[Equus_girl]

Does this look like a good saddle and a good price for it, in the link below? In a few weeks I'll be looking to get a saddle for my mare I'm getting on Sunday. I want to get her in shape a bit before fitting her with a saddle though.

Do you have any idea what kind of bars this saddle would have? And would it be a good type for pleasure riding/trail rides ect.? I'm just trying to get some information on saddles and am looking at the different ads, as I want to get a good one. Thanks!

Lightly used western saddle. Bighorn brand,excellent shape - Edmonton Pet Accessories - Kijiji Edmonton

 

[kevinshorses]

It might work well for you but I would not call it a good saddle. Many people have good luck with plastic trees and synthetic coverings but I don't like them.

 

[Equus_girl]

So it is a plastic tree? How can you tell from a picture? I would rather have a leather saddle too - I'm just looking at my options for used saddles.

 

[iridehorses]

I don't know your prices in Canada but in the states, that would be a lot of money for a used synthetic Bighorn saddle. Secondly, there is no indication as to the tree size so you may be buying a saddle that doesn't fit your horse.

If you are considering a synthetic, look at the Fabtron. It's a much better saddle and down here they sell for ~$200 more then that used, Bighorn you have a link to.

Kevin knows it's a plastic tree because that is how those saddles are made - experience and product knowledge.

 

[Equus_girl]

Thank-you both for the information!

I think saddle prices are pretty high here. I haven't seen a used western saddle go for less than $300 and I've looked at a lot of ads! As far as the tree size - that is what worries me too; very few ads I've seen actually tell what tree size the saddle actually is.

I'll look at the Fabtron saddles for sure. I would prefer a leather one, but they are so expensive here! At least what I have seen.

I wasn't questioning that Kevin knew it was a plastic tree - but I was just wondering if one could tell from just looking at a saddle, without having lots of experience like he has had.

 

[SouthernTrails]

That looks to be a Bighorn 102, cannot read the last number, but as a brown 15" that is the only number that works.

I has a Ralide Reg. QH Bar 6.75" Gullet, Tree in it.

New it sells for 425.00 in the States

To me that would make it worth 200.00, but that just me


.

 

[kevinshorses]

Try Corriente Saddles. They are more money but you get a brand new leather saddle that will last you longer than your horse will.https://corrientesaddleco.com/Home_Page.php

 

[paul333]

Kevin, I really like Corrientes too, and I want to get one as soon as I get some extra cash, just bought a used NRS saddle, but as much as you promote Corriente on here I'm starting to think you either own part of them or are sponsored by them........LOL

 

[iridehorses]

Check my avatar - Corriente.

 

[paul333]

I was just kidding around about the Corrientes, they are a very good company, good products and customer service, I've just seen a few posts about them lately, kinda thought it was funny. Maybe just me!?

But IMHO it is better to spend a little extra on a quality new or used leather saddle, if taken care of properly not only can it outlast your horse, it could outlast your grandkids

 

[kevinshorses]

I wish I owned part of that company! I just really like a well made saddle that doesn't cost two months pay.

 

[kitten_Val]

Check my avatar - Corriente.

Hmmmm... I thought YOU are all about Dakota saddles?! :lol:

 

[kitten_Val]

I wish I owned part of that company! I just really like a well made saddle that doesn't cost two months pay.

How much are they? I couldn't find it anywhere on their website...

 

[iridehorses]

LOL, Val. I do like the Dakota saddle but when I needed a new saddle, I looked at the Corriente and was very impressed. Kevin from SouthernTrails also puts out a well made but affordable saddle.

I don't know what the new prices are but they used to be in the $600 - $800 range. Mine was a little more due to the extras I had done. There are a lot of saddles that don't cost nearly as much as a Circle Y but are much better better made if you know where to look.

 

[kitten_Val]

I don't know what the new prices are but they used to be in the $600 - $800 range.

Wow! That's a very good price range for the quality. I wish saddlery here would carry them.

P.S. I'm not the biggest fan of Circle Y, it didn't fit my butt well.

 

[iridehorses]

The reason they are so inexpensive is that they are sold by the maker and they cut out all the middlemen and the tack shops. BTW, those prices include shipping.

 

[kitten_Val]

The reason they are so inexpensive is that they are sold by the maker and they cut out all the middlemen and the tack shops. BTW, those prices include shipping.

See, that's the problem. I never buy tack on internet, because I'm not sure how it'll fit my horse and my own back. And I'm really picky about it. So it's safer to pay more but get what will fit and work for sure. I still think those are great saddles! May be if I'll be visiting the area one day.... Lol!

 

[Curly_Horse_CMT]

You really can't beat leather, especially if that is what you really want. It lasts way longer (for a lifetime for some people lol) Just remember, when you are looking at a saddle, ask the buyer for measurements and what kind of horses the saddle has fit prior to it being put up for sale. Do you know what kind of tree your mare takes? A professional saddle fitter can always help. If you really look (especially on places like craigslist) you can find a nice leather saddle for $200 or less. Sometimes, they are even brand name. Good luck!

 

[paul333]

Corriente quoted me $860 for a fully tooled wade saddle in any size up to 17 including half sizes, in any tooling pattern I wanted, and with any combination of tooling and roughout including shipping. And if the saddle didn't fit me or my horse for any reason all I had to do was pay the return shipping and he would take it back and send me a new one that did fit, best deal I can find besides my new/used saddle, now I just have to finish school and convince my wife that I really do NEED 2 saddles

 

[Toymanator]

I talked to Corriente Saddles last week they quoted me $650 for their association saddles 3/4 breed. Add $25 for a 17", plus a $10 handlers fee shipped to my door. That is an excellent deal for a brand new well made saddle. I have picked the saddle I want and have added in a few extras that cost a small amount more. I am planning on ordering it as soon as I sell my older saddle.

If that is more money than you are looking to spend I would look used. I thought I had found a saddle I really liked, I rode in it for two years. Then my dad bought a brand new Rocking T (greenville, Texas) saddle for $500 from someone here local. Now I hate my saddle and only use his, my opinion has changed on what I like in a saddle. My dad will probably keep that saddle for the rest of his life, because he has owned many saddles in his life he waited until he found the right one.