So I am looking at a Big Horn leather/synthetic saddle for my QH. He has high withers and a low back, but needs a FQH. This saddle is a 162 model which I can’t find any info about, I assume it is an older model. It measures 7" from concho to concho and is very comfy. Anyone know about this model?
Look up HorseTackReview.com - I looked at a few of them when I was saddle shopping and those reviews scared me off. I ended up with a HighHorse Gaited Cordura Saddle for my TWH and am extremely happy with it.
I have been looking and looking at gaited and synthetic saddles and I, too, was scared off by the reviews of the Big Horn. However, I must say that I saw one at a recent expo and it looked and felt decent.
I think I am going to go with the HighHorse. I was wondering if you would tell me why you like yours so much. I have a Circle Y now but it is too big for my Rocky. I really love my Circle Y but can’t afford two saddles…
Well I dont own it yet, just have it on trial. Its very comfy to ride in and light weight. And since my horse is short backed, I like the fabric skirt so it doesnt interfere with him. I do not have a gaited horse, so maybe thats the difference of me liking it and you guys don’t. I have read many good reviews but will check out that one site too.
I absolutely love my Big Horn half cordura saddle. That’s saying a lot, because before it I simply wouldn’t own a non-leather saddle. The comfort is amazing, even 6, 7, 8 hours later in the pouring rain, freezing cold, baking sun, chasing cows or splashing around in the lake, day after day. I love the skirt because I have a short coupled older standardbred mare who needs to be comfortable. At 22 lbs, they are not the lightest Big Horn makes but it is certainly a sturdy saddle and lighter then leather saddles of its type. Mine is from this model line:
http://www.culturedcowboy.com/saddles/bighorn/pages/Cordura/bh_209.210.htm
They are built on the same good trees as the leather Big Horns, and the tree sits back from the withers more then other lines so it provides my mare’s wide but prominant withers space on her short back. I also thought I’d hate the non-leather fenders, but they turn so nicely without being overly twisty and are cushioned so feel nice against the calves as opposed to hours of stiff leather rubbing on my pants. And the hardware is good quality. I see it lasting me longer then my mare will need it for sure.
I agree with you jengersnap. I also read the reviews on that site and they were pretty good ones.
Well, the HighHorse saddle that I bought is really well made - I’ve looked at the other brands, and they were really, really cheap. You can tell that Circle Y didn’t skimp on the leather, it’s nice and thick.
I read a few reviews about the HighHorse Saddles, and both the Quarter Horse trees and the Gaited trees fit the intended market, from what I could gather. They’re well made, light (23lbs), comfortable (mine is like sitting on a sofa - over an inch of padding in the seat) and they have a decent warranty. Not to mention, that because I chose a saddle model with cordura skirts and fenders, my brand new Circle Y saddle only cost about $600 out the door.
I read the Big Horn reviews and there were so many that were unsatisfied with fit and performance, I just couldn’t justify risking several hundreds of dollars on one of them. Yes, there were a couple rave reviews, how much they love their saddle and how comfortable is it, etc., but there were far more negative.
The first time I put it on my TWH, his head went down, he had a nice, long-strided, relaxed walk and just looked really happy. I’m going to trust him on this one. :winkgrin:
I’d say that if you have this saddle right now and have been riding your horse in it and it fits both you and him, then that’s definately the saddle for you.
Big Horn is out of business; If you find a used one you want, better buy it.
I love my big horn. It is 5 years old now. Fits my older TWH awesome, fit my younger TWH mare great till she had a froth spurt last fall. I love the feel my girls were happy. For my youngster i had to go with tex tan my show saddle of all things. I am hoping when she is done growing my big horn will fit her again.
They were bought out by another company who’s name I cannot remember at this moment…
Love my Big Horn cordura saddle also. It’s a used roping style (not that I would or could actually rope) and fits my tubby QH mare quite well. Have never heard a bad thing about Big Horn’s…
