[Aina]

Ok, I am looking for a western saddle that is in the range of $150-350, maybe a little bit more than that if I have more work. But I don't actually have a horse, I am just riding my BFFs 5 year old gelding that we think is part Arabian and training him. I want a saddle that will last at least 5 years, but it doesn't have to be all that great because when I graduate and have a little bit more money I would like to buy a better one. Anyways, I am clueless on the whole saddle stuff. I always ride in my riding instructors pretty nice saddle, but of course it isn't at my BFF's house so I am looking for one of my own. So advice would be nice. The saddle we are using right now on him seems a bit too big for him and seems to ride up on him when we are loping.
At our tack shop I found a new Fabatron Ladies Trail saddle for $430. They let me buy it and then if it doesn't fit I can return it. It fits a lot better than the saddle I was riding him in, but it still may be a little off, I don't know. So I was wondering if yall could look at these pics and see if it looks like it fits and also if I got a good deal on the saddle if it does fit.

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[luvs2ride1979]

We need a front picture showing the WHOLE shoulder and front of the saddle (including the skirts). Those close up pictures don't tell us anything.

Looking at the side shot, it looks a bit low in front, which would make it too wide, but it could be the way the horse is standing or the build of the horse (is the horse shorter at the wither than the croup?).

Make sure the horse is standing on level ground with all four feet square, and take pictures showing more of the horse. Also, don't put any saddle pad under it, just a thin towel or sheet, and lightly cinch it up.

In your price range, I would look at Abetta saddles or Fabtrons. Both are made on good trees and will last. If you want leather, go used.

 

[SouthernTrails]

That is an awesome price on a Lady Trail, but it may be a littl big, hard to tell for sure by those pics, like LTR79 said, some pics showing a little more of the shoulder.

The Lady Trails is FQH Bars 7" Gullet

If the Tack Shop has the Fabtron 7110 in stock to check fit it is Reg. QH Bars 6.75" Gullet

If that is still not a great fit, see if they have the 7128 which is SQH Bars 6.5" Gullet.

Kevin