Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Endurance Saddles... E. Texas Endurance

Stewart, Carrie wrote:

> I have a stocky, short-backed Arabian gelding that I am just starting
> under saddle.  He is my future endurance mount.  I am worried that I
> will have a problem finding an endurance saddle that fits him and trying
> to not spend over $1500 (he was only $1200).  I am not looking for an
> English type saddle as I don't feel secure enough in one while jamming
> down the trail.  I also tend to ride a bit forward (you would think I
> would have learned to get past this seeing as I always get dumps on my
> face when I go off).  I am 5'3" and 130lbs. with long legs (this is not
> a date add).  Does anyone have any suggestions on a saddle that I should
> try?  I have ridden in an Abercrombie (similar to a Big Horn I think)
> before and liked it but it was a bit heavy and would probably be large
> for my current guy.  Oh, and while we are at it, is there anyone in East
> Texas looking for a riding buddy?  I sure would like to take my guy out
> on some trails with a horse and rider combo who is experienced.  I am
> willing to haul about an hour away for the opportunity. Thanks in
> advance.  
>
> Carrie Stewart
> Carthage, Texas
>
>
>
>
>
>  
Hi Carrie,
   Reading your post, the priority order you seem to have decided on 
for a new saddle is: 1. price, 2. weight, 3. size.  Price is always 
important but please, please, please, don't make it your first 
priority!!!  How about this for a priority list: 1. fits my horse, 2. 
fits me, 3. price.  I'm not trying to encourage you to look at $3000 
saddles.  I am trying to encourage you to think realize that you want to 
be doing endurance and trail riding safely and comfortably with your 
horse for a long time.
   Think now of shoes that you would buy for hiking.  One pair costs 
$100, another costs $29.95.  The $100 shoes feel like clouds on your 
feet, the cheaper ones pinch, rub and make your feet feel like they are 
in a strangle hold.  It should be obvious which ones will keep you 
hiking, happily and comfortably and which ones will end up on the closet 
floor while you find excuses not to hike.  The same is true for a saddle 
and your horse's back except that you are potentially inflicting pain on 
someone else.
   It may take you longer to identify saddles that will fit your horse 
and that are in your price range, but it can be done.  There are several 
reasonably priced saddles being made for distance riding and there also 
lots of used saddles available.  So, decide on a price range that works 
for your budget but don't relate it to how much you paid for the horse. 
Aside: we'd all be walking and leading our horses to rides instead of 
driving trucks and hauling our horses in trailers if we never spent more 
than the cost of the horse for any other equipment!  Then learn how to 
measure the shape of your horse's back and then start The Great Saddle Hunt!
Happy Hunting!
Laney



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