Western saddles Synthetic

[JCWHITE]

I am starting to be interested in Western, following the coverage from WEG.
I have a smallish young horse.
I am wondering if anyone could advise me as to a synthetic saddle, as I think the leather authentic ones will be too heavy, and too heavy on the pocket for a rank amateur.
Ideas and suggestions please
JC

 

[cm2581]

http://www.equestrianclearance.com/weatherbeeta/wintec_western_saddle/

Also several here

http://www.robinsons-uk.com/product...oupCode=0301&groupCode=03109&page=2#sku.30738

I know nothing about western riding or saddle fitting so no idea if they would be suitable at all! Only other western saddle I've come accross is the Wow one. It is quite new and no doubt quite expensive!!

 

[Hen]

Hi, I've never had a synthetic Western saddle I'm afraid - but it might be an idea to ring round a few Western trainers to ask their advice on synthetic saddles; I think Bruce Lawrence has/did use a cordura saddle for lessons; Rhandir on here might also have a view - look at the instructors' list on www.wes-uk.com for contact numbers.

 

[Enfys]

This is what I have, not pretty but lightweight, which is important for me, I can't swing a 40lb leather saddle without mucking up my shoulder anymore, I only trail ride anyway, plus I don't give a monkeys what anyone else thinks either I did change the crappy stirrups for some wooden ones which I prefer. (Big Horn Trail, Cordura)

It was the shortest, round skirt (the square skirts were too long) I could find to fit for my old arab mare and my QH stallion who has an incredibly short back.

I imagine that they are available in the UK.

http://www.pleasantridge.ca/pleasure_saddles.htm

The leather look synthetics are heavier, but still lighter than a traditional leather one if you prefer the leather look. Price wise not much difference.

 

[Rhandir]

Synthetic western saddles are very popular, not only with people like yourself who are just starting out but also with those of us who have a problem getting a heavy saddle up on their horses back.

There are some really good ones out there, and also an awful lot of rubbish. Whether a saddle is of traditional construction or synthetic it is vital that it fits both you and your horse, I'm afraid that it is just not true that a western saddle will fit any horse, anyone who tells you otherwise is lying through their back teeth.

We have some very knowledgeable saddlers and tack stores spread around the country, if you'd like to give me some idea of your location I can probably point you at at least one of them

 

[JCWHITE]

Thank you all for your enlightening replies.Just the info I was looking for.
Also to the offer for finding a fitter, which may prove tricky as I am in France.
Luckily there is a place near me thats does training, and thats where I will start, maybe a lesson on a schoolmaster.
JC

 

[rosie55]

hiya, i would not recommend a synthetic saddle as i am not impressed by them at all, they do not seem to fit very well and easily move when mounting. it is possible to find good quality lightweight saddles in leather and its worth looking on lots of western sites in the uk for a second hand saddle as there are quite a few around. if you let me know where you are i can give you a few people to contact.