I found a neat endurance saddle at a local tack shop for a good price, is anyone familiar with it? Picture in my blog. I’m looking for something for short occasional trail rides.
[QUOTE=enjoytheride;8000072]
I found a neat endurance saddle at a local tack shop for a good price, is anyone familiar with it? Picture in my blog. I’m looking for something for short occasional trail rides.
http://weanieeventer.blogspot.com/[/QUOTE]
This same saddle was just discussed on the AERC facebook page. Everyone who posted says it is a piece of crap without a real tree and to run the other way.
A cheap saddle that makes a horse sore is not a bargain at any price.
Could you just ride in your dressage saddle? I would think it would be perfectly appropriate for light to moderate trail riding.
[QUOTE=SharonA;8008147]
Could you just ride in your dressage saddle? I would think it would be perfectly appropriate for light to moderate trail riding.[/QUOTE]
Maybe so and maybe not. I once rode a three plus hour ride in a Stubben Tristan dressage saddle. Never again! 
The OP might try it and see if it works. An English all-purpose would be better. If they want a more specialized saddle there are English trail and endurance saddles.
G.
I have a down under saddle. It really depends on the model. Their cheap line is horrible unless you get a perfect fit (they will fit a saddle, even a used one, if you send in tracings)
Their better quality lines can be really good. All of our Aussie’s are down under and I competed on my gelding for years without a sore back once.
I got this same saddle (used) last year. Yes, it is cheap, but the tree fits my horse’s back and due to where I live, I only go on short 1-3 hr trail rides now and again. Saddle is fine for my needs, is lightweight and can take my dressage girth. Plus have some tie strings for my jacket, water bottle, etc. I am a former saddle fitter and used to have a Timberline flex panel trail saddle. With all the tack I use and need, I don’t need to have a $1700 saddle sitting around for using a few times in summer/fall.
I’ve trail ridden in my dressage saddle comfortably, but after getting rained on and scratched going through brush, I didn’t want to continue using it.
