Western saddles

[pippadee]

I know nothing about western riding but I love the tack!
Some advice please! I have a 15.2hh TBx. He has a 17inch GP saddle of medium width. What size of western saddle would I need and how much do they normally cost? What extras do you need to buy with these saddles?
Do I need the advice of a saddle fitter?

[galadriel]

Yes! I recommend the advice of a saddle fitter. Western saddles have different types of measuremnts than English saddles, and they also have a very different internal structure. You can't really start with an English saddle size and infer what size Western saddle your horse needs.

For some information on the basic sizes of Western trees and how the tree differs from an English saddle, you can look at my article here:
http://lorienstable.com/articles/z-fitting/tree_sizes/

I also suggest that you consider buying my book, which has information on both English and Western saddle fitting:
http://www.lorienstable.com/book/

[lexus82291]

I suggest trying to find someone whoi knows how to measure for a western saddle.I ride western and bought an english saddle.There's quite a difference in the maesurements.I wouldn't buy one over the internet however.

[Jessey]

Oh the good old problem of fit, esp here in the UK as we don't really have any qualified western saddle fitters. I have had my western saddle checked by at least 5 different people and got 3 different opinions:
1. It fits fine, just needed padding out a bit (lady who runs a western tack shop)
2. Its a terible fit and should not be used (Self acclaimed western saddle fitter & western rider of 30 years)
3. It seems ok and there are no obvious pressure points (Osteo and english master saddler)
So what to do?????? Well first for me is going to buy Galadriels saddle fitting book, second is to take my horses opinion into account.

Honestly though I would see if you can try some out, try your local asscociation and see if they can help (they are normally really good) because not only is it different ways of measuring the saddle but also every saddle company seems to interprit (sp?) these terms differently, some tack stores are really good, you can do a template of your horses back and they will tell you which saddles would suit it best.

As for cost, well how much do you want to spend? its very much that how long is a piece of string thing, but at the moment we get a really good deal (if we buy from USA) cause the exchange rate is in our favor, but I guess you could say about £250 up for a synthetic or £500 plus for a leather one. You can get them way cheeper than this but they are normally crap, a good saddle is really worth every penny.
sorry just realised how long this reply is, give me a shout if you want any more info.

J

[cvb]

Jessey, not sure if your comments include Ray over in Wales ? (He makes western saddles).

Pippadee

I've had a very nice Circle Y synthetic, which fitted my "english" style steads, but was too narrow for my current mare. So I got (while I was living in Sweden) a 2nd hand saddle for around £500.

Its now been confirmed that its not the best fit...

so I'm contemplating getting one from About The Horse in US (highly recommended) but will set me back over £1000...

[Jessey]

Cvb - not ray, sorry.

My Circle Y which I brought new in the states cost about $1600, in the sale but I love it, just gonna have to get that book and see if we think it really fits my boy. Also gonna have to get a saddle for Jess this year to back her, then probably change it again in the spring when she changes shape - it never ending.

J

[pippadee]

Thanks for all your advice. I will be more cautious now before I buy!
Perhaps I had better do more research first because it is important that the saddle doesn't cause any discomfort or restrictions and my boy is sensitive enough at the best of times!