Those of you who compete in specialist disciplines, reining, cutting, barrel racing etc. Do you use the same saddle when trail riding ? If so do you find it comfortable for long rides? If you don't, why not, and what do you use instead. Thanks for all info, I'm trying to make sure I get the right one.
Answers:
I don't have anything but barrel saddles, the only thing I ride in. I don't use any other saddle unless I was to do some roping, then I'd use a roping saddle as the barrel saddle horn will not hold up to the pressure of a calf.
I have a roping-style saddle, and I use it to ride around my property for long hours. It never really bothers me, but I won't say it's as comfortable a ride as a trail saddle.
If you want a saddle used for a wide array of things, look for one labeled as an "all-purpose" saddle. A "ranch" saddle works well too. It's more durable than many other types.
I use the same saddle for everything because its the only one that fits. I am down to a western style aussie saddle on my mule and so far the mule shows are saying they will allow it. *keeps fingers crossed*.
I would love to have some silver engorged show saddle for my mule, but I highly doubt all 4 feet would stay on the ground during a competition.
It all comes down to what fits your horse and its so hard to buy a catalog saddle and accomplish that. My recommendation and not sure how the UK works is, haul your horse to a saddle shop and try them on in the parking lot, that saves alot more money and the professional is right there :)
Good luck and hope you find the perfect saddle. I know mine is still out there waiting for me, locked in some hidden place!
It depends on the discipline and quality of the saddle you pick. A $189 saddle with tack BIN special on Ebay will probably not be as comfortable for trail riding or for that matter the intended discipline. The saddles are different for the different disciplines to accomodate comfort for the horse and rider.
The kind of hide you have on your seat will depend on if you can use it for multiple disciplines. A roughout seat (sueded) is a little more versatile for pretty much any discipline because the texture keeps you from moving. However, a smooth seat (leather or leatherlike) is pretty much good for trail riding because there is a slide factor. Other things to consider are if you are comfortable in a higher cantle or would prefer a lower cantle. Some people will tell you if your saddle is fitted properly you won't slide - from my own personal experience that is B.S.
Personally I am a fan of Circle Y.
I have a Circle Y Proven Stone barrel saddle and I can use that for trail rides as well - the hip hugger set makes it especially comfortable. I also have a Circle Y Flex Lite trail saddle (Basket Flower) and it has a memory foam seat in it and I can use that for pretty much any cow disciplines as well as trail riding. Circle Y has the highest quality leather and a life time guarentee with the flex trees. The Flex Tree also gives upt 3" (incase your horse is wider that the standard bars). Simco makes a trail saddle with a gel seat *drool*. I have had Billy Cook saddles in the past - those are good too but my latest addition to the family is too tall to hoist a heavy saddle (I'm too lazy).
My suggestion is not to buy a saddle unless you can sit in it. Also make sure that the saddle fits your horse - any dry spots after a ride means the saddle doesn't fit properly or it was placed improperly. In theory a bundled package from Ebay would be great but I have found that those are junk and don't last too long.
I trail ride in my Barrel Saddle, I have a trail/pleasure saddle too, but I found that both I and my horse were more comfortable in my barrel saddle for long rides.
I think you should ride on trails in a trail and/or roping/cutting saddle. No matter what brand the saddle, it all depends on the saddle maker as to how comfortable
barel racing saddles are hard and stiff i thank a good cushoned saddle would be nice!
If the saddle fits your horse, and it fits you, then it can be about any "type" of saddle...specialty saddles mostly differ in horn length, or seat depth, and those things probably won't make a big difference in trail riding. Barrel saddles are sometimes forward rigged, and are lighter weight than roper or pleasure saddles. Equitation saddles often have a very deep seat that will not allow you to shift around much. I personally like vintage ranch saddles for trail riding ( Simcos, Long Horns, Circle Y's) with smooth leather seats and light padding.they are well built, and are designed for long hours in the saddle. ( and you can do most other things off of them too...though they aren't usually fancy enough to show WP in.)
The best saddle I have ever found and ridden in is a the Bob Marshall Sport Saddle. I use it for long and short rides, gymkhanas, parades, and cutting. Nothing compares to the treeless Sport Saddle. It's more comfortable for the horse and you! Here's a link for info on the Sport Saddle. You will love it and NEVER be sorry!
http://www.savvysportsaddle.com/...
I team rope and trail ride with the same saddle and its perfectly comfortable for me, and i've had the saddle for years and its perfect.
Same horse..same saddle everytime, everyplace
All saddle are good for trail riding except barrel saddles, in my opion just because they area REALLY uncomfortable.
Hope this helps!
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