This might have been covered here, but looking for some suggestions. English or western, I am just getting older and would like a lighter trail saddle. Many thanks!
I used a Abetta Endurance model for years that I believe weighs all of 14 lbs. Does not fit new horse so it just sits in the tack room. Since it is a synthetic saddle that did not cost me much I will keep it around for kids, or the next horse that comes along that it could possibly fit. If I were you, I’d try out a bunch of saddles first, there are so many out there, and even if it fits your horse, it might not fit you. I lend mine out to local people all the time with a firm return date.
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It would help if you told us either how heavy your current saddle is, or how light you’d like your new saddle to be - so we have a frame of reference for what weight you’re aiming for. I use a Tucker Equitation Endurance model which combines a Western style tree (to spread weight over horse’s back) but has no horn and comes with English style girth and stirrup leathers if that’s your preference (it’s what I use). The Tucker weighs about 22 lbs. total which is a lot less than my old 40+ pound Western saddle but not nearly as light as most English style saddles. So more specifics from you would help.
Agreed about the frame of reference. I also had the Tucker Eq. endurance model, and found it way heavy for me. I am currently using a Nathan Lamb pleasure saddle, which is not particularly light, but fits both the horse and I. I’d say it weighs around 20 lbs.
Fabtron makes a lightweight trail saddle for women. I have no idea how well made or anything but they have been around for quite a few years. I have several Abetta endurance and I like them.
I would like something under 25 lbs. Shoulders getting bad and hard to toss a heavy saddle up on my big horse. The Fabtron sounds interesting. Has anyone ridden in one lately? Thanks!!
Desoto saddles are lightweight about 16 pounds. I don’t have one but I am also looking for a light weight saddle and they were suggested to me by a Sommers saddle fitter. There are plenty of endurance saddles that are light weight. I have a old circle Y thats about 18 pds., ralide tree I think.
I do not like synthetic saddles. I tried a new Wintec and it was covered in horse hair immediately as he is shedding this time of year. It took me a lot of work to get the hair off so I could return it. What were they thinking?
I am interested in comments as I also am on the terrible, endless ,saddle search and have no prospect . I need a deep seat,narrow twist and horse is wide, short backed and table backed. and also light weight. I laugh when friends say their saddle “only” weighs 30 pounds!
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I too am not a fan of synthetic saddles. I have heard about Desoto saddles, but I haven’t looked into them. I think I will. And I agree - 30 lbs. is not what I want!
Fabtron Lady Trail is wonderful!!!
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I’m on a similar search, but want something English. I need a not-wide twist and shortish flaps, and a forward balance. I don’t like a really deep seat. The mare is a typical Morgan behind the withers – round, flat, and fairly short-backed. BUT unlike a lot of Morgans, she has real withers and a pretty narrow chest. She has the deep shoulders, but they are seriously asymmetrical. Cob saddles/hoop trees are not what we want! I have a modified Black Country Celeste with a hoopy tree and K-panels, and that’s really not working… It tends to get up on her shoulders a bit, or slide to the right.
I already know that Wintecs don’t work for either of us. Thorowgoods seem to always “almost fit”. Am considering a T8 “Anatomic” GP if anyone has any thoughts about that choice, because it may be a little more adaptable to her odd shape.
We’re moving to a barn on the North Shore in a few days where there are better trails… looking forward to it.
Did you look at duett saddles? Dr. Katz now owns the company. The duett dressage worked for my paint mare for yrs until we had to put her on a diet and her shape changed. The mare was ultra sensitive and hard to fit. Dr. katz and duett are in Ma.
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I have a 22lb all leather Fabtron. This: https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=a7c82ef2-52b3-4bc1-b542-3d1e7c090f9d&sfb=1&itemguid=e9f289ff-1586-4faa-ae01-71bdc3ba913a&utm
It’s comfortable for me & the horses seem to be happy enough with it. It’s not going to stop a cow, but if you want trails, this is a good one.
Well, if you are talking about Steve Katz, he is my mare’s chiropractor, so hm. Are they still for wide horses only? This mare takes a M or MW in almost everything. And the few Duetts I have tried have been quite uncomfortable for me.
I use a smith worthington trail saddle. Light weight compared to western and the will adjust it to your horse for free
Thats Dr Katz. He bought the company Jan 1. He has always fitted saddles for my hard to fit mare. Ive known him for 10yrs. I had tried other saddle fitters when I bought the mare. They said the saddle I had then, a Bates, fit but the mare was very unhappy. Then a friend introduced me to Dr Katz. He said the saddle didnt fit, the mares back was sore. He reccommended a Duett because it was a reasonable price and was made for wide horses. Dr. Katz had no financial interest in the co 10 yrs ago. So I bought one, he fit it and the mare was much much happier. He has checked the saddle every yr. After the mare lost weight I was able to go back to the Bates. He fit that too as well as chiro work. I wont let anyone else touch her.
I do alot of trail riding. Both the Bates and Duett were dressage saddles.
give him a call and talk to him.
M​​​​​y light weight trail saddles are just basic stock numbers. An Aussie saddle from Australian Stock Saddle Co., a Sharon Saare and a 1960’s model Hereford weighing 24 lbs. I love them. The Hereford and Saare were purchased new 45+ years and 35+ years ago respectively. I bought the Aussie second hand in '93. All are still in great shape. What can I say except I’m either easily satisfied or I appreciate the quality of old stuff.
Been wanting to try one of those!
I’m a fan of Australian saddles. These are light weight and leather.
http://www.downunderweb.com/store/Saddles_Aussie_Kimberley.html
The Australian stock saddles can be pretty heavy though, I used to tack up my agistment owner’s horse for him when we went on trail rides. His Sid Hill was probably twice as heavy as the western I used and I had saddle bags on mine as well. Most of the stock saddles are on par or heavier than the westerns in the tack room. I’d like to say it’s because they are older models but there are a few newer ones as well.
I have Bates stock saddle, adjustable gullet and wool flocked ,about 20 pds.wintec outback pro is very light weight .
Also the Prestige Atnea is heaven but $ there is one on e bay that 1/2 price but may be to narrow for your horse.Forestier makes a great trekking saddle but hard to find in US and of course Keifer makes comfy endurance english style but again money…There are so many good options in European saddles ithey call them trekking saddles.
