western saddles?

[lifewithflash]

this might be a weird question but,
what are good western saddle brands?

I have a rising 4 year old that I plan to back next year in an English saddle. I want to try a bit of everything with him and have always wanted to try western but I am clueless about what good western saddles look like. id like one I can hack and school in and one that would fit a cob but im not looking for anything too fancy looking either as I won't compete in it, it will just be used for fun.
I feel like its hard to find one that you can get in the uk

 

[Widgeon]

They are pretty expensive in the UK - you'd be looking at about £2K for a good second hand one, fitted. If you want one for a cob that will restrict you further as there are only a few makes that tend to fit cobs properly - obviously most of them are designed for QH / TB types. If you're serious about finding one I would contact Jennifer Donnelly at Western Tack Trader (07429107562 westerntacktrader AT gmail.com), she's very helpful and does travel around so if you have access to transport you can probably get an in-person fitting session.

There is a lot of cheap rubbish for sale so if you're new to it I really wouldn't buy one except from a trusted fitter, and I think there are only a couple of those in the country. If you search the forum for threads you will find that people will warn you off one particular fitter.

(I only know this because I would love one for my cob and have done a fair bit of research, including talking to Jennifer who was lovely, but I just can't afford one right now. If I won the lottery I would like an Allegheny Mountain saddle....they are beautiful)

 

[Maxidoodle]

I’m assuming you’re in the UK. There are plenty of fitters who deal with decent brands who will get you sorted. Don’t fall into the trap of one western saddle fits all, they don’t. You need a fitter to come out and get it right, set yourself and your horse up for success. There is an absolutely ton of crap out there for sale. Don’t buy anything yourself off EBay etc, most are complete trash, anything that is cheap and new is to be avoided like the plague, anything from India is just junk. Hooves western are in Yorkshire and Western Tack Trader are your best bets. You need to understand the full kit also and how to use it, so you need a fitter. They’ll get you sorted with the right western pad too and cinches and show you how to put them on.

 

[FitzyFitz]

They're non traditional in fit (can be traditional in appearance) but Specialised saddles are good. They have various tree shapes and the panels underneath can actually be replaced with different thicknesses and shaped to fit unlike a standard western saddle. A lot are plainer trail or endurance style saddles but they are available with all the western tooling and a horn and everything if you like. Quite expensive (isn't everything?) but much more adjustable. Facebook page is Adjustable Saddles UK.

Otherwise, they're a bit few and far between in this country! Definitely not something you'll pick up cheaply if you want something worthwhile. Try contacting western riding groups if there are any in your area for recommendations

 

[ycbm]

If you are anywhere near your horse's top weight carrying ability, be careful. Standard weight for a western saddle is 22kg and higher, judging by the £2500+ same my friend buys.
.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I had a BOBS saddle but sold it when my mare died. BOB's saddles are really good.

One thing you need to check is they have the Wyoming metal plate under one fender. If it hasn't don't touch it. Sorry bit blurry as photo old

 

[KittenInTheTree]

I have a fabulous vintage Red Rider saddle that I found on eBay a few years ago. It was made in the 1950s, and is still in perfect working order.