Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to The Outside Course!

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features!

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Thinking of trying Western with Fancy...; but she's ROUND!!! HELLLLP!!!!
Topic Started: May 19 2010, 08:58 AM (879 Views)
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
:rolleyes: OK, I've got this wonderful new Paint stock horse type mare who LOFS to "trail ride" (well, for me it's riding down the dirt roads around here mostly, but whatever!)...

She was originally trained Western and does a wonderful neck rein and seems to enjoy that style (but, she's also very keen on jumping...to the point she will free jump if asked! So, I intend to still do her sometimes as a hunter/jumper)...

Anyhoo---- she's ROUND and takes Full Quarter Horse bars, and most likely a 7" gullet (NO smaller than 6 3/4")...and I take a 15" seat. I'm finding on my initial searches online that it's very hard to find this combination in a saddle that doesn't cost thousands...

I'm not very fond of Ebay buying or buying a used saddle from strangers (unless it's a TOCer!!!), and there's only one tack shop with used and new Western saddles anyplace near me...once I'm recovered from my recent "vacation" in the hospital the DH said he'd take me there...

BUT: here are my questions for you Western/Trail riding folks:

#1: Are there any online "shops" you might recommend?

#2: Are there any specific brands of saddle makers you would recommend? Any to stay away from? Are there any kinds of "trees" that are better than others? (I've heard that Fiberglass trees are a no no? True or not?)

#3: Would getting a Barrel saddle with a fairly "straight" seat in a FQHB/15" seat be ok for my purposes? Remember, I won't be riding miles and miles...the longest I'd ever be out riding her is about 45 minutes, often shorter than that, so a "true" endurance or trail saddle with highly padded seats isn't what I think I'd need...?...

#4: Would getting a saddle with "rough out" on the fenders and jockeys be a good idea for "grip" when I'm out there?

#5: I'd personally prefer a leather saddle, I think...but, if anyone here uses a synthetic and is really happy with it, talk to me!

I'm just wondering if what I'm trying to do is impossible?? HELP!!!!!!!!! :unsure: :psycho: :bigwhoop:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Lookie!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/dakotaflextrailsaddle.html

THIS might be the best answer...and it's a FQHB with my little 15" tushie's seat size (hard to get this combo)... anyone here know what Dakota brand is like? My understanding is that it is a good brand...? :innocent:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Twiceshy
Member Avatar
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
In the interest of full disclosure I know next to NOTHING about western saddles (note that doesn't stop me from having an opinion): :teehee:

That said, I would call the store and talk to "Charlie" (their saddle expert according to the website). Their return policy seems to be pretty reasonable, and with the free shipping, if you had to send it back because it didn't work out you wouldn't be losing the shipping $$ both ways. Too, you could find out if they have any kind of "trial" saddle program a la Dover's trial program.


Good luck!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Thanks, Twiceshy!

As I currently can't breathe and speak at the same time as I'm recovering, I decided to email Charlie...wow, he's GREAT! Fast and he got me all kinds of specifics on my saddle choice and Fancy's situation...

Looks like this one should work --- at least it's worth a try! Yes, their program includes free shipping, so if I had to return it, I'd only owe the return shipping and a very small restock fee...and they give you two weeks to try it out and say yes or no.

So, now he and I are going back and forth about possible kinds of pads (this is a new area to me!), and I've already chosen a breast collar and cinch to go with the saddle. The saddle comes with everything else (rear cinch, latigo, etc)!

I know it's not an expensive, fancy saddle, but that's just fine with me...it's a nicely made pretty leather saddle that's the right weight and shape for me and my mare. Charlie seems to think that the gullet and FQHB sizing should work just fine for her...but, of course, we'll have to see!

Anyway, this might be the one...Anybody out there ride in a Dakota before? Any opinions? I read online someplace somebody had said they didn't find Dakota's "comfy" on long trail rides...but as I'm not going to be riding for hours, perhaps that's not an issue.

Anyway, Twiceshy, thanks for your input! :cheer:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
If your going to spend $800, get yourself a Circle Y Park and Trail.

You can use a barrel saddle, the back of it is just higher to keep you more secure. I trail ride in my barrel saddle all the time.

Stay away from synthetic. They are all BAD. Rough out is not going to do much for stability.
Edited by OpticalIllusion, May 21 2010, 06:08 AM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
http://www.sstack.com/western_saddles_workreining/billy-royal-exhibitors-choice-outrider-light-oil-work-saddle/

http://cgi.ebay.com/15-Circle-Y-barrel-saddle-NBHA-Proven-FQHB-wide-tree-/140408363500?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b0fd99ec

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Ohhhhh, Optical, GREAT referrals! :clap:

The work saddle looks really comfy and it has terrific reviews...the only possible drawback for me personally is that it is rather heavy (36 lbs)...I've sort of been trying to look into lighter models...but I am not closing my mind to that one!

I also really like that barrel saddle...I would think if the seat is shaped right and it's a good brand that for my purposes of LIGHT trail riding a "barrel" saddle would do just fine.

What brand/model of barrel saddle to you own and ride in, Optical?

Again, thanks for the ideas!!! :cheer:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
All four of my western saddles are Circle Y, including my barrel saddle. They will last you forever. I own the Park and Trail, which is rather comfortable, and pretty light as far as western saddles go. Its hard to find anything that's good quality that doesn't weigh a ton. My moms original Circle Y is still used for starting youngsters and is still in great shape. Its over 30 years old.

Billy Cook is a great brand as well, though may be more costly.

One thing to keep in mind when you do buy one, the fenders are going to be stiff. Your going to want to soak them in water and stick a broom handle through the two of them so the stirrups turn in the direction of your feet. This will make them stay more that direction and not give you ankle and knee pain. A good brand broken in western saddle is worth its weight in gold <3 and will last you a life time.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Try to sit in some though before you order. Even with the same brands, you will find some to feel wider then others.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Appreciate the brand tips, Optical. BTW, I found a brand that is part of Circle Y called High Horse...? Do you know much about them? They have better pricing for me and several styles I really like the look of (and they come in FQHB)...and frankly, I'm not worried about a saddle lasting me forever...but I do care about a good, safe saddle! If you know anything about High Horse, I'm all ears! ;)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
3Bays
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Hey, Optical...here's one I found that might work also...my question on this one is the seat size...this shape of seat...if I am small enough to take a 15" seat normally, would this "square" type of seat in a 16" be ok?

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/TEXTAN/TXF411

And, then there's THIS:

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/TEXTAN/TX8908

????? Opinions anybody? Suggestions?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Tex Tan is great. The barrel saddle will weight less. I would go with the size that firs you. A big western saddle is not fun. Feels insecure.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
headlesshorseman
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
YOU don't want to hear this...but Tucker's are super good and super comfy and super $$$$

My friend picked her's up 2nd hand via Craigs list...

Posted Image that's with a horn..

Posted Image hornless...

they come in BLACK TOO... Posted Image

THAT IS HUGE...sorry...

Maybe DQ can help you...she does a TON of trails

GOOD LUCK

HH :)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Another thing to keep in mind is the length of her back. Some saddles have longer skirts that will interfere with the horses hip if they are short through the back.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
OpticalIllusion
Member Avatar
You're BANNED!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I personally would not use that first Tucker's that HH posted. The leather being over the fender makes me think horrible saddle soars.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · The Barn Aisle · Next Topic »
Add Reply