HI, I looked for a long time for just the right western saddle. When I was "newer" to riding I bought a mare. I tried her out and she was great, then I went back and rode her with my saddle. At first I did not know what was wrong, I could not sit her canter at all. The young fella said it was my saddle, sure enough I put there's on and I was fine. I had a roper - the seat and the stirrups are not positioned well except for roping. My new saddle has the stirrups forward and the center of the seat about 5/8 back. Larry Trocha oulines this on his site. I bought a Jerry Shaw and wish I could afford another for my husband but they are pricey ( but worth)