Wild Rose Horses

[Jenn]

I know NOTHING at all about western riding... but I have been playing with the idea of getting a western saddle to be more comfy on trail rides.

I was wondering if someone could give me some basic information on western saddles... like, what different kinds are there, what would be good for basic trail riding... how can you tell if they fit a horse... what style would I be looking for, for an appendix QH, fairly slim build, moderate wither and a really long shoulder? How much would I need to spend to get a decent saddle, new or used, if I don't need it to be show quality but want it to be not to crappy-looking?

[Amber]

There are so many types of western saddles for different disciplines, styles, sizes of horses, sizes of people and price points.

You'll probably have to sit in a few different saddles to find one that is comfortable for you. I would suggest looking at all around or reining saddles for trail riding. You may find barrel and roping saddles comfortable as well. I would suggest purchasing a good quality used saddle rather than a cheap new one.

You should be able to slide your hand comfortably under the front side of the saddle (shoulder area) without being pinched. The horses back should sweat uniformly without dry spots or hair rubbed in a different direction than all of the rest.

If she is slim she would probably take semi-quarter horse bars but it is hard to tell since I've never met her. Look for one with good rise in the pommel to ensure she has enough room for her withers.

Frontier Western Shop in Claresholm, AB has a great selection of new and used quality western saddles. Their staff is very knowledgeable on saddle fit and they'll let you take a saddle home and try it. If it doesn't fit just take it back. If you are able, you should take your horse with you. They'll take the saddles outside, try them on Arwen and you may be able to go to the agriplex and ride in it.

Like most things you get what you pay for. I would say around $1000 could get you a good used saddle. I purchased my barrel saddle new for around $2000. It is a very good quality saddle. I saved money by having very little tooling and silver. I prefer it that way anyways, less worry about tarnish and scratches. When buying used make sure someone knowledgeable checks the saddle to ensure that the tree is still sound and that it is safe to use. The better quality the saddle, the better it will hold its value.

Hope this helps! If you have any other questions just ask. I am far from an expert but I've learned a lot since I first started riding and am happy to share what I know.

[Emilawh!]

There is an amazing artical about Western Saddles, in Western Horseman
in the august issue


It explains everything very perfectly.
from pads, to confromation .. pretty much western saddle fitting for dummies
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Emily & Skye

[Silverspring]

I also know nothing about Western saddles and don't know what you're looking for but there is one for sale on usedcalgary:
http://www.usedcalgary.com/classified-ad/573766&category=horses
I enquired about it 'cause I thought it was an English saddle but it wasn't, so looks like it's still available

[Paso Fino]

That Wintec will be too large for Jenn. (I've seen your picture, Jenn. You're one of those undernourished ones! *grin*)

I ride a 16" Wintec ... and, not to put too fine a point on it ... but ... I live life LARGE. A 17" Wintec western would be just about right for my husband. He's 6'3" and 235 lbs.

The Wintec fits a horse that is much narrower than your average QH. It is a tad too wide for my Paso Fino, but she is extraordinarily narrow. It fits most Pasos perfectly, and most Pasos are 14-ish hh and around 800-900 lbs soaking wet.
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Anybody who goes to bed on the same day they got up is a quitter.

[hp_farms]

I have a beautiful saddle made by our local saddle maker a couple years ago. Last I heard he was charging 975.00 for a pleasure saddle, If you would like his info, I will pm his number to you.