Tucker Endurance Saddles - Spin Off

[rcloisonne]

I didn’t want to steal DB’s thread so started this one. I almost bought a used, but in very good condition, Tucker last summer. It was one of the endurance models (no horn) but with western rigging. I think it was this one:

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/endurance-trail-saddle.html

This was the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever sat, like it was made for me. I didn’t feel like I was in a chair seat at all, at least on the form in the tack shop. :lol: The saddle was there on commission. In the end I had to say nay when the owner kept raising the asking price every time I (and a couple of others) made an offer. Just as well, as I didn’t own a horse at the time (had been sponsoring a Saddlebred at a local rescue for several months, with the intent to adopt but the adoption fell through - the rescue added significant stipulations to their standard contract that the horse would NEVER be shod, stalled or blanketed on pain of death but that’s another thread. :no:).

Apparently, these saddles are very popular, have excellent resale value and this one generated a lot of interest at the tack shop. I’m actually thinking of buying one new as I haven’t found another saddle I’ve liked as much and I’m not a “western” rider. My concern is the fit on a high withered TB? (yes, I have a new horse that’s all mine ;)) Anyone know?

[RackOn]

I’ve owned several Tuckers and like them alot. My older Cheyenne is identical to the endurance model but with a horn and the seat is sooo comfortable.

Yes they resell very well; I’ve sold several on ebay and they sell fast. Mine have always been bought new and the used selling price has come in at around 66% of new with the saddle being in excellent condition. This is my experience only-your mileage may vary.

The endurance model that you are looking at would be my choice if I were buying another. I’ve never had a GenII model.

So why would I sell them and why don’t I ride in one now…one word, fit. Tuckers are well fitting saddles but they don’t fit every horse. IME, wither height is not so much a factor as wither/shoulder width. I’ve shipped so many saddles back and forth it’s crazy but the only way to make sure a saddle fits is to try it.

My Tuckers were purchased from the Saddle Up Shop in St. Louis, MO. She has a Tucker demo program and is always willing to help. Returns were credited promptly I’ve always had a great experience with the owner (Summer). She is so patient I bet we’ve shipped 10 demo saddles back and forth over the years.

Your comfort level with the stirrup placement IMO depends on the horse and the rider. I found the stirrups to be a little forward for hours of posting but then again is that what you will be doing? If I were to ever (ha) ride my arab in endurance a Tucker wouldn’t be my first choice but for pleasure riding they are wonderful.

Good luck.

[JollyBadger]

My experience has been that Tucker has excellent customer service, and they may be able to point you in the direction of a dealer close to you who has some “demo” saddles you can try out. Or, they may have someone who can help you determine the fit for your own horse.

I’ve seen the GenII’s and have “squished” the seats on them at tack shops and trade shows, but never actually sat in one. I’m kind of afraid to - because I might have to buy it if I do.:winkgrin:

[lawndart]

Last year I bought a Tucker Equitation Endurance Saddle, in Golden.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/tucker-endurance-saddle.html

Love, love, LOVE the saddle. My fat mutton withered hony did not.

I know I should sell it, but I don’t want to. It does not fit either one of my short chunky mares, and I could cry

Is it foolish to keep a saddle hoping a horse will come along that it fits? Yes, it is. I’ll sell it in the spring, after looking at it all winter in my extra bedroom. I so rarely buy anything new…

[JollyBadger]

[QUOTE=lawndart;5977154]
Last year I bought a Tucker Equitation Endurance Saddle, in Golden.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/tucker-endurance-saddle.html

Love, love, LOVE the saddle. My fat mutton withered hony did not.

I know I should sell it, but I don’t want to. It does not fit either one of my short chunky mares, and I could cry

Is it foolish to keep a saddle hoping a horse will come along that it fits? Yes, it is. I’ll sell it in the spring, after looking at it all winter in my extra bedroom. I so rarely buy anything new…[/QUOTE]

That’s a horrible-looking saddle. . .you’ll never be able to resell it, but I’d be happy to take it off your hands for you.:winkgrin:

I’ve often said, about my own Tucker, that I’m going to keep it even if it never fits another horse that I own/ride. Aside from being so darned comfortable, they’re just very attractive, well-made saddles.

But my offer still stands.

[AlfalfaGirl]

Let me know in the spring what you want for it and maybe I can take it off your hands if it fits The Biscuit. I have a custom saddle for him but would like an endurance saddle without horn :lol: My saddle is actually an endurance saddle WITH a horn. I could have a zillion saddles…woot!

[lawndart]

Well remind me in the Spring, I might be tired of cleaning around it by then. :yes:

[AlfalfaGirl]

Ok…yeah…cleaning around anything bites.

[GotMyPony]

You all may know this but Tucker’s come in at least two widths, maybe three - Regular/Medium, Wide and I think Extra Wide. I used a wide on my non-withered round QH mare and now use a regular on my high-withered slab-sided KMH. You can use something like a flexible piece of copper to make the shape of your horse’s withers and send it to Tucker; they’ll recommend which size would be best. And the local shops that carry it tend to be very service oriented in my opinion, helping you fit and try the saddles.

[Solid_Hit]

Although I’ve never ridden a Tucker, I keep promising myself that I’ll get one some day. As for fit, I’ve heard that it can be a problem with them. Fortunately for me there is a Tucker dealer less then an hour’s drive so I can take my horse with me.

In the meanwhile, I posted a thread about saddle fitting on another forum but this is the cut/paste version if that will help:

[I]Go to the hardware store and get about 4’ of 12 or 14 gauge house wire (the kind electricians use to wire a house) and cut it in half. This was written for Western saddles but the principle is the same for English or Australian.

Take 2’ and shape it over your horse’s withers. Take the other 2’ and shape it over the center of his back.

Carefully take the wires and trace the inside of the wire on a heavy piece of cardboard (or poster board if you have it). Cut out the cardboard shapes and take them to the saddle shop to fit against some saddles.

This part is Western: Keep in mind that QH bars in one saddle may not be the same in another brand. There are no standards for saddle trees so each manufacturer has his own idea what dimensions make the designations.[/I]

[ToiRider]

[QUOTE=rcloisonne;5976684]
My concern is the fit on a high withered TB? (yes, I have a new horse that’s all mine ;)) Anyone know?[/QUOTE]

A medium tree western style Tucker endurance fits my National Show Horse perfectly. I also tried the Tucker equitation endurance with him, and it didn’t fit ME nearly as well as the western style. The stirrup position was different, and I always felt like I was in the launch position in the equitation endurance. I love the western style endurance. The gullet on the Tuckers is very high, so high withers shouldn’t be a problem. since my guy is 1/2 Saddlebred, he has some substantial shoulders, and I haven’t had any problem with the medium tree on him. I love Tucker saddles, when you find the right one that fits your horse AND you. Good luck!!

[FatCatFarm]

[QUOTE=ToiRider;5983293]
A medium tree western style Tucker endurance fits my National Show Horse perfectly. I also tried the Tucker equitation endurance with him, and it didn’t fit ME nearly as well as the western style. The stirrup position was different, and I always felt like I was in the launch position in the equitation endurance. I love the western style endurance. The gullet on the Tuckers is very high, so high withers shouldn’t be a problem. since my guy is 1/2 Saddlebred, he has some substantial shoulders, and I haven’t had any problem with the medium tree on him. I love Tucker saddles, when you find the right one that fits your horse AND you. Good luck!![/QUOTE]

I am seriously considering the Equitation Endurance Saddle. I ride English anyway and this would save me having to buy new girths. When you say “launch position” was it pitching you forward?

[Renae]

I’ve used Tucker saddles on Saddlebreds, Arabians, an Arabian/4utch Harness Horse cross and a Thoroughbred type Quarter Horse and have good luck. My first choice for a trail saddle. I have always used either the western or western rigged endurance models, but have been curious about their plantation and trooper models.

[FatCatFarm]

[QUOTE=Renae;6072375]
I’ve used Tucker saddles on Saddlebreds, Arabians, an Arabian/4utch Harness Horse cross and a Thoroughbred type Quarter Horse and have good luck. My first choice for a trail saddle. I have always used either the western or western rigged endurance models, but have been curious about their plantation and trooper models.[/QUOTE]

Did you use a wide or medium tree? I’m looking at a used medium Equitation Endurance and was just wondering how it compares to my medium wide Albion Legend Dressage Saddle. I ride several different horses and all have decent withers. None are narrow but I don’t know that I need wide. I haven’t been able to get a good feel for how the trees fit.

[TheOtherHorse]

I rode my TBx with withers in a medium tree Tucker River Plantation, and it fit her like a glove, plenty of wither clearance and a perfect sweat pattern after a long hard ride. FWIW She typically is medium tree in most dressage/jump saddles.

[Renae]

One of the Arabs that was more mutton withered and round barreled need a wide. The rest went in a medium

[Texas_Mule_Girl]

Me too with the Tucker equitation endurance, always felt like I was being pitched forward and constantly had to shove myself into the back of the saddle. Sold mine for that reason.

[FatCatFarm]

Good to know. Thanks.

[GotMyPony]

Fat Cat - FYI, try to find a dealer near you that sells Tuckers and look at both the GenII models and what is, I think, referred to as the “classic” or original. Tuckers have always had gel-cushion seats - very comfortable - but my dealer told me that the GenII models have gel cushion under the flap area too, which she felt gave her less feel for the horse. Just a thought.
I’ve had 2 equitation endurance saddles (wide and medium) for 2 different horses and have loved everything about them.
Don’t know about Georgia dealers but there’s a great dealer (Coleman’s) just south of Spartanburg, SC, if you ever get over this way.
Also, watch nchorsenews.com classifieds - I’ve seen several different used Tuckers come up for sale on there.

[FatCatFarm]

Thanks. Actually, I understand that Horsetown sells Tuckers and will let you take your horse over and at least put them up on the horse and check them out there. Though, I am now leaning more towards the Wintec Pro Stock as a solid option for a trail saddle with a secure seat and poleys to help prevent me getting pitched out of the seat on greenies. Thanks though. I do love the Tucker’s still.