Trail Saddles: Got a Recommendation?
I'm thinking I may need to get a different saddle for trail riding on my Quarter Horse, Riley, as the one I have now is just a tad too narrow. He's pretty broad shouldered, and while he has good withers for keeping a saddle in place, I know I don't have quite the right fit.
Anyone have recommendations? Don't worry about sizing just now, but let me know if you have a brand or maker whose work you like.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 11:35 PM
20 comments
20 Comments:
Tucker saddles are amazing for trail riding. Very comfy for both horse and rider. They use dealers by a certain area between zipcodes so you would have to check their website for a store that carries the brand.
http://www.tuckersaddles.com/dealers/index.php
I have trail riding buddies that rave about their Tucker saddles... I have never ridden in one but they sure do look nice and I haven't heard anyone complain about issues with saddle fit.
As for myself, I have an older Big Horn trail saddle and a second trail saddle that strongly resembles a Big Horn only it doesn't have a brand on it. I love both of those saddles... can't vouch for the newer Big Horns as I haven't tried them.
We have two Vic Bennett balanced ride saddles that somehow seem to fit every horse we've owned. They're also extremely easy on the passenger! I've heard the Fallis (sp?) balanced ride are great too.
Karen
I have a Tucker plantation. Had a broken ankle and the english leathers helped relieve ankle strain as I was healing. Its hornless. Love it. But wanted something a little more western when I do fun days & such. Got a Tex Tan Flex Tree and hate to say it, but haven't had my Tucker out since! About 1/2 the price of a Tucker and the semi QH bars fit my narrow horse very well! It also has rigging to fit a wider horse. I would recommend either the Tucker or the Tex Tan!
I am in love with my Australian saddle. I got mine from Kate's Saddlery and they can do custom trees. My Mustang is very narrow, so that's why I got the saddle I did, though I'm not sure if that will work for your Quarter Horse; they can narrow trees but not widen them. But check it out for yourself! The saddles are super comfy and affordable - I got mine for $300 with all sorts of custom add-ons.
http://www.kates.net/
Have a tex tan and a tucker brand here. Love the tucker the best. has been on many different horses (of different breeds, ranging from arabian, qh, TWH, paso fino to a pony i am training).
I took it in the mountains last year, we rode some 8 and 9 hour days, never once was i sore or uncomfortable.
Tucker! They fit well and are super comfortable for the rider as well.
I have a Billy Cook flex tree trail saddle that fits a variety of backs well, from an ancient high withered mare to a stallion whose back closely resembles a 500 gallon propane tank. It's nice and comfy from my side too.
Specialized Saddles (http://www.specializedsaddles.com). You can adjust the fit easily and quickly to fit most horses, they come in English, western, or endurance styles, and they are well thought out and well made.
I highly recommend the Wintec Pro endurance saddle for trail riding. It fits my horse well and is super comfy for me. The synthetic material holds me firm in the saddle and is so easy to take care of - just hose off.
I have two Crates trail saddles, one that is 12 years old, and a new, lighter weight one I bought this year. The old one still gets compliments for its looks, and the new one has the trail stirrups, higher cantle, and weighs less while still good quality leather. Only reason I bought the new one is to be able to keep one in the trailer and one in the barn.
I've ridden in a Bob Marshall treeless saddle with the Skito pad for 5 years. My mare has an excellent back, and the saddle is very comfy.
I like my older top of the line Tex Tan and my circle Y.
The Tex Tan is probably 30 years old but I can ride in it all day and not get the groin issue, the twist is perfect. Because it is older it has 'real' full QH bars and square skirting. Coupled with thin felt liner and a 1/2 inch cashell closed cell foam pad my horse has no issues either.
The circle Y is not quite as comfortable in the twist, it needs to be a bit narrower for me, but it's a close second to my Tex Tan for both me and the horse, and it fits several of my horses better than the Tex Tan. I too have a couple of horses with backs that resemble a 55 gallon barrel. It has a low gullet and full QH bars.
I've had a crates that I liked real well too, but sold it to buy show saddle.
Check out "About the Horse" (google them, sorry I can't remember the website)
My friend has two of their barrel saddles and LOVES them. They also make trail type saddles.
Their saddles are semi-custom and hold their value well.
I also am in love with my Australian saddle, a Snowy River style with English leathers. I too had broken both ankles at one time and I put on the wider trail riders stirrups that angle at a 90 degree so my feet are comfortable all the time. No twisted, sore ankles. And I love the extra thigh cantles in front of my legs as it gives me more support on the trail and a great peace of mind that I'm in a more safe and comfy saddle. Can't recommend it high enough. I have also ridden in a Tucker endurance saddle and I loved that also. Its much higher priced but the Plantation Tucker is fabulous also. Enjoy your trail time. Donna, Aiken, SC
I heartily recommend a original Billy Cook of Sulpher OK, trail saddle. I enjoy his Trail Saddle with a Professional Choice All Around SMX Air Ride pad with a wool navajo on top and EZ UP stirrup extenders and swivels, no ankle or knee aches afterward. I'm a old dude and played to many sports(GRIN). It is a close ride that gives you a good feel of the horse and with the higher cantle and pommel you feel secure going up or down hills or the odd hip-hops and the horn is a good grab handle. The seat is padded and comfortable and when my tail bone acts up I add a cushy pad.
Happy Trails - Dunnguy
I have an Eli Miller/Henry Miller Amish-made Saddle. Very comfy with the Endurance stirrups, suspended gel-pad seat. My knees and hips never hurt anymore after a ride.
I have a Sinclair Buena Vista style saddle from Crestridge Saddlery in Arkansas: crestridgesaddlery.com. It is by far the most comfortable trail saddle I've ever used other than my old Stübben Tristan Dressage saddle. Debra who runs the Crestridge Saddlery is super helpful and knowledgeable with fitting issues, enough that I was able to fit an extremely short backed Racking Horse here in Chicago by communicating with her over the net. She helped me decide which saddle, sent it to me and that was that.
Trooper Saddles are the way to go. Nice one at great price and warranty at T&F Saddlery. http://trailandfieldsaddlery.com/
You only said that because you must own the company. They look like junk.
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