Where did you get your saddle?

[Widget]

This is aimed at UK people as Western saddlesare not the norm here!
When you decided to go western, where did you get your saddle? Did you buy one off the net and hope for the best? Or find a western saddle fitter? Or take measurments and have one made?
Im curious as I know its not a one size fits all thing but there is a severe lack of western tack shops and fitters from what I can see.
I fancy having a go and will do in my english tack for now, but one day will want/need the proper equipment. I have a western saddle I bought years ago when I thought they fitted everything! Have never used it and have no idea what it would fit or if its any good.

Just wondering how you guys got round the problem?

[jinglejoys]

I.ve a Rebbeca softride

http://softride2.tripod.com/index.html

ordered for Sarah-lee but there's a LONG waiting list as they are handmade so Malaga's going to inherit it

[jinglejoys]

P.S. Just been on Arizonas site and they have news that might interest you:)

Our new store in Honey Street, Wiltshire is now open!!!

[Shadowlark]

As someone IN north america I can tell you saddle shopping has been a three ring circus.

Western saddles do NOT fit "any" horse anymore then english saddles do. So I have cheated. I have a Hilason Treeless saddle, that I quite like and a brand new KB Auto Adjust saddle by Royal King with moving panels, but a "solid" tree.. which to be honest the jury is still out on.

Western saddles are BIG money, not unlike english ones. Generally speaking tho, you want to avoid synthetic, avoid synthetic trees and run screaming if it's a "flex" tree.

[Jessey]

I have brough a few, mostly once you get into the 'secret ring' of western riding in the UK you will find people buy and sell alot at shows etc or advertise in their associations mag/web page.
I have also brought 1 from a fitter - it was fine for the horse and me for a long while :D
I also brought 1 whilst in the states - that didn't work out so well, the saddle was by no means perfect for the horse although it got us through for some time without causing damage.
I borrowed one from a kindly person on NR (she held a cheque while I tried the saddle) but unfortunatly it didn't fit.
I just shipped another in from the states - ordered on the basis of measurements and trying saddles with similar trees borrowed from friends :D

I would suggest trying to get in at a trainers, then see if you can take your horse along and try a bunch of their saddles on, then you will get an idea of what will/won't work for you and what you need to keep your eye out for :D

[Kaboo]

Are you going to mendip stud?? If so, they will know where to get one from, even if you aint going, give them a bell anyway. Good ole john and lou

[Widget]

Yeah I do plan on going to the Mendip Stud so will ask there. Im not sure im gonna get one to fit her as she is quite wide. She is in a treeless at the moment till I get something sorted, but having plonked on my other horses saddle for comparison I would guess she is a good wide/Extra wide in English saddle sizes. She is cob x thoroughbred. Skinny legs, big bum, narrow chest and not much wither! Im not far from Mendip Stud so could take her there to be looked at if I can persuade 'em!

[No_Angel]

I have a hilason western and got it from ebay uk, tho it was imprted from america

[bexj]

Please try your best to get it fitted by a proper Western Saddle expert. I can put you in touch with one in the north of England, although I suspect its not the right end of the country for you. They also go to shows, generally as far south as MoretonMorell, although, remembering, they did do one at Hartpury last year. I don't know what their plans are this year.

[Widget]

I really would rather get one fitted by someone qualified. I wouldnt put any old English saddle on her so I think the same applies to Western. The problem is the lack of fitters. I will ask at the Mendip Stud and go from there. Im in the South West near Bristol so prob a bit far for a fitter up North. Will see how I go. Thanks for all the help!

[sabinaqh]

I've had mine fitted by Ray Cooper as I was keen to make sure my horse had a good first experience.

[Widget]

Where is Ray Cooper based?

[sabinaqh]

Ray is based in Southampton but he travels all over the country. He has quite a waiting list, but the saddles are worth it.

I was told that Continental do wide ones and if you contact REISER in Germany, they will ship you a kit to take a whole back template that you return to them and they will make the saddle for you based on that.

[Widget]

Thanks!