Julie, I tried to reply private but the message bounced back. I bought a
used ZES last year.
Drawbacks: I felt like I was perched way above my horse, no feeling through
my seat. It also tipped my pelvis forward or something. It encourages a
very forward seat. This year I'm starting a 3 yr old & needed more
security.
Pros: I'm also keeping the ZES. It fit the horse really well, encourages
free movement. And it's sooo light. I used it once on a different horse, &
it was more comfortable to me, the faster we went. It's definately built
for speed!
As usual, it boils down to the individual situation! Hope it helps. Nancy
Mitts.