Got a saddle today...

[carla]

So we went out today to buy hubby some boots and ended up getting junior some, too. Fun times. :) So anyway, we were walking through the saddles afterward and a lady came up and asked if she could help, we got to talking and I mentioned that I definitely wanted a round skirt.. she picked up a synthetic that I'd already looked at but walked by and asked if I wanted to sit on it. So I did. :p

It was comfy, and I said something about their fitting/return policy (I thought you could ONLY get a store credit..) She said that they actually have a three-day fit trial, where you can fit it to your horse ONLY.. no riding, etc. If it didn't fit you can bring it back and they'll back the charge off your CC.

So we decided to do it, took it home and it fit Jack great! So, looks like I'm not on the hunt anymore! :D SM has pics that he will be emailing me soon.. but for now this is a pic from the website. It doesn't look quite as shiny & cheesy in person, lol. Not my "dream saddle," but it was a good price for now and will definitely do for a few years!

It's a Big Horn Cordura 15", brown.. and matches my headstall that I already had.

http://www.horsetown.com/store/files/images/small/t_13014.jpg

[vicklynn]

Depending on the series, Big Horn makes some pretty good saddles.

Make sure you treat it well. Dont toss it around cause its light, and keep it sand free after arena rides.

The one I had before lasted me yrs, and I rode long and hard in it. When I sold my horse, I sold the saddle also, it was still in new shape. I own one again, and love it.

Guess I forgot to say congrats!! sorry
Hope to see pics soon

[Me'N'Chic]

Congratulations! Many Happy Trails with your new saddle!!

[FatSpottedAppy]

Congrats! That's the exact saddle I want but only in black.

[3equines]

Big Horn cordura saddles are definately the better among the synthetic saddles. They have good trees and are built well, several of my friends ride in them. Nothing like a new saddle to get you on your horse, right?;)

[ImaBronsonBear]

Congrats! Can't wait to see pics.:D

[Remali]

You got a nice saddle, Big Horns are good saddles! Looking forward to seeing you and Jack modeling the saddle Carla!

[Petra]

Congrats! I can't see the picture, but I'm glad you're happy with it.
We are planning to look for saddle as soon as we get a tax return. I have one, but my hubby doesn't fit in it.

[Mountain Creek]

Nice saddle! We use Big Horns at our hack barn. They are used A LOT and we've had ours for years.

[Ryderd65]

Nice saddle- I have a BH Cordura myself. Very comfy and light. A picture of the new saddle on your horse would be nice, too :)

[Sundays Man]

It's a nice looking saddle and Jack looks simply smashing in it. Did Carla tell y'all that as she was pulling up to the farm with the new saddle, Mr. Jack was rolling IN THE LAKE and then got out and rolled in the dirt. :hysterical::hysterical: What a clown.

CarCar, I sent the pics, please post asap.

[Flair]

A friend of mine has a Big Horn Cordura. They're good saddles for the money, and seem to fit plenty of horses. I did look at their Haflinger models briefly.

Do post pictures when you get them. And do check his sweat patterns after the first ride, and see if there are any dry spots. Not to be a downer or anything, but sometimes saddles that fit great when the horse is standing still won't fit so great with a horse in motion. (Ask me how I know ;)) But really, I think the saddle should probably be fine.

Congrats on the saddle buying. Always feels good to buy tack.

[vicklynn]

A friend of mine has a Big Horn Cordura. They're good saddles for the money, and seem to fit plenty of horses. I did look at their Haflinger models briefly.

Do post pictures when you get them. And do check his sweat patterns after the first ride, and see if there are any dry spots. Not to be a downer or anything, but sometimes saddles that fit great when the horse is standing still won't fit so great with a horse in motion. (Ask me how I know ;)) But really, I think the saddle should probably be fine.

Congrats on the saddle buying. Always feels good to buy tack.

You know your right, even with the Big Horn Cordura. When I first bought my new one, I liked the fit, put on a blanket and I didnt like the fit , bought an expensive pad to fit the withers better, and that saddle fits wonderfully, just like it did with no pad. City is even happy when we ride, and that tells me alot. Sweat pattern is important. Not sure how the people would know if you rode in it, if ya just took it easy and used a nice pad, the fleece should stay clean..lol. Heck, Id give it a try.
Patiently waiting for pics..................................vick taps foot...lol

[WashingtonBoy]

I have a black Big Horn Cordura, and really like it.

[alittleoffkey]

I know a lot of people that love Big Horns, congratulations! I can't wait to see the pictures!

[valleyrider]

Nice looking saddle, can't wait to see pictures of Jack with his new saddle. I hope it fits him.

[carla]

Sorry guys! We went to our friends' house tonight and I stayed longer than planned. Pics coming right up as I get them moved over...

I'm so glad to hear such good things about the BH synthetics. I didn't know anything about them, but liked the feel of it. :)

ps- sorry for posting in the wrong spot, too. ;)

[JackieB]

Congratulations, Carla!

[carla]

Okay. Now, these look a bit "fluffy," looking back on them- but it did feel good, I promise. ;) I slid my hand underneath it easily, and there was even pressure allll the way down.. and not too much of it. It looks a little jacked up in the back, but remember it's not cinched or anything.

I did consider cinching it up, but they stressed so much, "no cinching," that I didn't even want to undo the fancy little loopy job on the tie strap. LOL. Plus, as SM mentioned, Jack was SO. INCREDIBLY. WET AND DIRTY.. that I was scared even to sit the thing on him! (the side shot is of his dry side.)

Boy, when I saw him plop down in that lake just as we pulled in the driveway.. :jawdrop: :hysterical: I was NOT a happy mama at that time.

Anyways. Front-ish view:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/carcar_020/saddle1.jpg

Back view:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/carcar_020/saddle3.jpg

Side view. I know the towel looks awesome- I had to add more length to protect the fenders on the other side from the muddy filth:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/carcar_020/saddle2.jpg

And look how mitchy-matchy! :D

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p214/carcar_020/saddle5.jpg

I did measure it against SM's saddle for Mira (which was the one I used on him Thursday that everyone thought fit so nicely) and they measure just the same. Like I said, this one just has a little more fluff. LOL

Oh- and I just can't wait to get a cutesy little rounded pad for it. I mean, erm, manly! Yeah, that's it- manly. (keep it quiet, SM! Please?)

[carla]

Oh- and one more thing. I would really like to wrap the horn on this one. I love/prefer a wrapped one, but I'm not sure what I would use?? I've never done it, just had saddles already wrapped.

[vicklynn]

I like, its a good series you got, not a cheapy.
Id cinch it down, see how it fits over the withers and the sides of the withers. The back, heck, mine still sits up a hair, but fits wonderfully. Once broke it, it'll lay down back there just fine. You will know if it fits once its cinched down. Like I said, my main concern is how it fits up front, looks good in the back.
So, when we BH lovers going riding...lol
PS. That looks like the one I had way back when, but in black.

[carla]

Thanks, vick. You know, I did actually ask if they had it in black (even though I was fairly sure I wanted brown).. they didn't. And she said something about the company "going under" but someone else buying them out, but in the meantime these saddles are getting harder to come by? I dunno.. I was halfway listening, half trying to decide if I wanted to go for it. The lady was great, though.

I think it'll be fine. I have a good feeling about it. Now for a pad. Just a barrel pad should work fine, right? Has anyone used this one? And now the hard part whichever pad I choose.. color!

http://www.horse.com/Pro-Craft-The-Unbounded-Round-Saddle-Pads-WIP01.html

[Flair]

It looks like it might be a pretty good fit, although most of the time, saddle fitting is probably best done without a pad on a horse so you can really see how it fits the back. Any rolling problems when you rocked the saddle? The pommel does look like it's higher than the cantle, but that could be an optical illusion because of the doorway and the wall.

Just curious, but did you try putting your hand under the saddle bars by his shoulder and then have someone push down on the seat as if there was rider weight there? I had an interesting experience when we were fitting an Arabian tree on my pony. Definitely felt that, and knew that wasn't the saddle for us.

I'd agree with Vicklynn. The back looks pretty good, but I'm not too sure about the front. The pad kind of interferes with how it looks over his withers. What kind of bars on the saddle? Ever thought of trying a wither tracing (http://www.fourwinds.net/wither.htm), just to be sure?

Guh, the Unbounded pad. I got one for Mitch thinking he needed the orthopedic pad. It was way too long for him (although it wouldn't be a problem for Jack I don't think) but I think the think that annoyed me most was no contour wither on that pad. It did not look like it would shape right on a horse's wither at all. Even my little no-withered fattie.

[carla]

Thanks, Flair. Yeah, I really wanted to put it on him without a pad, in fact I had considered just a sheet underneath to keep it clean. But NOT with how soaking wet he was (on the other side, as I said). It was *truly* ridiculous. :doh:

No problem when I rocked it. QH bars.. And yes, I do remember I was holding the camera a little high when I snapped the back shot I believe (edit n/m I see you're not talking about that pic now lol). I did not have anyone push down while my hand was underneath. I was going to do a wither tracing when I was going to order from an online store (kates), but I wouldn't know what to do with one myself. Would I just take the actual hanger and see how it fits under there? Or cut the tracing out of stiff board maybe?

Thanks for the tip on the Unbounded pad. I may just go for a more "regular" pad, lol. But shoud the barrel pad work? Would this skirt be considered barrel? I notice some of the "trail" pads are also rounded, but not so abruptly so.

**edit** On the side-shot pic, I put a piece of paper against the frame of my screen and lowered it to the saddle. The paper hits the pommel and cantle exactly even.. if that even helps.

[Flair]

Hopefully he won't be too messy tomorrow, and maybe you can go out and try to take pictures of him without the pad. It looks like it should fit him, but you always want to be sure because the last thing you'd need is to find out on day 4 that it just doesn't sit right.

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/howshoulifit.html

I printed out the templates off that site for doing wither tracing/measuring for Mitch. You can use cardboard pretty easily, and save the cut out middle for measuring it against the gullet of your saddle. Might be worth checking out to be sure.

I think the Unbounded pad would have been all right, if it had a spine channel so it could fit better on the horse's back. But it was pretty much flat and shapeless, which given it's price ... well, we get what we pay for. A regular barrel pad ought to be just fine. There's lots of nice pads out there, you just would have to find the one you liked the best.

[vicklynn]

Never used that pad. I bought this one, but in blue. The square is small and fits the round skirt. I have a pic of it on City with his saddle if you want to see it.
http://www.charmaynejames.com/store/product_detail.cfm?ID=AR

[JackieB]

It looks like it probably fits to me, Carla. It's encouraging that the bars are the same as the one you had on the other day, because that one definitely fit.

I'll admit that I'm a bit of a saddle pad snob, but I've just become sold on the idea that really high quality pads are important, and an investment in comfort and safety (avoiding rubbing) for the horse that will last for years. I'm a big fan of Tod Slone pads. They are sold many places, but I bought mine at National Roper Supply, which is www.nrsworld.com (http://www.nrsworld.com). Perhaps you can't afford one right now, but I'd absolutely put a pad of this quality on your wish list. They are worth every penny and will hold up for decades.

[JackieB]

Here is a rounded Tod Slone pad. I don't know anything about this tack store, though.

http://www.rockinmtack.com/Tod-Slone-Round-Barrel-Saddle-Pad-p/p050-r.htm

My guess is that you will decide that a pad of this quality is out of your price range right now, but like I said before, they are a great long-term investment.

[Flair]

I've got a Charmayne James pad. It's turquoise. I'm using it right now with my Barefoot treeless, but will be ordering a Skito pad.

Skito pads aren't too bad. They do have a price tag, but they're really good pads overall. You can get them pretty much custom made.

http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/tack/saddle-pads/skito-pads/equalizer-insert-pad/prod_41.html

[luckydoublesranch]

Ooooo! Very nice! The leather/cordura hybrids are a nice saddle for alot of reasons...good buy! :)

... but I've just become sold on the idea that really high quality pads are important, and an investment in comfort and safety (avoiding rubbing) for the horse that will last for years. I'm a big fan of Tod Slone pads. They are sold many places, but I bought mine at National Roper Supply, which is www.nrsworld.com (http://www.nrsworld.com). Perhaps you can't afford one right now, but I'd absolutely put a pad of this quality on your wish list. They are worth every penny and will hold up for decades.

I totally agree with JackieB. A great pad is soooo important. I must admit, I am a pad addict..LOL! I just bought my first Todd Sloan pad a few weeks ago and really like it! I've had good luck with Pro Choice Air rides, Tweny X, Impact Gels (some people say their horses are sensitive to them, so far so good here), Lami-Cell pads, ESP by Classic Equine...

Big Horn did just go bankrupt and was bought out by American Saddlery. Inmates make the saddles now. They have a whole program at the prison. Kind of neat really... But anyway, you are probably lucky to have found one you like because it sounds like they will become harder to find unless American Saddlery makes a comparible saddle. :cowboy:

[carla]

Vick- I have come across some CJ pads for around $90 online.. and yes, I would like to see pics!

edit: Oh, wait a sec. Actually, it's a Pro Choice CJ SMx Air-Ride to be exact.

Lucky.. thanks! I'm glad you think it was a good buy. It sure was sudden! (as my buys usually go, lol- zip up, JackieB ;) ) And thanks for filling me in on the story. Yes, that's what the lady had said, minus the inmate part. Pretty cool!

[JackieB]

It sure was sudden! (as my buys usually go, lol- zip up, JackieB ;) )

Not a peep from me. :) I got a little whiplash from the abrupt change from the Aussie saddle, but nothing serious. :)

I think you got a good saddle that will serve you well.

[vicklynn]

Here is City with Saddle and Pad. If you need that extra space for that dip in the wither, this really helps.
City loves it.
Remember, this is the square ortho pad. If I were to get the round, it wouldnt of fit.
With the ortho, I did not need any more padding for the saddle, it keeps it right in place.
This is a 16inch BH rounded skirt saddle also.
Sorry, his head is down. Shot is for the pad/saddle set though.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/vicklynn/1216862209.jpg

Shot is farther away, but head is up and you can see the fit better.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/vicklynn/1216862211.jpg

There are so many pads out there, so Im not trying to sell this type on you. I tell ya though, of all the pad Ive had, this is the bomb. Its not thick or heavy, yet it does a great job.
The other saddle pads I like are the SMX, but they are to thick for what I need.

[luvs2ride1979]

Congrats! Big Horns are nice saddles. They hold up well to use and usually fit horses nicely.

The fit looks like it will be good. The back is up, which concerns me, but it may come down as you break in the saddle. The front looks like a good fit.

Another vote for Skito pads. I have FOUR of them! lol Supracor pads (http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/tack/saddle-pads/supracor-saddle-pads/cat_44.html) are also nice. One of my trail riding buddies has been using them for years and has great luck with them. None of the good pads are cheap, lol.

[carla]

Vick- I love that! It looks great. So your saddle is the same as mine- I should get the squared as well.. funny, it looks like it would need the round but def not from your pics. :) I love that.

luvs2- thanks, and thanks for the additional recommendation- I'll check it out.

[Sundays Man]

I told Jack tonight that you were buying him a cute little pink blanket and are going to braid his tail and put ribbons in it. I told him no self respecting mustang would put up with such foolishness. He promised to roll in the mud again next time he sees you with a saddle. He loves the saddle but all of the fru fru cutesie stuff has him a little worried about what Mira and Buck will think. He DOES have an image to uphold ya know, being a big bad alpha pony and all.

[JackieB]

I told Jack tonight that you were buying him a cute little pink blanket and are going to braid his tail and put ribbons in it.

If she even so much as thinks about it, I'll have her in court for so long, she won't have time to braid anything but her own hair from the witness stand. I've been pretty lenient lately, and my billable hours show it because they are way down so far in 2009, but this case would keep me busy for months and you could bet your last pecan and glass of sweet tea that I'd win!

[cloedoll]

Hey, I had that saddle for Keidas when I first bought him. I trashed the thing, but you couldn't tell! It holds up very well, lol. I can't wait to see more pictures! =D

[lovesfortune]

Just getting back online and saw this. I'm sad you didn't get an aussie :( but I'm glad you got a good deal and on one that so many here have had great reviews and that looks like it fits him pretty well!

[carla]

SM- lol, not a chance on that manly boy. He's already got a complex! He'll either have dark red or dark green, I do believe. When all's said and done, anyway. But no pink or braids. ;)

Caitlin- thanks! Glad yours worked out well for you. I'm loving all the good comments on experiences with this one. :)

LOVES!!! I know! I was a little sad too at first, when I saw this one and started thinking of getting it. But I just thought on it and realized I'm just a western girl, I reckon... Shucks. :hysterical:

I did tell the lady, I wished they sold Aussies. She said they used to (I thought I remembered them from when I was little and used to go there), but they just never did well. Said people always had questions that were beyond their scope, lol, and that others had a hard time with the poleys.

SO. I still hope that one day I'll get to ride/have an Aussie, but for now here we are.