[labby]

I had someone come out yesterday to look at my saddle, which I suspected was pinching Toby's withers. Sure enough, it was, even though the saddle was supposed to be full QH bars (made to fit a wide QH type body).

Well shoot, just what I need. Money is tight for me right now. Mom called on my way home from seeing Toby and got the brunt of my frustration. She offered to buy my new saddle for my birthday (and Christmas for the next five years - lol)

So I drove the looooong distance to the nearest saddlery and stared looking. Holy smokes, those things are expensive!! Heavy too. No way I can heft a 40# saddle onto his back. So off to the synthetic saddles I went. Found a great one, but it doesn't come in black. Oh well, Toby doesn't care if half of his tack is black and the other is brown, right?

They have a 10 day trial period, where I can put the saddle on his back first before I decide to use it. So, Monday I'll check to make sure it fits him and if not, I take it back for a refund.

Anyway, this is the saddle I decided on. Fabtron Lady Flex trail saddle. Made for a women's hips instead of a man's and on a flex-tree which is more comfortable for the horse. The cantle (thing that sticks up in the back of the saddle seat) is higher than most saddles, which is what makes it more comfortable for women.

 

[Paddysmom]

I love it! Really, really handsome! Hope it works for both of you.
(Good mommy. Gooooood mommy!)

 

[Jefferson'n'Ted]

Nice looking saddle! I hope it fits you as well as Toby--nothing like riding in an uncomfortable saddle.

 

[amazongold]

I like it, Laura, and I hope it works out well for both of you. The rest of the tack can always be changed to match in time, and it will go well with Toby's sorrel!

 

[MicksMom]

Hey, that's nice, Laura! And how cool of your Mom to buy it for you.

 

[Henery&Ollie's mom]

Oooh, very nice Laura!! What a great gift from your Mom!

 

[sarah]

what a wonderful gift for you and Toby!

 

[Linda1]

What a sweet Mom you have!
Very nice! Hope it fitting goes well!

 

[AZLAB]

Nice looking...I agree all leather saddles are heavy. I like the looks of that one. It does look comfortable. Hopefully it will fit Mr. Toby and you will both like it.

And yes...isn't it nice to have wonderful mommies even at our age.

 

[Di]

Your mom sounds like a very sweet lady! Hope the saddle works for you both.

 

[blacklabparent]

I hopethis one works for Toby. Have you considered a second hand leather saddle? The norm new is $2000 and up (easily up) but they are a much better saddle, new or used. People who spend $4000 on a saddle tend to have taken excellent care of them.

You have a great mom =)

 

[CJs Mom]

Awww what a nice mom! Hope this one works out for all!

 

[Samson]

Strange how different countries deal with saddles !

Most people that I know over here would get a professional saddler in to check the fit !

 

[labby]

The $900 one I saw last night was second hand. I can't afford that much. Plus this one was much more comfortable and I could lift it. The leather is usually 30+ pounds and hauling that sucker around would kill my bad back.

 

[labby]

Here too Colin, but I don't have a truck and trailer to haul him to the nearest saddle store which is 90 minutes away.

 

[kiddsmom]

You could have a fitter come to the barn. Also, leather trail saddles are light, around 20 pounds. I had a Circle Y back in the day.

 

[labby]

They won't travel that far, Betsy. I live in BFE when it comes to horse stuff. I have to travel 90 minutes to 2 hours to find a decent tack shop.

 

[Samson]

They come out to us Laura and bring the saddles with them !

I suppose it's true that you pay for the service though !

Years ago people probably wouldn't bother but I would worry because of my inexperience that I was doing harm personally !

Jeez - the physios are making money over here because the first problem that they look at for a horse that is misbehaving in some way is the saddle and or their back ( taking it for granted that the farrier looks after the legs,)

I even get moaned at if I have the saddle an inch forward or backward to the correct seat and this with a grumpy old Cob ( but I love Gulliever ) and heaven help me if the numhah is rucked ( saddle cloth to you )

 

[myfavoritedog]

Hope it fits you both! I know absolutely nothing about saddles but that is a very handsome looking one!

I envy you being able to have a horse! I have always thought I would like to have one, but I can't even afford the saddle, let alone the horse and all that comes with responsibly having one!

 

[FieldofDreamsMiniHorses]

VERY nice saddle!

Found a great one, but it doesn't come in black. Oh well, Toby doesn't care if half of his tack is black and the other is brown, right?

I was always told a black western saddle was the sign of a novice or amateur....

Lucy