What are Rocking R saddles and Dakota saddles?

Has anyone heard of these 2 brands of saddles? I need a 17" seat and a lot of the reining saddles don't have that size...I saw the Rocking R and the Dakota and liked them but I don't know how good they are..I have heard about stories of buying a saddle that is a knock-off and those that are made in India..I'm afraid of getting ripped off..
So, does anyone have comments about these saddles?
I know Bobs, Reinsman are good ones but are out of my budget right now..

I have a Rockin R Reiner I bought used and I love it. This is the third one I have tried, including a $2000 Tex Tan imperial, and I like the Rocking R better. I also had one from Stagecoach West, they call it a bar J, but it is made by Rocking R. Liked that one too, but it was a 17, and was too big for me, plus I was not personally crazy about the rough out. Here is their line of saddles
https://stagecoachwest.com/catalog/r...84_95_112.html

They have great customer service also. They will tell you which Rocking R is the base and what they added to it (sometimes narrow twist to the seat, different seat finish, etc)


Anyway, the Rocking R fits everything I have tried it on, has a nice pocket and is a close contact skirt. They are definitely a much better saddle than the imports. I found mine online for $800.

Good luck!

I agree 100% about the Rockin R. I've had mine for 8 years and ride in it every day & use it on multiple horses. It was comfortable from the start & is still the most comfortable saddle I ride in. I highly recommend the Rockin R over the Dakota.

I've owned both brands and they are good middle of the road saddles. The Rocking R is a little more expensive but both are US made and good quality. Have you looked at the saddles by Southerntrails? Kevin is member here and can have a saddle made for you at pretty reasonable prices (I've had 2 made). He is easy to talk with and can steer you in the right direction.

I have owned and ridden in both. For the price they are nice saddles. If taken care of they will last you quite some time. The saddle smith series is a better saddle a bit more money but worth it in the end.

Sorry everyone for being so late in replying back to you...A big thank you for all the advice!!! I have my choices narrowed down to a Rocking R and a Reinsman...

Penny

I'd go with the Rocking R.

Go with the Rocking R saddle. I have a roper from them and it is great. The only reason I don't ride in it much anymore is I have the semi quarter bars in it and my two bulldog quarter horses are to braod for it. I do still ride it when I get on my wife thoroughbred though. It is a great saddle< I've had it about 12 yrs and it is still in great shape.

On a seperate note about the rocking R saddles, Randall Black that started the company has past away in the past year. If I were to get a Rocking R saddle I believe I would do it know. Who knows what will happen down the road. Quality issues, the decent prices going up, out of business. Who knows.

Rocking R's are fabulous saddles.