So I bought a cow horse who is quick and catty, but all I have are english saddles for my jumpers and dressage horses. Cow pony is kind of an all rounder, she can rein, cut, sort, and rope. But we do do local speed events. I don’t think we are ever going to do team roping so no need for a heavy tree (and I can always buy one if we get serious). Main concern is a light weight saddle with a good tree that is comfortable for me and the horse. Looking at a Hilason and a Dakota right now. Completely out of my element. May just have the saddle maker put one together for me!
I really like the Dakota barrel saddle I’ve been borrowing for the past year. Lightweight, comfy, easy to clean up, nicely crafted, fits my horse well, etc. The only downside is that it’s a 15 and I could probably use a 16 (but that’s my fault, not the saddle’s).
Any chance you could borrow either of your choices to see how it fits both you and the horse?
I have been test riding a new saddle every ride since I got the cow pony mid September.
Dakota saddles are great saddles.
