I am thinking of buying an endurance type saddle. Have been looking on line at synthetic saddles. What are your thoughts on Abetta, Big Horn and King series saddles. Since I’m older, I am more interested in the lighter saddles rather than the heavier leather ones.
I’m mainly a dressage rider, but like to go on the local trails and also go out West to so some pretty intense trail/distance riding in the summer. I used to have an Abetta Endurance and liked it a lot. I gave it to a friend who needed a spare saddle and moved up to an RL Watson flex panel saddle. Liked that a lot too, but it put me in a bit of a chair seat, whereas the Abetta didn’t. I sold the flex panel and now have a Kimberley Western Endurance saddle. It is synthetic and a bit “odd” looking, but it is very comfy and fits my horse. It is ultra lightweight, I think 13 lbs. Again, I’m not an all-the-time high mileage trail rider, so the Kimberly suits my needs and I got it lightly used at a great price. If I were looking to get a synthetic of the ones you listed, I’d go with/try the Abetta first. I trialed a Big Horn and felt it was too hard-seated. I have read that the King Series are really cheap-o, but I don’t have first hand experience.
Do not trust the King saddles- I have seen alot of them with very twisted/warped/broken trees.
I haven’t used the Abetta, but I know several people who do alot of miles in them.
I rode in a bighorn for a while- comfy, decent quality and lightweight.
Another lightweight saddle to look for, depending on your budget, is a new/used stonewall. New ones are pretty pricey, but the older ones can be found for around $300. I love mine. All leather, but very lightweight(12 lbs aprox). Plus, the saddlemaker is great to work with, even if you are buying used.
DH has an Abetta that has seen some abuse and still looks good. I would replace the stirrups though. Those plastic things are too lightweight and they are hard to get back if you lose them at speed.
The Wintecs dont wear well from what I have heard, and they tend to be slippery and squeaky. I knew someone who did 100s in a Big Horn and liked it. The Kings I have seen never looked like even halfway decent saddles compared to Abetta or Big Horn.
Thanks everybody. I also talked with someone that trail rides and I think I may go with the Abetta.
Just tossing in my two cents, late as usual 
I’m trying a used Wintec Stock, so far so good. The saddle is heavy so I don’t think endurance riders would like it but I find it to be comfortable for both horsey and me. It has a solid feel and stays put over rough terrain. Also I like that it sits more like a dressage seat vs an australian. I tried a Syd Hill and couldn’t keep my legs under me, it pushed me into a chair seat, plus it was too narrow through the entire gullet.
I think that I may go with the Abetta, but I would like your thoughts on the flex trees
You might also check out the Fabtron endurance saddle.
Abetta’s are good, but the rings get kind of annoying when they clink around. They hold up well. I personally am not very comfortable in them, and ended up with a used Sharon Saare as my favorite endurance saddle. I also ride in my English Crosby Softride.
I checked out the fabtron. Nice saddle, but I think a little too long. My mare is a Welsh/Warmblood cross with a touch of Arab. She is shortbacked and chunky. I’ve heard about the rings being noisy. I wonder if they can be removed… Think I’ll check out the Sharon Saare’s also
If you don’t have a huge preference to be western styled don’t forget to look at DEEP seated dressage saddles. I covered MANY miles in a Stubben deep seat dressage with endurance stirrups and a sheepskin cover. But I also wore ribbed breeches with half chaps. I actually really liked a few of the Wintec models, dressage and all around for trail saddles. They wear like iron, can fit most horses and I found them comfy, again with endurance stirrups and a sheepskin over the top. Just another idea.
I actually am a English rider. I have a Thorowgood Jill Thomas that I use on her for short rides but is a little snug on either side of withers, dry spots. I also have a Courbette Kurfurst which seem to fit until I put a pad under it, I wonder if I could get either saddle adjusted for her. I was thinking western style more or less when the grandkids come to visit.
An Abetta question. I’m thinking of getting synthetic tack for hacking out in the rainy season (i.e., most of the year in Oregon). I have a big Arab with withers. What is different about the Arab tree? Is it designed for lower withers or is it just shorter?
