I’m normally inclined to go with something like all black too but that last one was pretty neat. I’m waiting for a quote on that one. If I have completely missed the ballpark, I’ll have them do a quote on a black one with less to-do.
It’s not my style but you do you! However if I were to get something more unique like that then I would also get the headstall, and collar if you use one, because it’ll be hard to match otherwise.
But im boring, lol here’s my custom TW.
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I’m still going back and forth, but am leaning towards the all black. I think in the event we do western dressage, the one I got the quote on might be busy/too flashy. I need to win the lottery!
Two thoughts - first you are going to be the only person looking at the seat. When you’re riding it won’t be visible. Don’t pay extra for a solid black seat.
Second, the light areas on the black and tan are tooled down - recessed with a fine pattern that is going to collect dirt and dust. They’re going to darken with cleaning, conditioning and sun exposure as well.
Solid black seat wouldn’t be extra, the zhuzzy material is haha. The gold on the two tone is painted, which I have some concern over wear/tear/maintenance especially over years. I got my quote for the all black this morning, so I just have to send over the deposit once I commit. I’m heavily learning that way. It should be done in early March… that seems so far away 
I’d look at saddles made for Arabs rather than QH’s. My Fjord fits well in the same saddles that my Arab does. Semi-custom like Synergist or Specialized would probably work very well
I’ve been riding in a Bob Marshall now for about a month, fit is good and he still seems to like it! New saddle will have endurance rigging on it as I don’t like the forward pull on the loaner saddle now. That was my only gripe!
oops- did not read the whole thread lol
Bob’s are awesome though- I just sold my gorgeous custom endurance one because I lost so much weight that it was way too big (good problem to have but still was sad to see it go!)
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Deposit is in, I went for the all black option. I found these that I think might be fun to accessorize with 
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This is going to look great!
If you are considering treeless, see if you can ride in a Sensation Western Sport. I bought one a few years ago and it’s very comfortable. I use a Saddleright pad with mine.
I have my Bob on order already, totally happy with the loner Ive been riding in. Ill keep an ear open for any local Sensations though, thanks! Im always interesting in trying different makes on him to have a better option pool.
I was lucky to find someone reasonably local who let me take it for a week and try it.
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That’s how I ended up going the Bob route. Pony and I are too hard to fit without getting a chance to trial things…too much of a pain to buy, try, and resell.
Assuming the OP passed on this, if it happens to still be for sale, I’d be curious 
It’s been sold.
OP, where are you?
Part of the answer will depend on the saddle maker you can work with.
I have more faith in custom Western saddle makers than in English ones, and I think the same $5K or whathaveyou will go much farther in Western World, Last, but not least, I think imperfections in saddle fit are more tolerable by the horse when it’s a Western Saddle versus a Dressage saddle.
If you are near Nampa, ID and want a Fallis Balanced Ride saddle, I can help. I have one made for a very wide mare of mine. I would ship that to you mine to try, and then you can work with John Fallis there to figure out how to modify what he built for me to fit you and your horse.
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Thanks for the info and the offer! We are in Ohio, but are very happy with the Bob Marshall we have on loan and my new one should be done in a few weeks so with any luck, we will be set for a good while.
Thank you again
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We got our Bob today and our maiden voyage went great! A little bigger seat and the endurance rigging was definitely the way to go. We’ve got matching tooled fenders if we’re feeling fancy and a rear cinch on the way.
Charlie says it makes him tired.
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Beautiful!
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