November 4, 2021

Guess Who's Back?

Back again.


Ten days after I shipped it to Florida, my CWD was back in my hands. How's that for customer service? If you'll remember, it was late August when we figured out there was a structural issue with the tree, and early September when I learned it only cost $500 to replace the tree and another $500 to replace the panels.

The parts were subsequently ordered (the panels have to be handmade in France) and arrived at the Florida shop about a month ago. I then shipped it on a Monday, and got it back Wednesday of the very next week.

All that is to say, it was a very short turnaround time for as much as they did. The way these saddles are constructed meant that the entire sweat flap and the rear block got replaced in addition to the panels, but they kept my old front block and sewed that onto the new flap.

The thing is straight as an arrow now, and the panels are SO squishy! My old panels were 7 years old, so it makes sense that it was time to replace them, (foam does degrade over time and from exposure to heat, after all) and at only $500, that was well worth it. Certainly that's less than I would've spent on reflocking over 7 years for a wool-flocked saddle, not that I'm trying to start that argument - I own one of each so clearly there's a place for both in my life.

It will be two-toned for a while until I condition the new components (oh who am I kidding, Mary is like addicted to conditioning and rolling new CWD saddles, that's a job for her, lol), but I couldn't care less about the aesthetics as long as my unicorn saddle lives to fight another day!

11 comments:

  1. Wow, that's a super quick turnaround! So glad you found out that was an option, what a money-saver!

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    1. Me too, I am so relieved. It's just nice to have one saddle that ALWAYS fits and fits well.

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  2. Wow - quick shipping and turnaround time there. It is a nice saddle...sounds like it is well worth the repairs!

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    1. Very much so. I casually perused listings for a bit when I thought it was done for, and I'd probably be looking at a 6-12 month search to find this exact panel and seat configuration, plus they changed the tree slightly in the newer models so it may not even have fit as well, PLUS I'd be looking at $3k+ minimum for something used. $1k was welllllllll worth it.

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  3. What a deal! (And I have CAIR panels if you want to expand that argument; ha!)

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  4. Can Mary show us her conditioning and rolling technique?? So glad you were able to get your saddle repaired instead of having to buy a new one!

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  5. So exciting! I have a saddle with a twisted tree that I can't get repaired...and yet I won't get rid of it because it was THE saddle for Bridget and I. I really get what a win it is to get your saddle back!

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  6. Wow, that was crazy fast! So glad you were able to get it repaired!

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  7. That is excellent customer service!

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  8. Oh I am so jealous they replaced your panels... trying to get it done for my Devoucoux has been IMPOSSIBLE and I'm beyond annoyed

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  9. OMG I am so happy your saddle is back and perfection <3

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