Hey All,
So I just got myself a little rescue quarter horse cross… He is only 2 so I have a lot of training to do and some time before I need a saddle but thought I would start looking. I am wondering what your thoughts are on the best all around saddle for someone new to western that wants to dabble in a bunch of different disciplines. I would love to do cow work, maybe some fun games and long trail rides as well. Is there a comfortable saddle out there that is tough, well made and won’t break the bank? I am thinking used would be better then new… Any ideas would be great! Thanks a bunch, Marney
[QUOTE=Marney;7697313]
Hey All,
So I just got myself a little rescue quarter horse cross… He is only 2 so I have a lot of training to do and some time before I need a saddle but thought I would start looking. I am wondering what your thoughts are on the best all around saddle for someone new to western that wants to dabble in a bunch of different disciplines. I would love to do cow work, maybe some fun games and long trail rides as well. Is there a comfortable saddle out there that is tough, well made and won’t break the bank? I am thinking used would be better then new… Any ideas would be great! Thanks a bunch, Marney[/QUOTE]
No need to reinvent the wheel.
Before you get any kind of saddle, find yourself a good trainer that competes in whatever you want to do and go take some lessons … on a well trained horse.
If you are not sure what you want to do, try reining and/or cowhorse trainers to start and then go from that.
What they will teach you will fit much else you may want to do.
What you learn, including which saddle you like best for what you will do, will help you immensely with the colt and any other horse you ever ride.
Thanks Bluey,
I come from the eventing world so just trying to learn what type would be the best all purpose saddle… I am planning on getting with a trainer and am excited to try something new:) I’ve been riding since I was 6 but it has all been dressage and jumping… This is an interesting change for me… Thanks again!
Many years ago when I rode western I went with a barrel saddle because it was lighter thus easier for me to get on my horse. Roping saddles are heavy and there was no way I could lift one. I eventually bought a Circle Y that was made for western pleasure and I managed that one pretty well.
Since you are going to be dabbling in different disciplines I would go with what is comfortable for you and your horse.
If I had to pick just one type of western saddle for all around use, I’d go with a reiner. A lot of it depends on the brand and what is comfortable for you.
I have a trail and show saddle (both Crates) and have been eyeballing getting a reiner. Can’t quite justify it though. 
If you want to work cattle, a reining saddle may not have enough horn for you.
Their horns are generally not good enough to rope and not sitting up there tall enough to help during real cutting.
A reined cowhorse saddle may be better for that.
Try http://www.cowdogsaddles.com/ for types, they can answer your questioin better than we can, once they talk to you about your measurements and goals.
They generally have some good deals on used ones.
You really need to try some at a trainer and go by what you really will need once you have tried some in person.
Thanks for the advice guys!!! I guess I will have to figure out my main goal and start there:) I really would like to look into sorting and penning as that looks like a bunch of fun and because of the cows is different and challenging all the time…Bluey I will check out that website as well!
