Saddle search

[Kimberly Friedman <kimber@telis.org>]

I'm looking for a saddle to fit my very broad shouldered, very short backed
Arab mare.

Requirements:
- Western style that's light and comfortable enough to be used for CTR, but
"traditional western" enough to be used at a show.

- Of, course, excellent fit is a must.

- Pricewise, I'm willing to buy something as expensive as an Ortho-flex,
but not as expensive as a SkyHorse... and I'll buy used.

So far:
- My current cheapie 25lb saddle with semi-QH bars is *FAR* too narrow for
my girl, but about the right length.

- The Circle-Y Arab tree is too narrow for her, and even the round skirt
was about an inch too long.

- My trainer's stock saddle with full-QH bars is wide enough, but would
scrub her loin on a long ride (and weighs approximately 1 metric ton!)

- The OF Patriot fits her like a dream, but isn't the right style of saddle
for my needs.  I'm thinking an OF Barrel saddle might fit similarly.

So, any suggestions on a saddle that's wide enough for my girl without
being too long and "western" enough without weighing 50lbs?

Anyone near Monterey, CA willing to let me try their saddle on my mare?

Thanks,
Kimberly

kimber@telis.org