Dakota saddles?
 

Anyone have any expierence with Dakota barrel saddles? I went saddle shopping today and found a nice 16 in barrel saddle. All leather. Suuuuuper comfy. Brand spankin new for $600 plus a trade in on my old ancient saddle. They retail $1000 + the guy said.

This isn't the exact one but same thing.
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/dakota-barrel-racer.html
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Can't tell you anything about that barrel saddle.But I do own this Dakota :Western Saddle by Dakota - Flex Tree FQHB in 15" 16" or 17" USA Made 2212.
Bought it from the same outfit. Been a dang good saddle ! I would buy another Dakota if looking.Check to see these reviews here :Barrel Saddles

Maybe the saddle you've been looking at is in this group.

Rawhide

This site has good prices , the most expensive one I got a quote for was like $750 I believe

Handcrafted Saddles by Dakota - Page 1

I can post the prices I got from them tomorrow but they do all kinds of customizing for you. I'm also looking into a dakota!

Dak-353 base price is $690.99
Dak-345 base price is $726.99
Dak-342 base price is $666.99
Dak-325C base price is $714.99
Dak-310 base price is $738.99
Dak-314 base price is $696.99
Dak-307 base price is $708.99

I actually just got a Dakota barrel racer for 650 + trade in on my old 50 yr old saddle. My parents gift to me for Christmas :)
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From what I understand, they are a pretty decent saddle. They are no Circle Y or Martin type of saddle, but they are not junk either. I guess you would call them middle of the line. Either way, a great investment if you are not looking for junk or a super expensive saddle.

Well come to find out what I thought was my old, somewhat expensive saddle was a peice of garbage, made in India saddle.
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A few years ago I got a saddle from them. I'm only ~an hour away from their shop so I was able to go and see them. Good deal and good guy to deal with, in my experience.

I had two saddles done by SouthernTrails Western Saddles, Trail Saddles, Barrel Saddle, Ranch Saddle who is a member here. If you call Kevin, he will walk you through any concerns and I understand he deals with Dakota as well. I'm still riding the last one I got from him and I've put in hundreds of hours in it over the past year.

I actually got a Dakota barrel racer from my parents for Christmas but still have yet to ride in it!
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I read on the trail saddle which states Steele equi fit fiberglass covered flex tree. Fiberglass isn't flexible. The roper tree offers a 5 year warranty. Does that warranty expire the minute the saddle leaves the retailer? My Tex Tan offered a 5 year guarantee - big difference. If considering a Dakota, be sure to read the fine print if there's a warranty. I don't know of a saddlemaker in North America who can make a custom saddle for $750 unless he opts to work for less than min. wage.