Do you know where a large person can find a decent western saddle? I have an 18" saddle that fits my husband just fine, but it's WAY to small for my fat umm... backside. I realize I weigh a lot, but I've lost quite a bit since I got the horses - and that's just from working them on the ground. I would like to start a little (very little!) light riding, but need an oversized saddle. I've seen a few 24" saddles, and would like to find one that doesn't cost the earth (try working to support two families with five kids and all our horses!). My horse (see my avatar) is bigger than she looks in the pic - 14+ hh and 1150 lbs. She could carry me for a short bit, I'm thinking, but am afraid that a saddle that is too small for me would not distribute the weight as well as a larger one would.
My only suggestion would be to check ebay and see if anything pops up. If something does and it is cheap most likely (not always, but most of the time) the saddle isn't of the greatest quality but it might do the job for the time being. Although I have never heard of a western saddle over 18" or 18.5" they could be out there. If you are willing to spend the money I would look at a custom saddlery, that way you get the right fit for you and your horse, plus it would be of better quality. Hope this helps, defiantely check ebay never know what you'll find.
It says 20" saddle but I would check for sure if they mean seat size. It doesn't look like a bad saddle, but would not hold up long to hard use day after day.
Thanks guys. I've been checking Ebay. Before I realized just how big a saddle I needed, I did see a couple of 24" saddles, but I missed out on them. My 18" saddle is pretty snug, and a 20" would be less so, but I was afraid it would still not distribute my not inconsiderable weight well enough on the horse's back.
Actually you don't want it to be too loose either. If you say 18 snag, then 20-22 could be a perfect size. Also keep in mind that different brands feel really different size-wise. For me when I tried saddles the difference went as much as +/- one size. Anyway good luck on finding one!
I would defiantly go to ebay too. Even if you just find a cheap saddle that fits for now, you can buy a new one when you lose more weight from riding! My mom has a 17in saddle that is a "wide seat" it fits her pretty good and she is probably 240lbs. I had never heard of this before but apparently it exists! I wish I could tell you where it came from but we where given the saddle by a friend. Just keep looking everyday for new saddles on ebay and good luck!
congrats on the weight loss i know its hard to do. i have seen a few well made saddles at the auction that went cheap and were 20"-22" they were both roping saddles one good thing is that if nothing else you can sit on them and see what fits. also if you are still worried about pressure get a really good blanket for you saddle that will help as well.
I use a fairly thick saddle pad, but I'd thought about double padding. When I rode this weekend, (just a lap around the yard) the horse I was riding didn't seem very happy, but he's smaller than my mare. It really looked more like I should be carrying him than him carrying me. I just hope I continue to lose weight. The 20+ pounds I've lost doesn't even make a dent in what I'd like to lose!
it just takes time. i have a air ride that i use on one horse and a memory foam on another they seem to help. do you show at all? cause recently i have been practicing halter with my gelding and all that jogging has caused me to drop 5lbs hehehe
I've been lunging both of my horses for short periods - I run out of gas long before they do! Between that, carrying around feed buckets, cleaning out the overgrown pasture and building a hen house I've gotten more exercise in the last three months than in the last 6 years!:lol:
Kitten - It took me three months to lose what I did - and I did it without dieting, so it was pretty much all through exercise. I don't know if that's too fast or not, but I'm not going to complain. I won't mind if the weight loss slows down in the winter - as long as it continues!
Congrats on the weight drop!! 20 lbs is nothing to sneeze at even if it is only a part of your goal. Even the longest journeys start with a single step.
I hope you find something that will be comfortable for you.
I am a larger lady myself, so I understand your dilema ;-). One problem you may run in to is that the larger seat, the longer the saddle. Most saddles 18" or larger are going to be too long for most horses' backs. My 17" Circle Y is almost too long for my pretty average sized 15.2h Appy/QH mare. Drafts and draft crosses often have shorter backs than lighter horses.
Measure on your horse between the back edge of the shoulder blade to the middle of the flank (where the hair grows up), and add 1". That is the longest saddle that will fit on your horse.
When looking for a saddle, look for one that is made in North America on a quality NON-FLEX tree, preferably Ralide or Hide covered hardwood. The tree is the most important thing on your saddle, especially for those of us over 200 lbs ;-). You want a good sturdy tree, NO fiberglass or flex materials, and no "soft woods" like pine.
If you cannot find a quality western saddle in your budget, you might consider an Aussie saddle. Down Under Web has a nice selection and they might be able to build one for you. Aussie saddles are shorter front to back, and you can still have the horn and security of a wetsern saddle.
Saddle pads are also very important for heavy riders. I like to use Skito saddle pads. They're very shock absorbing, circulate air, and help keep the horse's back comfy. They have a "firm foam" that works very well for heavy riders. They have pads for western or aussie saddles (English too).
Please feel free to PM me privately if you'd like ;-).
Thanks Luvs - I'll measure Dancer when I get home. I've been afraid to try the saddle on her because her attitude is still pretty bad - she's improving, but not where this fat old grandma wants her to be before climbing aboard!
I wonder if income tax refund time would produce any bargain saddles? Who knows!
When you measure, keep in mind that the measurement is for the longest saddle as far as skirt size, total front-to-back length. So, when shopping, you need to ask for the saddle's total length to make sure it falls at or below you "max length" for her back.
Spring is usually the most expensive time for saddles. The best time to buy is fall and winter.
It's kind of good she's being a booger though. This will give you some time to work her in hand, and improve your own fitness and balance. I like to take my horses on "walks" in hand. Lead from both sides and work on basic ground manners while walking around her pasture or your property. Work on stop, back up, circles, changing direction, and even a few steps of "trot" here and there. As you both improve, do a bit more in-hand trot work, and maybe start venturing out on the trail. Have your husband walk his horse with you.
Walking in hand is a great bonding experience for you and your horse. It's also good exercise for you both ;-). I HATE exercising, but walking with my horse is just plain fun, lol. We stop a lot so I can rest and she can eat. Just make sure to only stop when she's being a good girl, so grazing or giving some treats is her reward for behaving well.
Thanks Luvs. You're probably right about spring being the most expensive time for saddles. If I keep up with my current "program," which is a lot like what you are describing, maybe by spring I'll be ready for a more normal sized saddle that won't be quite so expensive.
I thought I might try a bit of bareback riding - with a good pad, of course. It might be cheaper to by a decent bareback pad than a saddle. Unfortunately, my riding skills are pretty sorry, so I may be relegated to having the daughter lead me around like a little kid. Embarrassing to say the least, but it might help with my balance a bit? Besides, the grandkids could use the same bareback pad, I am thinking...
Oh sure, bareback riding is great! And don't be embarrassed about being led. My DH leads me on occasion still, when I'm feeling less than brave, lol. Bareback riding will really help build your balance and confidence.
Good bareback pads are pricey though. I really like Skito's Bareback pad as it has shock absorbing foam in it and a sticky seat patch. It uses a regular short Dressage girth.
Toklat makes a nice bareback pad too, their Coolback high wither profile pad is a good one. No foam in side, but it's pretty comfy for short rides and is easy to wash. Any local shop that carries Toklat products can order you one. They come in fun colors and include a buckle girth.
^^ That would work. And it is amazing how quickly your balance gets better when you ride bareback all the time. But I just wanted to pop in and say that I have been looking for a saddle for my perch and found this site. They are willing to make some of their styles in up to a 22" seat and their prices that I have looked at seem pretty reasonable and their tack seems quality from the pix. I don't know if anyone here has any experience with them or not though.
I will definitely look into the bareback pads - and thanks for mentioning the high wither thing - I hadn't even thought about it. She's so fat, I didn't even notice her withers! Now that I look at her picture and compare it with what's out my window, she really does have high withers. DJ's withers aren't so high, I don't think, but it wouldn't hurt to have two bareback pads, anyway.
And thanks all you guys, for not being judgemental in all of this. I hear enough of "you should be carrying the horse!" at home!:wink:
Hey dee i was thinking of you this weekend when we where at the sale. There was a really nice treeless saddle there and it didnt go for much. to me it looked like a bareback pad but with a raised front. it was made of this suead like stuff that grips your bottom to help you stay on. there where a few ladies there that said it works great and dosent make you feel smushed. There is nothing wrong with being lead around heck i still lead my DH around when he is not feeling stable in the saddle. The most inportant thing is that you are having a good time and you love your horse.
I don't think there's any doubt that I love my ponies - I worry about them too much, and my (horse) cookie bill is HUGE! :lol: I thought about a treeless saddle, too. It's more or less just a fancy bareback pad in my book. However, I haven't seen too many of them around here. Of course, there's always Ebay, and shopping is half the fun!:wink:
Well, if you ever get over to Little Rock, AR, You're welcome to try out my treeless saddle. I ride in a Bob Marshall endurance model and LOVE it! It's definitely not a glorified bareback pad ;-). It's an 18", which is equivalent to a 17" western.
BMSS saddles can be made up to 20", but you won't find any used larger than an 18.5". I bought mine used, and it was a HUNT for one I liked. I still ended up paying $1,000 for it, lol. Bob Marshall is one of the only quality brands that has "plus sizes". Black Forest has a "Size 3" that fits like a 17-17.5" western. Rebecca Soft Saddles can be made in any size (they hand make each one), but there's a 6-8 month wait on hers right now... :shock: Torsion also goes bigger (to 17-18" western), but they're hard to find in the USA anymore (no US Distributor any longe).
Those cheapy treeless saddles you see on eBay for $79-300 are NOT worth buying. I have seen some of those first hand, and they c.r.a.p! You're better off going bareback than buying one ;-).
Careful Arky - I just may take you up on that! My husband has family in Little Rock and Pine Bluff - Camden, too. Since I live right off of I-40 here in Oklahoma, Little Rock is not a bad drive!:wink:
I wholeheartedly support the Aussie saddle. I bought one last year and will never go back to western. It is sooo comfy, just make sure you get an authentic one as some can be poorly made.
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