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Western Saddle Critique! Help? Can't find a saddle for her!*pic heavy*

5K views 26 replies 6 participants last post by  Shananigan 
#1 ·
Hello everyone!!! I have started riding my 4 year old filly this past summer. Of course, no real hard core rides yet. Just getting her started! (I must say she's doing fantastic! Hasn't even thought about trying to toss me :)) -knock on wood- :wink: Anyways, thanks to this wonderful forum, I have become quite conscious about how my saddle fits!! I have been browsing around for a saddle for my filly for almost a year now. However, the search has become serious because for Christmas I got $500 to find her a saddle that fits. Yay! haha

I already have two western saddles, yet they do not fit her right. When I cinch them up -the back of the saddle pops up into the air and it sits down on her withers. This would be because it is too wide in the front, right? Causing the front to fall down and the back too come up. I don't even want to ride her in these because I don't want to cause any discomfort for her while we're riding together and I don't want any permanent damage caused! So mainly I've been riding her in an English Saddle and bareback.

These first pictures I'm going to show are of the 5th saddle I have tried on her. Each saddle, I seem to get closer. I have been finding them at the local tack consignment shops. They allow a trial period with money down.

Because Sasha has such a short back, I'm looking for something with a round skirt. That way it doesn't interfere with the movement in her hind end. A lot of saddles are just way to long and her hips wind up hitting the back corners of the skirt. It's hard though because I need a saddle that is a 14 1/2" or a 15" while the overall saddle length can only be 22" about (I can't remember exactly, I'll take another tape measure to it.) I've had the girls at the tack stores write down my measurements and they call me when something comes in.. Lazy :shock: I know! I still stop by and look though every few days. With these specifications, I have been turned in the direction of barrel saddles. Which is okay, I like how light they are! But I don't like how small the horn is :?. Personal preference, I've got thrown off and hit the horn before. I can't imagine hitting one so small! haha

ANYWAYS.. What do you guys think of this saddle?

When not cinched: I could fit two fingers under the very back and front (see picture). As you can see in the pictures without the saddle pad, it has a lot of flares around the edges. Even without being cinched down the back of the saddle was up in the air. You can even see the front flared off her shoulder. It seemed to sit even on her back though, with nice even pressure when I slid my hand underneath.

When cinched: I really liked the front! I had nice clearance at her withers, and the front sat down flush with her shoulder. (no more two fingers). The bar angles seem to be nice. However, I could still slide my hand under there with relative ease, it didn't feel like it was pinching her or restricting shoulder movement. When I ran my hand along underneath it, it felt like nice even pressure. It seems to sit even on her back too. What I DIDN'T like though is AGAIN when I cinched the saddle the back flared up into the air! I could fit EASILY FOUR FINGERS underneath the very back! I would have taken a picture, but my phone got a low battery and I couldn't take anymore. The weird thing is though, the saddle still seemed to sit level. (If you need pictures, I haven't taken the saddle back. I can go take some.)

My opinion: The saddle has a good bar angle and gullet width for her. However the saddle is meant for a horse with more of a swayed back. Like the tree has too much of an arc like a banana (exaggerating). I need something with a little more straight tree that doesn't curve so much?

I am going to post all the pictures I managed to get of it! Please give me your opinion. This is my first time buying a saddle period, any tips or advice is greatly appreciated! Correct anything I've said wrong! I have tried to do as much research and watch as many videos as I could. I can't afford a professional saddle fitter which would be ideal, but in reality I only have $500. So, I am just going to take my time and not rush until I find something that's right. This saddle in this picture, I don't particularly care for it's looks at ALL but I was hoping it'd fit her because that's really all that matters. (I did find it comfortable at least for myself as well).

(excuse the poor pictures of her, she is in her winter woolies and I pulled her blanket off real fast to try it on her!) **Note: NONE of these pictures are with the saddle cinched up, it is just sitting loose on her back.
 

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#2 ·
Hey! I know no one has replied yet, but I found these three videos on youtube.com about saddle fitting!!! Most saddle fitting guides you find are with English saddles (or so I have found). But these three use western saddles!

I like this set of videos because they show you with a western saddle TREE, without all the leather and such. That way you can see exactly how they sit (or at least should).



-has a few good points in this video with terms and explaining how the tree works. Bare with it, they are advertising their brand of saddle!:shock::wink:



-has A LOT of good information! I love it! Answers a lot of question or things you may not be clear on. I love their rigging too -what a good idea! Adjustable!:D


****Not associated with the videos above.****


-little more slow paced, has some good information. Mentions a pocket behind the shoulder blade associated with older horses or horses who aren't in shape.

After watching these it says that lifting in the back of the saddle means it's too narrow? But this saddle actually didn't seem narrow for her. I don't feel pinching in the shoulder. I'm thinking it has too much "rock in the tree" as mentioned. That could be why even when the back rocks up it still sits relatively even?
 
#24 ·
Hey! I know no one has replied yet, but I found these three videos on youtube.com about saddle fitting!!! Most saddle fitting guides you find are with English saddles (or so I have found). But these three use western saddles!

I like this set of videos because they show you with a western saddle TREE, without all the leather and such. That way you can see exactly how they sit (or at least should).

Saddle Fit University Part 1

-has a few good points in this video with terms and explaining how the tree works. Bare with it, they are advertising their brand of saddle!:shock::wink:

Saddle Fit University Part 2

-has A LOT of good information! I love it! Answers a lot of question or things you may not be clear on. I love their rigging too -what a good idea! Adjustable!:D


****Not associated with the videos above.****
Western Saddle Fit -Great Information!!!

-little more slow paced, has some good information. Mentions a pocket behind the shoulder blade associated with older horses or horses who aren't in shape.

After watching these it says that lifting in the back of the saddle means it's too narrow? But this saddle actually didn't seem narrow for her. I don't feel pinching in the shoulder. I'm thinking it has too much "rock in the tree" as mentioned. That could be why even when the back rocks up it still sits relatively even?
Great videos very helpful thank you for sharing
 
#3 ·
I am by no means an expert, but like you said, I would guess the tree has a little too much "rock" to it, causing the back end to come up a little and it looks a tad bit low in the front with out the pad.

Maybe another pic of your filly on level ground with out a saddle so we could see her back?
 
#4 ·
I am by no means an expert, but like you said, I would guess the tree has a little too much "rock" to it, causing the back end to come up a little and it looks a tad bit low in the front with out the pad.

Maybe another pic of your filly on level ground with out a saddle so we could see her back?
Okay! Here are two pictures of her (these are from I'm guessing about exactly a year ago!) Relatively flat ground. I know at her age a lot changes in a year. I'll take a couple more when I go down to feed! (Just a little bit!) Thank you for replying!
 
#7 ·
Those picture won't help much because they are older pictures and her head isn't in a neutral position, but I see you said you will be taking new ones soon.
Okay, I'll see if I can go get some right now! Brb
 
#15 ·
I agree with jumanji, however she does appear to be a little flat backed which would explain the saddle pictured having too much rock in the tree....IMO :)

I agree . She has a flat back and many , if not most , saddles will have a rocker effect. An arab tree might be best, I think they are more often flat backed, but correct me if I am wrong. They are certainly short, which is somethng you wanted.
 
#9 ·
Okay, I hope these work! They aren't the prettiest pictures. I took them by myself! And taking a picture of a 4 year old filly at feeding time in snowy weather who hasn't been taken out in a couple weeks due to absence and weather is not the easiest task! :wink: Joking, she was actually a really good girl all things considering haha. She just wanted to keep putting her head down and snuffle through the snow and come visit with me. :-p
 

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#10 ·
I keep hoping someone that knows better than me would jump in here..lol

Her back has changed from the first set of pic posted, and she looks a little higher in the *** than the front, i would guess that your saddle would have tendency to slide forward up onto her shoulders or look down hill...again just my opinion
 
#11 ·
I agree with jumanji, however she does appear to be a little flat backed which would explain the saddle pictured having too much rock in the tree....IMO :)
What do you think about the new pictures? :) And may I ask, I see this used all the time and I can't figure it out. What exactly does "IMO" stand for?
 
#12 ·
I keep hoping someone that knows better than me would jump in here..lol

Her back has changed from the first set of pic posted, and she looks a little higher in the *** than the front, I would guess that your saddle would have tendency to slide forward up onto her shoulders or look down hill...again just my opinion
Haha it's okay, I appreciate your help!

Yes, I noticed this too when looking at them! I believe she is going through another growth spurt. Her butt gets higher, then her front end catches up. She's not quite as tall as her parents yet, so I'm sure she'll even up. So with that being said should I even be finding her a saddle yet? Cause one that fits her now might now fit her this summer when she gets even again. :-|
 
#13 ·
IMO..in my opinion :)

LOl. you are getting in uncharted territory for me, I would think if she is not done quite growing yet than her back is going to change more. And in my experience backs change with riding and work as well. I really don't know what to tell you, maybe find a saddle that will work for now and if it comes time that it doesn't fit maybe you can sell it and find one that works as you go. But I think the best would be to get with a good saddle maker in your area and her evaluated. He could be a better judge maybe find something that could work now or later with changing of pads?(I hate saying that)
 
#14 ·
I hit post before I was ready

I am used to having a few saddles to choose from and then find the best one that works maybe a tweak with a different pad and/or blanket combo. I realize if you have to pad to compensate it isn't ideal but I would rather do that than not at all. And I haven't sored anything yet with the good saddles I have. I have quite the assortment of good and pads and blankets...so take my advice for what its worth..free lol
 
#16 ·
IMO..in my opinion :)

LOl. you are getting in uncharted territory for me, I would think if she is not done quite growing yet than her back is going to change more. And in my experience backs change with riding and work as well. I really don't know what to tell you, maybe find a saddle that will work for now and if it comes time that it doesn't fit maybe you can sell it and find one that works as you go. But I think the best would be to get with a good saddle maker in your area and her evaluated. He could be a better judge maybe find something that could work now or later with changing of pads?(I hate saying that)


I am used to having a few saddles to choose from and then find the best one that works maybe a tweak with a different pad and/or blanket combo. I realize if you have to pad to compensate it isn't ideal but I would rather do that than not at all. And I haven't sored anything yet with the good saddles I have. I have quite the assortment of good and pads and blankets...so take my advice for what its worth..free lol
Haha thank you for clearing that up about "IMO"! I do know of a saddle maker in a close town, I may even have an inside hook up through a friend. Kind of a friend of a friend deal. Not 100% though. It's okay, I really appreciate your advice! Whatever (if any) money I have left over I think the next thing I'll be getting is a quality saddle pad! :)

I agree . She has a flat back and many , if not most , saddles will have a rocker effect. An arab tree might be best, I think they are more often flat backed, but correct me if I am wrong. They are certainly short, which is somethng you wanted.
Well, her mom is a 100% pure bred arabian. Sooo, this may explain things. I see what you are saying though, with such a flat back most saddles out there are going to be geared for something with more of a sway. Which really I'm not sure I can fix with pads.:-| Oh boy! This is going to be much harder than I originally thought! I am grateful to the HF though, because without you guys I probably would still be very naive to a proper saddle fit!!! I'm sure Sasha thanks you too!:wink:
 
#18 ·
Alright!! I got another one!! lol I took the first saddle back today, and on my way home I stopped by another saddle shop! I found the saddle pictured below!

I really like it! It seems to sit down on her back better! It doesn't feel like it pinches her shoulder -even when cinched down. She has good wither clearance! I feel comfortable sitting in it :) My only problem in, when I cinch it down the front seems to sit lower again. I don't know if it's because right now she is going through a growth spurt and is built "down hill" again? (look above for pictures of her back). What do you think? It's not too long right? Shouldn't interfere with her hind end movement?

**Note** In the pictures below, the saddle is NOT CINCHED!
 

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#20 ·
I think the second saddle fits her better but does look like it may have been laid on the ground for a bit judging by the skirts. It not a huge deal they will shape down as you use it that's for sure. I agree whith cowchick that it appears to be set down a bit in the front but it could just be an optical illusion in the picture. One way you can check the fit of a saddle is to throw it on your horse with no pad and then push down on the horn and cantle to see if it has any rocking from front to back. If it rocks a bunch then you know it probably has to much rocker in the bars and most of the pressure is applied on a small area. If you have no rock to the saddle make sure that it isn't just ridding on the front and back points of the bars. Ideally you should have a very slight rock(maybe 3/8").
I would say cinch it down and take it out on a good ride and look at the sweat marks after to see if there are any large dry spots.

If this saddle doesn't work I would try and go to a store that has a bunch of saddles and try a bunch on to see what style fits best.

Good luck.
 
#21 ·
In the pictures below the saddle IS CINCHED!

While I'm not big at all on saddle pad corrections, do you think a saddle pad built up in the front might help? <-I would just worry about pinching. Or some kind of orthopedic pad? This saddle was $286.27 leaving me plenty of extra money to buy a really nice saddle pad. Because as you can see the one's I have now aren't anything special and probably don't do my horses any favors. Just saying, I want to find a saddle that fits her PERFECTLY though. Or as close as I can get, I don't care if it is $500 (my maxx). Just asking about the pad. This is my 5th saddle so far, so I don't have any problems with taking it back and continuing my search.

Another idea, do you think if the rigging was back it'd be better? It seems if it was back just a little bit further it wouldn't pull the front down.

(I forgot to take a picture of her wither clearance with the saddle cinched! It was getting dark! She still had a lot of clearance though 2 1/2 - 3 fingers. I will take some tomorrow because I have it all weekend!)

The pictures of it sitting on the trunk, the truck is completely level. (excuse my muddy boots:shock:) haha

**Note** The picture you see with my 4 fingers under the back of the saddle is when her head is down in grazing position. Would a well fitted saddle do that?
 

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#26 ·
It sits down in the front...

I don't know what your budget is for a saddle, what brands are you looking at?
My budget is $500 max. I haven't been looking at any particular brands. Just been stopping by the local consignment shops and trying out saddles that look like they may fit right.

It seems like all the saddles I have tried on her sit down in the front. From too wide saddles - too narrow. (I think the last saddle had too much rock and was a little narrow after looking at this saddle). This is what is making me think the rigging is too far forward. What do you think?

I think the second saddle fits her better but does look like it may have been laid on the ground for a bit judging by the skirts. It not a huge deal they will shape down as you use it that's for sure. I agree whith cowchick that it appears to be set down a bit in the front but it could just be an optical illusion in the picture. One way you can check the fit of a saddle is to throw it on your horse with no pad and then push down on the horn and cantle to see if it has any rocking from front to back. If it rocks a bunch then you know it probably has to much rocker in the bars and most of the pressure is applied on a small area. If you have no rock to the saddle make sure that it isn't just ridding on the front and back points of the bars. Ideally you should have a very slight rock(maybe 3/8").
I would say cinch it down and take it out on a good ride and look at the sweat marks after to see if there are any large dry spots.

If this saddle doesn't work I would try and go to a store that has a bunch of saddles and try a bunch on to see what style fits best.

Good luck.
Thank you! I will try this tomorrow! I will try to work her into a sweat tomorrow, but I can't really go for a huge ride because due to weather my arena is unusable and I haven't taken her on a trail ride yet. (As soon as I find a proper fitting saddle that's what I am going to work on.) I think she'll do great on the trail, I have done tons of ponying with her and she is level headed. But she hasn't been out in a while too ect... :-| I know -no bueno!

Now I'm jealous! I have to cook dinner as I am fending for myself tonight and I think its going to be left overs or else cereal again!
Hehe my dad made dinner tonight so that I could ask your guys opinions!:D
 
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