Leather Vs Synthetic.

Im vegetarian so prefer synthetic on principle
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However..

I would love a leather western saddle. I dont mind thorowgood english saddles, very comfy
 
I don't mind. I don't own a saddle (because don't have a horse) But it depends entirely on the make. There are some very comfortable leather saddles out there, but there are also some very un-comfy ones. The same goes for the synthetic ones. Synthetic seem easier to clean and it doesn't matter as much if they get wet. I think it's entirely down to the individual as to what you prefer.
 
I think it depends on what fits your horse and how much money you have to spend !!

my dressage friend wanted a cheap GP and the best one to fit her horse and it was brand new was the thorowgood think it was £299 !!
 
i have ALWAYS been an advocate of leather saddles, and my mare has been fitted with two in the last 7 years, as she is v v v hard to fit! however, we have recently made the switch from jumping to dressage, and during a lesson with my instructor, she let me use her Thorowgood dressage saddle. I was hooked! a quick glance at the prices of new leather dressage saddles was enough to help me make up my mind; i sold one of my jumping saddles on ebay and bought a Thorowgood dressage saddle (NB. Thanks Wadswicks Country Store - you managed to locate me the very last remaining Thorowgood in the country, as they have now been discontinued!)

needless to say, i am v v v v v happy with it, and last night it got wet for the first time in the rain....NO MORE ENDLESS HOURS OF CLEANING LEATHER
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FOR ME!!!!!!
 
I love cleaning my tack so I'd always go for leather if I could afford it! Henry's saddle was made to measure and is beautiful quality leather. However I did have a synthetic with my last horse and that was very comfy, but a bit solid sometimes IYKWIM?! I just love the look, feel and smell of leather tack and enjoy the process of polishing it up!
 
i prefer leather, i had a synthetic years ago when they werent nearly as good as they are now. have had a look at the modern ones because am quote tmpted to buy a synthetic work saddle, but found the ones i tried uncomfortable (cob style ones)
 
I've had both over the years and would always go for leather. I've found that the synthetic ones are never the best fit (even with the adjustable gullets) and also seem to put you in a strange riding position. I had a Wintec for my boy when I first got him, but it never fitted terribly well so I had one made for him - it's a fantastic saddle and he is so much more comfortable in it.
 
I have a synthetic thorowgood and a leather western saddle. I much prefer the leather simply because the synthetic doesn't allow your bum to 'breathe!' It makes you sweat more and can cause saddle sores on your bum! I have found it better since using a suede seatsaver with it!
 
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