Rough out vs. smooth leather saddles

[Dakota Sunrise]

I am planning on buying a new (used;)) saddle after I sell my other ones. I am leaning towards getting a rough-out barrel saddle for extra grip, especially for riding Beauty. I've never actually ridden in one, but I love my Big Horn that has a rough out seat with synthetic fenders that gives extra grip. And Beauty's barrel saddle (the one that I'm selling) has suede on the seat and jockeys and I liked that.
I have a saddle with really smooth, beautiful leather but I can't grip it to save my life and it doesn't make me feel very secure. Which is why I'm considering rough-out for my next saddle. Or another synthetic.
Can I get a nice barrel saddle with rough-out for under $500?

So what's your preference and why? I need a second opinion.:)

[natisha]

I like a smooth seat, easier to follow the horse without having to move your shoulders & end up looking like a blow up doll.;)
Then again, they make different seats for a reason.

[JackieB]

I didn't even know what they were when I had Buster's saddle made for him, but if I did, I think I would have gone rough out. People I talk to really like them, and I could use the extra grip sometimes.

You can definitely get a good one for under $500 in the economy. Just be patient for a bit with the shopping. You should be able to get a $1,000 saddle for that much these days.

ETA: JackieB promises to behave...

[vicklynn]

I like both, so Im not the one to answer.

Ive had both f rough outs and smooth seats.
I now own a smooth seat. It came that way...lol

Do you have a saddle shop around where you can sit in a few, move around in them a bit, see what you like best.

[JackieB]

I like a smooth seat, easier to follow the horse without having to move your shoulders & end up looking like a blow up doll.;)
Then again, they make different seats for a reason.

You know, I never even thought of that. A rough seat is also going to impede some movement that you might want to stay fluid and in synch with your horse.

I'm sure eventers would mostly scoff at a conversation like this one. They ride on what looks like an unfolded wallet to me and stay on beautifully!

[WashingtonBay]

I like smooth, because it's a lot easier to clean and oil. And I like the slippery seat for being able to slide deeper in it when the horse moves... With a rough seat, I feel like I'm stuck on top of it, not in it, if that makes sense.

[JackieB]

Aw come on, WB. At least give me the trout!

[gabhainn]

I actually want both on my saddle, I want a smooth (top grain) seat, but I want my jockey's and fenders roughout. Usually, but not always, known as a half-breed. I just ordered rough out fenders for my roping saddle for that reason......Kevin

[WashingtonBay]

Aw come on, WB. At least give me the trout!

I hadn't even read that post yet... Troublemaker!

I'll let Dakota hit you with the trout, for trying to derail her thread...

Or Natisha, for baiting her.


Or pretty much anyone else who wants to take a turn.


Mob rules....

[gabhainn]

. They ride on what looks like an unfolded wallet to me and stay on beautifully!
excellent description
I like smooth, because it's a lot easier to clean and oil.
really? I clean roughout with a stiff brush and oil from the backside........Kevin

[mare]

I like smooth for my ranch saddle, but rough out polo saddles. *shrug*

Oldest daughter loves her rough out western saddle. She rides a lot of colts and has to doctor cattle by herself. She usually just uses a stiff brush to remove mud and dust. If she has to soap it, she uses the stiff bruff after it dries.

[AUEquine]

I actually want both on my saddle, I want a smooth (top grain) seat, but I want my jockey's and fenders roughout. Usually, but not always, known as a half-breed. I just ordered rough out fenders for my roping saddle for that reason......Kevin

You'd love my trophy saddle from State then. It's got an aligator (smooth) seat and rough out fenders. I on the other hand hate it. It's just gonna sit in my office and look pretty!


Dakota. I personaly hate the roughout fenders. Try to ride in one first before you buy one. The pull my pants legs up while I ride. It sticks too much. Some movement with the horse is obviously required, however everytime I move my pants stayed and next thing I know I've got on capri pants, and everything is balled up in my crotch!
I like smooth leather fenders, and a suede seat.
The biggest thing is you need to get a good saddle that fits you. I know you had a big debate about seat size. And I feel your poor self image made you think you needed a bigger seat (you're tiny... seriously). I weigh 195lbs and have a very ample behind, but for a secure ride in a barrel saddle I still ride in a 14". If I were you I'd try the 14" again. But whether you do a 14 or a 15 inch you need to look at the seat. I'm betting you're like me and would benifit from having a deeper seat. Barrel saddles in general have deeper seats that most other western saddles, but even in the barrel saddle world there are different depths.

Why seat size are you looking for? What tree size do you need? I'll start hunting e-bay for you. I've gotten both of mine on e-bay for $400, and they are top quality. So it can be done. Also have you ever tried a beartrap saddle?

[gabhainn]

It sticks too much.
FWIW you can "adjust" the amount of grip on roughout, it just takes a VERY gentle hand. go to the hardware store and get the finest grit sanding sponge you can find (like the kind used for drywall applications). Then with a light, light, light touch sand the nap, until you get the desired amount of grab. The longer the nap the grabbier the saddle, I have seen roughout finer than suede and have seen roughout as shaggy as an agora goat, its all about degrees.........Kevin

[zoel_222]

I like both, but I think I prefer the smooth. I feel like my movement is a little freer, like I'm not being gripped into place. Maybe some people would consider that a bad thing? Honestly, I hardly feel too much of a difference to really have much of an opinion. I've had both kinds of saddles and like them both.

[AUEquine]

FWIW you can "adjust" the amount of grip on roughout, it just takes a VERY gentle hand. go to the hardware store and get the finest grit sanding sponge you can find (like the kind used for drywall applications). Then with a light, light, light touch sand the nap, until you get the desired amount of grab. The longer the nap the grabbier the saddle, I have seen roughout finer than suede and have seen roughout as shaggy as an agora goat, its all about degrees.........Kevin
Oh I know. Actually I've burned the nap off of one before and it came out nice. But I don't want to burn my trophy saddle. It's not as 'nappy' as some. I might use it as a trail saddle one day since it's a 15". I prefer a 14" for racing, and don't think I'll like that smooth seat through those barrel turns. Cash turns pretty hard, and I don't wanna be slipping out and sitting on his rump... could be funny video though!

Ok DS... I'm really bored at work (only 4 horses here). So I cruised around ebay for ya. Here's a LONG list of barrel saddles in your price range. They range in sizes and styles. But all have the deep seat I was talking about. And all are of a quality I would have no question about buying. I've bought and sold so many barrel saddles on ebay, I've developed a pretty good eye for it! So here ya go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300471086840&_trksid=p2759.l1259 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300471086840&_trksid=p2759.l1259)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Saddle-King-Texas-barrel-saddle-14-inch-/140455282829?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3c9888d (http://cgi.ebay.com/Saddle-King-Texas-barrel-saddle-14-inch-/140455282829?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3c9888d)
http://cgi.ebay.com/WESTERN-BARREL-RACING-SADDLE-/180561511409?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0a4e03f1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/WESTERN-BARREL-RACING-SADDLE-/180561511409?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0a4e03f1)
http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Saddlery-barrel-saddle-Circle-Y-breastcollar-/220670026600?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3360f56368 (http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Saddlery-barrel-saddle-Circle-Y-breastcollar-/220670026600?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3360f56368)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Barrel-Racing-Tex-Tan-Independence-Saddle-15in-/140456964616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3e33208 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Barrel-Racing-Tex-Tan-Independence-Saddle-15in-/140456964616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3e33208)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-14-Twister-Trophied-Barrel-Saddle-w-Blue-Seat-NR-/320589218437?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa49b4285 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-14-Twister-Trophied-Barrel-Saddle-w-Blue-Seat-NR-/320589218437?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa49b4285)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-14-5-Barrel-Saddle-Lot-Saddle-Bridle-Breast-Collar-/150496940216?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230a5110b8 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-14-5-Barrel-Saddle-Lot-Saddle-Bridle-Breast-Collar-/150496940216?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230a5110b8)
http://cgi.ebay.com/CIRCLE-Y-FLEX-LITE-BARREL-SADDLE-/330475956973?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1e6eaed (http://cgi.ebay.com/CIRCLE-Y-FLEX-LITE-BARREL-SADDLE-/330475956973?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf1e6eaed)
http://cgi.ebay.com/14-Barrel-Saddle-Courts-No-Reserve-/140457322121?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3e8a689 (http://cgi.ebay.com/14-Barrel-Saddle-Courts-No-Reserve-/140457322121?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3e8a689)
http://cgi.ebay.com/UseD-14-AmeriCan-SaDDlery-BaRRel-SaDDle-MoDel-825-/260667329065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb0fbca29 (http://cgi.ebay.com/UseD-14-AmeriCan-SaDDlery-BaRRel-SaDDle-MoDel-825-/260667329065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb0fbca29)
http://cgi.ebay.com/14-Custom-Made-Barrel-Saddle-made-Smiths-Tack-/280565746647?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4153058bd7 (http://cgi.ebay.com/14-Custom-Made-Barrel-Saddle-made-Smiths-Tack-/280565746647?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4153058bd7)

[natisha]

Dakota, if the saddle fits Beauty & you, you could have the seat changed only. Still sell the one saddle & have money left over to buy me something. :p

[Vegashorselady]

I have both and like both just fine. So I guess I don't really help much, lol. :)

[Dakota Sunrise]

Thanks for all the opinions and saddle links, everyone!

I've found a few barrel saddles that I like but I can't buy until I sell one or both of mine. I wish I could ride in a rough out before I commit to buying one but that's not possible because I don't know anyone who has one.

I'm also considering just getting another synthetic saddle which will be cheaper. I love my Big Horn and my neighbor loves her Abetta and she's had it for like ten years. I checked out the Abetta website and they have all different styles now. Some of them are pretty cool.

[Dakota Sunrise]

I found the perfect barrel saddle. But I can't have it.:(

15' in. GENUINE (made in Sulphur, OK.)Billy Cook barrel saddle....nice saddle. Brand new costs $1300.00. I bought it lightly used. Ive probably ridden in it 30 times. The rawhide on the horn is a little rough...but can be repaired. QH bars. Asking $575

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/barrelsaddle.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/barrelsaddle2.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/barrelsaddle3.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/barrelsaddle4.jpg

[3equines]

I like slick seat saddles because they outlast roughout in the BIG picture. All the suede or roughout saddles I've had get filthy, soaking wet in the rain, and tore up by the abuse I put saddles through. The saddle I got for Peach this spring came with a roughout seat, I had to use it as a pack saddle and the ropes I rigged up for my sling hitch rubbed a hole right through the roughout seat at the low end of the cantle. But you'll probably never do THAT to a saddle, so I say, don't worry about what kind of seat you end up with.

That said, its pretty hard to find a slick seat saddle in the affordable price range these days. The roughout is in vogue because it does give you extra grip, and for the casual style of riding that you and your horses do the roughout style of seat should be just fine.

I would find a saddle that fits your horse and you, and not worry too much about the seat.