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Saddle Size Question

2K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  corinowalk 
#1 ·
I am 5'2" tall and 150 lbs. I am looking at three different saddles to get. This first one's stirrups go from 22"-28" and the saddle is about 21 lbs. It's only 150-shipping, so a good deal, but i have a bay horse and am wondering what would look best on him.
WESTERN BLACK PLEASURE SYNTHETIC STAR 16" SADDLE - eBay (item 370491455443 end time Apr-08-11 10:37:05 PDT)

this next one is pretty, $224-shipping, but it's stirrups go from 31"-36". I'm not sure if they will be short enough for me. It's pricier, but it's also only 18lbs.
16" WESTERN SYNTHETIC COPPER BROWN TRAIL HORSE SADDLE | eBay

this one is pretty much the same as above
16" ADULT HORSE Brown SYN WESTERN SADDLE 5 Pc Lthr Trim | eBay

any help would be appreciated... :)
 
#2 ·
I wouldn't touch those saddles with a ten foot pole. I would recommend that you go to a tack store and try out some of their used saddles. Get it fit to the horse to eliminate back problems. Saddles should be looked at as an investment. A good one is going to be pricey, but it will last you a lifetime. Those ebay saddles are junk.
 
#4 ·
What is your budget? Are you looking at synthetic saddles simply for budgets sake? If so, go with a name brand synthetic like big horn or fabtron. Both make nice, affordable, well built synthetic saddles.

If you are looking at saddles with a price range of under $300, you can still get a quality, used, leather saddle that is well built.

Generally speaking, someone of your size would take a 15" saddle. You need to look for a brand name and the size that will fit your horse. Tex tan, Simco, Bighorn, etc are all mid range brand names that make a quality saddle that while used, will still hold up and not hurt your horse.

15.5 Used Tex Tan Saddle | eBay

Buford Western Trail Saddle - **RESTORED** | eBay

Western Saddle 15inch Trail - Simco Brand | eBay

15" TEX TAN CUSHIONED SEAT TOOLED WESTERN HORSE SADDLE | eBay

The last one, I think is the best deal of all of them. It looks a little rough but a TexTan will last forever and the leather is good quality. Oil it and clean it, straighten the skirting out and that saddle will be beautiful.
 
#5 ·
Candice, YOu are too small for a 16 inch saddle. I know a lot of people like a bigger saddle in western becase they shimmy their backside all the way back 'til it;s resting against the cantle and then put their stiff , straigt legs pushing against the stirups out in front and feet like they are "wedged" into the saddle. But the saddle has a place in it for you seatbones to sit at, the deepest part of the saddle. YOu are not supposed to be wedged against the cantle, but sitting balanced in the middle of the saddle with some room behind you. I would bet that with your size and height, a 15 or 15.5 inch will be a much better fit.
 
#6 · (Edited)
A good, well-made saddle starts with the tree. It has to be balanced, symmetrical, and solid otherwise it will fit poorly, cause saddle sores, and even "bad" behavior from the pain it causes your horse. A well-made tree costs more than those saddles you posted.

I am not saying you have to spend thousands at all. If you take your time and look around, you can find some decent leather saddles that will last you decades for less than $400.

I would also be careful about purchasing a saddle sight unseen, especially from eBay. You want to make sure the tree is intact (not broken or twisted) and you can't tell that from a picture. Most saddle shops will let you take a saddle home and try it for a day. It has to fit your horse or it is a complete waste of money.

This site has a variety of decent saddles with free shipping and a two week trial. I'd buy here before ever buying from eBay.
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/usedsaddles.html


Pard's is another shop with quality used saddles:
http://www.pards.com/Saddles/PreOwnedSaddles
 
#8 ·
Sahara, I understand your issue with ebay, I really do. The problem is, in my area, there aren't many tack shops. Buying sight unseen is buying sight unseen...that is from either ebay or a saddleshop online. I've gotten some great deals on ebay and usually sell my saddles on there also. When starting out with a low budget, it is good to check ebay first and see what the market looks like for that particular saddle.

Under $300 you can get some decent used saddles. Most of the saddles on the two sites you posted are upwards of $500. They are nice saddles but if you are just looking for a decent, well made saddle, you don't need a CircleY or similar.

I love bighorn saddles. I've announced my love for them forever. They are comfortable, long lasting and affordable. Textans work well for a wider horse. I have ridden many a simco and love them also. The leather quality on all of those saddles is great and while they wont all win you any prizes for looks, they do the job.
 
#9 ·
I understand $ and not having access to a saddle shop,but you really need to know what size gullet and bars for your saddle to have to fit your horse properly.. A badly fitting saddle will cause tons of problems for you and your horse.. I know that there are english saddles that you can change out the gullet in(make them wider or narrower) but I don't believe there is such a thing with a western saddle. If it was me I'd get online and find some where within an hr or 2 away that has a saddle shop than you could take your horse with you to get a saddle fitted.
 
#10 ·
awesome feedback! as far as the 16" seat, i was just going by a chart i found online. i had a saddle years ago, but that was when i was smaller so i wasnt sure what my size would be now. i agree that a lot of western riders rider too far back, i just want something that fits. i dont really want a bigger saddle, i want to feel secure in the saddle. i will definately look at the websites everyone posted. once again, thanks for the feedback!
 
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