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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 08:51:48 AM
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Saddles again, sorry, but have done a search and can't find anything about western saddles on here.
Does anyone have experience of buying a western saddle for their low withered broad back Arab? Shah is not overly short backed but has big shoulders and low withers so I'm wondering what might fit?
I have looked at the Wintec western saddle as I quite like synthetic saddles (I have a Thorowgood GP at the moment which fits ok) but wonder if it will be up for longer endurance rides? Anyone has any experience of these?
I was also looking at what's called Arabian western saddles, some which look very comfy and reasonably priced. Any experiences anyone?
Anything I should be looking out for? What's good/not so good? I've never had a western saddle before but would like something comfy for our longer hacks, and they look like they might be off the shoulder for him.
Any help appreciated!
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West Sussex |
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Nicky F
Silver Member
England
289 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 09:00:57 AM
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Hi shah,
I used to ride in a Bob Marshall Trail rider saddle which I imported from the States. It is a western saddle but without the horn on the front. It is a fab saddle, very lightweight, comfortable with a raised pommel and Tanni used to go very well in it. I only sold it coz Tanni went out on loan and the loanee preferred a traditional saddle. I found it released his shoulder to enable him to do his 'power' trot! The only slight drawback I had was getting used to doing up the cinch, which at first I never used to do tight enough. However, once I got the hang of it, it was brilliant. I understand that you can change it to a traditional girth if you prefer. By the way this saddle is treeless (forgot to mention that bit), with a suede seat and it was like sitting in a comfy armchair. Talk about stickability - once aboard you didn't budge, he could buck and leap about as much as he liked, it was great! |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 1:08:10 PM
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| Originally posted by shah
Saddles again, sorry, but have done a search and can't find anything about western saddles on here.
Does anyone have experience of buying a western saddle for their low withered broad back Arab? Shah is not overly short backed but has big shoulders and low withers so I'm wondering what might fit?
I have looked at the Wintec western saddle as I quite like synthetic saddles (I have a Thorowgood GP at the moment which fits ok) but wonder if it will be up for longer endurance rides? Anyone has any experience of these?
I was also looking at what's called Arabian western saddles, some which look very comfy and reasonably priced. Any experiences anyone?
Anything I should be looking out for? What's good/not so good? I've never had a western saddle before but would like something comfy for our longer hacks, and they look like they might be off the shoulder for him.
Any help appreciated!
Buying a western saddle isn't as easy as people make out, because the tale about them fitting any horse simply isn't true. Most western saddles are built on what are called 'Quarter Horse bars' - in other words, the tree is shaped to fit a QH. So yes, most western saddles will be a reasonable fit on most QHs, but won't necessarily fit anything else at all well.
The first thing to ask is if the saddle is built on 'Arab bars' - that way, you have a fighting chance it will fit your horse. Some saddles are described as 'Arab' to indicate they have rounded rather than square skirts, so it is important that you ask about the actual tree.
Another thing to bear in mind is that in America, having a competent saddle fitter is the exception, rather than the norm as it is here. So people there are used to relying on all manner of pads under the saddle to get a reasonable fit, rather than expecting the saddle to be a true fit to the horse.
It isn't necessarily true either that a western saddle will be more 'comfy' - I once rode in a western 'equitation' saddle, and it was h*llish, believe me! OTOH, I ADORE my custom-made Faringdon WH saddles - *they* are what I call comfy  (and well off the shoulder too!).
Last night when I was looking for something else, I found an article about fitting Arabs with western saddles by a very experienced lady - I will dig it out tonight and past her name for you.
Keren |
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Deboniks
Platinum Member
England
3776 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2006 : 10:07:07 PM
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I bought mine from Western Exposure I have an Equi-Flex and I'm really pleased with it. The owner came out to fit a sadlle to my horse,then the saddle to me. NOW there IS a draw back!!!!! Western Exposure are quite unreliable! It took me some time to get the right fittings for my saddle BUT I did get a good discount! I didn't need an Arabian saddle my horse has a good shaped back for a saddle.
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 07:02:53 AM
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Thanks for your replies. Need to do some more research and thinking, I'm in two minds about getting an endurance or a western saddle. I prefer the look of the western saddles and I do like how most of them seem to be really off the shoulder but I'd like to make sure I get something that Shah is comfy in as he's had bad fitting saddles before which has left him cinchy and annoyed when tacking up.
Jury still out.
Keren, if you find that article I'd love to read it! |
West Sussex |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 11:23:41 AM
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Shah - you can get endurance western saddles!! They usually come without the horn and really cut-back skirts.
Ortho-flex do a range of saddles. Endurance, western, English and somewhere in the middle. They are unfortunately, expensive to import and the western models in the UK are like hen's teeth. I'm still looking....... |
 
Photo 2: West End Photography |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 12:48:30 PM
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I like the ortho-flex saddles, especially the Arab Trail...droooool, but can't afford that much. Second hand ones are so difficult to find...
Has anyone heard of Zaldi saddles? They look a bit like a cross between a western and an endurance saddle, not sure how good fit they are?
Why oh why is it so difficult and expensive to buy saddles...sigh |
West Sussex |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 1:16:12 PM
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A friend has an Ortho-Flex Western saddle for sale........!
Judith |
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Marie-Molly
Gold Member
United Kingdom
929 Posts |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 4:42:52 PM
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Judith, could you please email me details about it? And pics if she has any?? tabitaseagrave [at] hotmail [dot] com.
Gemma, I'll let you have the first choice on the one from Marie but do let me know if it doesn't fit yours  |
West Sussex |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 5:22:34 PM
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Hi
I will see if I can get my friend to email me further details/photo.
Judith |
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mazey
Gold Member
England
501 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 8:35:53 PM
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Shah, Keren is absolutely right. I have bought (and had to sell) about 6 western saddles for my mare - round shouldered, low withered and short backed arab.
Big Horn do saddles which are designed for arabs, with round skirts and wide fronts (full quarter horse bars I think) they are leather/cordura so are lightweight and very comfy - I have bought 2 different styles and neither fitted my mare. The problem I found was that they come too far back on my short backed horse and caused problems over her loins - she has a slightly dippy back and because they are quite long (about 22/24" I think) they were bridging across her back and putting pressure on her shoulders and loins.
If your horse has a reasonably level back and is not too short backed - you should be able to get a saddle to fit. Lots of arab owners ride western - you will have a huge choice if you buy direct from the US - You can check out saddlers in the States on google and get lots of info on fitting western saddles, types and prices.
Problem is you cannot get help actuallly fitting them as most saddlers in UK are not experienced in fitting western saddles. There are only a few retailers in UK who supply and fit western tack - Deboniks mentioned Western Exposure being one, so it is a bit of a minefield.
I would try and borrow from anyone who rides western and just try saddles out on your horse, then you have some idea of makes and types that do or don't fit.
I love western saddles - they are soooo comfy and give you a real feeling of security, if you have any problems you can hang onto the horn. They are supposed to be good for horses backs as they spread the weight more than english saddles but it is a fallacy that all western saddles fit any horse, I have also tried Barefoot treeless western and that was too long and I have a beautiful Circle Y Flex Lite saddle which I bought from the US and is really comfortable for me but bridges on my mares back.
It would have been easier to buy a horse to fit the saddle really!!!! But I would recommend trying to ride in a western saddle and see if you like it and then you can try to find one to fit your horse. If you want anymore help let me know - I have a western trainer and know a lot of people who ride western. |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2006 : 9:20:00 PM
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Many years ago I had a Big Horn endurance saddle for Fly one of my Arabs - it appeared to fit her well - but caused pressure marks. A friend also had one for her enduarance Arab & that after a while cause problems with pressure.
Judith
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Grey Girl
Platinum Member
England
1554 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2006 : 10:45:09 AM
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There are people who show arabs in western tack in western shows. It might be worth googling about to try and track down such a show person and ask their advice.
There was a stud up north who bred arabs for western showing but they moved back to America a few years ago - but there must be quite a few people about. Try a western society?
HTH
Grey Girl |
 Said the little eohippus, "I´m going to be a HORSE"  |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2006 : 4:08:41 PM
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This is such a minefield isn't it?!
I had a really good chat to Judith (thanks a lot Judith - lovely to put a voice to the name!!!!) and my instructor and I'm not sure what to do for the best. Judith and my instructor both suggested an endurance saddle for endurance (and keep the treeless western for pottering around at home and the occasional show). Lots more thinking to do.
Marie - I'll pop you an email shortly. I may be interested in the ortho-flex, but as ever, only if it fits my girl!!! Shah - I'll let you know if it's going to fit or not.
Judith - that Ray Cooper was a lovely saddle (I was watching it!) but again I hesitate at buying anything off ebay without being able to try it first so didn't buy it in the end). It's too expensive a risk to take. |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2006 : 4:26:23 PM
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Hi Gemma
How was the concert??
Lovely to speak to you as well! That RC saddle didn't sell - as you say a big risk to buy something like that unseen - he stilll makes western saddles & they would be to die for - amazing workmanship - I loved the sadle he made for me - I can't now remember why I parted with it (my age you know! LOL)
With the OF you might find that the panels will be too long - but would be a great saddle if you could try it first to see if it will fit - I can talk you through the fitting!
Judith |
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mazey
Gold Member
England
501 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2006 : 8:50:50 PM
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| Hi Judith - Just checked out that saddle and it looks very nice. I haven't heard of Ray Cooper saddles - are they western trees. Do they weigh a lot and also how long are they - would they be too big for a short backed horse. That's one of my problems with western saddles- they just come too far back over her loins - most seem to be about 24" from front to back. The Ortho Flex look very nice but are very heavy - I think an extra 2 stone on my little mare is quite a lot - that's what I liked about the Big Horn - they are leather/cordura and quite light, but they were no good for the horse unfortunately. |
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Judith S
Platinum Member
Wales
15686 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 08:35:04 AM
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Hi Trudi
The saddle Ray made for me was made to measure - on a arab tree - it wasn't too long or two heavy (was made for Fly my now ancient Arab mare) she's only about 14.3hh, quite short & croup high - it fitted her well. I also used it on my other arab mare & it fitted fine. Ray Cooper is still in the UK & still making western saddles - I will see if I can come across his details. the lady I sold it to usxed it for endurance on her big anglo & also her other arabs.
Judith |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 11:00:04 AM
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What a minefield - exactly!
I've been reading loads over the last weeks and I'm still undecided. I find the ortho flex ones too heavy, I'm not keen on the shape of the reactor panel ones, and how on earth to find a good fitting western saddle when there's no one around here that either have a saddle I could borrow and try or sell them!!!
What about the WOW enduro, any experiences anyone???
I think I'm really stuck now. Around us here we only have traditional saddlers that don't even do endurance saddles.
I love the look of the RC saddle on ebay, but again, how can you be sure it's going to fit... HELP!!! |
West Sussex |
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Deboniks
Platinum Member
England
3776 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 12:16:01 PM
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My advise would be don't buy until you try! Importing and buying blind is a huge risk with any saddle. Try as many as you can preferably with the help of a saddle fitter.You must check all the rigging and make sure it's all there.I'm not sure how close Amanda is to you she might be able to help you look at some?? I don't know how much work you are doing with Shar but remember the more work he does the more muscle he will get and he will change shape, so it might only fit for a while until it needs changing. Mine is an Equi-Flex (flexing panels) and I also have a memory foam pad with shaped wither for extra comfort. Not all Arabs need Arab bars it depends on the shape of their backs. My only regret is I didn't buy a rounded skirt as it would have made it a bit lighter for me to lift! As I said before Pam at Western Exposure knows her stuff but is often too busy to be totally reliable! I would at least ring her and chat to her and ask her some questions if I were you, and also other western saddlers. If you ring Pam ask her for a catalog there are loads of saddles etc to choose from for all types of horses. Hope this helps |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 12:20:14 PM
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I'm in danger of incurring Judith's wrath here...but what about the Startrekk endurance? It seems to have better panels that give plenty of spine clearance.
I looked at the Zaldi endurance saddles but weary as the tree is supposesdly 'standard' size only. Also read about someone who had done a lot of miles in hers and not found it sufficient.
By the way, I'm planning to do some endurance/long hacks with the saddle, although as Shah is getting on in years we'll never do any longer stretches.
The more I read the more confused I get.... |
West Sussex |
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Deboniks
Platinum Member
England
3776 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 1:12:57 PM
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| Well why not try the synthetic one then? Nice and light for endurance.Can you adjust the wintec ones? Much cheaper to. |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 1:16:11 PM
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Concert was great thanks Judith.
I have been going round & round all the various options in my head the last few days and have only suceeded in getting myself totally confused! I really don't know what to do for the best. I know that I'm going to need a tree-d saddle for the longer rides, but do I go endurance saddle or western? Or western endurance? And the problem with fitters is a nightmare too.
I really like the look of OF, and that Ray Cooper saddle on ebay, and various other saddles but just won't take the risk of buying without trying. I'm going to give Western Exposure a ring I think and have a good chat.
My brain hurts!!! |
Photo 2: West End Photography |
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Marie-Molly
Gold Member
United Kingdom
929 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 1:51:06 PM
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Hi Gemma,
If you'd like to try the Orthoflex, I'm sure my friend wouldn't mind you having it for a few days. If you'd like her contact details, please email me on the address previously given on this thread.
Marie |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 1:58:03 PM
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| Hiya Marie - I emailed you yesterday. Did you get it? I'll try again if not. |
Photo 2: West End Photography |
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