That pretty much sums it up, Its a bit after the fact but I would love to know peoples favorites 
Arabian Saddle Company - Solstice. It’s the most comfortable saddle I’ve had, not that I’ve had that many, but still. 
I like my Circle Y Park and Trail pretty nicely, however I don’t have much to compare it to.
I love my Trekker treeless.
Stubben Scout.
http://stubbennorthamerica.com/product/scout-saddle/
I need a set of these saddle bags!
It’s their police and military saddle, developed for the Belgians by Stubben Switzerland in 1948 (Stubben Germany would not have been very welcome at that time ).
It’s well engineered, fits a wide variety horses very well, has a very comfortable seat that permits a variety of correct rider positions, and has 10 d-rings to hang stuff off of. What’s not to like?
Well, the price. It’s not cheap but in this case quality doesn’t cost, it pays. I’ve never had a sore back problem on any horse with this saddle. With routine maintenance it keeps its appearance. After 12 years of routine use I’ve not had any issues with stitching or other elements of manufacture.
Another issue: the smallest size is 18" (English measure). In 1948 there were no women in mounted service (military or police) so it’s not always suitable for a woman.
If your conformation and that of the horse is right and you’re willing to spend the money you can’t go wrong on a technical basis.
One final note, the Marchador is a gaited horse that can move laterally, diagonally, and centered and still be correct. I’ve use the Scout on all three types and it worked extremely well.
G.
Another vote for the Arabian Saddle, Company Solstice. Secure seat, love the leg position, and the seat is super comfy! My second choice is my Freeform, also very comfy, but my butt doesn’t like it as much…
Tucker equitation endurance.
I love my Prestige Atena endurance saddle. Full calfskin over memory foam in seat, pommel, knee pads, blocks… even the flaps have a thin layer. And in the panels (along with wool felt) for the horse, too. Super-comfy and very secure. Like sitting on a cloud. And pretty! Mine is bi-color brown/black. Sharp.
My barrel racing saddle.
:yes: :yes:
Okay, I just pretty much use it for everything; including trail riding!!
Circle Y Flex 2 Wide Lisa Lockhart
Well, either of my English saddles works, Wychanger-Barton and Smith-Worthington. If I need a lot of gear for the day, I use my High Quality western saddle, it’s a little custom brand here in Utah.
My Barefoot Tahoe- love, love, love it and so does my mare. I just recently got a Ghost Firenze that I really like so far- but I’ve only had it 2 weeks so I can’t say that I’m in love with it until I’ve put a lot more miles on it.
I have a barefoot london and although I love it, Its hard to remount with out a mounting block.Ot wants to slide to the side.I’m tall and fairly thin so I dont think its me.Any tips for remounting?
[QUOTE=arabracer;8445346]
I have a barefoot london and although I love it, Its hard to remount with out a mounting block.Ot wants to slide to the side.I’m tall and fairly thin so I dont think its me.Any tips for remounting?[/QUOTE]
This is usually the sign of an ill fitting saddle. It might be a good idea to review the fit with a professional fitter.
G.
My old County Competitor dressage saddle. Love. :yes:
It’s comfortable for me and my horse!
This may not be directly relevant but I’m part of a group from the U.S. Cavalry Assn. advising the Army and Marines on equitation and pack training. As part of our program we’ve recommended a modified Aussie stock saddle as preferred for modern troopers.
The Western stock saddle was rejected as too heavy; providing inadequate feeling while riding; and dangerous for cross country riding due to the horn. The horn also prevents to effective use of pommel pockets and carrying the usual pommel mounted gear of grain bag, poncho, coat, etc.
The Aussie was the best compromise . It is lighter in weight, provides a better platform for feedback, and is safer for cross country work, particularly going up and down steep grades. It can be easily modified to carry all the troopers gear (which can weigh up to 80 pounds).
This is sort of ironic for me as I’ve NEVER found the Aussie comfortable. I guess that’s just me because everybody else had no issues in that regard; go figure!
This has been a very interesting project for me. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.
G.
[QUOTE=arabracer;8445346]
I have a barefoot london and although I love it, Its hard to remount with out a mounting block.Ot wants to slide to the side.I’m tall and fairly thin so I dont think its me.Any tips for remounting?[/QUOTE]
What pad are you using? It’s possible that you need a different pommel insert. Or it may be that the saddle just isn’t a match for the horse you are riding. Or the problem might be with how you mount. I hate, hate, hate seeing people use the saddle to pull themselves aboard, regardless of saddle type.
[QUOTE=arabracer;8445346]
I have a barefoot london and although I love it, Its hard to remount with out a mounting block.Ot wants to slide to the side.I’m tall and fairly thin so I dont think its me.Any tips for remounting?[/QUOTE]
Agree with Katyb- what kind of pad are you using? Also is it a newer model Barefoot with the VPS system?
Favorite saddle=My no name, treeless, $70, made in India, suede, fleece-lined dressage saddle I’ve had for about 4 years.
Why=Because my horse likes it. I like it too.
Tip on remounting=find a ditch or a hill…lol…
[QUOTE=Guilherme;8445858]
This may not be directly relevant but I’m part of a group from the U.S. Cavalry Assn. advising the Army and Marines on equitation and pack training. As part of our program we’ve recommended a modified Aussie stock saddle as preferred for modern troopers.
The Western stock saddle was rejected as too heavy; providing inadequate feeling while riding; and dangerous for cross country riding due to the horn. The horn also prevents to effective use of pommel pockets and carrying the usual pommel mounted gear of grain bag, poncho, coat, etc.
The Aussie was the best compromise . It is lighter in weight, provides a better platform for feedback, and is safer for cross country work, particularly going up and down steep grades. It can be easily modified to carry all the troopers gear (which can weigh up to 80 pounds).
This is sort of ironic for me as I’ve NEVER found the Aussie comfortable. I guess that’s just me because everybody else had no issues in that regard; go figure!
This has been a very interesting project for me. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.
G.[/QUOTE]
Interesting! I trail ride in a Western saddle, and although my horse willingly hops over larger logs, the HORN makes it an uncomfortable experience for me. Plus, when we have to duck under low branches, once again the HORN makes it hard.
[QUOTE=Palm Beach;8447104]
Interesting! I trail ride in a Western saddle, and although my horse willingly hops over larger logs, the horse makes it an uncomfortable experience for me. Plus, when we have to duck under low branches, once again the horse makes it hard.[/QUOTE]
Indeed. Now try that with a long arm and 80 pounds of gear!
The Western saddle is an excellent choice for moving stock in the American style. We forget that there was mounted stock work in South America, Eastern Europe, Australia, and other places. They all had saddles that were optimized for their styles of stock handling.
All saddles are compromises in some fashion. A consideration for our advisory group was cost. Stubben and Smith-Worthington make excellent military flat saddles. They also run north of $2500/ea. That would be a major league “budget buster.” Good quality Aussies can be had for much less. Not every government department has a no limit credit card!!!
It will be interesting to see what changes in the program are made, if any.
G.
