Opinions on these 5 saddles

[Cheryl]

[QUOTE=keepthelegend;8450264]
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![/QUOTE]

I can relate…I’ve been out of the horse world for years…and mostly was a western rider…now a granddaughter (6 yrs) has started hunt seat lessons so I’m having to learn all the new stuff on saddles and gear for English riders.

Just figuring out what saddle to get for her has been going on for months now! lol

Cheryl

[paulaedwina]

There is alot to learn so I am always grateful for those who will take the time. Sometimes people assume you know something and won’t take the time (story of my life ). For example, I had no idea until recently that some saddles have fiberglass trees (apparently a no-no). A clinician told me a rule of thumb for pricing is that a good wooden tree will cost you about $800 so I keep that in mind when I’m looking at a saddle.

keepthelegend, let us know how the Circle Y feels, and congratulations on your new horse. That’s always fun!

Paula

[keepthelegend]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8450618]
There is alot to learn so I am always grateful for those who will take the time. Sometimes people assume you know something and won’t take the time (story of my life ). For example, I had no idea until recently that some saddles have fiberglass trees (apparently a no-no). A clinician told me a rule of thumb for pricing is that a good wooden tree will cost you about $800 so I keep that in mind when I’m looking at a saddle.

keepthelegend, let us know how the Circle Y feels, and congratulations on your new horse. That’s always fun!

Paula[/QUOTE]

Ok, maybe i am overthinking this all! I have found a 1974 Circle Y on Ebay that looks really nice as well - I know internet lore has it the old Circle Y’s are higher quality - but is that 'too old?" I am waiting back on a weight and some measurements.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261968872168?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

i have got to make a choice and stay off the websites!

[Cheryl]

Oh I like that one…love the condition of the leather! The seat is a bit worn but it’s been used almost 40 years! As long as the tree is undamaged and the leathers are not rotted…I’d not have a problem with a 70 something model. Those saddles can last almost forever if well cared for.

They say OBO…so they make take less than listed price.

IMO this saddle (just based on the picture) is better quality than this one from your original post:

http://www.octoberhillfarm.net/15"_Circle_Y.html#3

Others may not agree…just my view.

Cheryl

[Beverley]

1974 isn’t too old if it’s been well cared for. My '65 Tex Tan is still perfectly usable, just doesn’t fit current stock. Ditto my English 1971 Crosby and similar vintage Stubben.

[js]

http://www.octoberhillfarm.net/15"_Circle_Y.html#3 - Much better saddle and a better price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261968872168?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - overpriced and not in as good a condition, it shows it’s age. I doubt it cost that much when it was new. I have a handmade Circle Y show saddle from 1986 that cost $1200 new, with solid silver, deep tooling etc.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=js;8452159]
http://www.octoberhillfarm.net/15"_Circle_Y.html#3 - Much better saddle and a better price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261968872168?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - overpriced and not in as good a condition, it shows it’s age. I doubt it cost that much when it was new. I have a handmade Circle Y show saddle from 1986 that cost $1200 new, with solid silver, deep tooling etc.[/QUOTE]

I agree, I also spotted that other one and thought it could be a better buy.

The thing is, you don’t know what you have there until it is in your hands, much less if and how it will fit.
It truly is buyer beware, clean and shiny and good pictures doesn’t mean that much.

OP, you will go crazy looking for a saddle as you are doing, but who knows, may just find the buy of the year after all, that is the one that fits you and your horse and is in great shape.

There is a personal preference I have, after owning both kinds, I prefer a metal attachment to the skirts best for cinches, don’t like those that go thru the skirt leather themselves, as they have for the back cinch.

Would not pass a good saddle for that, but I would prefer metal there for my saddles, definitively in front.
I have some as that one, but still prefer to have a separate metal ring to tie cinches to, especially in front and at least the back one to have a metal border on the slot, like some show saddles have.