Prestige Stirrup Leathers
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Beautiful Leathers!!
I recently bough a used French saddle and was unaware that my old "normal" leathers would scratch it... low and behold, you live and you learn. Before too much damage was done, I asked around and learned that calfskin leathers were a must on the soft French leather. Duh, makes sense.
So I did some research... I knew whatever I bought was going to be pricey (relatively speaking), and I wanted the best for the money. Internet message boards gave these some great reviews, and the price seemed comparable (if not better) than other brands.
I was really surprised to get them. These are my first calfskin leathers and they are crazy soft. I had some difficulty getting my old "normal" leathers on the saddle in question (even though the saddle was used, and so were the leathers!), but had NO difficulty with these. They slipped right on, and have been very easy to adjust.
I haven't used them very much yet, so can't comment on how they hold up. I have the tobacco colored leathers, and I believe they only came in 53" length... I am 5'7" with long legs and I am almost the only one who ever rides in my saddles (well, at least nobody taller ever gets in them). I HATE a lot of stirrup leather tail dangling down from the keeper, and because of that, I used to actually order 48" leathers which gave me just enough to put through my keeper. The 53" leathers are not annoying me yet, so that's good.
I will say the ONLY thing I would change about them (so far) is that the holes are an inch apart. I prefer leathers with half holes because 1) I ride a lot of different horses and sometimes a half hole is the subtle difference you need to be comfortable and 2) I hate having to punch holes in things myself, especially expensive things.
February 27, 2013
Lovely, soft, will wear out eventually
These are a good bit softer and therefore easier to adjust than the otherwise-similar Bates leathers, but they wear out sooner. I have had my Prestige leathers for 2 years, on my dressage saddle which is ridden in 5-6 days a week, and the leather has worn away down the edge of one of them finally, showing the nylon lining. Time to replace them! My Bates leathers lasted significantly longer, though were more frustrating to adjust between my trainer's riding length and mine due to being thicker/stiffer.
May 26, 2012
Soft, supple & totally worth it!
Let's be realistic — these aren't cheap stirrup leathers. When I bought my monoflap, I was especially worried about stirrup leathers rubbing the single flap. The minute I touched these leathers, I knew I had to have them! They are incredibly soft, and the stitching is very tight and subtle. The numbers are very seeable and don't wear off with age. The holes are clear punched, with no fraying like commonly seen in nylon core leathers. They haven't stretched at all, and take oil like a dream. I wish these came in more colors, however. The tobacco matched my Amerigo well, if a bit light.
August 11, 2011
Best Leathers ever!
I love these leathers! I bought them for my Bates dressage saddle, I didn't have a problem with them rubbing my saddle at all. They are so soft and supple, worth the hefty price, you really get what you pay for!! Once I felt them in the store I couldn't get any other leathers. I think I accidentally bought short ones, so I have to ride on the 5th to last hole, but I'm sure they'll stretch some. They're also very skinny, so they don't rub your legs or anything, highly recommended.
July 5, 2011
Re-selling mine
In theory these leathers are perfect. However in practice they aren't. The buckle does reduce bulk under the leg but it also has marked up 2 saddles. The buckle digs into the leather more than just "normal stirrup leather wear" and in one saddle has slightly displaced the leather. I think the quality of the leather is really fantastic, but the price is high. The 53" is WAY to short, and I'm only 5'5". I'm on the search for something better.
December 8, 2010
The only leathers we use
I have a pair of these for my jumping saddle and a pair for my husband's dressage saddle. They are very sturdy, yet supple. The riveted buckle helps reduce the bulk under your leg. I find the length of the leathers to be a bit long on my jumping saddle (George Morris would not approve of the excess!) but a good length on the dressage saddle. Easy to clean and they take oil nicely. They may seem pricey, but they will last forever.
May 25, 2010