A Tale of Two Saddles...

Turns out, what I had brought home was a 17.5in. Sommer Novelle Saddle. (Let's call it Sommer 1)

Sommer is a German Brand, and has a Flexible & Adjustable tree (up to 38cm). The tree points point back so as to allow for freedom of the shoulder. There isn't a lot about this particular model that I could find...but the company is still around, and it was definitely quality -made.

Sommer 1 was made in '94, had obviously been recently reflocked (so nice & squishy!), but the billets were in sad shape & would need replacing in the somewhat near future, and the cantle was faded to green (which can be re-dyed - thanks $900 Facebook Pony!).. it was nicely broken in and comfortable, some wear, but overall in decent shape....the only pause was that I felt the price was a bit steep, but thought it wouldn't hurt to take Sommer 1 home on trial and see....

 I really liked the initial fit for both Tesla and I: the saddle allowed me to sit in a much better position - I dropped my stirrups comfortably at least 3 holes (yay!) and I so I did what any sane horse-person would do, 

 I started poking around the internets....

And lo and behold, I found the very same model (nearly the same serial number!) online at yoursaddles.com. Even with shipping, it was significantly less that the one I had on trial for a week...Patricia is amazing, I've ordered girths and leathers from her before - she always represents her items very honestly and has a nice selection. I contacted her about taking the Sommer on trial, and two days later, I had Sommer 2 in my hands as well as some 64in. leathers.


Double the Fun.