Which western saddle for me?

[nylonalter]

I gave in. After my ASB did not work I bought a Quarter Horse. He looks like an Arab with muscles.

I read the Western Thread about western saddles. I know saddles are like latte. Everyone likes something different. I like good quality saddles. I would like to trail ride. I might show western pleasure at the local shows. I do not think I will punch cows or rein. But, I would maybe like a saddle to do all this. What kind of saddle should I look for? Light or heavy? Do I need a horn? Round skirt or square?

I have about $500 to spend.

Thank you all.

[wylde_sage]

A good used saddle may be the way for you to go. If you can try it out first all the better to check fit. The usual Circle Y, Simco (my favorite in that price range) Tex Tan will all do you service. Now I got lucky with a saddle purchase on e bay from Mr. Saddle but it is made in India and a lot of people would turn up their noses at it! However, it fits both me and my mare and is made well, spent around $300 for it. I see no difference between it and some of the less expensive American made saddles frankly.

Round skirts are great for shorter backs, square if you have an average backed horse is fine. Heavy if you like to lift heavy and plan on doing ranch work, lol!

Good luck!

[Luseride]

I love my Dakota barrel saddle, square skirt. It is light weight, fits most of my horses very well, the fenders are set to allow you to move your leg forward and back, and it has a deep seat.

For local showing it is fine for pleasure. Very comfortable for trail riding and awesome for sorting cows or team penning.

Mine is sixteen years old, paid about $400 for it new and I could easily get that for it right now.

[PletchersMom]

I have a dakota reining saddle for pleasure riding. Round skirt for my short backed horse. Love the saddle

[nylonalter]

I found a western tack store less than 100 miles from me. I sat in some saddles. If it shaped like a barrel I did not like it. I liked the ones with a narrrow twist. What brands have this?

[chebeau]

You might look at Fabtron’s Lady Trail saddle. Good luck in your saddle hunt.