new billy cook saddles + barrel saddle fit

I found a *local* saddle today, that may just fit willow! It is a billy cook, but the 2010 models have very wide angles, and the girl at the store said it fit her appy really well! So once I get enough money I think I'm going to try it out. My question is, are the new ones (Sulpher made) made very well? The saddle looked well put together but it was SOO stiff. I don't even think sitting in a sauna after being lathered in 5 bottles of conditioner could help it. It didn't seem like it was going to crack, it was just so thick! Does that mean its crappy leather?

My second question is about how a barrel saddle should fit YOU. How close should your legs/thighs be to the swell? And how much room in the seat should there be? I sat in 4 today, 2 15"s and 2 14"s. The 14's were much more comfy but I am afraid my butt and thighs will get bigger and not fit. The fenders were plenty long enough, I was just worried about the swell area. I'm 16, 120 lbs, 5'5"ish, if that means anything.

Thanks a lot
Dynamite

My mom bought herself an 07 Sulpher OK trail saddle and it seems to be decent quality. She's happy with it and the horses are OK with correct padding. As for barrel fit... if a 14 is most comfortable for you then go for that. Especially given your description of yourself I would imagine that you don't need a 15" unless that is what is specifically comfortable. Many (if not most) barrel racers ride in a barrel saddle of a smaller seat size than they would a trail saddle. As for your concern in out growing your saddle... first off, you sound quite small and it would take you quite a few lbs/inches to do that I should think, and 2nd off Billy Cooks are not hard to come by, at all, and even if you DO outgrow it at some point later in life you should be able to replace it relatively easily, just like you should expect to do if it didn't fit your horse. As long as you take good care of your saddle they hold their value pretty well.

Just mho

Ok, thanks! When you say that her horses are OK with it with correct padding, do you mean it doesn't really sit on a horses back properly?

By that I meant that they are fine with it. No signs of soreness or irritation. With the correct padding for the saddle and horse they are fine. It doesnt fit one of her horses but after changing our padding it fits better.

Oh ok, thanks!