HELP! Saddle, please as many people as possible

Well I really need to find a saddle for my boy because its really putting our training on hold and there are NO western saddle fitters anywhere around here so Im learning as much as I can myself...

I measured my english saddles gullet and its 7" which I think translates to full quarter horse bars? Which makes sense as he is quite wide and low withers..
So Iv found a brilliant template of fqb(7") which im going to print off and try to make sure it fits..

I looked on a western saddle sizing seat guide and for my height and weight I need a 16" saddle but Ricohs english saddle is 17" although he carries a 17.5" so do you think 16" will be to big or right?

If you agree with a 16" saddle then I need a dark/medium oil(I think? Brown/dark brwon) 16" fqb western saddle for as cheap as possible although it needs to be good quality. Used is fine :)

Does anyone know of good saddle makes that would sell saddles that would suit my requirements.

Wintec and abetta do but apparently synthetic is not great.. This right??
If they're not good then, can anyone suggest any suitable saddles?

Or does anyone have one they're selling?
He also has quite a flat back so are any western saddles better for this or are all flat (unlike some english saddles)

Please help pictures/links/advice??

Thanks in advance,
Sarah

Why synthetic is so bad? Not everyone has money for the fancy leather saddle. While I'm very much against Wintec (my Wintec broke causing an accident and friend's Wintec split in 2 parts) I think Abetta is a nice saddle. I must admit it puts my legs in wrong position, but it's a very personal thing anyway and it may be a great fit for you. Also Big Horn makes nice saddles.

I didnt mean that synthetics were bad.. I was asking what people think?
Wintec seems to have bad reviews all the time but I thought abetta looked good only people have said they never fit very well for some reason..

And its not like I can try them on so its hard =/
Are big horn expensive?

Here I go again! I love big horn saddles. The synthetics are synthetics...I feel that with synthetic, you get what you pay for. You can find a cheap, brand new off brand synthetic on ebay for 125+ship. They are junk. Atleast the abettas and the big horns will hold up and I can attest that the big horns do hold their shape and actually fit the horse.

That being said...I love big horn saddles. So comfortable and you can usually find a used leather one pretty cheap. They hold up so don't let the age thing fool you. Make sure to get a picture of the gullet measurements of any saddle you are trying to buy online. A lot of big horns are semi QH bars but since you need full...just poke around a bit. They're pretty easy to find. Check out www.horseclicks.com They have some really good deals on saddles if your willing to sort through the junk.

Seat size wise, a western will always be smaller in seat size...I ride a 15 1/2 right now western and a 19 in english. While it seems those numbers vary drastically...its really not that odd. I have long legs which in an english saddle eats up your seat size. I probably could upgrade to a 16 western but I have a 15 1/2 that I just love. Ill squeeze in it as long as I can!

I don't know what your budget is but heres a pretty nice one on ebay for $300/best offer. I would tell them $275+free shipping. VINTAGE NICE BIG HORN WORKING RANCH HORSE COWBOY SADDLE - eBay (item 270613033322 end time Aug-24-10 18:10:07 PDT) Plain enough saddle but looks comfy.
This one is a bit nicer and is an actual auction that is only bid up to $162. It says semiQH bars but I would have them send you a picture with their mesurements. My horse can only wear semi and I know that saddle wouldnt fit him...the gullet is too wide VINTAGE 16" BIG HORN ALL-PURPOSE WESTERN SADDLE - eBay (item 120605418307 end time Aug-12-10 13:46:03 PDT)

Thanks Corinowalk That was very helpful

My english is 17.5 CC and looks like I need 18 for dressage. I ride in 15 western though. The reason why I need 17.5/18 is I have very long legs and while those seats are too big for my butt (more than 4 fingers on both sides), smaller sizes put my legs/seat in wrong position. With western since you go with really long stirrups the size will depends on your "behind" size.

May I ask what's your budget? Do you really want a new saddle? There are nice used leather saddles on sale all the time. You can also make a tracings and send them to the western saddle fitter to see what he/she will say/suggest. I did it just couple weeks back (for english saddle).

I know some people on forum have saddles from https://corrientesaddleco.com/CONTACT_US.php and I remember the price is VERY reasonable for the custom made saddle. I'm positive they do "distance fitting" as well, so you may want to contact them.

I have a Wintec saddle and I looove it! Its my fourth saddle, and by far the my favorite. Its a couple years old now and still looks brand new, and requires very little care. Hope this helps.

I had a wintec and absolutely loved it! It has been one of the best saddles I have had and they are wonderful for people who can't lift very much weight and a plus for your horse's back. Plus they are easy to care for...no leather oil needed!
I just got a big horn( trying it out for a week to see how I like it) and they are awesome as well. Light in weight and comfy.


I personally love synthetic saddles and some ppl don't like wintec and some don't but I never had a problem with mine and I ride a lot.

This has been my experience, too. Some people love them and some hate them. Two of the saddles we have are Wintec All Rounders, I don't even remember how many years we've had them, they fit our mares well, still look very good, and we've never had a problem with either of them.

Thanks everyone :) that's really helpful