Mine is a custom made Draft Saddle on a Wade Tree. It has extra long stirrup leathers, an 18" seat and was built to fit my Belgian. It's my third custom saddle. I'll be putting on a pair of 1880's Gentleman's Riding Stirrups before I ride again.
[ December 08, 2006, 11:48 AM: Message edited by: Mike Franklin ]
Full Version: So What's Your Saddle?
I have a Brian Costagno made Wade that is about 10 years old now. It has a smooth leather finish with only my brand tooled into the back of the cantle and a 16.5" seat. Rawhide on the cantle edge, and on the gullet edge. Rawhide on the horn edge, double row stitched around the leather edges, and rawhide covered oxbow stirrups.
I am putting together a plan for an arena saddle. Just need to get the details and line up a maker.
I am putting together a plan for an arena saddle. Just need to get the details and line up a maker.
Rafter W Slick fork, roughout... 4" brass morans... double rigged... hobble ring and some other stuff, just dont feel like thinking about it.
i'll make you all snort in disgust...
a circle y flex lite saddle. 17" seat, 7/8 rigging. Yes, i know, it's not a custom, but it fits the horse well, and is comfortable for me. plus, i don't do anything with cattle, so my needs are far different....
betsey
a circle y flex lite saddle. 17" seat, 7/8 rigging. Yes, i know, it's not a custom, but it fits the horse well, and is comfortable for me. plus, i don't do anything with cattle, so my needs are far different....
betsey
If the saddle fits the pony and you and fits your needs then you have the perfect saddle for you. I'm 6'8" and 330 I just have problems buying anything off the shelf!
Hey Rafter,
when you feel like talking about it... I'd be curious to know how old your saddle is and what you think about it in a bit of detail (good and bad). Especially interested in what you think about the seat shape and overall finish quality compared to the nicest saddles you've seen.
The reason for my curiousity is that I've seen these saddles available on Ebay for quite a while. I've seen the quality of them improve quite a bit since they first appeared and the price has also gone up a bit as well; although I'd still say they are moderately priced in the same way a McCall saddle is. It's always difficult to tell much from photos on a computer, so i'd be interersted in your own opinion. For people not wanting to spend alot on a custom saddle, I sometimes try to recommend alternatives that better fit peoples budget, and I'd like to know if these saddles are worth the money?
thanks,
Darc
when you feel like talking about it... I'd be curious to know how old your saddle is and what you think about it in a bit of detail (good and bad). Especially interested in what you think about the seat shape and overall finish quality compared to the nicest saddles you've seen.
The reason for my curiousity is that I've seen these saddles available on Ebay for quite a while. I've seen the quality of them improve quite a bit since they first appeared and the price has also gone up a bit as well; although I'd still say they are moderately priced in the same way a McCall saddle is. It's always difficult to tell much from photos on a computer, so i'd be interersted in your own opinion. For people not wanting to spend alot on a custom saddle, I sometimes try to recommend alternatives that better fit peoples budget, and I'd like to know if these saddles are worth the money?
thanks,
Darc
I have two, my favorite is a Veach saddle which I had made last year. It is from Veach Saddlery in Trenton Missouri - Craig Robinson maker - grandson of Monroe Veach. It is more of an all round saddle with a 50/50 wood/rawhide tree. It has 3/4 tooling. I prefer tooling and the color of the leather to too much silver.
I also have a Tucker plainsman. I use this one for longer rides. This saddle is very comfortable and lightweight. It has the wide tree and fits my QH well.
Betsey, I used to have a Circle Y and loved it. It was older and I had the wool replaced with the real sheepskin because it got so warn. It was a great saddle and I kick myself for selling it! But when I got the Veach I though I didn't need 3,, heck,, can anyone have too many saddles?
I also have a Tucker plainsman. I use this one for longer rides. This saddle is very comfortable and lightweight. It has the wide tree and fits my QH well.
Betsey, I used to have a Circle Y and loved it. It was older and I had the wool replaced with the real sheepskin because it got so warn. It was a great saddle and I kick myself for selling it! But when I got the Veach I though I didn't need 3,, heck,, can anyone have too many saddles?
Billy Cook roper, suede seat,rawhide and silver laced cantle, basket weave tooling. Comfy, fits my horse well...love it.
Mike-
Exactly my thought process. Someday, i will go the route of a custom saddle. just not in the budget right now. and, for right now, this saddle is proving to be perfect for what i need. Everyone who sits in it comments on it's comfort. Macho also loves it...he is eager to work, even sweat stains, etc....
but, i admit, i do love hearing about everyone's custom saddles and i do drool over all the pictures!
betsey
Exactly my thought process. Someday, i will go the route of a custom saddle. just not in the budget right now. and, for right now, this saddle is proving to be perfect for what i need. Everyone who sits in it comments on it's comfort. Macho also loves it...he is eager to work, even sweat stains, etc....
but, i admit, i do love hearing about everyone's custom saddles and i do drool over all the pictures!
betsey
I ride and OLD Ben Veach saddle, fully hand tooled. Iam not surew how oldit is but I tlaked to him (he is in his 80's now) and he said it had to beold becuase it was made when he was still making saddles in Texas. I intend to take it over his way and let him look at it one of these days. I have an older slick seat hereford I ride as well.
Jen
Jen
Its the best quality saddle I could afford. My price limit also included 10 year old Mecum saddles, new Harwoods, and some castagnos. Maybe im a fool for not going with a new harwood, but this saddle has excellent quality leather, and no tooling in the places i didnt want it (wherever my body touches leather). The seat was customized by the last owner... who also happened to be the saddle store owner. The seat used to be more level so he added some leather just behind the (not really swells but the cantle anyway) and now its got a really deep seat and its the best saddle ive ever sat in. Its two years old. he rode in it for 1 and a half and I rode it for a half. You get your moneys worth even if you buy the ones that werent customized. Mines a buckaroo saddle, and its withstood my useage which should be an award in and of itself. I wear on saddles like i do on boots, and that should mean this saddle had a life expectansy of about a year, but even after the fall works it still looks like it did the day i picked it up. The seat is the most comfy ive ever sat by the way. I dont know what else you wanted to know but thats about all i can tell you so far.
When I ride, which is not very often, I ride in a 17" Circle Y flex trail saddle.
My wife has two Martha Josey Ultimate barrel saddles which will be collecting dust for about the next year.
My wife has two Martha Josey Ultimate barrel saddles which will be collecting dust for about the next year.
I currently have a Wade saddle made by Scott Brown (Big Bend). 15" seat, 4 1/2" cantle with Cheyenne roll, 3 high x 4" Wade horn. All roughout except for the exposed stirrup leathers which are flower carved. 4" Moran stirrups unlined but with heel blocks. I had Scott rig it for a southpaw so the cross over rope strap in on the left and the hobble keeper is on the right.
Paul
[ December 09, 2006, 06:26 PM: Message edited by: Paul ]
Paul
[ December 09, 2006, 06:26 PM: Message edited by: Paul ]
Court's Sharon Camarillo combo saddle, basketweave design, silver laced square cantle, which was special made for my barrel horse.
The Copper Horse has a Bob's Custom cutting saddle, basket weave design, slick seat (which I dont really like)and wooden stirrups (which I LOVE).
The Copper Horse has a Bob's Custom cutting saddle, basket weave design, slick seat (which I dont really like)and wooden stirrups (which I LOVE).
If ya have a custom saddle it's a good idea to get a letter from the maker id'ing the saddle and when it was made. This is for insurance reasons and because some of those old saddles are worth a bunch'a money. I saw an Old Visalia on the Antiques Road Show that was appraised at $28,000 give or take a dollar. That's some real money if you ever sale.
Posted a pic of mine awhile back, but here's the info again; custom wade by Lyle Henderson of Platte Valley Saddle Shop. 16" seat, smooth out leather, 3/4 basket stamped. Wood post horn & 4 1/2" dished cantle, straight up binding. Oregon cross over rope strap. 8 button loop seat with plain brass slotted conchos. 7/8 flat plate rigged. 24" eagle bill taps. She's a bad ride mama!
i am riding a 15,1\2", half breed (rough out and basket stamp) on a Rick Reed "visalia" style tree.
it has a 5" cantle, half double stirrup leathers, 4" moran stirrups unlined and blocked with leather strips. the maker was my wife, while being taught by local saddle maker Mike Franchini
liam
it has a 5" cantle, half double stirrup leathers, 4" moran stirrups unlined and blocked with leather strips. the maker was my wife, while being taught by local saddle maker Mike Franchini
liam
Billy Cook 16" full skirted Barrel Saddle. Kinda plain but comfortable. When I started team penning I traded in my trail saddle for it. I find it is a good all around "athletic type" saddle. I replaced the bel stirups with steel oxbows, I just like em.
quote:You been peeking in my tackroom? LOL!
Originally posted by Cowboys Restless Heart:
can anyone have too many saddles?
I have 6, all western (two are kids saddles, one of which a saddlesmith said is a collector..but I don't know the brand)
1 Rose Parade show saddle, as sold in Colorado Saddlery for $1800 (stole it for $400)
1 barrel saddle...I'll have to go out and see what it is...will report back)
1 handmade/tooled (Tandi kit) saddle (mom's)
and my favorite, a 16" Crates (second hand) for comfort for my horse first, then for me...fully rigged 1/2 breed roper (roughout seat and fenders, basket weave tooled swells & skirts, 5" rawhide with silver lace rolled cantle) Wide QH bars.
She's been around the block a few times and looks it, her beauty is the way she rides, keeps me in the saddle during a blow-up and the way it fits my short backed 'stang......only thing I don'tlike is it is HEAVY for me! (about 45 - 50lbs) LOL!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
[ December 12, 2006, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: Mustang Blue ]
Hi Everyone, I'm a newby here...actually a Dressage Queen playing cowgirl (I've always been a "Closet Cowgirl and now I'm outed.). In addition to my Schleese Wave dressage saddle, I have a Reinsman All Around, 16" semi-QH tree w/a flat plate rigging (not sure how to determine whether it's 7/8 or whatever). The tree is a Steele Equi-fit. It fits her (The Dutch Princess) fairly well if I use a Professional's Choice Ortho Sport pad under it and nothing else. The bars are flared in the front to accomodate her shoulders. I am thinking of going to a Wade tree saddle and would appreciate any suggestions on which one to buy. I'm 5'8" and ahem...150 lbs. My mare is very broad in her back and has a short thoracic weight bearing area front to back. She has withers, but not TB type. The more I investigat western saddles, the more confused I am. I could write a book on dressage saddles but am pretty clueless re western. Any help at all will be much appreciated! By the way, I don't have access to cattle here in the North East, but I do herd about 40 head of deer from time to time... Thanks RR
http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/newsletter/SaddlePart3.php
Try the above site, it helps explain the types.
Try the above site, it helps explain the types.
Great website Mike! Thanks for sharing!
I've recently been hearing more and more about specialty womens saddles as well, specialin the way the stirrups and fenders attach to the saddle, because a woman's pelvis is angled differently then a mans, and so designed to accomidate this. Any one hear about this or know of any sites to learn more? Just curious.
I've recently been hearing more and more about specialty womens saddles as well, specialin the way the stirrups and fenders attach to the saddle, because a woman's pelvis is angled differently then a mans, and so designed to accomidate this. Any one hear about this or know of any sites to learn more? Just curious.
For anyone who found the link that Mike posted interesting, you can read the other two parts to the article through these links:
http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/newsletter/SaddlePart1.php
http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/newsletter/SaddlePart2.php
Darc
http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/newsletter/SaddlePart1.php
http://www.eclectic-horseman.com/newsletter/SaddlePart2.php
Darc
The other thing to know is about the rear, or flank, chinch. It was developed in Texas to aid in roping. It kept the back of saddle from coming up when you were 'tied hard and fast'. Now unless you are roping or riding a steep incline or decline they're mostly for looks. If you do use one for let's say riding in the mountians you want it tight enough to do some good. If you use one for looks,I'm in real flat country, make sure it doesn't hang enough that a horse that's struggling would hook a hoof in that chinch strap or you'll have a H*ll of a rodeo. I use one just because I always have. Also be sure you use the strap that holds the front and back chinch in place. If that rear chinch slides back into a pony's sheath he'll let you know it's a problem big time.
Here's another site that will help ya learn the parts of a Western Saddle, remember though that there are local names that apply. Like Stirrup leather is called sweat leather by a lot of old Cowboys around here.
http://www.completerider.com/learn/western...dlepartswt.html
Here's another site that will help ya learn the parts of a Western Saddle, remember though that there are local names that apply. Like Stirrup leather is called sweat leather by a lot of old Cowboys around here.
http://www.completerider.com/learn/western...dlepartswt.html
it helps your saddle stay in place when a horse is bucking, it keeps your saddle from sliding going up and down steep hills.
I have a rear cinch on my roping saddle. I honestly dont do any type of riding that really requires that I have one...Its purely for looks . It just really looks nice with the saddle!
Mike and Darc, Thank you so much for all of the usefull information. I had no idea that there are so many things to consider in fitting a western saddle or ordering a custom one. I think I may look for a used McCall Lady Wade saddle. I don't know that I need a custom saddle as long as I can find a saddle that fits my horse well. She comes first; I'm a close second. At some point in my life I'd like to learn how to rope and do ranch work. I love my dressage and don't plan to give it up, but I'd like to ride both well. I'm looking for a new challenge (guess I got off the subject...)Maybe I should start a new post. Thanks Again!! RR
Hello and welcome roan ranger. Here's another site I thought you might find of interest.....
http://awarenesshorsemanship.com/sadlfit.htm
http://awarenesshorsemanship.com/sadlfit.htm
Mustang, Interesting website...Thank You. RR
rafterwsaddle.com for whoever asked about rafter W saddles. Odds are youve already seen this, but either way i love this website cause the pictures are amazing.
I ride a high back, A fork bear trap saddle circa 1920's or prior. Probably custom made for someone, has Fay Rucks stamped on the back of the cantle. When I get my tax refund I'm getting a Tucker Buffalo Trail saddle. It looks like a modern version of my Fay Rucks saddle and I love that gel cush seat.
My dad collects old saddles, we have a gillion of them.
MH
My dad collects old saddles, we have a gillion of them.
MH
I just purchase A new Rafter W From Perry Ward. I had it Custom made to my specs and style. I had it made with a association tree instead of a Wade. Very comfortable for me and my horse. I did have a McCalls wade, the seat was comfortable but the stirrups and the fenders were not, it would sore up my left foot and leg, no matter what I did try. I feel that Perry make's a great saddle for the price.
I've been in some pretty fancy saddles and the one in my tack room, out of 5, that I love is a Billy Cook Wade $1500 "cheepo" This time of the year I spend 8-12 hours a day in it and it's been that way since Oct. Everybody that rides it loves it.
I have an old Herford, before Tex Tan bought them out, it was made in Oct of 1968, my hubby just got rid of his old circle Y simply cause we are moving and don't need that many saddles, expecially when they don't currently fit anyone. So he is riding the older no particular name brand one. But hey it fits. We also have two english saddles, ones an Avanti and I don't know what the other is. My favorite is the Herford. I was exstatic when I found out that it fit my Three year old!!!
My favorite saddles, and my wife's too, has come from Allen Ranch Saddle Shop in Bixby, OK. My current one is a CT tree, a straight up cantle, the Allen Ranch Double Dee rigging, half breed, semi-round skirt, and a small dally horn. I think it is a calf roping type saddle. It sure fits me good. For those wanting a slightly higher swelled saddle, the Ranch Cutter by Allen Ranch Saddle shop was a close second to the saddle I am riding now. My last one was a Ranch Cutter. It was a super saddle, I just got too fat for it. I have ridden Stanley Allen's saddles for many hours on end and my posterior end hasn't been sore yet. They really fit my horses good, all of them. And best of all, they are very reasonably priced, as far as custom saddles go. Another saddle that I have ridden that I really liked came from Paul's Custom Saddle in Paris, TX. From what I understand, they make a reasonably priced piece of wood, too.
[ December 17, 2006, 01:35 AM: Message edited by: alleyrider ]
[ December 17, 2006, 01:35 AM: Message edited by: alleyrider ]
Here's liam nomano's saddle.
Liam, nice rig. Who made it?
My wife made it. This was her first saddle and I,m about due for another one. This one will be 2 yrs in March and is gettin thin.
Liam
Liam
Hey Liam,
I meant to ask you before if your wife regularly makes saddles, who she learned from, and what she uses for trees?
Darc
I meant to ask you before if your wife regularly makes saddles, who she learned from, and what she uses for trees?
Darc
So far this is the only one she has made. We have a 3 year old and one due here in about a week, so that sets her back. She has been making chinks and cinchas. She learned from Mike Franchini who learned from Pedro Pedroli(?) and worked some with Steve Mecum. Pedro worked at Capriolas back in the 70's and 80's. The trees are made by Rick Reed in Riverton, WY. I can get his address if you like.
Liam
Liam
i also forgot to mention, this is my BLM horse Pepper, he is also in the background of the second picture in my What's Your Dog pics.
liam--
please keep us posted on your new arrival <g>....
i admit it, i have baby-itis but bad this time of year (nate was a january baby and katie was a feb baby....)
betsey
please keep us posted on your new arrival <g>....
i admit it, i have baby-itis but bad this time of year (nate was a january baby and katie was a feb baby....)
betsey
OK, i'll let you know
I called and ordered a saddle made to my specs on a Wade tree from Dakota Saddlery. I know, it's half custom and half production, but it has turned out to be the finest saddle I've ever owned, and I love it. (And it was more in my budget range.) It has a rough out seat and skirt, limited stamping so there is no stamping where there is any me and it fits my foundation bred Quarter Horses perfect. I have bucking rolls for it, but only put them on if I am working a rank horse. (Which I try not to do any more than I have to these days).
It has a rough out seat and skirt, limited stamping so there is no stamping where there is any me and it fits my foundation bred Quarter Horses perfect. I have bucking rolls for it, but only put them on if I am working a rank horse. (Which I try not to do any more than I have to these days).
By the way, is it possible to upload a photo directly from my computer to the forum, or are all of the pictures I see already somewhere on the web?
Sharps73,
Darc is really good at posting pictures. In the Dog thread, he gave procedures on how to post pictures. I haven't found a site to post my pictures to that allows me to put the address on this site.
Below are the instructions Darc provided.
Hopefully they can help you. If so, you owe Darc a big thank you!
Darc is really good at posting pictures. In the Dog thread, he gave procedures on how to post pictures. I haven't found a site to post my pictures to that allows me to put the address on this site.
Below are the instructions Darc provided.
Hopefully they can help you. If so, you owe Darc a big thank you!
quote:
It's really easy to post pictures but you first have to upload them somewhere on the internet. My internet service provider gives me a little bit of webspace as part of their package. It's basically empty space on the World Wide Web that you can build a website into if you know how. I don't know how, so I just have a folder of a bunch of photos that I want to share. After you upload a photo onto the World Wide Web, you need to have the address of where that photo is; It sounds complicated, but it's not. The address is simply what appears in the address bar of your browser when you are looking at the photo on the internet.
When you go to type a message to post on this forum, below the box where you type your message, is a group of buttons; there are two rows of five. The bottom button in the right row says "image", if you click on this button it will ask you for the address of the photo you want to post. Enter the address and press o.k. and it will add the information to the area where you are typing your message.
The real key is having a way to post your photo on the internet. If you aren't able to do this, then you're out of luck. If this is the case for you, email it to me and I'll post it for you.
Darc
I have a saddle made by Frank Villa out of Floresville Texas. He's dead now, but he made the best roping saddles around. I bought this saddle from a guy that had it custom made back in 1963. He decided to have a show saddle made and sold the roping saddle to me in 64 for $125.00. I still have it and its in perfect shape. Back then I was roping, later got married and just raised horses. It's 44 years old. You couldn't buy it off me. I took it to be oiled last month and they told me it was worth between 4 and 5 thousand dollars. I thought I ought to put the thing away, but this summer I have to break a two year ole filly. Guess I'll just keep on using it.
I use my Stubben Rex to start colts and try new horses.
I also have an Oliver on a modified association lady's tree # 95, an old Bob Marrs and two old Ryons Amy Gamblin ones.
We have a plain Barnes ranch saddle also, made way back when.
We had a turn of the century saddle Grandma used, with a metal horn, but it is in a museum now.
I also have an Oliver on a modified association lady's tree # 95, an old Bob Marrs and two old Ryons Amy Gamblin ones.
We have a plain Barnes ranch saddle also, made way back when.
We had a turn of the century saddle Grandma used, with a metal horn, but it is in a museum now.
I don't remember if I suggested this here before but if ya have an old valuable antique saddle get a written apprasial. If the saddle is stolen or otherwise lost you'll need something to prove a value for insurance or a Tax Write-off.
My saddle is a "Kay Garrison Barrel Racer" that was bought in 1978 for my Mom (although she never entered rodeos or such). I used it for many years in High School Rodeos and other rodeo associations here in the Southeast. Don't enter anymore, but still enjoy riding that saddle. Seems like the older the saddle, the more enjoyable the ride.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.