I want a new saddle for my Icelandic horse. I need a horn because we like to lead the mule from her, and he leans on my leading hand just enough to make my arm tired in the current (hornless) Icelandic saddle. I need a tree for the same reason, the leaning mule. Saddle needs to be pretty compact and light because the Icey is wee (probably about 13 hands) and short backed. I prefer leather to synthetic saddles. I’m not crazy about Australian saddles, I would really like to get a western saddle that meets the above. Impossible? Any suggestions?
You might try and look at some period saddles.
http://www.saddlemaker.com/santafe.html
http://www.snellensaddlery.com/sddlhope2.htm
http://www.ushist.com/saddles-tack/period_saddles_military.htm
I don’t know any of these makers personally, but they have decent reputations in at least some quarters.
Good luck in your search.
G.
I have a Fabtron and for a synthetic it is comfy and very well made. I have 3 short backed ponies that require a short saddle and they have several models for gaited and non-gaited. If you don’t want a synthetic, then try Valley Vet Supply, they have lots of trail saddles with round skirts.
Good luck:cool:
[QUOTE=Rachel L;4368394]
I want a new saddle for my Icelandic horse. I need a horn because we like to lead the mule from her, and he leans on my leading hand just enough to make my arm tired in the current (hornless) Icelandic saddle. I need a tree for the same reason, the leaning mule. Saddle needs to be pretty compact and light because the Icey is wee (probably about 13 hands) and short backed. I prefer leather to synthetic saddles. I’m not crazy about Australian saddles, I would really like to get a western saddle that meets the above. Impossible? Any suggestions?[/QUOTE]
What length skirts do you need?, would 24" be short enough?
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What size seat? Is used ok?
Icelandics generally have very wide backs. I hope you can find a saddle you like that fits!
Are there any western-style saddles that have an adjustable gullet so you can get the right width? One of my clients has a Wintec Australian with an adjustable gullet, but hers doesn’t have a horn. I wonder if they sell a horned version. It’s a nice saddle with a wide seat, looks very comfy. And she ordered a gullet to fit her horse.
Maybe a round skirted barrel saddle with FQH bars.
Another idea is an Abetta western with an Arab tree. The one I have might be wide enough to fit a few Icies. For the very widest Icie back I’ve seen, you’d need one that is practically flat. Don’t know what your horse’s back is like.
Saddles made for Arabians usually have rounded skirts. That might be your best bet: getting one that would fit an Arab.
Most arabian saddles are built to fit wide shoulders, but they tend to narrow towards the back… as opposed to being wide from front to back… so it would depend on how your icey is built… jmho
[QUOTE=GallopingGrape;4374067]
Most arabian saddles are built to fit wide shoulders, but they tend to narrow towards the back… as opposed to being wide from front to back… so it would depend on how your icey is built… jmho[/QUOTE]
Out of the many posts, this one attract my attention. I believe it is possible for anyone to participate.
Excellent ! I like it very much.
I’ve had two Black Rhino synthetic saddles (trail and endurance), and they’re fantastic. www.aboutthehorse.com Very much like riding in a well built dressage saddle, which is to say a properly balanced seat.
When I bought my Icelandic, I sent Dave a set of tracings of his back. He said he could modify one of his saddles to fit him. I ended up going with a Sensation because I wanted to start in a dressage saddle, but when I get my horse slimmed down a bit I won’t hesitate to pick up another endurance saddle from Dave.
The thing I always appreciated is that he knows the value of tree flare to provide shoulder clearance. As you’ll know, that’s especially helpful with the Icelandics.
[QUOTE=Rachel L;4368394]
I want a new saddle for my Icelandic horse. I need a horn because we like to lead the mule from her, [/QUOTE]
http://guichard-sellier.fr/LD.htm
Check these ones out, Western / Endurance made in France. Scroll down for the Icey model which does not show a horn, but obviously he could make one with a horn. I could ask & translate if you’re seriously interested. There is at least one Icelandic trailriding outfit using those saddles.
The main website is fascinating, people going on long horsetreks through Mongolia, Europe, etc, and using these saddles for years in all kinds of conditions (website in French.) http://guichard-sellier.fr/
I have ridden Iceys so I understand the saddling needs.
edited for clarity
Amongst American-made Western saddles, the Wade trees are most likely to fit gaited horses (they fit QH’s better as well.) Cliff Wade and Tom Dorrance designed the trees with slightly flared shoulders. The Wade trees set the rider in a dressage-like position and every one I’ve been in has the feel of close contact (most are hand-made for custom saddles.)
Going custom is not inexpensive, but it would be a real working rig that’s also a work of art. Their lite models come in at cca. 18 lbs:
http://www.ranch2arena.com/wattbrosliterid.html
I really like the looks of the Desert Wade, a traditional Western made on the East Coast, could be lighter weight if made for Iceys:
http://sagehorsemanship.com/saddlery/saddle/saddle_fifteen/saddle_fifteen.htm
I rode some Icelandics in a small barrel racer with a Cashel front riser pad, but the barrel racer tree is too straight even if the saddle appears to fit. My favorite saddle to ride the Icelandics are the Wintecs, all-purpose & endurance, wich resembles the Icelandic saddles and actually fits better than a traditional old-style Icelandic (were too narrow.). No horn. Unfortunately, I tried a Wintec Western once and didn’t fit me or any of the horses (different breeds) I tried it on.
