Another saddle/hoof boot thread

[Wickedorder]

I’ve been mostly a lurker for many years and have been through old threads. I’m sorry this is similar to so many saddle threads. I’ve got an OTTB that I’m hoping to use for trail riding. She is pretty moderately sized with nice withers, a medium length back, and fairly thick build for a TB. I’ve never bought an endurance saddle but I like the looks of them. I also really, really like the idea of an Aussie. I’m open to western too. My requirements: All synthetic and less than $400. And of course must fit my mare. Since I’m going synthetic, I’ll need something to hold up (I realize my $400 budget is pretty limiting–used is fine). Any thoughts on what type of saddle or brand will work best for us? I’m 5’2, 115# if that makes any difference.

Also, she has typical thin TB soles. I’ve also never bought hoof boots and would prefer to go that direction over shoes. Can you all educate me on why you’d choose one brand over another? Thanks so much.

[irish_horse]

There are so many variables! For trail riding saddles I’d start with what you already have. I trail and endurance ride in a dressage saddle. Or maybe you can try out some friends? I had a great saddle fitter come out and I sat in about 15 different styles, totally thinking I wanted an Aussie, till I sat in “my” saddle. As long as you feel secure, start with what you know and reevaluate after some mileage.

As for boots, it depends on horse hoof trim, size, etc. I’d get a competent barefoot trimmer to measure after a trim, and go from there. I think all the major boot companies offer help with fitting from measurements, some have a fit kit, etc. What works for my horse are Renegades, but there is a learning curve (and frustration level) with boots that you must be aware and tolerant of for sure!

I hope this helps, happy trails!

[katyb]

Saddles are hard. I ride treeless. You could get a used Bandos, maybe a Barefoot, for $400. But some folks prefer a tree.

I love, love, love Scoot Boots. Go to tryscootboots.com. You can send them pictures of measurements for great help, and they will even do a trial. I have Renegades too, but Scoots are so much simpler.

[Wickedorder]

Thanks so much both of you! I really appreciate your help!

[shayaalliard]

I love my all synthetic aussie saddle. I got a great deal on it (it was a clearanced color), and they fit it to tracings of my horse before shipping it to me. One other fit adjustment is included free for the life of the saddle too. I got it here: https://www.downunderweb.com/saddles-tack/saddles/synthetic-saddles/

[akdraft77]

I have a Barefoot that I LOVE. It is light and comfy. You might have a hard time finding one in your budget. New with the bells and whistles, I paid $1600.

As far as the Aussie saddles go, I have a Kimberly Trailmaster. I bought it for a Belgian Draft and sent wither tracings to downunderweb.com to make sure it would fit - and it did. It was super comfy. I prefer western riggings, so got the conversion rigging. It was bulky and I can confidently steer you away from that. The nice thing about the Trailmaster was all of the d-rings. You could easily attach saddle bags or whatever you need to carry with you. It did force me into more of a chair seat, but I could ride in it all day.

Otherwise, the saddle was nice quality. You can find a lot of them used on Craigslist and other places. New, mine was $700, but it seems like people can’t give them away, so you may find a great deal.

[Wickedorder]

Thanks so much, akdraft77. I found a used Abetta endurance saddle close to me and bought that. I really like the saddle and it seems like it fits my horse well. I am so happy to know about the Kimberly Aussie saddle for the future. I had seen lots of them cheap locally, but was afraid the quality wouldn’t be great. I appreciate your thoughts!

[akdraft77]

I hear the Abetta’s are pretty nice, glad you found something that will work! Good luck