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View Full Version : I Have Done It!!!!!


RoxR
29th Jan 2002, 10:16 PM
Finally, I have bought a western saddle!!!!

After MONTHS of thinking, researching, pestering you guys for advice, and generally being impatient, I have bought a saddle!!!

I went for the second hand (but looks brand new) Wintec Pro equisuede saddle. I just could not find a second hand leather saddle that i could afford, and was more concerned that a poor quality leather saddle would be worse than a good quality synthetic.

I spoke to Scherie Dermody (for those of you who don't know, she is a well respected western trainer over here) and she has one of these saddles, and thinks it's great. In fact she said whenever a new horse arrives at the yard, this is the saddle which can usually be relied upon to fit.

I had a good look at the new wintec all rounder but although my english wintec looks fine, the different shape of the western just doesn't look as good - certainly not when it was next to this one, which is suede-effect all over. Plus I thought this might be good to stop me sliding out of the saddle when Roxy does her chestnut mare thing!!

I also got a really decent saddle pad - thick felt centre with fleece underneath and blanket on top, and I got a separate thin felt pad to protect the underside of the fleece from getting too grimy!

I have bought it on the understanding that if it doesn't fit, I can take it back, and I am hopefully going to get our WES area rep (Dave Brindley, Epona) to keep his promise and come and check it thoroughly for me - as soon as I email him!! I am very hopeful though from everything I have been told.

So, assuming nothing goes wrong, I can finally stop wittering on at you guys about what saddle to have!!

Mind you, I'll probably find something else to witter on about instead!!

Thanks for all your advice!!!
:D

Epona UK
30th Jan 2002, 06:29 AM
Well done Rox, give David my regards when you see him. Somehow, I'm not too sure that it will stop you "wittering", you'll just find something else :D :D Seriously though, it will make a big difference to both of you, just keeping my fingers crossed for you that it does indeed fit.


Epona.

fizz21
15th Mar 2002, 03:02 PM
:) :)

Outrider
15th Mar 2002, 07:35 PM
Welcome to the world of riding with something more than a leather napkin! :) I think you will enjoy your western experience a great deal. Keep those "witterings" coming! Happy Trails!

Dizzy
16th Mar 2002, 02:05 AM
Hope you have better luck than me, this week I've tried Breeze with a Circle Y Cordura, it was exactly what I wanted. Light weight and totally plain - no fancy stitching or tooling. But didn't fit her, it sat straight into the back of her withers.

So my search continues, hope yours fits.

Lesley

RoxR
17th Mar 2002, 08:31 AM
Oh, Dizzy, that's a shame. I hope you find something soon!

Well, the saddle fits, although an adjustment with the pad was needed - I changed it for one that is cut back at the withers and extra thick double padding at the front sections - it makes a heck of a difference!

Roxy likes it, she moves well under it and as I am not sliding around (!) this also helps! I feel much more confident in it for going out on the roads as she's still learning all about that and has some temperamental moments!

I've just bought a matching bridle although we need to stick to the training reins for the time being, but we're all ready for our clinic and training show on the 31st!

Well, Roxy looks the part anyway - I'm sticking with my hard hat for the time being!
:D

Katie_85
17th Mar 2002, 12:31 PM
That is such great news Rox! I hope you enjoy the comfort (and security!) of that new saddle. Dizzy, I hope you get that saddle sorted out soon, I can't imagine waiting in anticipation for that long! :)

KarinUS
17th Mar 2002, 03:19 PM
It sounds like it worked out perfectly for you!

Dizzy
17th Mar 2002, 10:23 PM
Oh that is good news :D, I think I've seen your bridle - did you get from Ebay? I'd love to see a photo of Roxy all tacked up.

Katie, you're right about the waiting - its driving me insane, I feel as though I'm destined never to get a saddle. I'm sending the Circle Y back tomorrow, but I had a very encouraging phone call yesterday from another western tack supplier that I'd sent Breeze's template and details to. The lady said she has a part synthetic saddle made by Fabtec. Only thing is, is Breeze is getting her freezebrand redone on Thursday (should have been last week, but was delayed) so I won't be able to try it until the week after. Needless to say, I'm praying this will be the one.

Lesley

Katie_85
17th Mar 2002, 10:55 PM
Fingers crossed for you Lesley! :D :)

RoxR
18th Mar 2002, 06:55 PM
Yes, I got the bridle on ebay!! It was lovely when I got it but couldn't resist cleaning and treating the leather and it looks beautiful!!

Do any of you guys with silver trim bridles have any tips for cleaning them? I'm a bit wary of getting saddle soap on the silver parts!

I have taken some photos of Roxy in her saddle but I've got to wait until the end of the film!! But we're hopefully getting a digital camera soon!

Katie_85
18th Mar 2002, 08:38 PM
I don't know here as I've never had to clean silver trim, but would any sort of jewlry cleaner work to get it sparkling? :)