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Discussion on Saddle type & size help
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New Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 - 3:47 pm:
Does anyone have advice on what type of saddle is best for all around Western riding? I'd like a saddle that I can play in doing a bit of: cutting, sorting, reining & trail riding. I'm not going to be showing, just want a light weight, comfortable saddle that will last. My mom has a Crates and really loves it.
I rode English some when I was younger and don't know much about Western tack. Just getting back into horses after 10 years of not being around them and now feel like a total beginner again.
My other saddle questions:
1. I have 2 Qtr. horses that are 3 1/2 years old. I've heard that their body will change a lot over the next few years and a saddle that fits now may not fit later. I don't want to invest in an expensive saddle if this is the case.
2. any advice on saddle seat size? I'm 5'6", 135 lbs. The inexpensive saddle I bought last year, the lady told me that the 15.5 seat was a perfect fit for me and I think it's a bit big.
3. what's the difference between a round & square skirt? Is it just a visual difference? Or is there an effect on the horse's movement?
Thanks!
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 - 10:09 pm:
HI Shannon, I like the circle Y saddles with the flex tree. Saddles can vary so much, one person will like it and find it comfy another won't.
I found with my horse I went trough 3 saddles from 3-7 yo from his changing body. I got a soft saddle (will fit any horse) and I love it!!!!
I would use a round squirt on a short backed horse.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010 - 10:10 pm:
squirt = skirt 
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Member:
kpaint
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 12:42 am:
A competitive trail saddle might be a good all around choice for you. They are a bit heavier built than a regular trail saddle as competitive trail riders might have to "pull a log" which I suppose might be a bit like roping a calf...lol which is I suppose weight yanking/pulling on the saddle. I opted for a shorter, round skirt as my QH is short backed--like Diane mentioned. I prefer the butterfly cut by the leathers which gives a bit more leg contact than a square cut. I'd give a 15" seat a try before you buy if I were you; the rise and angle of the back of the seat might influence your choice of seat size as might the twist. You have a bit longer leg and if your thigh is thinner then a regular twist (more common) would probably be just fine. A fuller thigh (like mine) is more comfortable on a narrow twist. But I suppose it also depends how your hips, pelvis, etc. are put together! One lady's rocking chair is another's straight chair! If you plan on doing much cutting, barrel riding, etc, perhaps a barrel design might be beneficial for more freedom of movement in the shoulder. You might look at Meleta Brown's Trail saddle. I believe she used her curved bars barrel design on that trail saddle. Not sure if it is a heavier, competitive saddle, but I'll bet it's pretty sturdy. Probably 1500 -3500 new depending on how fancy you want to get. That's my 50 cents. I spent several months looking for a new all around saddle last year and that's the general summary of what I found.  For what it's worth. Others on here are far more experienced than I am.
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Member:
kpaint
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 12:46 am:
As far as I know the round vs square skirt doesn't affect performance other than a short backed horse is more comfortable if the corner of that square skirt isn't poking him in the flank. I was advised if I couldn't find a round skirt I liked in a full QH bar, then I should look for an Arabian saddle which is for shorter backs.
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Member:
kpaint
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 12:50 am:
Oh, and all of my research was for a mature horse. Even they change weight, but there probably would be a bigger change in weight and breadth perhaps from age 3 1/2 to 6. ? You all with more experience chime in here and set me straight.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 7:45 am:
I am going post a link here for the website I've found most helpful:
https://www.horsesaddleshop.com
I've called and emailed them and found them to be most helpful. Unfortunately the saddle I want (lady Fabtron) I can't afford until I sell 2 others. (A childs little Aussie saddle and Aussie Wintec if anyone is interested?)
They will help with a size that fits you and YOUR HORSE. I believe they ask you to do wither tracings also, it's been a few years since I did that. They will ask what you plan on doing and give you many options.
I prefer a round skirt, and the shorter the saddle the better. I used to ride my short backed Arab in a treeless saddle that is I think 26" long. Even with it being treeless, it made her sore on her back from the cantle area.
It's very hard IMO, to find a decent saddle for a short backed horse. IMO every horse should be rode in a shorter saddle rather than a longer one. If you buy one with cordura and leather, it don't matter if the skirt is round or square as it is soft.
If in doubt on the size, you can fix saddle fit that is a bit too big, but if it's not wide enough you can't fix that.
My daughter and I ride in Big Horn saddles. They seem to be in all price ranges and are easy to care for.
I think it's Larry Trocha(?) who has a website more dedicated to cutting and sorting. He sells saddles also and I am pretty sure he has some good articles on saddles too. He don't name brands he don't approve of but he tells you enough hints that you can figure out which ones he means. ;-).
Good Luck!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 7:50 am:
https://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/clips-signup.htm
A Couple of videos here from Larry's site. Not sure if he actually sells saddles.
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Member:
equestra
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Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 11:56 am:
Thought I'd throw my 2centavos in... =)
I got a fantastically comfy saddle, and gorgeous, and custom made for my horse, from Sycamore Creek. They're very friendly / helpful, take measurements, take your size into consideration, and are SO affordable. I can literally ride my saddle 6+ hours!
He makes gaited horse saddles, but told me they can do regular trees for non gaited as well. They're worth checking out! I have more of an english style endurance (about 14lb) but here are their western styles.
Please tell him Robin & Scout sent you!
https://www.sycamorecreeksaddles.com/western.html
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New Member:
shannon7
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 10:24 am:
great info. thanks!!!
curious question: what constitutes a short backed horse?
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 2:07 pm:
I am snooping on Amazon and found this on my wish list:
The Western Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book: Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads [Paperback]
I am always wanting more books than I can ever dream of buying, lol!
I think the same author has one for English saddle fit too. If I were going to spend lots on a new saddle, I'd consider this book first and take my time asking lots and LOTS of questions. Heck, I should buy it anyways, more important with the cheaper saddles I use!
I think Arabs, many Morgans, Friesians, are short backed. Short backed or not, I HATE how long the majority of western saddles are. I think it's Heather Moffetts book "Enlightened Equitation" that gives a good view of why so many saddles are all wrong.
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