TexTan vs. Abetta

I'm reading the ops post to say that she took a coat hanger wither tracing with her, so in that case he may have some reason for settling on FQHB. Which may improve his odds a little

A picture of the horse, by itself, doesn't give anyone accurate enough information to help you. Does the angle of the bars in front match the angle of his back? Does the width in the front match your horse, or is it too narrow or too wide horizontally? When a saddle is sitting on his back, does the curve of the tree match his back in a front to back sort of way? How far back does it extend?

If you could borrow anyone's FQHB saddle, or SQHB saddle, we might be able to give advice. SouthernTrailsGA is an expert on saddles. If you can print out one of the templates, even, tape it to a piece of cardboard and show it resting on your horse, someone might be able to help. Fairly small sounding difference - a 6.5" horizontal width in the front instead of 7" or even 6 3/4" can make a big difference to the horse.

I ride my Aussie-style saddle with a Wintec pad because my horse has sensitive withers and she seems to prefer the extra padding to a saddle that actually fits better. That pad is an extra inch thick in front and 1/2" in the back, so there is only 1/2" extra behind each shoulder - but it is the difference between a saddle that she likes and one that literally hits her withers with every stride. Folks can't judge 1/2" from a photo without any template or saddle.

It was also the part about if it does not work change the blankets, padding up or down does not work.....

I have never had luck with the coat hanger method, too many chances for the shape to change.

Just saw the pic, I think a FQH Bar would be too wide and the bars might be too long also....

The cardboard templates are the best way to be sure, with the exception of fitting forms or a bare tree for testing.


.

I am hoping that the guy that has the TexTan will let me try it out for a day or two. Or maybe an hour or two.

Tex Tan and abetta are both made by the action company.

You can check but I know a lot of them are using the Ralide bars ( I think that's the brand). But if they are using the same brand of bar that would give you an idea between brands at least for buying a saddle from stateline tack or another online dealer.

I am new to riding but have become a fan of the Abettas because they are quiet and easy to keep clean. I'm sure some of the squeaks on the leather saddle that I am using right now are from the fact that the leather needs some attention

I don't know anything about TexTan so can't give you a good comparison, but my main saddle for the last 10 years has been an Abetta. I ADORE this saddle! Have used it off-and-on, but during the summers it has gotten a LOT of consistent riding time and this is the first summer that I've noticed it starting to show its age a bit. A small scratch on the pommel and the seat is starting to look a bit worn. After a decade, it is still an extremely solid saddle. I've taken it on up to 5-hr trail rides and the comfort is hard to beat. Since it's not leather I've really beat the crud out of it too... LOTS of mountain trails, swimming, gaming, etc. It's super easy to clean and it's LIGHT! Mine is just under 15 pounds. Good for those of us with a taste for the taller horses. As with any saddle, you have to clean/store it well if you want it to last, but I'd buy another Abetta in a heartbeat.