The Horse Forum banner

Rodeo Gone Western

4K views 41 replies 13 participants last post by  csimkunas6 
#1 ·
This saddle is a saddle that a woman at the barn is willing to sell me. I wanted to see how it fit Rodeo, and well to see how he would react to a Western Saddle. Its obviously pretty big on him, but thats okay, hes not even 2 yet, so I wasnt expecting much. Gonna go riding in it this Friday to try it out and see if I like it or not.

Anyways, hes Rodeo with his first Western saddle on. He's had an English saddle on before, just never got around to taking any pics. Theres a few pics of him out in the pasture as well! Enjoy :D










 
See less See more
10
#2 ·
He looks cute with a western saddle...just not that one, IMO. lol

I don't like the color (light saddles like that, if they don't have a crap load of tooling to bring some contrast, always look cheap to me) and...I don't know...it just *looks* cheap.

What brand is the saddle?

And it's always a pleasure to see little Rodeo!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gidget
#3 ·
No idea to be honest with you. But I wont just turn it down due to not being a name brand, my english saddle isnt name brand, and its probably one of the most saddles Ive ridden in. As for the color, I like the color, but I like lighter leather lol.

But, in the back, it seems very very stiff, not sure if that is due to being new, or what. But yeah, Im still kinda iffy on it...we'll see how it plays out. I do agree though, there is a definite "cheap" look to it for sure!
 
#4 ·
I'm not huge on name brands, either. My saddle is definitely a no-name saddle, but I love it (even if it's turning into a pain to attach my new pommel bags to).

I don't *mind* light leather...when it doesn't look cheap, like that saddle does. One of my friends had a gorgeous light oak saddle (that had tons of tooling on it lol) that I loved. I like the look of light leather with silver, as well.

Just something about that particular saddle strikes me as cheaply made. I could be wrong. My friend bought a light oil western saddle off the internet for her first horse (a big appy gelding) and it was the cheapest saddle I have ever seen...and it looked cheap. JMO, though. :-p
 
#5 ·
Thats like my English Saddle, a few friends have ridden in it, that have name brand saddles, and they loved my no name! LOL as do I!

But I agree with you, comparing it to other saddles especially, there is a cheapness to this saddle. Dont get me wrong, Im not looking for some amazing expensive perfect saddle, Im looking for a Western saddle to eventually start Rodeo when that time comes, but at the same time, I do want a saddle that will hold up, and Im not sure if this one will. We'll see.....theres quite a few saddles for sale around here so its not like this is my only option!

I do appreciate your opinion though! Ive always ridden English, but have started really getting into Western, and I just love it!
 
#9 ·
I agree with Drafty, Rodeo looks cute with a western saddle, just not that one. It looks to be of lesser quality. I don't mind light oil, have a couple myself, it's the leather quality that I'd be concerned with.

My suggestion would be to look for a quality used saddle, you can pick up a good used one for the same price of a brand new lesser quality one. I picked up a really nice 25 yr old Cook for a student a few months ago for $200, people hadn't used it in years but was in fantastic shape.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DraftyAiresMum
#10 ·
One of the reasons people buy saddles with known, and respected, names is not just for ego. A quality saddle has good leather, stitching that is well done, and, most importantly, a solid tree.

No name saddles typically are Asian imports with poor leather and questionable trees. I would strongly suggest for you to avoid a saddle like that for the long term comfort of your horse.
 
#11 ·
Thanks for all the posts! I agree that this saddle looks pretty cheap, especially looking into other saddle options.

Im gonna pass on this one, and just keep my eye out for others....not like I need it asap anyways! :D

Thanks again!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gidget
#15 ·
Not sure if Wallaby still has her western saddle but if I remember right she was selling it at $200, and it was drool worthy for the price. If it had been a 13" (tiny butt and short legs! o.o) I absolutely would of taken it. But then I love tooled, red-seated western saddles so I'm a bit biased.

You know, Rodeo's starting to come out of that fugly stage just a little bit. I can definately see the makings of a sturdy little horse in there!
 
#16 ·
Yeah, Im not a 13" either! LOL I think he is getting out of that fugly stage a little bit, he seems to get out of it, and then go back into, and so on and so fourth lol.

I did notice while I was bathing him the other day that he has really grown quite a bit! Im gonna have to measure him again shortly!
 
#18 ·
Thanks for that link Endiku! I think that saddle is gorgeous as well....just got another issue though....I had the same issue with my boots I got, if my mom doesnt like it, Im not getting it. I love her to death, but sometimes she really makes me wonder! :shock:
 
#21 ·
Looks like he'll make a good lil western pony!!! LoL I don't have much more to add to what has been said by the other posters, but I did notice, just to let you know, that the breast collar is hooked up incorrectly. Just don't want to see you get hurt!
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#27 ·
Thanks for all those guys!!! Im gonna email the one that ND posted right after this. Gonna look at the one you posted as well Endiku.....GH thanks for that reply! LOL....After I sat there looking about it, I dont know what she was thinking.

That saddle Wallaby has, IMO, is gorgeous!!!
 
#33 ·
Dakota is US made and a very nice saddle for the money. I would consider it if I was looking in your price range. I had one several years ago and it held up nicely. I was able to resell it for what I paid for it 2 years latter.
 
#34 ·
I can tell you right now...that saddle is not worth the leather it's made of. It's entire build and shape is just down right funky..
And I'm just wondering...why is the billet going through the breastcollar? lol
 
#35 ·
I agree, it had a funky shape for sure!

****...billet is going through the breast collar because I was just seeing how it fit lol.....Rodeo has quite a bit of growing to do before he can fit into a saddle, lol, but thats to be expected.

Did you see the post to the Dakota saddle? What do you think of that?
 
#38 ·
I think he looks cute in a western saddle but he'd look even cuter in a quality name brand one :) There is a reason the saddle was very cheap and looks "funky". I personally dont think saddle makers should be allow to sell saddles that are cheap, and poorly make. Even if you are fine think of the horse.... its like wearing a cheap pair of shoes that have a "funky" feeling and look, that you have mentioned your self. If your budget is $200, keep saving, my advice. Just rememer you get what you pay for. Im not trying to be mean im just thinking for rodeo being such a young horse that everything you do to him will be his first including starting saddling ect and it important to make those moments a good experience :) p.s the color doesnt matter go for quality and fit!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top