Anybody have one? They look soo comfortable but most of the people I see using them ride gaited horses. I am drooling over the Cheyenne model. It looks like an old timey saddle. Anybody know anything about the quality etc. of these saddles. I can't afford a fancy custom rig like Ranchropers. I'm currently riding an old swell forked saddle circa 1920's.

My dad came home from the Canton Trade days with an old roping saddle and 2 old McClellans. Have no idea what his plans are for them. I was in his storage building looking for something the other day and he has the coolest old parade saddle. I didn't know he had it. It's in great shape too. I might clean it up and use it in next year's fair parade.

hiya--

first thing...if your dad wants to get rid of the parade saddle...please let me know!

second, about tuckers. I looked and looked and looked at them (even the cheyenne model!) here is what i found...even though i am a chunk of a broad, the cheyenne has a very wide twist and was not comfortable long term. sit in it for 45 minutes....

yes, tuckers were originally made for gaited horses. what is neat about tuckers, is you can go to their website and download instructions on where to measure, and then send them the measurements with some photos of your horse. their saddle fitter ( i believe it's Ann) called to tell me that a tucker WOULD NOT fit my horse--he's a foundation qh, and tuckers were originally developed for the gaited communitee. so, they are built to be really "rockered" and with my horse, she estimated that the tree would not fit. We did try one and she was right...it tipped front and back.

but, if you're really serious, take them up on the offer of a free advice onto trees, etc. They were honest!

betsey

I purchased a Tucker High Plains about a year ago. Tucker's customer service is great, hard to beat. They provide great measurement instructions, however, from MY measurements; a Medium tree was a perfect fit, until I purchased the saddle. It didn't work; I returned it, sent my measurements to Tucker who recommended a wide tree. My horse now has a solid sweat pattern every time we ride.
I use the saddle mostly for trail riding, practice and warm ups, and also assist in calf gatherings.

Rusty is 15.3 1/2 hand quarter horse who has halter breeding approximately 1250-1300 lbs. Being that I am 5'4"; I like the light weight of the saddle. The leather is not as thick as a roping saddle and the tree is not intended for roping. Due to the lighter weight leather, the fenders move easier and less stress on knees. I would plan to buy a new cinch strap sooner, as it is pretty thin too.

Seat side: It was recommended I purchase an inch larger than I normally would use. I prefer room in my seat and bought a 17" seat, I would NOT recommend buying a larger saddle seat. I have enough room for 2 people.

I like the wool felt padding, again I get a good sweat pattern and Rusty has not experienced any sore spots.

Would I buy one again?, probably, but also understand, I have a nice heavy solid saddle custom made for Rusty that I use when not trail riding. So, I plan on owning my Tucker for a LONG time.

The Gel Seat,,, Ya,, it is that nice.. really nice!

I have a Tucker Cheyenne that I ride and train in all the time, and I love it! I train and show saddle donkeys, and this is the only western saddle that I've found to fit them well - and believe me, I've tried quite a few! Donkeys actually have rather flat spines from front to back (not much dip), but I've never had a problem with my Tucker saddle rocking on their back. My Tucker is built on the Tucker medium width tree, and has rounded skirts.

Here is a photo of my Tucker in use at one of the big shows we attend: http://longearsmall.com/mt/articles/mall/a...y-Barrels01.jpg

I only have good things to say about my Tucker Cheyenne, and am saving up to buy a second one now!

Kristie Jorgensen
http://longearsmall.com/