From: karlm@sequent.com (Karl Maerz)
Subject: Re: western saddles
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems Inc.
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 93 09:24:28 GMT

(Sharon Carnes) writes:
>
>Hello,
>I am looking for info on a good all around western saddles.  I owned a
>horse when I was a kid and now I am interested in half leasing a horse
>and would like to have my own saddle.  I want a used saddle and would
>like comments on the various brands.  I've seen Colorado, Circle Y and
>Billy Cooks.  What do I look for?  I'm interested in trail riding and
>reining and probably will be riding a quarter horse. 20 years ago I just
>got on and rode but now I'm interested in the finer aspects! Thanks for
>your help!!
>Sharon Carnes

Take your time, for one thing.  I got itchy to buy a saddle when
starting out and went through a few before figuring out what was
good and what was junk (for my purposes).  It started to get
expensive.

Personally, I would avoid those with rawlide (fiberglass) trees.
Generally they are found on cheaper saddles that may look ok
but don't work too well for either horse or rider under
extended use.  There are probably exceptions to this, but
so far I haven't found any.

A good, solid stock saddle with a rawhide covered wood tree
is my recommendation.  They are heavy as hell, but stand up
to Real (tm) use and, because they *have* to be functional,
they'll wear better on you and your horse.  Old Circle Y
saddles are usually pretty good.  My own saddle is a Diamond
C (Lewiston, Idaho) built in 1946.  I've literally ridden
it from daybreak to after sunset without it ever once soring me
or my horse.

As has been mentioned here before, "type" saddles will usually
fit their corresponding "type" horses pretty well.  A well
broke in roping saddle should fit your average Quarter Horse
without any problem.  On the other hand, if your QH is more
of the Thoroughbred persuasion, with prominent withers and
lean through the shoulders, then that same saddle will probably
be a miserable choice for the poor critter.

Make sure the saddle fits *you*, too.  If it is not absolutely
comfortable and suited to you on the rack or riding around
the ring, just think how it will feel after 9 hours over
varied terrain.  Try to find one with a smooth (read: slick)
seat and jockeys.  Long hours on a suede seat can chaf you
raw as you start to stick to it.

Take any used prospect to a good saddle maker/repairer for
a good going over before purchasing.  You will not likely
be able to detect a cracked or even a broken tree on your
own.  He/she can give you a much better evaluation than
any of us over the net.

You didn't mention budget, but around here (Portland, OR)
you can expect to pay ~$600 on up for a good, used stock
saddle.  You can buy a new one for not too much more than
that, but at this stage of the game for me I would probably
opt for the used route first.

Finally, all of the above is personal opinion only.  After
spending in the $400's twice for rawlide trees, inferior
leather, inferior construction, inferior fit, sores on
my horse, sores on me, aching knees, and sore muscles in
my back... I wised up.  I paid $750 for my near 50 year
old Diamond C and then immediately put another $200 into
getting it refleeced and some minor repairs.  It was worth
every penny, and then some.  Actually, I felt myself
extremely lucky to purchase it from the original owner
(which is a story unto itself).  Your mileage may vary.

Good luck,
Karl Maerz
karlm@sequent.com

Newsgroups: rec.equestrian,pdx.forsale