her comfort while we both build up our strength. It made sense to me that the TCS was the way to go and we both love it. The close contact with Daisy is wonderful and I’m sure she appreciates the lightness, I most certainly do. At 79 I appreciate not having a huge saddle to negotiate on my currently spectacular dismount (sorry no vids:joy:). It was noted by my friends that I couldn’t stop smiling while riding out……. well there’s plenty to smile about. Daisy and me apologise for our muddy appearance but that the way we roll :joy::joy::joy:. Thank you for our beautiful TCS xx
PS I only have photos currently x
Absolutely delighted with my TC saddle thank you. Perfect for my sensitive cob.
If you are considering buying this Total Contact Saddle, I can guarantee you will not regret it! Best purchase I have made for my pony. She moves so freely and it felt so comfortable! The Facebook community is also so knowledgeable, friendly and informative!
Haven't had the opportunity to use it as my horse is lame and may not ever be ridden again. That said, I thought the purchase process, communication, shipping and workmanship were all excellent.
