My favorite are Champions and Broken Horn.
I also own a Chavez work saddle that I really like, a Blue Ribbon show saddle that I really like, and a Herford Tex Tan that I love, but isn’t the best quality.
I wouldn’t buy a newer (1990 +) Billy Royal.
[QUOTE=painted02;6792474]
The saddles are super specialized these days (just like the horses) to put the rider in the proper position for the event. For example, a barrel saddle is typically built very light with a tiny skirt. It will have a high pommel and cantle to help the rider stay put along with a slightly taller horn to hold on to. A cutting saddle will have a flatter seat, fenders that hang more forward, and a higher horn to brace with. A reining saddle has a deeper pocket to the seat and slightly forward fenders. A good horsemanship saddle has fenders that are slightly back to get that perfect ear-shoulder-hip-heel line and a seat that puts you on your pelvic floor (again to get that proper line). A pleasure saddle is similar, but the fenders may not be back quite so far. A roping saddle is heavy duty and re-inforced to handle the job. You can easily pick out a roping saddle by looking for the extra wrap of leather or rawhide around the horn to protect it during a dally.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the great explanation!
Abetta, Circle Y, and Big Horn.
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Abetta, Circle Y, and Big Horn.[/QUOTE]
I am going to get an Abetta for my Arab. I would like to get the Arab Flex tree, but they only offer that in one saddle according to my info. I would like to get the endurance saddle, but it does not come with the Arab Flex.
I love my Piland reiner and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I won’t touch a Sean Ryon…so uncomfortable and way too expensive!
[QUOTE=ViewParadise;6732891]
I LOVE cutting saddles and I don’t even cut. LOVE THEM. Deep pockets, most well made ones are made for contact and are not bulky under the leg. I had a Roo-Hide and LOVED IT. WISH I hadn’t sold it…
I am buying a Jerry Shaw at the moment. Can’t wait till it’s paid for!
I dislike barrel saddles, just don’t like the position they put me in. I don’t wanna ‘call out’ any particular brands that I don’t like, because some of them have been mentioned here as favorites of other posters. That said, my faves are Roo-Hide, Jerry Shaw and Bobs. I have had good experiences with this place http://cowdogsaddles.com/index.php they only carry GOOD quality stuff, nothing cheap that you are going to regret and I also really like Jes at www.halfcircleranch.com/store/pc/home.asp . She has nice quality brands at fair prices. And she’s NICE to work with.[/QUOTE]
Ditto…I have a Koen cutting saddle which is the only saddle that fits my mutton withered bulldog QH. Lately, I have really been fancying the one of the roohide saddles at half circle ranch.
I am not a big Circle Y fan but for those just getting into western, they are a good place to start until you figue out what you want.
[QUOTE=quarterhorse4me;6810545]
Ditto…I have a Koen cutting saddle which is the only saddle that fits my mutton withered bulldog QH. Lately, I have really been fancying the one of the roohide saddles at half circle ranch.
I am not a big Circle Y fan but for those just getting into western, they are a good place to start until you figue out what you want.[/QUOTE]
I agree with that. Circle Y’s seem to be popular starter saddles. We have a few in the lesson program where I teach. They fit a good range of horses/riders, but not for the serious equestrian, IMO.
As for Half Circle Ranch? OMG, Jes has been the SWEETEST thing ever! She is SO nice to work with and has been great allowing me to make payments! I think she carries a nice range of quality saddles at really good prices. My hubby may be ready for another saddle soon and I will go to Jes first!
Looove my Double T, really nice for a ‘lower quality’ work saddle.
