During my time hunting for a well fitted saddle which I can use to ride 25-50 miles rides, I have learned more than I can imagine about saddles and fitting. Everybody seems to have the perfect rig and the perfect setup, but it is rare that someone will tell you why they recommend, because it trull is a very individual and unique experience that each person must try out on their own. I don't trust another person to tell me which jeans will be my favorite jeans. I need to try them on and decide for myself. Because of this, searching the internet is difficult, but its not as hard as one might think, as long as you have some knowledge about your horses back, and your body shape/riding style.
I started my journey in endurance riding with a Bob Marshall trail saddle, 3.4 inch skito pad, and a Dixie Midnight pad. After my first 25, my mare developed white hairs under my legs, most likely form uneven weight distribution and my constant posting. Granted, I only weight 120 and am 5'3", but this was enough to bother her, which was more than enough to get me started on finding something better for her. During my hunt, I researched the following saddles and came up with the following conclusions:
Abetta Endurance: This saddle is still in the running, but I am only considering it with the use of a Corrector pad by Len something, the guy that created the Ortho Flex saddle. I learned that the Arabian fit, didn't always fit the Arabian, but the Qh version seemed to fit most horses better. I am not sure why or how, but this was the concensus.
Specialized Saddle: A lot of people aware by these, but a lot of people also say they are cheaply made, and despite having fitter fit the saddle, it still caused sore backs. I asked a few long time riders about them, and was told, "Sara, if I truly believed that was the end all be all saddle, I would have one in my tack room."
Tucker: I feel like these are common for a reason, they must be good saddles, and are well made. I just haven't had the chance to have one fired to my horse and I. I am interested in doing so.
Sharon Saare: I have heard great things, and that they are wonderful saddles. But I am concerned about the many options available for size. I would love to have a person come fit my mare, then I would be willing to make the investment. Their tree sizes are below, as this information can be hard to locate.
I started my journey in endurance riding with a Bob Marshall trail saddle, 3.4 inch skito pad, and a Dixie Midnight pad. After my first 25, my mare developed white hairs under my legs, most likely form uneven weight distribution and my constant posting. Granted, I only weight 120 and am 5'3", but this was enough to bother her, which was more than enough to get me started on finding something better for her. During my hunt, I researched the following saddles and came up with the following conclusions:
Abetta Endurance: This saddle is still in the running, but I am only considering it with the use of a Corrector pad by Len something, the guy that created the Ortho Flex saddle. I learned that the Arabian fit, didn't always fit the Arabian, but the Qh version seemed to fit most horses better. I am not sure why or how, but this was the concensus.
Specialized Saddle: A lot of people aware by these, but a lot of people also say they are cheaply made, and despite having fitter fit the saddle, it still caused sore backs. I asked a few long time riders about them, and was told, "Sara, if I truly believed that was the end all be all saddle, I would have one in my tack room."
Tucker: I feel like these are common for a reason, they must be good saddles, and are well made. I just haven't had the chance to have one fired to my horse and I. I am interested in doing so.
Sharon Saare: I have heard great things, and that they are wonderful saddles. But I am concerned about the many options available for size. I would love to have a person come fit my mare, then I would be willing to make the investment. Their tree sizes are below, as this information can be hard to locate.
A width Prominent on Thoroughbred type withers--well defined goes on narrow Arabs and Paso's, those
with shoulders that blend into their sides.
B Width Horse has well defined withers, but is a dab thicker set, and shoulder may be more prominent.
This works for many Arab's, Morgan's, Tennessee Walkers, Foxtrotter's, and some Quarter Horses.
C Width Accommodates a wider backed horse, but still of the breed type . . . just a thicker set. Used
more on Arabs, Morgan's, and Tennessee Walkers.
The above trees work best on horses whose backs slope away from the spine. The following are for flatter
backed horses.
CC Width Like the C tree, but better for horses that are flatter over the back and loin. Also good if horse
is slightly sway backed or bunchy shouldered, or whose croup is higher than withers.
D Width For the really thickset horse. Some of these individuals have good withers and top lines, some
are very flat over the withers . . . all are broad over loin and back. It is the angle of the bars that makes
this tree work. Ideal for Quarter Horses, and many of the new thicker Arabs, and quite a few of the BLM
Wild Horses.
DD Width For wider back horse then the D width would fit.
DDD Width for wide back like the Morgan and horse with draft horse cross.
E Width For the horse that is very broad backed but requires shoulder flare.
F Width For the horse that is very straight backed but requires shoulder flare
Last bu not least, Marciante. These saddles seem to have good reviews all around. I like that it has adjustable rigging, and a soft seat. I am trying to reach out to the company to see if they can make any adjustments if necessary, as their website states.
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