Best light trail saddle for women?

[Malda]

@Russinka

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.

Did you look at the link? Most of those were 20 lbs and under.

I didn’t link the Australian Stock Saddle Company, which makes excellent saddles, because those tend to be heavy. My much loved Muster Master from that company is 25 lbs., which is getting too heavy for me, and is too narrow for my new horse. I rode up to four hours at a time in that saddle with my previous horse, was never sore or stiff after a ride.

[K8ee]

If you can find a Crosby Marathon Endurance Saddle, this may be the ticket for you. Crosby has a narrow twist, and I love the way they sit. No longer made but show up occasionally on Ebay, etc. Most are 17-19 and I need a 16 1/2. I found one a few months ago but the seller changed their mind about selling. I am still looking.

[supaflyskye]

My ex-BO had an treeless endurance saddle…I believe it was from the brand Freeform. I was somewhat skeptical of it at first, but it was really very comfortable on trails (my back is a mess, so if a saddle is not comfortable enough on trail rides it can really affect me), and unbelievably lightweight – I don’t think it couldn’t have weighed much/any more than just a few pounds, honestly.
It also seemed to be quite comfortable for the mare I used it on – I used it on her when she was recovering from some extensive chiropractic adjustments & was still pretty sensitive through her back, and she seemed very happy & went well in it.

maybe an idea, if you’re open to treeless?

[Bombproof]

I have – or perhaps I should say had – a U. S. Army M1913 Packer saddle which was completely restored by master saddler Tom Smith before his untimely demise. My 5’1" 105 lb sister has declared it “the ultimate trail riding saddle” and laid claim. This isn’t mine, but it shows you what they look like. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/510173464015276554/ Unlike the Cavalry and Artillery McClellans, it was built to fit a mule, so it has a wider tree which is a good fit for most Quarter Horses. They can be gotten in usable condition from EBay for a reasonable price.

Since my sister seized upon my M1913, I’m currently restoring an M1917 packer saddle for myself. It fits my ginormous butt better anyway. https://new.liveauctioneers.com/item/646586_us-1917-skeleton-rigged-packers-saddle-us-army

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

@Hermein

I have a 22lb all leather Fabtron. This: https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail…bdc3ba913a&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.

I want one of those! Last I checed they only came in FQH bars, and I need semi. Beautiful saddle though. I love Fabtron because they allow your feet to be in the right place instead of stuck out in front. I have the plain old Fabtron round skirt saddle and love it, but I’d love it even more if it were all-leather.

[ladyj79]

how about this?

https://tackstore.org/shop/17-12-brown-ortho-flex-cut-back-endurance-saddle/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgODIBRCEqfv60eq65ogBEiQA0ZC5-TxGkRMAlICFn1SsB_q_2J_6zN26uofmyrEDe0QH7iQaAjiK8P8HAQ

My friend has an othoflex dressage, and I know she’s been riding in that for like 20 years quite happily, including extensive trail riding in the rockies and all over scotland

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ortho-Flex-Premier-Dressage-Endurance-Saddle-Black-Caiman-Lightly-Used-NICE/142356404467?_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D9d9e0ebbc6a747f099e6364fdd61c4e8%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D13%26rkt%3D49%26sd%3D132151973476

[Mahtowagal]

I have been a dressage rider for 25 years and just recently sold my dressage saddles and bought westerns for starting my youngster mainly. What I found that was SO INTERESTING was that my Georgian Grande moved MUCH nicer under the western! He’s a huge mover…with about a 16" over step in his good free walk. I used to sell Hennig dressage saddles… I owned Mahtowa Meadows Saddles. Sold Hennigs and was mentioned on this forum many times. Now I have decided to sell the western saddles for those who want the same dressage position! So I reopened Mahtowa Meadows Saddles but now it’s western. I have the saddles all grouped in to appropriate categories … western dressage, trail, light weight saddles, etc. This being said, what sent me down this road was my first rides on a Fabtron Lady Trail Flex Supreme. OMG my horse LOVES it and my position is excellent and security is unbeatable. I think it weighs under 20 lbs. I have always refused to go to a Cordura saddle. I’m a total leather snob!!! Hated synthetic saddles!!! They have come SO FAR though! I was shocked. This saddle makes riding the trail or even dressage schooling a breeze. It’s pretty to look at also. I feel so wonderfully confident now on my big boy and I will be using it as I continue getting my 5 yr old under saddle. I work with Horse Saddle Shop but I have what I believe are better photos…and as I said, I have them categorized for western dressage and light weight. www.mahtowameadows.net

[Mahtowagal]

Here is the link for that particular saddle that I mentioned…http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/fabtr…l#.WRondLwrLUZ It looks way better in person than the pics show.