Ok, I've had quite a struggle trying to find a saddle that I like to ride in as much as I liked my Prestige Hunter classic.  I had another thread about County saddles.  Well, I like the County Stabilizers, but they are hard to come by, especially at a price that won't break the bank!  I'm looking for a used saddle.  I've look at so many used and new, from CWD, HDR, Toulouse, Anteres, Collegiate, etc., and ridden in them too.  None of them float my boat whatsoever.  However, I just rode in an Albion saddle and I liked it!  Nice leather, different from the Italian calfskin, but has the very nice supple soft english leather, and the saddle is well-balanced and very correct.  Felt similar to my Prestige.  So, I'm looking at two.  I think they are different models. 

I've got a trial on the darker one and it just needs to be adjusted so the pommel sits up a little higher off the withers and I don't perch forward.  not a big deal.

So, between the two, I'm trying to figure it out.  I think they are different models.  One of them has 2 tears at the seams at the pommel area, you know, where the seat wears out the most.  Otherwise it's in great working order and good condition.  The other one does not have any tears, etc.  The difference in price between the two is probably $200 and that is not a huge issue.

So my questions are - does anyone have experience with these saddles and if so, can you tell if these 2 saddles are different models.  I think one is a Legend and the other is a Close Contact.  They both have those removable knee blocks in the front.  I have 2 pics of each.  Any opinions?  What would you do?  See links below to pics in my gallery:

http://forum.equisearch.com/photos/hh5131/picture354864.aspx

I love Albion saddles.  Whichever one you decide on, you should have your saddle fitter out to fit it perfectly to your horse, if I recall correctly, they are pretty adjustable.  I like the look of the lighter one, but the darker one looks more worn in and comfy.  I have only ridden in the Albion dressage saddle however, so I am no expert.  They do hold their value very well for resale, so they are always a good purchase.

Ok, so I went with the darker one because it was local and I got to ride in it and REALLY liked it.  I had to have it re-flocked because the wool hadn't been redone in quite a while, and I've been conditioning it very well, as it really needed it.  Saddle fitter liked it - said it's a really good saddle and well made.  I continue to love it and baby it!  Thrilled with my choice.  Now I'm on the hunt for the knee rolls which it did not come with.  I wouldn't mind having them.

Maybe the saddle fitter can suggest a leatherworker or saddle maker that can put the knee rolls in for you.