Western Saddles for Chubby Arabs

[Kyzteke]

I just recently sold the last of my Belesemo mares to a woman who has been pining for a horse for 30+ yrs – hubby finally said yes!

She is going to want to do trail and ride western. I haven’t ridden western in years and would not know how to advise her to fit this horse. She is a typical “chunky” Arab – see pic.

Webshots - Wallpaper / Screen Savers

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2826045030104425996kpFqJn

There will be a HUGE tack swap in Spokane in Feb. and I’m going to try to encourage them to measure the mare and find something there.

But how to measure for a western saddle? Any brands especially known for fitting Arabs?

This is out of my area of general knowledge and I’d like to give them some good advice.

[sonata]

Not sure how to measure for a western saddle, but do know that Simco makes a saddle for Arabs. I have an Abetta full quarter horse bars that fits my round 1/2 arab just fine. I call it my fat saddle. In the winter and spring I ride her english and in the summer and fall when she is heavier i ride her in my western.

[sonata]

Check the Abetta website. I believe they also make an Arab saddle.

[walkinthewalk]

Google “Arab cut saddles” and you will get more hits on western and endurance saddles than you can read in a day.

Measuring the horse is the best idea as any horse should be measured to get a good fitting saddle.

They made end up having to have a saddle custom-made but there are quality saddlemakers that won’t dig deep into the Buyer’s checkbook.

I have an 1960’s something Arab-cut Big Horn western saddle that I found in someone’s manure pile years and years ago. I had new sheepskin put on and all the straps replaced, and it’s been a loyal saddle ever since. Not only for my Arab but for starting younger horses. It doesn’t weigh “a bale of hay” so I’ve gotten a lot of miles out of it for various reasons.

The new owner might also look into much older but well-cared for western Arab-cut saddles as well:)

[analise]

I looooooove the old Simco arab saddles.

Mostly because it’s the only Western saddle (with a tree) that’s ever fit my drafty guy perfectly.

[ponygrl25]

Bona Allen made some really nice chubby Arab saddles. And the older Circle Y saddles are very nice, too. If she isn’t totally set on western with a horn, an endurance saddle may be a good choice as long as it is wide enough. It also can’t hurt to try a full QH. bar barrel saddle. My arab gelding is racing stock and my Billy Cook barrel saddle, which is semi QH. bars, fits him beautifully. But, he is smaller built. You never know until you try, barrel saddles are very secure for trail riding and are easier to find. Good Luck!!

[UrbanHennery]

With a back that short she’s going to need a round skirted saddle. Both the Crates wide tree trail saddles and their Arab tree come with round skirts and out here (WA state) you can usually find them used for less than $800 (I just bought one for $750).

Here’s an Arab tree in Cle Elum (the ad is wrong, the Equifit tree is NOT a flex tree)
http://yakima.craigslist.org/grd/2112483246.html