western saddle hunting...opinions on this saddle

Sonny, I have no idea how each saddle will fit but based on the three you show, I would avoid #1 altogether. It is cheaply made as evidenced by several things. The saddle has a cardboard look to it; the fenders have rubbed the color off the skirt – that will happen when the edges of the fender are not supple and actually sand the leather of the skirt; the saddle strings are cheap – also the sign of a cheap saddle; the cantle is odd – no decent mfg would make a cantle like that; I would bet the ranch that the tree is not rawhide covered wood but rather a composit; lastly, the stirrup leathers do not fit the stirrups - and I would also bet that they are not adjusted with blevins type buckles. Overall, it is a cheaply made saddle

#2 is a Tex Tan. That is a very nicely made saddle. They are well made at an affordable price. The problem with this one is that you are paying a lot for the bling, Tex Tan has a very good reputation for decent quality and longevity.

#3 is a barrel saddle. I like the finish on it and it does not look like it has been ridden a lot. The problem with rough out is that it needs to break in. The rough out will hold you tight and you will end up rubbing inside your jeans. Once it breaks in, it is a great saddle. Barrel saddles do not have a great rep for being very comfortable on long rides but a fleece seat saver will help.

Overall, if you can afford the #2 (Tex Tan) that is the best of the 3 otherwise I would go for #2 and not even consider #1

"iridehorses" has got you on the right track.

There aint much I can add except to say that one needs to be very carefull with "no-name" saddles. Some of them may be pretty to look at but when it comes to the "using" part, they aint worth much.

To be a bit more specific about the 3 that you posted.......

I've got one very simular to saddle#1 hanging in my barn right now. One of my neighbors gave it to me last winter because he was tired of trying to keep it repaired.

Saddle #2 is a recognizable brand and might bring $200 around my neck of the woods. Maybe $250 if the prospective buyer can't see past all that glitter.

I see used saddles simular to #3 at flea markets around here for $100 or so. And that's only because they look pretty at first glance. As far as "using" goes, I'd bet a dollar that you'd get real tired of sitting on it, real fast.

Presonly, Im thinking that if you have $350-$400 to spend on a used saddle, you can do much better than either of those three.
I'd keep looking.

Hope this helps and no offense intended to anyone.
DGW

We took out the first saddle (the $350) and it didn't fit Sonny...it sat too close to his withers and then was pinching the sides of his withers...I dind't even bother riding in it.

All the other saddles were the sale size (tree wise) so I didn't even bother taking them out. We stopped by a western shop and they had a nice Big Horn show saddle (with silver and nicely tooled) for $895...the guy thought it would fit Sonny and was willing to help us with saddle fitting problems...he'd help us for free if we bought one of his saddles (that is if once fit him) or he'd charge us $100....which IMO I think it worth it...that way I know what size western saddle to get....either way I'll definetely get his help. He's a good friend of my BO so he said he'd give us a discount hehe. He said he'd take $100 off that saddle for us...putting it down to $795 (if it fit Sonny that is). But still it's quite expensive...unless my dad goes in halves I'm not going to have enough money for that saddle.
With board, worming and then a farrier visit closer than normal (my farrier is now trimming the BOs horses hooves also...she was impressed with him...so to have me save money and him a trip we are going to put Sonny on the same schedual as the other horses....which means I save $10 (but I'll probably just end up giving him the whole $40 as a thanks for doing such a good job on Sonny's feet).

But anyways....I have yet to talk to my dad about the saddle....he wants a patio set for fathers day :roll: (though he already has one) so I don't know if we'll have the money for him to help pay for it

I'll keep ya all updated

Sonny, $100 for a guy to come out to check out your horse for fit seems like a lot of money - money that can go towards a saddle. Do you have a trailer? If so, pack up your horse and take him to the tack shop with you. That is the best and most economical way to fit him.

Spending $100 and having to be locked into a seller who may or may not have what you want is an expensive way to do this. Does the saddle you are currently using fit him? If so, take it with you and match it up. Since you seem to be at a boarding barn, can you try different saddles that are there - just for fit if necessary. You can then take the measurements of that saddle. There are also programs that you can make templates from to aid in saddle fit. This is a good article and there is a link to down loading templates: http://www.dailyequine.com/expert/saddle-fit.asp

Just trying to save you some money - hope it helps.

No I don't have a trailer or else I would trailer him down