Stumbled on this video over on VaqueroGirl’s blog.
This topic has so many nuances to it that I will probably come back to it later (many times). The main point I have to make is on the saddle subject is that if you are buying a saddle off the rack in a tack shop and are paying low prices, you will get what you pay for. A $300 saddle isn’t going to cut it for you or your horse if you spend any significant time in the saddle. Now, that’s not saying that you can’t find a deal somewhere. What I am talking about are those pieces of crap out there that are factory made by someone who probably doesn’t even know what a horse looks like, much less how it needs to fit. I kinda refer to them as white trash rigs. You know the ones...canvas with matching breast collars, headstalls, halters and of course splint and bell boots.
If you are at all serious about riding your horse and treating him/her with respect, save your money and invest in something that will fit and last. You probably can’t go wrong spending more money purchasing your saddle than what you paid for your horse, especially these days!
So, what’s your ride? English? Western? Endurance? Aussie?
Here’s my current saddle, when it was brand new:
9 comments:
I couldn't agree more, having had hard to fit horses dump me when a saddle pinched or rubbed in uncomfortable places. And a saddle that fits BOTH horse & rider will be much easier on both for long rides, as well.
Although I will say, a good used saddle isn't a bad alternative if you can't afford the price of a really high dollar one new. Neat video.
So, what does your saddle look like now? :)
I have 3 barrel saddles: a tex tan (narrow for my TB) and a billy cook (real not one of the knockoffs) and a raylee edwards (from Frontier). Hubby's saddle is a Circle Y roper, although he hardly rides.
I would like a nice basic roping saddle to ride in (and hopefully rope, but I need to learn first! lol)
I'd be pretty interested in seeing your saddle now too, its really nice btw.
Nice video, thanks for sharing it
You are so SO right. The saddle that came with Poco was one of those cheap $300 saddles and it was miserable. I did everything I could to make do until I could afford another. I just had my second ride in my Tucker High Plains and I LOVE it. There is just no comparison.
If you're that in to your saddle, you really should be that in to your pad too. Check out www.csipads.com
Around here we'll spend all day everyday most fall and spring, in the saddle (Summer and winter are spent starting the colts). Calving, branding, giving shots, or pasture rotation- all done horseback. I've yet to see a pad that fits as well, or protects as well.
SunndySD, If I can find one, our next saddle for my hubby will be used. The key is to find one that is made well, fits a wide range of horses and that HE likes!
cdn, You can find a nice used roping/Wade saddle for pretty reasonable prices up in your neck of the woods I bet.
Leah, I have heard decent things about Tuckers, but once you have ridden in a custom or semi-custom Wade/slick fork you never go back. Kinda like a really nice dressage or jumping saddle.
SDC, ah, but I am! Different Great Gear post at a future date. Your preferred pad looks nice, but I have found my one or two pad brands that I like wee bit better, and one is northwest-made out of Idaho.
That was pretty cool, can i have the saddle now!! please please please LOL LOL
I'm gonna guess this company in Idaho is Skito.
Am I right?
~lytha in Germany, international skito and carousel tights advocate ; )
I love my new custom saddle. It is a curious mix of a Wade and Plantation. It was built that way because I have some serious knee problems. It fits my Missouri Foxtrotter great and was built using a TWH tree so it would fit many different gaited horses if I should decide to get another.
And if it ever gets stolen it will be easily recognized. LOL!!
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