@2DogsFarm -there is a renowned saddle maker just south of Shipshe. As you said, he’s costly. Unless Bob and I do more than just local shows, I think we’ll keep using our King Brand saddle. My mule-riding buddy is on a 4 year wait for one of the Shipshe saddler’s custom made saddles —I don’t think I’ll live that long.
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How sudden is the quick release from the horn you have on the saddle you’re using now? It probably does not have a roping horn, but why I’m asking about how much pull the horn gets and do you need the roper height.
I’m older than you & I’d consider that wait time incentive to live long enough to ride in that saddle!
That said, my 1 & Only saddle until I got the semi-custom Stubben, was another Stubben.
Portos A/P model.
Bought from the Dover catalog in 1985 - on sale for $600.
I sold a beaver coat to buy it.
It fit everything I rode until 2010.
I showed Hunters, Dressage & Evented in it.
Got an EOY Reserve AA Hunter with it in a field of pancake-flat close contacts, so Judges didn’t take off points for unconventional.
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In my experience, breaking in a new western saddle is a pain, more so than breaking in an English saddle. Something to consider if you are comfortable in the one you have now. 
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I loved my Circle Y, bought back in the day when they were better made. No break in really required. Stirrups were turned, leather was soft (could roll the fenders into a cone easily). That is where better quality is more expensive. Better leather, and workmanship. I think that saddle is well over 35 years old now and still comfortable. My Passier took more break in time, but not a lot.
