Hi, Happy New Year! I posted in another post that I'm new to the board, my name is Beth aka Roperchick. My husband and I both team rope, but before I roped I showed in WP, Horsemanship and halter

All of our roping saddles are Rios Custom Saddles. They all have chuck Shepard trees, although, some have wider trees than others, so that we can have a good saddle fit for all of our horses.

[ January 06, 2007, 03:54 AM: Message edited by: RoperChick ]

One saddle that I had, and stupidly traded off, was made by Denver Saddlery. It had "Jay Ellerman Pro Roper" stapmed on the horn in a silver cap and the stirrup leathers had the colorado Denver Saddlery stamp. It was a great saddle that I used a lot. I don't know why I traded it. I sure wish I could have all the good stuff back that I got rid of, like an idiot, when I was younger!

My BRAND NEW saddle is a Circle Y Western Pleasure Saddle that I got for christmas!!!!!!

got a wintec pro endurace saddle and a the usual trail western saddle that is worth nothing and is falling apart... i really like all the new tucker trail saddles i'm seeing out now... maybe i'll get one of those... if the horse budget permits.

a McClellan with a horn from 1917, a really cool saddle but I don't use it much, I prefer riding bareback.

Heres what my saddle looks like. Its a pretty comfy ride not so sure how it is for looks though. Theres allot of snow on the ground around this picture. If that helps explain why its so bright. Sorry about all the photos I'm just having fun putting them all on.

Heres a better look at the horn. And my reata. which right now is about due for retirement, re-use, replacement. the picture is old it still looks new.

Hi RafterMK, Love your saddle, but also interested in your bit. Tell us a little about it, also, is the mouth piece stainless?

thanks!

UPDATE: Just found your BIT information in the BIT thread!

[ February 03, 2007, 09:29 AM: Message edited by: Cowboys Restless Heart ]

I finally figured this picture thing out. Thank you to all of you who gave advice and instruction.

I call Dakota Saddlery out of Ider Alabama and ordered this saddle. It is a production saddle, but they build it to your specs and preferances. Wade tree of rawhide-covered wood, 4" horn, Montana drop-plate rigging, roughout seat and skirts. I didn't like the strings and conchos that came with it, so I replaced them, stained it much darker and put a Nevada twist on the stirrup leathers. I ordered a set of 4" stainless monels for it today. It's not a $3000.00 custom, but it rides like a dream, is heavy and tough, and fits my horses just like it should.

...and here is what the previous saddle looked like the day I brought it home. Way too bright and splashy for this old fashioned dinosaur, so I fixed it.

I posted a pic awhile back, but it seems to have gone. Anyhow, here's a couple.

I thought I spent alot on my saddle, but now seeing yours holy turds, i'll bet that cost a penny or two!

Let's just say we have found many interesting & new recipes for Kraft Dinner at our house. If you add a little drywall paste you can even sculpt it to look like a turkey at Christmas.

[ February 07, 2007, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: ranchroper ]

Ranch Roper, what is the purpose of the longer tapaderos? Is it for the beauty or is there a value to having them longer?

Also, Hamburger Helper without the hamburger is pretty good too!

The long taps come in handy moving cattle, many times you can just flap one in the general direction of the critter and she'll move. Handy around the gates and when sorting. They're also good for bomb-proofing horses too. And yes I do like that old time buckaroo look as well.

A slick seat with a tall cantle make a real Cowboys working saddle a joy to send time in. I wouldn't own any other kind. I have a pretty new Draft saddle built on a Wade Tree.

RR--

nice looking rig and even better gelding! what kind of pads are you using? (you know me...always nosy!)

Those are the infamous Impact Gel pads over a good wool navajo blanket. Seems to be a good fit so far. Thanks for the compliment on both the rig & gelding.

73sharps, what brought you to using the Corrector pad? How does it work for you? I have visited the website but would like to hear a personnal experience.Thanks.
Tosch.

I have on old HS Lebman saddle that I used to ride all of the time while I was still able to sit comfortably a 14" seat. It was a great saddle, but built on a real old tree, so it wouldn't fit any of my Poco-bred horses. I did some research, and ended up with the Corrector Pad. If you've looked at their web sight and read their claims, their not lying. I've been able to ride any saddle I have on any horse I wish using this blanket, and I never have a saddle slip or a sored-up horse. It's a little spendy, but well worth it.

What a lovely rig!

Ranch Roper--

i have an impact gel on trial right now. Hard to evaluate as the ground is frozen solid, so, i'm not willing to really do much more than walk right now. I do like what i see though....

betsey

Hiya--

we got to try the impact gel pad today. bottom line, horse hated it <grin>...his tail was wringing and would not relax. I guess that's the answer!

i do currently use a 1" thick wool pad, not 5t's, but another brand--it was actually really cheap-like 40- but is made in the US and is 100% wool. it's working well, so as many of you have told me, i'll keep to what's working....

betsey