3equines
02-26-2009, 01:58 PM
OK, my $300 gamble arrived yesterday, and it SNOWED this morning so classes at the college were cancelled.... sooooo... guess what I did today?
The saddle is a cheap "draft horse" Aussie saddle from an online supplier. Before I tell you I basically got what I payed for, I have to say I think it will work, for now.
The 10" gullet is actually a tad wide for Sweet P, I wasn't sure if it would work, but took it out for a spin anyhow. The underside of the tree is a stuffed panel that self-conforms, and though the pommel rode a little low there was still a hand width's clearance above the withers (I put my hand under the pommel while riding up and down hills to see if it was pinching).
The seat felt comfortable and balanced, and I had excellent calf contact. The stirrups were crap, I took them off and put on a pair of wide barrel racing stirrups from another saddle.
The saddle fit securely, it had a little bit of wiggle but did not roll when I mounted and dismounted.
The poleys (knee pads/Miickey Mouse ears) did not bother me, they did not make contact with my legs.
While it isn't a perfect fit for Sweet P, it is better than any other saddle I have tried on her. If I need to, I can shim up the tree uder the pommel, but I don't think it will be necessary.
The saddle is super cheap leather that doesn't stand a chance of lasting more than 1 or 2 seasons of serious trail riding. It needs to be soaked in a barrel of oil for about 3 months!!!
The stirrup leathers have about 6" of adjustability, a full-sized man would probably not be able to get the stirrups long enough. The stirrups are attached to the leather with bolts and nuts that may pose a safety hazard, in my opinion (I will probably rig up something different). Note: better stirrup straps can also be bought.
PS the 36" girth I bought is PERFECT, any smaller might have been too small
I think that, down the road, I may get a Rideabout brand Aussie saddle for Sweet P. They are the 'nice' Aussie saddles, with tree fitting and good quality materials.
Now, for something really funny, my boyfriend had a cheap Mexican-made Western saddle that was too wide for his horses. He brought it over, and it fits Peach (other Haffie)! It, too, is made of super cheap leather that could be soaked in a barrel of oil for a few months!
Well, for now, my horses all have saddles that can be passed off as rideable.
PICS - will add more as a reply to post -
The saddle is a cheap "draft horse" Aussie saddle from an online supplier. Before I tell you I basically got what I payed for, I have to say I think it will work, for now.
The 10" gullet is actually a tad wide for Sweet P, I wasn't sure if it would work, but took it out for a spin anyhow. The underside of the tree is a stuffed panel that self-conforms, and though the pommel rode a little low there was still a hand width's clearance above the withers (I put my hand under the pommel while riding up and down hills to see if it was pinching).
The seat felt comfortable and balanced, and I had excellent calf contact. The stirrups were crap, I took them off and put on a pair of wide barrel racing stirrups from another saddle.
The saddle fit securely, it had a little bit of wiggle but did not roll when I mounted and dismounted.
The poleys (knee pads/Miickey Mouse ears) did not bother me, they did not make contact with my legs.
While it isn't a perfect fit for Sweet P, it is better than any other saddle I have tried on her. If I need to, I can shim up the tree uder the pommel, but I don't think it will be necessary.
The saddle is super cheap leather that doesn't stand a chance of lasting more than 1 or 2 seasons of serious trail riding. It needs to be soaked in a barrel of oil for about 3 months!!!
The stirrup leathers have about 6" of adjustability, a full-sized man would probably not be able to get the stirrups long enough. The stirrups are attached to the leather with bolts and nuts that may pose a safety hazard, in my opinion (I will probably rig up something different). Note: better stirrup straps can also be bought.
PS the 36" girth I bought is PERFECT, any smaller might have been too small
I think that, down the road, I may get a Rideabout brand Aussie saddle for Sweet P. They are the 'nice' Aussie saddles, with tree fitting and good quality materials.
Now, for something really funny, my boyfriend had a cheap Mexican-made Western saddle that was too wide for his horses. He brought it over, and it fits Peach (other Haffie)! It, too, is made of super cheap leather that could be soaked in a barrel of oil for a few months!
Well, for now, my horses all have saddles that can be passed off as rideable.
PICS - will add more as a reply to post -