Owners of the HDR Advantage saddle often comment that the equipment is worth much more to them than it costs. More expensive saddles are often overlooked in favor of the HDR Advantage due to their high quality, even when the rider is clearly on a bigger budget.
I’m just starting with this, because some buyers are put off by low prices, thinking they are paying for low-quality or mass-produced products. This is not the case with the HDR Advantage saddle.
Overall, the HDR Advantage is a good buy due to its low price, close contact, and comfortable fit. This saddle was specifically made with the comfort of the rider and the horse in mind.
Features and Benefits
What makes the HDR Advantage saddle desirable is the fact that it is handcrafted. Many other saddles at this price are made on large assembly lines and lack the quality of a saddle built by a master craftsman.
A handmade saddle is preferable to riders for many reasons. Many saddles that come off an assembly line suffer from loose stitching and lack the fluidity that a handmade saddle has.
If you are looking for a saddle that is easy to ride and comfortable, the HDR Advantage saddle is it. Features air-cushioned knee pads, flocked wool panels, and a steel-reinforced wooden tree. Plus, the tree is backed by a five-year warranty.
Many riders find that the features and balance of this saddle combine to make it an ideal companion for riding, performance, and jumping. One complaint with this saddle is that if you wear breeches with it, the dye can rub off and ruin them. However, this is just something that results from improper care.
If you avoid putting the saddle in water for a long period of time, your saddle will last longer. Dipping any dyed leather in water will have a similar effect!
The perfect owner
The HDR Advantage saddle is the perfect saddle for everyone, especially those who like the feel of more traditional saddles. It is a great entry-level saddle for beginners, but the quality with which it is produced and the features it includes make it a great inexpensive buy for the more experienced rider, even a professional.
Summary and recommendation
I personally know a rider who switched from a more expensive saddle to this one because his horse was restrained and bruised compared to the previous one. This saddle gave the horse the ability to heel and the flexibility to move naturally.
With proper care, including lubrication to prevent unsightly scratches, the Advantage Henri De Rivel saddle can be a great riding companion for years to come. I cannot recommend it more.