Well I think I am going to see about doing a trial on the mutton withered saddle. It has a 7.5 inch gullet and the draft cross version has an 8 inch gullet. Everything I have tried has been just a hair over or under 7 inches. I think maybe the 8 would be too wide.
It seems so weird to me that there is no good way to measure western saddles like there is with english saddles. The guy I talked to at the saddle shop reiterated that.
Good option. We want to see pictures.
The Galloping Grape has a free three day trial on all of their used saddles. You need a bit more flare in the front of those bars.
[QUOTE=Draftmare;8132388]
Also, what is a flex tree? Is it like the semi-treeless that are becoming popular in the english world?[/QUOTE]
I am using a Circle Y Flex2 saddle on both of my wide, beefy quarter horses. They come in regular and wide and I have the WIDE version. I actually just ordered a new one so that I can have 2 saddles instead of having to share one. I’ve had the first one for over a year and I really love it.
Based on what you are needing, it might work well for you too.
This is the one I happen to have:
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/lisa-lockhart-barrel-racer-furious1.html#.VUk9-5MephI
horsesaddleshop will let you return it if it doesn’t fit. Only “catch” is that you can’t put a mark on it!!
This video shows what their Flex2 tree looks like. Really, I don’t consider it to be a “true” flex tree because not all of it can flex. But I love the concept.
https://youtu.be/SBuiOj7L3wE
Red got rode hard in that saddle all last year and never a sore back. He works great it in.
I use 5 Star pads … you are going to wish you bought that one you touched!! They are so nice and they hold up so well. I think Red’s is 4 years old this year (it gets used HARD) and I just took it to the car wash last week to pressure wash it and it’s just as good as new.
[QUOTE=GallopingGrape;8136300]
The Galloping Grape has a free three day trial on all of their used saddles. You need a bit more flare in the front of those bars.[/QUOTE]
I didn’t see anything in your inventory that would work for us unless you have something hiding? Or maybe the Jim Armstrong?
Are there any brand out there that have a good amount of outward flare to the front of them? Or does it entirely depend upon model and bar size?
My gelding (a QH) has very prominent scapulae and is also asymmetrical. The Dakotas have GREAT flare to the front of the bars. Their trees are made by Steele tree company. I believe Triple Creek saddles also have Steele trees in them. If you go the Steele tree company website, you can find out what other brands use those trees as well. They do have more rock than my Martin, Billy Cook, and Big Horn saddles.
Well, this has been a most educational thread! Seriously, I didn’t know what I didn’t know! To all of you who so generously shared knowledge Thank You!
But Draftmare, please don’t leave me hanging :no: Did you find a saddle that fit? And very important, how did you do at the show?
BTW, your mare is a cutie and has the sweetest face 
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