Opinions on these saddles for a total western beginner

[keepthelegend]

Does anyone have an opinion on these two saddles regarding quality and comfort for trail riding? Does one seem a better value (they are an extra 4% off today)? I have no idea what I am looking at! I just want a comfortable saddle to trail ride and have an occasional arena lesson on for fun. Just bought a western horse and have no idea what I am doing. I don’t mind returning the saddle if it doesn’t fit the horse.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/used-trail-saddle-usun2811.html#.VemmRXhH29Y

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/used-simco-trail-ussm2921.html#.VemnDnhH29Y

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/fabtron-lady-trail-saddle.html#.VemnKHhH29Y

Thank you!

[js]

If it were me, of the three I would take the Lady Fabtron. It’s light weight and easy to care for and a good value. I like the seat depth on the Fabtron better than the other two, it might be a little more comfortable.

[Flash44]

I would not buy the first one.

I would not buy the second one due to age. The newer saddles have more comfort features. You will understand after having sat in a saddle for 1-2 hours.

Out of the 3, I would buy the third one, which is specifically designed to provide comfort for the horse and rider on the trail. I have no personal experience with this manufacturer, though.

This retailer has templates online that you can download and put on your horse to give you a good idea of what tree width your horse needs. They actually work well - and the staff at this retailer will help you narrow down your choices.

You will find that the older saddles are really heavy (50 lbs) and the newer saddles are usually build lighter (30 lbs).

Good luck!!

[gaitedincali]

I would avoid the saddle with the unknown maker.

I find simcos to be extremely comfortable. However, that’s a saddle I would expect to pick up for under $300 given age and condition. I would not pay what this shop is asking.

For the $$$, the new fabtron is probably the best choice. I really like the Fabtrons, they’re better made than the other synthetics on the market, IMHO. Good hardware, thicker leather, stainless steel.

[RPM]

Of the three, I would probably try the Fabtron. It’s new, it’s synthetic, you won’t have to break in the fenders, and it probably doesn’t weigh so much that you would have trouble putting it easily on your horse’s back instead of swinging it up and thumping it down.

The first one probably is not a Simco or a Big Horn, since it doesn’t have a visible maker’s mark. That seat looks awfully uncomfortable to me. The second one’s seat looks more comfortable but the saddle itself doesn’t.

I loved my synthetic western saddle. It wasn’t a Fabtron, but it was made of similar materials and didn’t required any breaking in or a broomstick through the stirrups.

What saddle did your horse wear before you got him? Did it fit him? Is it for sale?

Buy the best saddle you can afford that fits your horse and you, in that order. Be sure you can adjust the stirrups to the correct length for you (I have short legs and a lot of western saddles with Blevins buckles don’t have enough holes to shorten the stirrups enough for me. I hate Blevins buckles anyway but if you don’t let a lot of other people use your saddle you shouldn’t have to adjust the stirrups a lot.) Be sure whichever saddle you buy has stirrup hobbles; I see that all three of these saddles have them.

ETA: quote from Saddle #1:
“that old western style that you don’t see in the new models.”

Umm … there’s a good reason you don’t!

I haven’t seen one of those “elephant ear” cantles in 30-40 years! (Nothing wrong with them, I just haven’t seen one in so long.)

[RPM]

P.S.

Is there a local tack shop/feed store that has used saddles you could try before buying? Good way to check cinch, padding, stirrup straps, etc., as well as fit.

Just make sure the salesperson knows what they’re talking about and isn’t trying to off-load their first cousin once removed’s saddle they lost in the divorce.

[JumpQH]

I personally would keep looking, but if I had the choice of only those three, I think the Lady Fabtron would be the only one worth looking at.

[keepthelegend]

Ok thanks so much! This is a really silly question, but do the strings annoy the horse at all? I keep thinking they might feel like a fly?

I have bought this horse unseen (besides video) on the other side of the country. No idea if the saddle fit her! It was something comparable to a consignment barn and I think the professionals just use their own saddles. They rope and rein so probably different saddles anyway?

This is going to be adventure! What have I done, lol.

[saddleup]

No, the strings won’t bother the horse. And you will be glad to have them to tie on the various things that trail riders need…a rain slicker, cantle pack, lead rope, etc. They are exceptionally long, however, so you might find you want to cut them shorter.

[JumpQH]

[QUOTE=saddleup;8302689]
No, the strings won’t bother the horse. And you will be glad to have them to tie on the various things that trail riders need…a rain slicker, cantle pack, lead rope, etc. They are exceptionally long, however, so you might find you want to cut them shorter.[/QUOTE]

I have found the extra long ones to come in extra handy!

[HP_sblueskyenterprise]

The first saddle looks rather old and has an odd shaped seat, it definitely doesn’t look like the best quality. I had a friend who had the Fabtron and it worked out good for her, she just did trail riding. The saddle was durable, but still nice looking and you didn’t have to worry too much when it started raining. The Fabtron will be definitely the most comfortable choice out of the three due to the cut of the seat. Make sure to check the tree size in comparison to the size of the horse. Western saddles come in two general sizes Semi QH bars, and Full QH bars. As far as fit goes use your common sense, the contact should be even along the back etcetera. Run your hand under the panels and you should feel even pressure all along the horse’s back under the saddle. Obviously make sure that the pommel is high enough above the wither so it doesn’t make contact. Strings are helpful while trail riding to tie gear on with, if you don’t like them I believe you just have to unscrew the conches to take them out. If you are looking at other synthetic brands be very, very wary of quality, the Fabtron is the only synthetic/leather one I have seen with reasonable endurance and quality. Also the fenders in the second saddle look slightly to forward set. As with the same when fitting an english saddle, the saddle must fit and the horse when placed directly on the horse. Be very, very careful that the saddle doesn’t pinch the horse’s wither, this is sometimes difficult to tell at first so be sure. Place a golf ball in the on the saddle to make sure it is balanced and centered when you receive it. If Semi and Full don’t fit your horse you will have to start trying Arabian bars and other types. If something doesn’t feel right or if you have a feeling it doesn’t fit right, than it probably doesn’t. Remember a Western saddle is just as hard to fit as an English saddle. Good Luck saddle shopping!

[Rackonteur]

What breed is your horse? As well as semi- and full-Quarter-Horse bars, western saddles also come in Arabian, gaited, Haflinger, draft, mule …