I'm in LOVE

[Buckpoco]

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20517&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20517) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20516&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20516) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20514&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20514) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20515&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20515) http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20513&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1453&pictureid=20513)
For two years I've wanted to try a Specialized Saddle. I've researched them online, have 3 friends who love them, yet couldn't come up with the money to buy one. Finally I saw one one ebay at the best price yet, so I took a chance, bought it and now I'm in riding heaven.

3E...you do so much with saddle fitting, thought you might find this interesting.
The tree is an ordinary tree, but has velcro on it...you attach the black fitting cushions where they need to be for a perfect fit for your horse. Then they have inserts and wedges you can further add to create the fit you want.

The fitting cushions can come in closer for a narrow horse, out further for a wide horse and can be moved back allowing for shoulder movement. I've done that as well as rasped the tip off the cushion...now Dice has plenty of shoulder room. They also have wide trees...I have a regular.

Dice dips down in the loin and I used an insert to fill in the space. Consequently the saddle raised up and wow did my lower back feel better. It also only weighs 17 lbs as opposed to my Big Horn that weighed 30...my back is so happy. I feel so balanced, can post if I choose...also bought bucking rolls from the company and I love them. Never had used them but since we're riding on cold, windy days, I'm glad to have them...and I can change their position too!

So, I'm in love:cowboy::cowboy::cowboy:

[Cat]

Wow - neat saddle! Never heard of it before. I would love to hear an update on how you like it after you have used it a couple months. How much would one of those normally run?

[Buckpoco]

Wow - neat saddle! Never heard of it before. I would love to hear an update on how you like it after you have used it a couple months. How much would one of those normally run?

I've had it about 6 weeks and had many trail rides on it. The girl gave me one month to try it which was really nice, but I knew I wanted after 4 rides LOL!!! (I just kept forgetting to take pics of it for the forum.)

Each time I use it I love it more.

That one I have starts at about $1700...I got it for $990. They have a lighter version, only 13 lbs and that starts at $1300. All of the endurance people are using them and winning in them!

They have western versions, endurance and english. Mine is endurance, called the Trailmaster!

I have to say it's the best saddle, comfort wise for me and the horse, that I've ever ridden in.

If you are interested, just keep looking at eBay. They don't sell well there as most people aren't familiar with them. If you see one, remind the person that they aren't selling well there... they also have used ones at the specialized website, but those are pretty pricey.

[WashingtonBay]

Really nifty! I sure like it!

A friend has a nifty saddle where the tree will pivot on a ball and socket, to any angle. Not sure on the brand, but it just goes to show you, saddle technology could be so much better than just a standard, rigid, unmovable tree.

[Buckpoco]

Really nifty! I sure like it!

A friend has a nifty saddle where the tree will pivot on a ball and socket, to any angle. Not sure on the brand, but it just goes to show you, saddle technology could be so much better than just a standard, rigid, unmovable tree.

True...that sounds like an interesting saddle too! :)

[Bessie13]

I have never heard of this before. What a great idea. Happy Trails to you! :) Thanks for sharing.

[Buckpoco]

I have never heard of this before. What a great idea. Happy Trails to you! :) Thanks for sharing.

Two years ago I rode with somebody that had one and have been fascinated with them ever since.

[Buckpoco]

Anybody else here use bucking rolls, or am I the only "sissy"?

[cowgirlup@idaho]

Everyone I know that has a slick fork gets bucking rolls. You are not a sissy :cowboy:

[Remali]

What a nice saddle! I've always liked those specialized saddles, they look so comfy for both the horse and the rider.

[Buckpoco]

Everyone I know that has a slick fork gets bucking rolls. You are not a sissy :cowboy:

Thank you cowgirl!!! I never used them before but really like them...I can make them even with the pommel or bring them down like they are in the pic.
I appreciate your vote of confidence...LOL!:cowboy:

[Buckpoco]

What a nice saddle! I've always liked those specialized saddles, they look so comfy for both the horse and the rider.


I'm finding it exceptionally comfortable...probably because I've been able to get it balanced...for the horse and myself.

[3equines]

Really nifty! I sure like it!

A friend has a nifty saddle where the tree will pivot on a ball and socket, to any angle. Not sure on the brand, but it just goes to show you, saddle technology could be so much better than just a standard, rigid, unmovable tree.

I saw an ad for one of those a long time ago and would love to find who/where they come from.

Buck - I think that is a nifty saddle, great idea and looks comfy for nice day rides. But, not built for "work" - don't think I could get away with doing this if I had to:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/susnakela/hells%20canyon%202010/DSCF3667.jpg

Isn't it amazing, though, how a good saddle fit makes riding so much better? I find that when the saddle doesn't fit right -especially if it is going downhill in the front - it is hard to keep good balance and you try to compensate by throwing your feet forward.

[pasolover2]

Is this the saddle you are thinking of by Royal King? http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/ROYAL/RK1750 It has the RB auto adjust tree/bars. I bought a couple for me and my hubby about 4 years back and we love the saddles, comfy to ride in though at the time the ones we got have a very slick seat so we had to add some kind of grip to them.

They are not an expensive saddle, since hubby and I only trail ride 2-3 times a week we don't put them through a lot of hard rigourous use, but where we live it is a lot of up/down etc trails. Also I wanted a saddle I could use on not only my walker, but my paso also. My paso has been the hardest to fit a saddle to and this one just fits both my horses well.

[3equines]

Thanks for the link, Paso. looks interesting I would like to actually see one in person - maybe run a CL ad to see if there's any around in the NW that I could take a looksee. Neat concept, similar to my adjustable pack saddle, but I would like to find out what the limitations are. if I really liked the tree but the leather or rigging was crummy I could have it rebuilt, I guess.

[Buckpoco]

I saw an ad for one of those a long time ago and would love to find who/where they come from.

Buck - I think that is a nifty saddle, great idea and looks comfy for nice day rides. But, not built for "work" - don't think I could get away with doing this if I had to:
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/susnakela/hells%20canyon%202010/DSCF3667.jpg

Isn't it amazing, though, how a good saddle fit makes riding so much better? I find that when the saddle doesn't fit right -especially if it is going downhill in the front - it is hard to keep good balance and you try to compensate by throwing your feet forward.

You're right 3E...these are not working saddles...many of the endurance people are using them because they are light and can be made into a perfect fit. The leather isn't as heavy as our Big Horn or Martin, but what you can do with this saddle is amazing...

They have a website and I believe they are in California. The owner, David Kaden, is quite the horseman and is glad to talk to you on the phone or will communicate by email. He was wonderful to deal with, even though I got my saddle on eBay...I ordered the bucking rolls and more fitting cushions from him...I have actually been emailing him with questions for 2 years...so this was not a "spur of the moment" purchase LOL! He's been friendly and helpful.

[3equines]

I would like to get an everyday riding saddle that really fits Sweet P. Haven't found it yet, just making do with what I have. I will consider checking into Specialized when I have the money to back it up. I am thinking of discussing the issue with Santa Clause next fall;). At this point, if I could exrecise, train, and trail ride her comfortably I would be happy. When the work needs to be done, I have a pack saddle that fits her well so she can be one of the ponies I am pulling form my saddlehorse.

[Buckpoco]

I would like to get an everyday riding saddle that really fits Sweet P. Haven't found it yet, just making do with what I have. I will consider checking into Specialized when I have the money to back it up. I am thinking of discussing the issue with Santa Clause next fall;). At this point, if I could exrecise, train, and trail ride her comfortably I would be happy. When the work needs to be done, I have a pack saddle that fits her well so she can be one of the ponies I am pulling form my saddlehorse.

I was thinking that with all of your experience you probably could make something like the specialized saddles...???

[FoxFireEMT]

Very interesting. Looks like a nice saddle!

[Buckpoco]

Dice has been putting on weight the last few weeks as the weather has been bad and we couldn't ride. Lots of extra hay for warmth...he put on some weight...but all I have to do is go to thinner fitting cushions and I'll have a wider saddle...love it!!! I know this is silly but I've never been so excited about a saddle...