Synthetic or leather

I don't have a saddle. I've been using the light-weight synthetic saddles at the ranch where Harley is boarded, but I am trying out a leather saddle that one of the other boarders is selling. It's SOOOO heavy, but it's comfortable.

In your opinion, what are the pros/cons to both types of saddles?

Well, I personally like leather saddles. I think they last pretty long & are more durable...although, synthetic isn't too bad either! It's really a personal choice. :)
I always go with a nice leather one though.

I like leather rather then synthetic but its my own choice.

Well imo synthetic is easier to keep clean and whatever..

But iwould prefer a leather just beacuse idk..they feel a little more *controllable* if you know what I mean..and they look much bettin imo. If it were up to me and I had a zilion buck id prob get a synthetic for stupid games and trail and a nice leather one for shows and serious working.

I personally think that leather looks a lot better and they vary in weight. However, I've never ridden in a synthetic saddle.

I personally much prefer synthetic because it is much lighter and much easier to take care of, and is really pretty durable these days and conforms to the horse and rider a lot better than it used to.
However, leather does look better and in most cases it is more comfortable (although I must say the Abetta brushpopper is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden..)

Synthetic:
Cheap to buy
Easy to keep clean
Lighter

Doesn't look good in the show ring
Doesn't fit horses well or the rider
Squeeks...a lot

Leather:
Better quality
Custom fir to you and the horse
Great look in the ring

More expensive
Does require regular cleaning like every other piece of tack


I would only get leather.

Eh, I used a Wintec synthetic saddle for Willy a while ago. I hated it. It was light, but didn't fit really well...plus, I thought it was ugly, and uncomfortable for me.

I have a leather ortho flex English saddle now, and it fits him grrreat and it is so comfortable.

Leather

I've had both too, I prefer the leather. I've had the cheaper leather too, its not much better than the synthetic as far as comfort. My first saddle was a used really nice unknown name quality leather that weighed about 40lbs so I know what you mean about the weight. I have a custom quality leather now that only weighs about 20lbs. I love it, my horse loves it

Well, the leather one I'm trying out right now is a brand I've never heard of (not that I've heard of very many). It's "Ligers and Tygons" (sp).

Anyone heard of that?

And as far as "looking better in the show ring", Harley is strictly a pleasure horse - - trails and fun. No plans of ever showing him. I'm about comfort for him and for me.