I’m looking for a western saddle for trails (and some schooling/fun shows) for our completely round, short backed Morgan. We tried a Wintec FQHB (which he measured into on the wither tracing) but it was too wide (7" gullet) too long, and rocked front to back. Semi QH bars are too narrow, and the Arab tree (50+ year old Big Horn) we have was almost a fit, just a hair too narrow up front. It was the only one short enough front to back. Should we keep looking at Arab trees or try more FQHB? Is there a brand that fits short backed, no withered horses? He’s 14h/big boned. I am lost as to what saddle to try next.
try treeless - I used to have a mutton withered very muscular QH that nothing fit, I was reduced to riding bareback or not all til I tried a treeless. Mine is a Bob Marshall one of the original ones as I got it in '96, but there are many brands now.
It sounds like your horse is a perfect candidate for a Sensation Treeless Saddle. They made a beauful western version that you can have made in any color or color combinations you want: http://www.freedomtreeless.com/g4ws.html. I’ve ridden in a Sensation Hybrid http://www.freedomtreeless.com/G3HT.html for more than 2 years and love it. I will never willingly go back to a treed saddle unless there was no other option.
For treed western, you can try Tucker (altho was still too long for my guys back) or Crestridge…
Thank you. I was hoping something with a tree would fit so I could use it in schooling shows as well as on trails. But maybe that just isn’t possible.
Thanks for the Tucker or Crestridge suggestions- I’ll check them out.
I had a Billy Cook that was built on their modified Wade tree, it was model 2184. Even the 16" seat, which rode like a 17", fit my short-backed Arab. It was fairly wide, FHQ, but not sure how wide you would need one to go.
Despite it being so heavy, and ex-hubby being 250lb, the Arab could carry him comfortably for hours in it. He just loved that saddle.
As you may have noticed, many Trails Saddle come in Medium (semi-QH 6.5" ) and Wide (Full-QH 7" )
There is a Reg. QH 6.75" that a few manufacture use, the Bars are also shorter which helps on shorter backed Horses
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You might want to try the Abetta saddles if you are willing to use a synthetic sqddle they have numerous trees with a variety of rigging.
Bonnie
Our wide round super short backed Half Arab used an Abetta Arabian saddle for years and years. It really fits those short backed, wide ones 
My Morgan is built like a Propane Tank, or Over-stuffed Sausage…hehheeeee…but I ride English so can recommend those saddles.
My sisters also has a treeless western saddle that works for both of our mares.
I also second the Montana Mountain Horse recommendation. Those guys are great. Their Friesian Line of saddles with the rounded skirts may work, but not sure how short they are. They make the saddles so you can just call them and ask for a short one (and dont’ get a huge seat size - hopefully you don’t need one)
People get into trouble when they need a huge seat size but the horse doesn’t have much real estate. Hard to get a “short” saddle when you need a 17" western seat! :0)
I had bad luck with a Treeless saddles on my low withered mare… I used the proper pad and still couldn’t help think that one good spin would send the saddle under her. Forget about mounting!! Chest collars didn’t help either.
I have an Arabian treed Abetta Endurance and love it.
For a short back, a rounded skirt would be the way to go. If your horse is short backed, he’ll constantly push the saddle forward with a square skirt.
The picture of the saddle is in my signature line.
The Abetta Arabian tree looks like an affordable option to try. Thanks for all the suggestions. I need a 15-16 inch seat, so that looks like it’s easily available.
I always say this… But I love my Abetta Endurance. I’ve had Bob Marshall treeless, Fabtron, Billy Cook, Tex Tan and sold them all and got the Abetta.
Lightweight, easy to clean, and pretty affordable. Most importantly it fits my low withered, rather broad POA.
I’ve also had success with the Abetta in the past. Their Arab tree fits not only through the width but also seems to be better for the short backed horses.
Circle Ys fit my Arab (similarly shaped to your Morgan) pretty well.
I’d shoot for barrel saddles with the round skirts. They seem to have different dimensions that tend to fit my Arab a lot better than any other types of western saddles.
I just bought a BigHorn synthetic for my mutton withered gelding. They have all kinds of styles and sizes. I haven’t ridden in it yet, so I don’t know how it sits, but will give an update once I get the time…
Try Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles . They are really good for short backed horses ,and their customer service is awesome !
I got the Abetta arab and it fits fairly well- it’s a bit low on wither clearance but doesn’t pinch or rock and my horse hasn’t complained. It’s extremely comfortable to ride in and the light weight is great.
Good for you! Did you get one with or without a horn?
Bonnie
I got the Arab trail saddle with the horn.
