Advice on trail saddles please (lightweight and/or synthetic)!

[LoriW]

I’ll try and make this short and sweet
I’m just getting my OTTB back from training and learning to be a trail horse (if anybody wants the name of the most awesome fabulous incredible super stupendous trainer in Lancaster, PA, please feel free to message me - cannot come up with enough superlatives for this man!). But I digress, I want to purchase a very lightweight trail saddle and am looking at Abettas, Fabtrons, etc., obviously synthetics as they are so light. I have some serious neck and back issues which is why I want lightweight.

While I was up taking Albie for a ride on Friday, I rode in Sam’s very old beat up Abetta and it was great but… I know nothing about western saddles and I’m not afraid to admit it! So I thought I would ask first before I go and buy the first one that I rode in although I guess since it fit him and it fit me, there’s nothing wrong with that. So, please give me your words of wisdom to a complete novice!! Thanks

[chicamuxen1]

A lot of people ride in the Abetta endurance saddle. Be aware that there are several trees available in that type of saddle, I think there are 4 different ones. the Arab tree is widest and may have other differences. It has a very forward rigging, I think 7/8. Meaning the big D ring that the cinch latigo hangs on is very forward as so many Arabians have a very forward girth groove and a round rib cage which necessitates a forward cinch placement.

There is Full Quarter Horse and Semi-Quarter Horse trees, one is wider than the other. There is a Gaited Horse tree, more narrow and angled bars. All of these trees are available with horns also. You really need to get a saddle that fits your horse’s back so you need to try the various trees on your horse.

Oh, they also have flex-trees available!

Bonnie

[irish_horse]

I can’t help you with western saddles, but I have a super lightweight Wintec 2000 that I really like. Do you really need/want western? I found I was more comfortable/secure in something I already know (plus I hate a horn when riding). Love the maintenance (almost none!) on the synthetics. (I have to admit that I use my leather Solstice saddle the most, just more comfy, weight 18 lbs)

I do find my saddle weights much more once I attach all my stuff to it. Nice easy-ride stirrups, saddle bags, safety stuff, I’m up to almost 30 lbs total. Good idea to start light!

[katarine]

I prefer the Fabtron to the Abetta

[Attack]

We have two Abettas and they are great. We have the Endurance with Arab tree and comfort seat, and the Stealth with wide flex tree. Neither has a horn and both are comfortable. For my OTTB though, I ride in a Big Horn hybrid. It is pretty light at about 20#. It fits him well, and in fact only the second saddle I have found to fit him. The other is an Aussie, which I hate.

[Amym600]

If you post some pictures of the conformation I can help out. I have an OTTB and regular western saddles usually doesn’t fit that high wither. As soon as you get on it sits down on the wither. An Aussie is a good choice usually, they make a synthetic that’s pretty nice if you use english leathers on them. The one I rode was comfortable and well made and was only 300 bucks new. It just depends on shoulder and width of your TB’s back.

[LoriW]

Here are a couple - not sure if they will help?https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151408906681691&set=a.10151129998181691.437656.617486690&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151129998831691&set=a.10151129998181691.437656.617486690&type=3&theater

[cowboymom]

I’ve not had any luck with Abettas… I have a wintec endurance now that I really like.

[DressageFancy]

I have a Lady Fabtron and an older Abetta. I like the Fabtron best.

[AnnieOakley]

Trail saddle question

I am interested in purchasing a new trail saddle for my horse.
I have become very fascinated by the 3 point cinch/ rigging system on the JJMaxwell Saddles. I was wondering any experience trail riders have used this system & what reviews would they give.
Also what are some recommended saddle brands for comfortable trail rides?

[KSquared]

I bought very nice Kimberley aussie saddle. it is all of 16 pounds. Synthetic with a nice suede seat. It has an adjustable gullet on it and is beautiful. I really love it. It seems to be super comfy and looks great.

http://www.downunderweb.com/store/MI_SAD285.html

I got it on ebay for a steal.

[LoriW]

So I wound up with the Abetta Super Cushion Trail Saddle. Rode in it today for the first time. My boy loved it, I loved it - we’re all happy! Thanks for all the recommendations and advice!