Fitting a western Saddle

[Colonel]

Okay husband and I have decided to try one of our horses at western. We have decided to get all the tack first and then some lessons. Can anyone point us in the right direction of how to fit a western saddle? I have been told this weekend that western saddles fit all horses. (?) How? The horse it is for is Welsh cob x Thoroughbred. He is 15.1hh and not excessively high withered so possibly not too hard to get one to fit but as he is a youngster he is medium wide.

All help much appreciated.

[smaggi]

Can anyone point us in the right direction of how to fit a western saddle? I have been told this weekend that western saddles fit all horses. (?)

I'm no saddle fit expert, but I know that not every western saddle fits every horse. It still needs to be fitted. In the US you typically find western saddles are made with quarter horse, semi-quarter horse, or full quarter horse bars in the tree. Semi-QH bars are narrow, quarter bars are wider, full QH bars are for bulldog type QH horses. I always look for flare in tree up front so that it gives free movement of the shoulders. Also make sure the saddle does not bridge anywhere and there is even contact all along the back. Also make sure that the saddle is not too long so that it does not interfere with hip action.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/howshoulifit.html

http://crestridgesaddlery.com/CheckFit.shtml

[bexj]

Please please please get your saddle fitted by a professional fitter - not every saddle fits every horse - that is a huge misconception. Whereabouts in the country are you? Actually, which country are you in!! If you are north-ish uk, then I can put you in touch with a qualified fitter.

Again if you are in the UK, then David Gray has just brought out a series of 10 DVD's for learning western, not actually seen it yet, but sounds like a good idea.

[Colonel]

Thanks guys.

I am based in South Wales.

There doesn't seem to be too much western riding done around here. Does anyone know of a western saddle fitter in my area?

Must admit I am a not a total dunce when it comes to fitting english gp saddles and have, to date, no problems with backs of any of the many horses I have fitted out. But obviously that does not mean I am an expert by any means.

Please post any helpful information, I am very grateful for everything.

[Em 1]

Sorry I can't really help much but you saying 'Wales' and 'Western riding' rang bells with me:) I've seen adverts for this place http://www.americanhorseriding.com/ although I don't know anything about them. Maybe they would know of a saddle fitter at least a bit closer to you? Might be worth a phonecall anyway? Sorry I can't be more help:)

[galadriel]

A Western saddle has a completely different structure from an English saddle.

I cover intro to both English and Western fitting in my book, which is available as an inexpensive e-book :) as well as a paperback. (Info in signature)

[jinglejoys]

I was looking at Region 6 of the WES site yesterday
http://www.rwells1.freeserve.co.uk/
and was amazed (No lets face it,Jealous)of the amount of western riding tuition there is in wales:)
Pembrokeshire: Elaine Evans† – Tel. 01437 541394.
Western Riding Centre, The Sycamores, Llawhaden, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8DP

Ceredigion: Thea Lloyd ** – Tel. 01239 654506.
"Rhandir", Blaencelyn, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6DD

Carmarthenshire: Heather Gwillim – Tel. 07815 446858.
Tycanol, Cwmffrwd, Carmarthen, SA32 8EE

Any of these people near you?

[Colonel]

Thanks again everyone for your help.

As regards western riding is Wales, Pembroke is about 2 hours away, Ceredigion approx 3 hours and Carmarthen is approximately 2.5 hours.

Is there anyone, say near Bristol that can assist?

Thanks once again.

Ps. don't want to compete or anything just want to hack and ride over mountains comfortably.

[bexj]

For trainers, there's the guys at the Malvern Stud - I forget their names, but you should be able to google it. Also David Gray is based nr Bath I think.

On the saddle fitting front, If you are really stuck then call Hooves Equestrian, based in Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire (google for the number) and they may be able to help you.

good luck:D

[Jessey]

Isn't David Gray down that way? Ask Montana (from on here) I think she is round your way :D
The only one of the instructors mentioned above that I know is Thea Lloyd, and she is a bloody fantastic trainer and horsewoman, she may if you can get a couple of you together visit more your way for lessons or a clinic and it would be worth it :D
I would agree that if you don't know alot about a western saddle and the way it works then get someone who does to fit it for you, they are quite different to english saddles :)
Good luck with it, Western is great fun :D

[Montana]

Isn't David Gray down that way? Ask Montana (from on here) I think she is round your way :D


Hi Colonel,

Yep, Jessey's right that I'm in South Wales - whereabouts are you based? I'm Llantrisant way (Jct 34 M4). Unfortunately, not a huge help in saddle fitters I'm afraid - haven't found one yet that knows what they're talking about with Western saddles. I imported mine, it's a Black Rhino saddle from www.aboutthehorse.com, having failed miserably for 3 1/2 years to find something to fit my Paint/Arab cross. Wider fit horses are about the most difficult to get a good saddle for:rolleyes: .

Having said that, if you're anywhere near, I do have a great example with my horse and saddle of how one should fit - you're welcome to take a look. I think in this country, it's a case of study like crazy everything you can get your hands on to try to learn this stuff yourself, because there are not many out there that can help:( I've had mine checked out at a couple of clinics by people who really know what they're talking about, and it's only after this that I can breathe a sigh of relief and know I've got it right finally.

And yes, David Gray is reasonably close (www.davidgray.biz) Am tempted to get up there once my horse is fit again (tendon strain:eek: ), and take some lessons maybe...

Welcome to Western anyway - I converted after riding English for 16 years in 2000, and would never go back:D

[Colonel]

Thanks Montana.

I was up by you on Sunday and Monday for the two horse fairs that were held over the bank holiday weekend.

I am based in Cwmbran, not far from Newport. Do you have any piccies of how your saddle fits?

[Montana]

Hi Colonel,

If I've remembered how to put photos on, they should be below:D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/Caththayer/100_0993.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/Caththayer/100_0989.jpg
If you look around the edge of the saddle, you'll notice how if fits more snugly under where your leg will sit. This is where the majority of weight should be carried. It 'lifts' away from the shoulders and at the back of the saddle, so as not to put any weight on the shoulder or behind the rib cage.

cvb also has one of these saddles, and can probably give you the more 'technical' info about how they fit.

Usually go to the fairs, but didn't make it this year (Heol y Cyw common?). My friend and her mum bought another sorry looking shetland to add to their little rescue herd of 19 though:eek: :p

ETA - The rear cinch needs to be done up fairly snug on most westerns also, to avoid the 'lever' effect of the whole length of saddle pivoting on the shoulder. There's a bit of dispute with some people about how essential the back girth is, but a very interesting video on saddle fit by Dave Genedek (the guy behind the Black Rhino saddles) convinced me. If you can get hold of a copy, it's well worth a look, but I saw it out in the states - not sure if it's available in UK format?

[Colonel]

That is one mighty fine looking saddle there! Bet you could have bought most of the ponies for sale at the fair on the weekend with what you paid for that!

[Montana]

That is one mighty fine looking saddle there! Bet you could have bought most of the ponies for sale at the fair on the weekend with what you paid for that!

LOL - Just worked out that I own 17 shetlands' worth of saddle at the price my friend paid:D Bless....
It's cheaper to feed than all of those little hairys though:p

They're a great make though, but yup - expensive...I bought mine second hand, but even those are now going for a third more than I paid:eek:

Just thought - There's a place near Porth that does quite a bit of western tack, and I think he fits saddles, although I've no idea how good he is sorry. It's called 'Boots and Saddles'. He tends to travel to the shows a lot, but you can visit his place when he's there.

[Wally]

sixfootblonde on www.enlightenedequitation.com has some experience fitting western saddles I beleive.