can anyone give pointers on western saddles?

[Gixer]

Glens owner wants to try him western, we both feel that he's more suited to a leisure lifestyle and his responsiveness to
seat aids and already happy neck reining from horseball training in the past it feels like a western life may well suit him well.

So any pointers on saddles?

[lmevans]

you'll need a reeeeeally good fitter. Being heavy and long, a western saddle can do an astonishing amount of damage in a very short space of time if it's not absolutely perfectly fitted.

A well made and properly fitted saddle is going to cost a fair bit over a grand, so if leisure is his destiny a well fitted GP would be a damned sight cheaper option 

[planete]

You do not need a western saddle straight away.  The training can be started in any well-fitting treed or treeless saddle.  If you have lessons with a reputable trainer, they will be able to recommend a trustworthy retailer of western saddles.  If you thought fitting a treed saddle was a minefield, wait till you try finding a western saddle!  There are of course treeless western saddles as well, have a look at Barefoot saddles, they do some nice ones for a reasonable price.

[Gixer]

Brill, Thanks guys I did have my concerns as Glen does not have a good back. He's been off work again as the saddle we had that was checked by a "reputable" fitter... started causing probs and Glen is nice and clear if he's not happy with his saddle.
I have been doing my damdest to steer his owner to Heathers new Flexee and it looks like she's going to get one for her other horse when the GP is available.

[AG]

Hi

if you want rolls royce, Dave Genedeck saddles are bespoke fitted via a very comprehensive template.

I got the chance to ride in one last week. Georgeous saddle and allows you to ride in a good s/h/h alignment.

http://www.aboutthehorse.com/

[DaisyMae]

Hi

if you want rolls royce, Dave Genedeck saddles are bespoke fitted via a very comprehensive template.

I got the chance to ride in one last week. Georgeous saddle and allows you to ride in a good s/h/h alignment.

http://www.aboutthehorse.com/

I can vouch for this - Dave's principles are up there with Heather's when it comes to preserving the horses' back 

[Gixer]

Thanks folks, looks like we're going to take glen our for a jolly (vet and therapist back check pending as for date)
to this place http://www.oakridgequarterhorses.co.uk/lessons-training.html
Glens owner says they also sell saddles so will have him fitted up while there and a tester of western riding for him and the both of us.

Will be an experiance if nothing else

[Magsndan]

No help with saddles, I looked into it for jack but couldnt afford what it would cost to get one fitted for him. Had one that fitted kerry well though and enjoyed it, the riding felt very natural and id like to stick with it if could afford to.

My latest thing is to have a go at trick riding though, there is a lady on my yard who does lesson on her andulusian. I bet that would be something glen would enjoy :laugh:not that im advertising for her

[sixfootblonde]

David Genadek is one of the only people I recommend people go to for western saddles if they can't find what fits the horse over here. He is the only maker I know to put enough flair in the front of the saddles to allow for shoulder freedom.

Gixer - if you want some tips on what to look and feel for,do drop me a pm and I will give you my number for a chat. I see so many saddles that are too long for the horses back, too tight over the shoulder and bridging. Not saying Oakridge are not good - I have no experience at all of them for saddles.

Trick riding - that sounds fun! 

[Gixer]

Mags I dont even know what trick riding is!!
Vicky has uttered the words barrell racing though... while looking at me and intoning that as I'm the smaller rider Im the one to do it........... I do hope it was a joke!

SFB thank you! will have to wait and see as being the unpaid hired help I have little say in these things, will be watching saddle fitting very very closely though and hopefully Glen will be his usual unsubtle self if its not right (rears up as long as no one is on board)

[Magsndan]

OMG I have ALWAYS wanted to do barrell racing

Trick riding seems to be a lot of hanging of the side of the horse

Good picture of teejay trick riding here, I hope she doesnt mind me putting this up as the sites just in development

http://steamhorseuk.com/about.html