Opinions on these 5 saddles

[keepthelegend]

[QUOTE=js;8447091]
Bob’s saddles are really nice saddles but I’m guessing the one you posted weighs in excess of 30 lbs. Keep that in mind when looking at western saddles. Anything that is a roping or show saddle is going to be heavy. The Circle Y saddles are nice, the new ones aren’t the quality the old ones were but still good saddles that will last many years. I own two Circle Y saddles. Just be sure what ever you buy you can return it.[/QUOTE]

Do you think the Circle Y i linked would be a comfortable and fairly priced saddle? There is just nothing on my local Craigslist and Tacktrader that isn’t a show saddle or really beat up.

[paulaedwina]

I am coming from an English/Dressage background so take that into consideration when I say the Hereford fenders are too far forward of the seat and will put you in chair and you’ll be fighting the saddle to get your legs under you. I realize that some Western riders ride routinely in chair so this may or may not be an issue for you.

Tex tan was the first Western saddle I rode in and I loved it. The saddle was not mine otherwise that would have been it for me.

I really like the Circle Y you posted. It looks like my Big Horn. That’s a damned comfortable saddle, and I love the deep seat. So my money is on the Circle Y of all the saddles you posted.

Paula

[keepthelegend]

I think the Circle Y looks nice too! You don’t think the fenders are too far forward like the Herefords? I did find this as well:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262157670396?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

To me it looks like the fenders on that saddle are not as forward as the Herefords? It’s also light and has decent wither clearance.

I promise I am not going to post saddles forever. Just trying to figure out what I am looking at with western saddles! I love research and after a lifetime of hunter/jumpers and racehorses it’s very fun for me to have all this to learn!

Also, is this Hereford’s fenders too far forward? They look set back to me (for a western saddle)? http://www.ebay.com/itm/371488884691?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[511]

You are on the wrong forum. You will have to join but it is worth it.
http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showforum=25

You are looking for makers names and there are a lot of local made saddles to be had that are built better.

[paulaedwina]

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8448003]
I think the Circle Y looks nice too! You don’t think the fenders are too far forward like the Herefords? I did find this as well:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262157670396?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

To me it looks like the fenders on that saddle are not as forward as the Herefords? It’s also light and has decent wither clearance.

I promise I am not going to post saddles forever. Just trying to figure out what I am looking at with western saddles! I love research and after a lifetime of hunter/jumpers and racehorses it’s very fun for me to have all this to learn!

Also, is this Hereford’s fenders too far forward? They look set back to me (for a western saddle)? http://www.ebay.com/itm/371488884691?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/QUOTE]

I would have thought the same about the Crates a year ago, but not now. Even my Big Horn fenders could be further back a bit IMO. I’ve learned to look at where my butt would be and then where my legs would fall when I’m looking at Fender placement. The Tex tan has better fender placement IMO, than the crates you posted.

Paula

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=5;8448140]
You are on the wrong forum. You will have to join but it is worth it.
http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showforum=25

You are looking for makers names and there are a lot of local made saddles to be had that are built better.[/QUOTE]

I think it pays for anyone to develop an educated eye for what is a good and better saddle and what saddle fit is for horse and rider and the task at hand.

Thanks for the link, that may be a good place to learn.

I agree, the last link, that saddle, as pictured, doesn’t look that good.
I would pass on it, unless in person it looks better.

One way to look at all purpose type saddles, be sure they have a balance point in the middle, they don’t sit you far back there, where it is an effort to get up where you need to be when the horse is moving, not be behind the motion and you and the horse having to work twice as hard, the horse to carry you, you to stay up with the horse.
That is the main disadvantage of a chair seat.

On the other hand, you don’t want a saddle that stands you up there like one of those balancing stick man figures, where your upper and lower body are acting like counterweights to each other, your seat being the fulcrum, as some old type drawings show, as some older A frame saddles may put the rider.
I call that sitting like a bump on a log, with hips and lower back stiff.

Don’t fall for thinking someone riding with very long stirrups is really balanced, or someone with short stirrups not balanced and in a chair seat.
Watch how they balance and influence the horse’s balance.

To be an effective rider you need to be able to stay flexible and change as you need, a change that may be invisible to others but in the way your horse responds to you.

Because people’s conformation and horse’s way of going is not all the same, what that will be depends on who is riding and the horse and what they are doing.

As a horse trainer and riding instructor, you teach horses to handle different riders, then teach the riders as they need to ride for who they are.

That all is part why it is so hard to just tell the OP which kind of saddle to buy.

[Pocket_Pony]

For lots of information and hours of reading about western saddles, go to Rod Nikkel’s website. You’ll find so much information it will make your head spin.

FWIW, I am /was a lifelong h/j rider also. I’ve found fitting a western saddle to be more confusing and headache-inducing than fitting English saddles. Do lots of reading, sit your butt in lots of saddles, and don’t be in a rush.

[keepthelegend]

Oh, I know I need to try a lot of saddles and learn more. But what I am trying to accomplish with the listings is getting a better idea what I am looking at - is the fender set right to avoid a chair seat, is the style so out of fashion it would never sell, is that saddle particularly un padded, the nuances of every brand, etc. I am having the hardest time getting an idea of value and quality as all these brands are brand new to me.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8448335]
Oh, I know I need to try a lot of saddles and learn more. But what I am trying to accomplish with the listings is getting a better idea what I am looking at - is the fender set right to avoid a chair seat, is the style so out of fashion it would never sell, is that saddle particularly un padded, the nuances of every brand, etc. I am having the hardest time getting an idea of value and quality as all these brands are brand new to me.[/QUOTE]

With English saddles, you are going to be doing only so much on a horse.

With western saddles, there are many more disciplines involved, each one with needs that can vary greatly.

You really don’t want a heavy arena roping saddle to use on a horse working many hours outside, or for a western pleasure class.

Depending on what kind of roping you do, you may yet need a bit different saddle.
Yet again a different saddle for, say, barrel racing, or arena cutting.

Sure, you can ride in any and get the work done, but saddles have evolved to be like they are because they fit that task best.

Add to that that some may like a saddle for some task better for another, personal preferences and you can see why you probably should just try some until one feels right for you and your horse.

[paulaedwina]

I understand your process -we think the same way. Like you, I develop an eye by looking at many many many iterations of the thing and asking lots of questions.

Paula

[js]

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8447836]
Do you think the Circle Y i linked would be a comfortable and fairly priced saddle? There is just nothing on my local Craigslist and Tacktrader that isn’t a show saddle or really beat up.[/QUOTE]

I think it would be comfortable, as for price, really don’t know what similar Circle Y’s are selling for used. You could always offer what you think it’s worth and go from there.

[paulaedwina]

I expect the Circle Y will be quite comfortable. I bought my Big Horn new for $1200

This is my Big Horn http://ep.yimg.com/ay/thesaddleshop/16-17-big-horn-evolution-trail-saddle-1690-1691-10.jpg

Paula

[TXPiaffe]

I have a Circle Y Park & Trail saddle and have used it on my old TB with high withers, a chunky QH and a thinner TB. It has fit everything and rides very comfortably. I come from a dressage background if that helps. I have other people ride in it and want to steal it. I love it, is is comfortable and easy to sit for any amount of time and I like the flatter seat that I can adjust my position in vs the equitation seat -
Edit to add - I paid a little over $500 for my saddle used (broke in and in excellent condition).

[Cheryl]

I grew up riding in western saddles…Circle Y and Herefords etc …for what you are doing go with a pleasure style saddle if you can find one. Older models that have been cared for is a good place to start. I never found roping type saddles to be comfortable. Surprisingly barrel saddles were quite comfy…but my pleasure saddle I showed in was the best for comfort.

Is there a place you can go and ride in different types of western saddles to see what type you feel best in?

Cheryl

[Cheryl]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8449821]
I expect the Circle Y will be quite comfortable. I bought my Big Horn new for $1200

This is my Big Horn http://ep.yimg.com/ay/thesaddleshop/16-17-big-horn-evolution-trail-saddle-1690-1691-10.jpg

Paula[/QUOTE]

That Big Horn is gorgeous!

Cheryl

[paulaedwina]

[QUOTE=Cheryl;8449967]
That Big Horn is gorgeous!

Cheryl[/QUOTE]

Thank you. I like it very much. This is why I think the Circle Y would work for the OP. They look very similar.

Paula

[Cheryl]

Kinda reminds me of one of my barrel saddles from long ago! The short rounded skirts and more upright horn.

Cheryl

[paulaedwina]

[QUOTE=Cheryl;8450093]
Kinda reminds me of one of my barrel saddles from long ago! The short rounded skirts and more upright horn.

Cheryl[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that horn! Hung by my bra from that horn! It took a bit of getting used to

Paula

[Cheryl]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8450187]
Yeah, that horn! Hung by my bra from that horn! It took a bit of getting used to

Paula[/QUOTE]

LOL! I can understand!

[keepthelegend]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8450036]
Thank you. I like it very much. This is why I think the Circle Y would work for the OP. They look very similar.

Paula[/QUOTE]

I think I am going to get that Circle Y. That or the Bob’s custom with silver that is probably totally inappropriate for trail riding! I have learned so much from everyone, thanks so much! Western saddle buying is overwhelming to walk into new- not knowing the brands, the differences in styles, the values of different models, all the vintage saddles, all the measurements, the differences in leather with tooling and buckstitching and silver…makes English saddles look so boring!

Thanks again for all the help! I bought this horse from across the country in a total impulse buy and am learning as I go with this western riding!