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[RC] Saddle Suggestions? (Long) - Barbara ReevesOkay, so, my Abetta Endurance saddle is finally on its last leg after 5 years of hard riding and I am in the market for a new saddle! My tax refund should be here in a couple weeks, and it's a doozy... lol Now that I have more than a pitance to spend on a saddle, I am overwhelmed by the choices! I NEED HELP! I want to stay under $1,500 for a new or used saddle. Here is my situation: I am a larger/heavier rider, but I'm light in my seat (bouncing is bad for the horse, and just looks bad for me, LOL!!). I ride in a 16.5-17" Western saddle, 19" English saddle. My horse is an Appy with normal stock horse conformation, albiet a bit large (halter bred). She takes QH bars western saddle, Medium-Wide English saddle (I have a stubben jumping saddle that
is a 30.5cm tree that fits her well). Her back is moderate length back, moderately sloped sides, with decent withers. She has a very forward girth notch, so center fire rigging does not work for us. I had the Abetta altered by a saddle repair person to put it at 7/8th position. What I like: I like a saddle that has a medium twist (the Abetta KILLS me without my Skito Rear Gear) and a FLAT seat in the middle. I like a lot of room to move around in. My Stubben has a sloped seat, so not so comfy for me posting... I don't mind a high cantle and pommel, as long as the middle of the seat is relatively flat. I ride with LONG stirrups in a classical Dressage-type position (legs well under me). I need a horn so I can pony horses and have a place for a horn bag ;-).
I prefer a western style saddle for trails, something I might could barrel race in at local fun shows. I am considering a Bob Marshall treeless saddle. I like the concept and my mare is the right shape for one. I understand about the weight distribution factor, especially for heavier riders. I would use a laminated foam Skito pad with a ThinLine pad over the top for the best weight distribution possible. And I am trying to lose some, lol. I also know that the horn is just there for looks, but it will at least hold a horn bag for me! What about flex tree western saddles? I have seen some nice barrel saddles that come in 17" that are flex tree. Anyone have any experience with flex trees? My saddle repair guy loves his Circle Y flex, but he's not in the saddle more
than 1-3 hours at a time. I like to trail ride all day! Tuckers? I sat in one and liked it, and have friends that love theirs, but how do they last? How are they for non-gaited horses? Anyone have experience with Crest Ridge saddles? http://www.crestridgesaddlery.com They look nice, and get rave reviews, but I don't know anyone personally that has one. I'm open to suggestions! I just need to stay in my price range Oh, and here are pictures of my horses, so you can get an idea of what I'm trying to fit. I know they are different, and I'll likely need two saddles. The one I ride the most is the dark chestnut Appy mare (solid). The bay gelding is an Anglo Arabian and is my fiance's. He's getting a new flext tree Abetta for him. My hiney should fit in it, lol. A good recent side shot of my girl (my daughter holding the lead): Thanks in advance for any help and insight you can give me!! ~Barbara Little Rock, AR ________________________________________________________ http://EquineFriends.com http://AreteSaddlery.com http://QuarterHorseDressage.com http://2HotToTrot.com "To be an equestrian in the classical sense is not just to be a rider. It is a position in life." --Charles de Kunffy Learn more about the fight against Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption in the USA.
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