I bought a Wintec for my SO who trails, maybe once or twice a season. I also use it the first time I get on my young horses. We thought it was pretty comfy for how much we use it and the price!
Abetta Cordura Stealth Trail Saddle
http://www.buytack.com/products-saddles/act/20557.htm
I have seen it called by a couple of different names by dealers.
I bought it from a local Abetta dealer.
Only changes were addition of Cashel E-Z Knees and different trail stirrups. Stirrups are 2.5"
Oh… I rig my saddle slightly different I use a leather latigo on each side. Best diagram is here ( Enduro Balance Ride Single Tie) http://www.saddleupshop.com/main.html?view=category&tid=&cid=&CatID=189.
Love the saddle, it’s very light. I have used it on my QH and our Spotted Saddlebred.
That link takes me to a location in Germany. Is that the “western saddle shop” you meant to link?
Thanks, Katarine, that is the correct link.
Update! and another question
Yay! We bought a nice used Fabtron. I don’t think it’s going to fit Ernie, but it’s the same size as the QH mare’s current heavy saddle. My SO will be primarily riding the mare anyway, so it’s ok to not fit Ernie.
Question…
Will the other cowboys pick on SO if he uses a seat cushon thingy? SO does not ride a lot so his tush isn’t toughened up
Similar but slightly different question
Since people suggest we search first, I’ll revive this, but I have a difference to my question. I’m going to cave in and get a good saddle for the larger pony here. He’s about at the medium-large pony line and just heavy enough for me to fall within the 20% rule. However, ponies here aren’t built like quarter horses or arabs. They tend to have high withers and rather prominent backbones. But, they also have short and somewhat roached backs. So they can be tough to fit. No chance of trying out demo saddles through the mails! And this saddle should fit several ponies before it dies-or like this pony, adjust as he goes from no topline to a strong topline. So ajustable and comfortable for the pony is key, rider comfort is needed but secondary.
The mountain trails get steep so means to add a working crupper and breastplate would be wise. Anything leather molds here in about two seconds, so I would prefer synthetic. I come from an English background and am familiar with English saddles, but suspect an endurance or western type saddle would be more appropriate.
So which of these saddles would work best? I’d been looking over the Wintec English saddles with air panels and changable gullets, but those don’t seem to take cruppers or trail bags. How adjustable are the saddles discussed here?