i have just bought a new eventing prospect who is very green broke. I’d like to continue working him in a western saddle initially and then have one for trail riding too (and who knows, maybe endurance as well?). I want to find something that will fit him and I, be comfortable and light and preferably with a short skirt? He’s 3/4 connemara and 1/4 tb. I thought i’d Ask for recommendations. Thanks!!
I like Circle Y saddles with the Flex2 tree. They seem to fit a variety of horses and they are broke-in right out of the box. I shop on horsesaddleshop.com, which will have the weight of each saddle in the specs. They also have gullet tracings you can cut out and put on your horse - as stone age as that is, I’ve found that it’s pretty accurate and I’ve used it several times, and the saddles fit great.
Those look like they are over $2000? Since I already have significant investments in my dressage and jumping saddles, i’m definitely looking below $1000. It looks like winter and double d are inexpensive, but do they fit like crap?
Horse Saddle Shop has used saddles on there as well. They also sell a saddle fit tool for less than $10 that is helpful as well.
There are various Circle Y Facebook pages that have saddles for sale. Another option would be eBay.
The most important thing is to find a saddle that fits both you and your horse properly so you are both comfortable!
1 Like
You get what you pay for. Frankly I’m wondering why you want another saddle. Either of your current saddles are fine for trail riding, and maybe your jumping saddle can handle water better than your dressage saddle. There are new Circle Ys that should be around $1500 if you want to buy new. Older Western saddles can be pretty heavy; the newer ones are lighter.
I’ve trail ridden in my dressage saddle for many years, but have been doing more working with cows, sheep, etc and I also thought it would be good for working with this very green broke horse. I won’t ever be using a western saddles for my main sports (i don’t think), but am also interested in more diversity now … working equitation, mountain trail, endurance.
Post pictures of the horse without a saddle. I could make some recommendations based on back shape.
Ebay is a good place to start. Facebook marketplace.
You need to determine if you need full QH bars or semi QH bars. There are templates on the horse saddle shop website.
Circle Y is nice but didn’t fit my horses.
When I was starting my green arab on trails I thought I wanted a bit more security of a western saddle. Borrowed a friend’s Big Horn, which is half leather and half cordura. It fit him well (and me ok, didn’t love the stirrup placement), was lightweight, I only used it for a couple months before I preferred my dressage trail saddle. Any friends have something you could try?
I love my Lady Fabtron, it is lightweight, I like the stirrup placement( more like a dressage saddle) and I really love the ability to hang my water on the horn on these very hot days!
It is my go to saddle for trail riding if I don’t plan on jumping.
1 Like
Lady fabtron . Very comfortable .
I just bought an older Crates for my TB. I love the older saddles, the new ones with the Steele tree, don’t fit anything and they’re heavy. I have several friends who bought crates when the newer trail saddle came out and all have sold them due to poor fit. Plus now that Fabtron owns crates, the quality is not like it was.
I like my Abetta better than my $2000 leather saddle. Short, round skirt, under 20 lbs and fits both me and my horse. Worthless for cattle, of course, but might be worth a look.
