Kind of a Spin-off of Western Saddle for life long English rider... can y'all HELP?! Yikes!

[firecracker]

Another vote for Specialized Saddles. I contacted a local rep, who brought out a variety of models for me to try (Ultralight, Eurolight, Trailmaster). I ultimately went with an Ultralight, and I love it! It is fit to my horse, and it fits me well too. It puts me in a great position and my bum doesn’t get nearly as sore as it did in the General Purpose english saddle I was riding in prior to the Specialized. I also use sheepskin covers whenever I do any riding out of the arena.

If you want to stick with your current saddle, I’d try out different pads and cushions. I’ve always used sheepskin cushions, but I recently tried a friend’s gel cushion on a ride and it was wonderful.

[OzarksRider]

I love my Steele trail saddle. I have the Frontier Trail model, but they make several other models, both Western and English. It fits my wide QH, and my knees and seat never, ever hurt even after hours in the saddle. These saddles are custom made, so you can order exactly what you want. Also, they have a demo program where you can ride one for 3 weeks to see if you like it. Check out their website at https://steelesaddle.com/ They also have a Facebook page that has more information.

I used to have a Fabtron Lady Trail saddle which I liked ok, but my knees always hurt after a couple of hours and it pinched my horse’s wide withers a little.

[Bombproof]

If padding doesn’t help, it’s probably the configuration of the saddle causing the problem. Western saddles tend be flatter and wider in the area of the “twist.” (Do they use that term for western saddles?) I second the Steele as a great trail saddle but you will probably experience pain in your wallet if you get one. You might also look at an Australian saddle. Aussies tend to have a seat which feels English but is deep and secure.

[Liscar]

Just an update! I think I found my saddle (at least, I hope I did! hahaha). I ordered it from Horsesaddleshop this week. It is a High Horse Eldorado Trail Saddle by Circle Y. I went to the tack shop and talked with them about the issues I was having with my Billy Royal. They sat me in a Fabtron Lady Trail and thought, “hmm, very comfy! I could deal with this.” Then another sales person came along and told me I needed to sit in the High Horse. That my Billy Royal a) isn’t configured for trail riding; and b) is really not made for someone with my build (aka no natural padding - lol). Holy Mother of God!! I felt like I was sitting on a cloud. I sat there, in the saddle, for a good 15 mins., just relishing the fact that my poor aching seatbones were finally sighing sighs of relief. Customers walking by, just looking at me like I was nuts, but I didn’t want to get up!! Unfortunately, tack shop did not have a FQHB available, so I came home and ordered it!! Can’t wait to get it so I can truly try it out. So, any of y’all having the same issue as me, give this saddle a look. It’s also part leather/part cordura, so it’s still light, but man oh man, does it feel good on the tush!!

[Rackonteur]

I love your description of just sitting there in the saddle in the store! It reminded me of when I went to buy my western saddle. I sat there with customers passing by looking like they thought that I thought I should put in a dime for the invisible mechanical horse. But I was just enjoying trying saddles.

Good luck with yours. We will need an update when it arrives, and of course pics!