What is Renaissance by Prestige?
Renaissance by Prestige is an effect of cooperation between the Italian brand Prestige Italia and one of the most famous French saddlamakers. This means a combination of experience and knowledge from French saddlemaking tradition and innovative technologies that offers us the well-known brand.
The name of the line is no coincidence. Renaissance - a historical period that started in Italy, which name's genesis is French. An excellent choice that highlights international collaboration. The name Renaissance also emphasizes the basic values of the project: time, when rebirth and return to classic solutions allowed people for a fresh approach and inspiration for the development and cultural progress. It also reflects the attempts to achieve a product classic in its form but referring to the saddlemaking tradition, using the latest technologies in the production process.
The Prestige brand reminds that inspired by King Francis Valois, the pioneer of the renaissance in France, they decided to include his initials into the logotype of this line (R - looks like a combination of FR, which brings to mind France).
Renaissance F S 2 Saddle – new model
Before we proceed to review the jumping saddle Renaissance F S 2 and opinions about its usage - it is good to take a look at its technical parameters and the applied technological innovations.
This saddle was designer for jumping riders - professionals; of the so-called close contact type with a deeper and wider seat than the previous models.
It differs from its predecessor with a couple of elements. It has a softer seat. Additionally, this saddle has a raised back and a wide channel between the panels. This model is characterized by an integrated buckle guard with a panel and tabs (first and second) attached to the seat, which allows for greater pressure in the middle of the saddle caused by tensions created by girth. This model has latex panels, which do not lose their shape while being used. Another important thing is the saddle's small knee block, which gives more freedom of movements, shifting the weight of the rider to the middle of the horse's back allowing for a lighter action of the horse's front ("freed" shoulder blades).
This saddle has a nylon tree with the addition of fiberglass, where you can adjust the pommel, and a delicate calfskin tanned for over 15 months.
Renaissance F S 2 Saddle – impressions after riding
First impression: Exceptionally soft, springy leather that seems to be a bit greasy, however, the saddle leaves no stains (it has applied a double oiled leather - which is true for all Renaissance line saddles). The saddle is pretty light, weighing approximately 6kg, so a standard weight - as most Prestige's saddles. It is beautifully made, I like its light seams, the leather color, and pressed elements. Elegance, precision, and quality.
After saddling: The saddle is new, but the soft leather easily gives, allowing for an effortless and quick attachment of the stirrup leathers to the saddle buckles. I attached them classically with the first and third stirrup leather. It set nicely onto the horse's back.
While using: The first word I think of is comfort - the seat is softer than in the previous models of the Renaissance saddles, which definitely would be appreciated by women - as it turns out, we tend to pick such seats more often than men.
During the ride, also while jumping, the saddle forces a proper position from the rider. A small knee block does not give you much support, especially after a jump, so you lose the false prop for the knee - in order not to lose your balance, you need to land properly in the stirrups. It is a wonderful solution, which really makes the horse's front lighter - both the gait and the jumps seem more free, fuller, while the horse's back is more engaged. I felt it especially clearly while working in narrow turns between the obstacles, where I needed better maneuverability and bend without losing the pace. Also in places where there was not much space for a jump, I felt like my horse was much more comfortable in his positions and landed easily each time. All this made the close contact in this saddle even more clear. The lack of a big knee block did not influence my confidence and stability, it only improved the necessity of maintaining the proper position in particular phases of the jump and in half-seat. I had no issues with approaching an obstacle in full seat (which I tested out) - the soft, half-deep seat was excellent. I felt that my stable point in the very middle of the horse's back and the horse's front and croup move completely freely.
I tested the saddle three times on the same horse. I felt like my horse relaxed much faster during the third ride with this saddle (which was also noted by my coach), there were no unnecessary tensions while jumping. In the end, in a trot, the horse was more eager to relax his long neck, with his nose to the front, no matter the difficulty and exhaustion of the training.
After the ride: every time after unsaddling my horse, he has a sweat stamp of a very visible shape. The saddle itself had no damage after the three times, it looked brand new.
To sum up: the Renaissance F S 2 saddle offers possibilities that all advances and professional jumping riders would appreciate - the ones that have no trouble maintaining balance especially in the final stage of the jump and landing. This saddle supports the horse - allowing him for freedom of movements and better elasticity.
I would not recommend this saddle for inexperienced riders. An incompetent rider would fall onto the horse's front while jumping, which would disrupt the pet's balance and hinder all the "additional" freedom this saddle grants. What is more, even following in half-seat at a canter could be too difficult with no support for the knees.
Additionally, this product has been packed into an elegant cardboard tube closed from the top with a gripping ring with a snap. This tube makes it very easy to transport the saddle, which stays in the right position. What is more, you can pack more items than just the saddle into the tube - it has enough space for two girths, saddle cloth, and spare stirrup leathers ;)
At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the components offered for Renaissance saddles.
I have tested Renaissance A17 stirrup leathers: made of exceptionally soft leather, very comfortable, easily fitting. You need to be careful, however, as it is easy to damage the delicate surface of the leather. They are resistant to strains but not resistant to sharp elements (such as sharp tips of the holes in stirrups) ;)
Along with the saddle, I had the chance to check the Renaissance A57 asymmetrical special jumping girth. Beautifully made, with rubbers on both sides, which makes it easy to fit. The stirrup leather has three rings to attach aid reins to them and a central carabiner made of dark metal, which looks really nice. My attention was also drawn to the leather, which is much more durable, and smoother, which is why it nicely fits the horse's belly.
Renaissance by Prestige is an extraordinary line of products. If you are looking for the right jumping saddle, at the same time valuing timeless classics when it comes to design - you should give them a try. You will find other models of Renaissance saddles here.
If you want to buy a Renaissance saddle or Renaissance accessories
Call us or leave a mail.
Latest news from the equestrian store Equishop:
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
