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| What the Hennig feels like... |
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| What the Hennig looks like... |
Um. That's not an actual sofa. It's the name of a saddle.
Having sat in three Hennigs, I can tell you it doesn't matter what they're called -- they are ALL sofas, and there was never a more perfect brand identity. Hennig is...
- Comfortable à la sinking into a Lazyboy
- Butter-soft
- Enormous
- Substantive
- High Quality
The Good
As a rider, I felt balanced and secure. Riley responded well, in part (I suspect) because the saddle gave me stability. This saddle envelopes you in comfort. If I had a back problem, or discomfort, or a disability of any kind when riding, I would look at a Hennig. There are many options, but I focused on the ones with exposed thigh blocks and a straight flap.
The Less Good
Really, the worst thing about them is the cost! All that workmanship doesn't come cheap. New, these saddles cost up to 6K; used they are at least 3-4K. I'm known for impulsive spending, but couldn't quite take the plunge. Why? As much as I loved the saddle for its strengths, I'm doubtful about how I'd feel about riding in it long term. Would it help me be a better rider? I am not sure. All that comfort, padding, and solid construction comes at a price -- it separates you from the horse. Riding in it, I was not quite as tuned in, and I kept thinking, How can Ri feel my seatbones? Also, it's heavy.
Don't get me wrong. If Bob bought me one, or I won one, or if I could even get one for a discount, I'd be doin' the happy dance for hours. I mean, look at that GORGEOUS leather!!! Part of me still covets the saddle pictured above, which is now available at fineusedsaddles.com. Someone should snap it up.
Hennigs feel like home. I loved riding in it. But in the end, I'm not sure it would be as effective in it as I might in a saddle that was less, er, substantive.
YES! I had the privilege of sitting. In my trainer's hennig on her mare-- My God i didn't know dressage could be like that!!!
ReplyDeleteNew posting format? Is that you or Blogger at work again?
ReplyDeleteThe Hennig does look comfy. I am not too keen on too much saddle between me and the horse either, but I suspect if you rode a lot...maybe horse after horse for hours...the feel of sofa comfort might become a treasure worth more than feel of the horse???
That leather is Gorgeous. How do I covet thee? Let me count the ways...
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who loves her Henigs (yes, she has more than one!). Personally, I'd buy a real sofa! $6K is just too darn much for a saddle.
ReplyDeleteMy personal theory: If the horse doesn't cost as much as the saddle, the saddle is too expensive ... bahaha. In Riley's case, I'm sure there's a decent ratio going. ;) My rescued redhead pony mutt mare needs a new saddle ... and I can guarantee $6,000 would be better spent on reflocking something else a little less "craftsman-like." If I spend 6 grand on any tack for my horse, there better be a 100% guarantee I will never ever fall off ... ever ... never ... ever ... NEVER ... again.
ReplyDeleteIf I bought one of those, my horse would have to be earning me some major dough to compensate for my taking out a second mortgage on my house. LOL.
Whoo-eee... and here I thought Hermes was the only manufacturer out there charging that kind of stratospheric price! (Fun Fact: they now sell one for NINE THOUSAND some dollars. Ridic, no?) That is one stunning-looking saddle, though. I just bet it feels like a sofa. Gee, I'm glad my friend's Wintec feels okay to me so I'm not tempted to run right out and get one, LOL! :-)
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