what is a good western saddle for a beginner? whats the differance between Roper, Barrel, and Trail? i guess trail has more padding. any recomendations to brands and such, not looking to spend more then 300-400 or so. leather not synthetic.

thanks,
-bigdawg

 

Alot has to do with the way it is made. Arch to the seat, size of the horn, etc. I've always found the best way is to go sit in it for a while and see how it feels

 

Saddles are usually named for their intended purpose, a barrel saddle is designed for barrel racing-small light designed to keep a rider in during the fast runs .A roper saddle is used for roping,having a heavy tree to handle the stress of holding cattle.Trail saddles are usually designed for comfort and ease of use.I would do some online searches for info about saddles.Brand loyalty can run about the same as every thing else.I would also recommend finding a good tack shop with a selection of different saddles to try as 250ranger said.also remember to make sure the saddle fits the horse properly.
http://horses.about.com/ this site may be of some help.Oak.

 

If you are just using for pleasure/trail riding then by all means use the trail & pleasure saddles... As for what is a good one well that all depends on the horse really! A saddle must fit the horse as well as the rider. If it is a poor fit then it will led to chaffing, pressure sores, and a very irratable horse.
I would look at the local tack stores and see if they carry used saddles...much better all broke in and no squeaking down the trail. Another option is a synthetic saddle (like Wintec brand) they are less expensive as the leather ones and easier to maintain. Plus I found are very comfortable and LIGHTWEIGHT. Stay away from the Big Horn brand they are not comfortable in any way!
If you are determined to buy leather look into Circle Y and Textan...
Make sure you can bring home on a trial basis so you are sure that the saddle is a good fit for your horse....it's the saddle tree that determines the fit...High withers and gaited horses need a high tree. The most common is a quarterhorse tree.
The difference between types of saddles like barrel saddles have rounded fenders to allow freedom of movement for the horse to make quick turns and fast speeds, roping has a bigger horn and reinforced swell/horn area, trail /pleasure saddles are made for comfort and usually are the best all around saddle.
Hope this helps out some...

 

Look for a good used saddle. Get the right size that's comfortable for you. Saddles are measured in between the pommel and cantle. 15-1/2"-16" is very common.
Also, a higher cantle gives a more secure seat. A lot of pleasure saddles have a low cantle for ease of getting on/off.

 

What do you plan to do specifically?
My favorite Western saddle my pleasure Textan that was made in the 1960s, that came from my Grandparents farm. I also really like brands like Crates and Circle Y for showing. My advice would be to goto a big tack sale and look around.

 

How about this one http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchan...oduct_Count=10 im only really using it for pleasure and trail, i really just want to become an excellant all-round rider. but like anything else that takes time

bigdawg

 

I haven't heard or know anything on that brand...but I can't stress enough how important it is to have the saddle fit the horse!
Here is a good synthetic saddle, I have used this one alot and it's wonderful:
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchan...oduct_Count=14

Go to you local tack stores and check out what they have...they may even know of a fitting clinic (take your horse and get it fitted for the perfect saddle!) plus used is just as good as new...I prefer used if it's not a show saddle!

 

For me, if you can ride without a saddle, you can adapt to anything. With my horse, I used a brockamore, which was like a halter with reins. I usually went bareback or a bareback pad (for padding), I felt I had better control of my horse.

This was years ago, if I rode today, I'd probably fall off. LOL. I just want to say, love your horse. Not everyone has the chance to have a buddy. I envy horseowners, because I miss the fun times I had with my buddy.

 

buyin a cheaper synthetic is a good idea-while you figure out what you really want-just make sure ol nubs got plenty o room fer his wither or it won't matter how that saddle feels to yer butt!!Other folks will let you sit their rigs for a try if you ask,be a shopper,most people are more than happy to share their opinions on tack.Just remember....chrome don't get ya home!!

 

oh and bigblu...bareback is fine for kids and ladies but I haven't had a comfortable go bareback since I was 13... if ya know what I mean!

 

I'm a guy and I ride plenty of horses bareback, the only one that gave me trouble was my old paint mare with super high withers, OUCH!