Synthetic Saddle -- Yes/No and Why Not

[FatSpottedAppy]

:deadhorse:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_37076_-1______14499|14527|14535|37076?listingPage=true&Special=false

Yes no and why not?
Be specific!

Synthetic haters, please stay out. :) I want opinions from people who are OK with synthetic saddles.

[elevenelevenxo]

If it fits your horse and you take care of it, I don't see why not....but it is cheap, so just be prepared for it to maybe not last as long as something else. :)

My gripe with tack at Tractor Supply is the stuff seems rather cheaply made a lot of the time....and if you go somewhere else, you can find something that's similarly priced, but better quality. JMO.

[rocknK]

Friends don't let friends ride around in saddles made outa petro-chemicals! Save your money. Saddles are an investment, buy quality.

[alittleoffkey]

As with a leather saddle, you get what you pay for in synthetic. I agree with eleven about tractor supply. A lot of time the trees (on cheap synthetics) are rather cheaply made... so they really don't last long if you plan on doing some heavy riding. If you're just planning on doing relatively light riding or as an extra saddle, I'd say go ahead.

I'd stick with a brand-name synthetic that a lot of people like and trust, such as Abetta. :)

[WashingtonBay]

Sorry FSA - not familiar with the brand at all.

[lacyloo]

i had the same one but it was used..I didn't like it at all. Every time my horse would buck or spook,the saddle would literally go forward.
Thats why i'm in love with my western saddle.I just used the synthetic one because it came with the horse.

[ImaBronsonBear]

I've ridden in synthetic saddles, and the pros: it fit me really well, and was really comfortable, and put my leg in the right position. Cons: their trees tend to come in small sizes, and i've also heard really bad things about the trees being so ill-fitting that they permanently ruin a horse's back.

I'm OK with them, and even though i looked into getting a synthetic saddle (i'm on my 3rd, Bronson grew OUT!), i decided to go on a leather one because it would last longer, and in the end run i'd spend less money.

[vicklynn]

Ok, here is my opinion. I own 3 synthetics, and would say yes to 2 of them. Sorry, the one you are looking at, I have one similar and would not buy again. It fits Myst, and used for lite riding ONLY.
My other 2 synthetics are awesome, and will be around for a long long time.

[vicklynn]

i had the same one but it was used..I didn't like it at all. Every time my horse would buck or spook,the saddle would literally go forward.
Thats why i'm in love with my western saddle.I just used the synthetic one because it came with the horse.
Sounds like the saddle didnt fit. That particular saddle seems to be for a tad bit wider horse, even though it SAYS its suppose to fit City,,,,NOT,,,,fit big ole butt Myst,,,,see pic below...lol

[JackieB]

No way would I buy that saddle or recommend it to anyone else. This part of the description from the website is the biggest reason why:

"Fiber-flex, full quarter horse tree is durable and flexible"

The tree is the frame of the saddle. Many say they shouldn't flex at all, but those that do like flexible trees are talking about trees very carefully designed to flex without transmitting the rider's weight to the spine of the horse. I would have no confidence that this tree could do that job with any rider, but much less one who weighed over 200 lbs.

Synthetic saddles are fine of course, but it's just hard to get something new (used is much easier) that has all the quality we need for our horses (I'm not talking about tooling and conchos) for a couple hundred dollars. We owe our horses decent saddles. Not fancy, but strong and well-fitting.

[Steelhorserider]

I have 2 synthetic saddles and one leather roping saddle. The old you get what you pay for is true...my cheaper synthetic is the extra, just in case saddle...but more expensive synthetic and my leather are the saddles that we use all the time. I love my synthetic but would not buy that particular one...if you want a synthetic then go with a name brand one with a proven history.

[vicklynn]

Like BIG HORN, yet buy at 400.00 or ask us first, there are a couple under 4 that are good. Gotta love a Big Horn.

[Tiz]

I like synthetics. They're so light, comfortable for horse and rider, and affordable. I wouldn't buy an unknown brand though. I've seen some real nightmares in that regard. Circle Y, Big Horn, Wintec are dependable. I have a Circle Y. The only thing I notice is that it rolls more then my leather saddle. Using the back cinch helps with that.

[Arrow]

I love my Fabtron synthetic saddle--fits Arrow and fits me, that's all that I ask.

[offgridgirl]

I have two synthetic Wintec saddles. I LOVE them. They are light and easy to care for!! Just wash and let dry! If the saddle fits the horse and u then they are great. I also have two leather saddle and love them for the trail riding that I do.

[YAorNEIGH]

I'm not a fan of synthetic, personally...But that's because I love the look, feel, and smell of leather :) I also don't like nylon reins...

However, they can be good if you can't lift a heavy western saddle. The lady I bought my Circle Y from had to sell it because she'd injured her arm and was buying a synthetic one that she could actually lift. They're good for some things :)

Also, I've found that any synthetic saddles I've ever used have been less durable and more poorly made than the majority of leather ones...But that could be an unfortunate coincidence. Also, when I worked at the summer camp...It's kinda difficult to clean synthetic. Leather...you wipe down, condition, etc...Easy squeezy. We had a hard time keeping the synthetic looking decent.

[alittleoffkey]

A quick note on Wintec - I've ridden in Wintec Westerns a few times and they always make my rump sore for quite awhile. I can ride in virtually any other saddle that fits me or not and I never have a sore rear end, but while Wintec can certainly make an amazing English saddle, you couldn't pay me to take one off your hands.

To each their own though, some people love them. :)

[dustys_girlly]

i used to work a Tractor Supply and our store had those there. we never sold them. they dont fit many horses and they are really cheap saddles and i am not talking about price. i would pass on those saddles. but the wintec and big horn saddles are good synthetic saddles if you are look for one.

[rocknK]

Just something to think about. Has anyone ever seen somebody who actually gets paid to work horseback in a plastic saddle??

[WashingtonBay]

Well, Rockn.... I'm not sure I've seen any, but I don't think it's relevant either.

Why're ya hassling FSA about this? Lots of people, including me, have been happy with synthethic saddles, for a variety of reasons, though I think even within Synthetics, some brands are better than others. She's just trying to find a saddle that will work on her horse, with her mom's casual weekend rider boyfriend who won't spend any money. So if you can find a saddle worthy of a professional that will fit those restrictions, feel free. :)

[rocknK]

Not trying to hassle anyone. Just seems to me that the thing that attracts most folks to plastic saddles is the price. To me that is false economy. My theory has been to buy the best tack I can, even if I have to save a long time. Most folks wan't stuff NOW, I'm willing to wait until I can afford good gear.

[IrisGreen]

I personally have never had one and I don't think I would buy one unless I needed too due to needing a light weight saddle or very tight money restrictions. I had to talk Hubby in to spending $500 for a New roping leather saddle and he thought that was a lot :rolleyes:, that was a deal!!!

My neighbor has some heavy leather saddles and a synthetic and she just loves her synthetic, it's light, easy to care for, fits her horse and it's black with some crazy fabric pattern on it that she likes. She couldn't lift a leather saddle at her age and health so the synthetic suits her just fine and she rides around like the best of them in it. :)

[cloedoll]

To me that is false economy. My theory has been to buy the best tack I can, even if I have to save a long time.


Synthetic tack can be quality tack. I mean, you don't have to give up the quality just because you're giving up the leather. I really am not familiar with Western saddles, but I have owned two synthetic English saddles and they were perfect for what I needed. I do not show and LOVE getting my tack dirty, so a synthetic was perfect for that, lol. Both of my synthetic English saddles were cheaper than a leather saddle, but I wouldn't say they were of lower quality. The tree on my Wintec was guaranteed to last a lifetime and everything on it just felt really solid. I guess to each their own, though. (:

Morgan -- I personally don't like that saddle because it does seem to be a cheapie saddle (not because it's synthetic, it's just not a quality synthetic saddle). =/

ETA -- I forgot to mention that synthetic saddles are excellent for vegans. :)

[WashingtonBay]

For many, price is a major factor, for others, it's weight. Others can't afford to buy a lifetime saddle for every horse, and there's just not a thing wrong with synthetics, IMHO, as long as they fit.

Our saddles, I guess it was a little of both. I needed a Western Saddle so my hubby could learn to ride. There was no guarantee he was even going to like riding, and money was real tight then. How much should I spend? I traded my old Stubben English saddle that did not fit Bay for a new Big Horn, not even guessing it would hold up as marvelously as it has for the long haul. It's a pretty good saddle!

The point remains, I guess if you want to go convince this gal's mother's boyfriend of the virtues of spending more, feel free :) Till then, FSA has to work with what she's given for parameters.

[WashingtonBay]

Morgan -- I personally don't like that saddle because it does seem to be a cheapie saddle (not because it's synthetic, it's just not a quality synthetic saddle). =/


I think you're right in this one... I can't vouch for it. But I could vouch for spending $200-$300 on a used Big Horn.

[~*Domino*~]

I have an Cordura saddle, I love it! I bought it when I bought Cooper! I have done all day trail rides in it with no problem! So far it has been used on Cooper, Domino and now it has become Baby's saddle! It is also nice when you have to lift it up on tall horses, going from Cooper 16'3 to Baby 17'1 I am very glad it is light weight! :)http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm318/MRSELUSIVE70/The%20Boys/littlemiss011.jpg

[Flair]

To me that is false economy. My theory has been to buy the best tack I can, even if I have to save a long time. Most folks wan't stuff NOW, I'm willing to wait until I can afford good gear.

In my opinion, good-quality synthetic tack can be well worth the price you pay for it. With the right company (particularly one like Big Horn or Wintec/Bates) that makes quality leather saddles, they'll often put in all the innovations of the leather models into the synthetics, which then become more available to the wider market because of the synthetic materials.

There ARE good synthetics out there. I had two Abettas, and they weren't bad quality saddles all around. I had bought the first one when Flair was still alive (unfortunately, about a week afterwards, he colicked and we had to put him down before the saddle even arrived) because I wanted a western-type saddle to bum around the barn trails on rather than using my Wintec close contact. That became my most frequently used saddle when I was leasing the black mare, and I'd go on 6 hour rides with that thing. It worked very nicely. My second Abetta I bought because the first didn't fit my new horse (and because I'd spent all my money on him, I needed an economically-priced saddle) and I eventually sold that on for a treeless synthetic made by a reputable company. It's got all the bells and whistles of their full leather models, but was less expensive, which suited me.

Not that I saw it as not wanting to save for as long as I could. Maybe other people have the means -- maybe you have the space to keep a horse at home and that saves you money. Not everyone can. People who board still have to pay board whether they ride or not. Buying a synthetic saddle that fits their horse means they can ride, maybe while saving up money to buy a good leather one. Of course people want stuff now. Horses still eat hay, board still gets paid, better to have something you can ride in as opposed to waiting and sinking money into a horse and not being able to save anything at all.

And some people are just casual weekend riders. Synthetic suits their needs far better because it's not as costly, it can be easier to clean sometimes (spray it down with the hose, let it dry) than cleaning and oiling a leather saddle, it's lighter-weight.

Some people like synthetic. You like leather. Fine. To each their own.

[rocknK]

OK, I admit it, I am a saddle snob, so sue me!

[Cat]

I like synthetics - especially on young horses that are growing (easier on my pocket book to replace the saddle until they are fully filled out) and as a 2nd saddle for a guest to ride in. However - you have to realize they are not going to last long with a lot of hard riding, so be prepared to replace it in a couple years. Also - make sure it fits the horse. I don't care if its cheap or expensive - it must fit the horse.

[FredRock]

Synthetic saddles in general, are good imo. I loved the Wintec Western saddle that I almost bought when I bought Cheyenne, I should have when I had the chance.

Pros:
Lighter than Leather/Suede
Easy to Clean
Resistant to mud and water (no more discoloration from a rainy ride)

Cons:
Stiffens when it's cold (leather does too, but not as much IME)
Not as easily broken in
Harder to find a good grip (for me anyways)

I have a Wintec English saddle, it's nice and looks clean, but it rolls a lot easier. I'm still undecided as to whether it's the saddle (does it with both horses) or the girth; I had to buy one with rollers on both ends per suggestion and it has fleece. I've never used fleece girths before.

[Fork]

I have a synthetic, but I ride english. It honestly has to be the best saddle I've ever owned. It's comfortable, easy to take care of and it's really lightweight. After 3 saddles, I've finally found one that fits perfectly.

The best thing about synthetics? They keep their resale value. Look on this board (whenever a Wintec goes up for sale) or on eBay. Most synthetics sell quickly, and for a much better price than the cheap $100 saddle sets.

That being said, no-name synthetic saddles are almost worse than no-name leather saddles. If you want to buy a quality synthetic saddle, stick with name-brands.

[FredRock]

A quick note on Wintec - I've ridden in Wintec Westerns a few times and they always make my rump sore for quite awhile. I can ride in virtually any other saddle that fits me or not and I never have a sore rear end, but while Wintec can certainly make an amazing English saddle, you couldn't pay me to take one off your hands.


I just wanted to say that I think it's funny, because I loved the way the Wintec Western rode. It felt like an English saddle with western fittings (which is good compared to my other western experiences). It just goes to show how one type of saddle can be on opposite ends of the spectrum for two different people.

Most folks wan't stuff NOW, I'm willing to wait until I can afford good gear.

While I agree, there's no reason to pay 1,000 for something just because it's leather when you can pay half that (if not less) for a saddle that can do the job just as good.

[alittleoffkey]

Haha, that's interesting Fred. I grew up riding western and eventually took english lessons. I know how I'm supposed to sit in a western saddle. In english my seat was different, but easy enough to find. Maybe I was sitting western in a saddle that's too english for its own good. :D

[3equines]

This thread is allready beaten to the ground, BUT::2cents: if you buy a synthetic saddle, get a quality brand. Big Horn has got the pants beat off of everyone where quality is concerned, Abetta is somewhere in the middle, and the off-brands I have seen are pretty much garbage, especially where the rider's comfort is concerned.

The only gripe I have against synthetic saddles in general is they don't stand up to really heavy abuse (like packing horses in the mountains). That said, if your rides are 25 mile or less with just your lunch, camera, and an extra jacket - you will be happy with a synthetic saddle.

PS Big Horn has sooo many different sizes and types. Their semi-QH bars are a 6.5" gullet that fits a lot of the average horses out there. The Arabian tree fits high-withered horses and actually has a pretty wide tree. The full QH bars will fit your big-barreled horses. They have draft bars (8" gullet) and Haflinger (draft bars w/ short skirt) saddles for the really round horses. All these come in different seat sizes, from 14" to 17".

Happy trails!!

[FatSpottedAppy]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Unfortunately, as WB stated, I am working with limited boundaries. The person who is looking to buy a saddle keeps looking at saddles with no brand name as they are very affordable. I keep directing him towards Abetta or Big Horn, but his eyes always wander towards the no brand saddles as I am having an extremely difficult time finding a decent cordura that is around $200 shipped. (FQHB, 16" seat)

The reason he/we're going with Cordura is because he wants a light weight saddle that isn't going to require a lot of maintence and they're relatively cheap(used). All he will be doing is trail riding, and he wont be going on the difficult trails often.

I appreciate everyone's replies. :) I will show this thread to him when he starts looking at cheapy no name saddles again.

[Palogal]

IT depends on the kind of riding you're doing. If you're just pleasure riding a synthetic might do the trick. If you're competing and schooling hard, I would get a strong leather saddle. I would not use a synthetic unless I was just a weekend rider or easy trail rider or something along that line.

I do think they're GREAT for small kids. By the time it wears out the kid has outgrown it anyway and you're not so financially invested.

[cloedoll]

I wish you were closer, Morgan. The local Amish tack shop I go to for basic horsey things, sells used (and new) Western saddles and they always have deals on Big Horn brand. I got Keidas' saddle for $275 and it was a Big Horn that was practically brand new and came with a cinch and a few other things...I am sureee there is one for $200 there..only if you lived closer! :(

[cloedoll]

Is black okay? -- http://cgi.ebay.com/Bighorn-Saddle-275-Black-Good-Cond-F-Quarter-bars_W0QQitemZ220374091922QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item220374091922&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[FatSpottedAppy]

THanks for the link Caitlin. :D Yes, that is perfect for what we're looking for, however he isn't willing tp spend much. I'll keep it on watch and see how high it goes. The last Big Horn Cordura/Leather went for around 300. :(

[cloedoll]

My fingers are crossed it stays cheap! :)