Ranch Sadlle

[kspayd0528]

Hello, 

I am in the market for a 15.5" - 16" FQHB roughout saddle to work on a ranch in Montana. I will not be working cattle - mostly trail riding, starting colts, up to 8 hours in the saddle a day. I would like to keep the price under $2600. 

I'd love to hear some opinions on the following saddles -

HR Hud Roberts Staci Wade Ranch Saddle 780 

Circle Y 1133 PLAINS RANCHER

HR Hud Roberts All Around Trail Saddle 719

Billy Cook Wade Ranch Saddle 2197

Thank you in advance!

[Fraulein]

Hi there!

I see you're new to this forum. We're mostly just leatherworkers on here, not many of us are horse people/riders. You may have better luck getting your question answered somewhere else that's more oriented to riders, but maybe you'll get lucky and someone on here will be able to help. 

Best of luck getting your question answered!

~Frau~

[Klara]

A saddle needs to fit the horse (at the very least the type of horse you will ride) and it needs to fit you. The only way to find out whether that's the case is to try the saddle. A third party's opinion in the internet is not very important.

[Goldshot Ron]

I am reluctant to comment, because I may stir up a hornets nest.  Your post appears that you are looking at a new saddle, or at least a factory made saddle.  The saddles to look at, in my opinion, are: Circle Y, Colorado Saddlery, Martin, Crates, and Billy Cook.  These are factory made, and can be repaired fairly easily.  You should be able to pick up a fairly decent used saddle for $2200, but have a reliable saddle repair shop check it for you.  There are many good used custom made saddles out there, but that requires time to check them out.  Another good company to consider is McCall Saddlery.  They are a small shop, but their saddles are well put together (A plus in my book).  In Montana, there are so many good saddle makers, you couldn't help but hit one by swinging a dead cat over you head and letting it fly.

My humble opinion, for what it is worth.