Looking for information on Foster Saddlery

[Curbstrap2]

Anyone have any experience or knowledge on Foster Saddles they can share?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=230380520502&Category=47295&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

[Curbstrap2]

It has sheepskin and good carving. Probably made in the 1980's? Come on folks....

[rickybobby]

It has sheepskin and good carving. Probably made in the 1980's? Come on folks....

I don't have any info on your saddles maker, sorry.

After seeing the photo, I think the saddle was made in the 1960's. Those big equitation seats, dark antique tooling and Elephant ear cantles were popular then.

The swell shape baffles me, that was not popular for that time (in So. Cal. horse shows).

Now, after seeing the photo it looks like a quality saddle, the leather appears to not be "breaking down" the tooling appears "crisp" over all it does not look beat up.

If this saddle is in fact 30 to 40 years old and looks like that it is more than likely a "good" saddle. Esp. for bid @ $205.00

If you are going to ride in it, have a saddle maker look it over, verify it is safe, Riggings are in good condition, tree is sound, ect.

As an investment I don't think it would sell because it is so "dated" for the show ring, but for display and to ride around it could be fine.

Buying a saddle without being able to inspect it is a challenge, and you might be buying something that is not safe or comfortable for your horse or you! It would be a great display or addition to a collection because of how unique it is. I was showing horses in the early 70's in So. Cal. and remember seeing those style saddles, they were on their way out of favor by then, that is how I estimated its age.

Good luck if bidding on this, it could be a fun addition to your collection for not a huge price, but beware and have it checked out before using!

Rick J.

[Curbstrap2]

I don't have any info on your saddles maker, sorry.

After seeing the photo, I think the saddle was made in the 1960's. Those big equitation seats, dark antique tooling and Elephant ear candles were popular then.

The swell shape baffles me, that was not popular for that time (in So. Cal. horse shows).

Now, after seeing the photo it looks like a quality saddle, the leather appears to not be "breaking down" the tooling appears "crisp" over all it does not look beat up.

If this saddle is in fact 30 to 40 years old and looks like that it is more than likely a "good" saddle. Esp. for bid @ $205.00

If you are going to ride in it, have a saddle maker look it over, verify it is safe, Riggings are in good condition, tree is sound, ect.

As an investment I don't think it would sell because it is so "dated" for the show ring, but for display and to ride around it could be fine.

Buying a saddle without being able to inspect it is a challenge, and you might be buying something that is not safe or comfortable for your horse or you! It would be a great display or addition to a collection because of how unique it is. I was showing horses in the early 70's in So. Cal. and remember seeing those style saddles, they were on their way out of favor by then, that is how I estimated its age.

Good luck if bidding on this, it could be a fun addition to your collection for not a huge price, but beware and have it checked out before using!

Rick J.

Thanks for your info. I think you are right that its from the 60's. The swells throw me too. I agree for this quality, at the money it's going for, you can't beat it with a stick.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Curbstrap2

[Curbstrap2]

After trawling around on Google, I found another Foster Saddle with many similarities.

Collectibles / Vintage Foster, Hand Tooled, Egg Shaped Horn

$775.00

Saddle #196

Pre-Owned

Look at the deep hand tooling on this vintage Foster saddle, made in Ft. Worth, Tx. You're not likely to ever find another one like this. This well built saddle is over 40 lbs of soft, quality leather. New strings, otherwise all original, including the tooled stirrups which are a full 3 1/2 inches deep at tread. 16 inch seat which is built up in front, 6 1/2 inch gullet. Has a dog eared cantle and egg shaped horn. This is a classic older style cutting saddle, the kind a lot of the gaited horse people are looking for now. The seat was built to keep you down in the back, some call it a "sit down" in type of seat, the old time cutters liked it. Some of the most attractive and original tooling I've ever seen. It's sound and ready for any job you'd care to give it, or just to be admired for the rare collector that it is. $775.00

Edited September 27, 2009 by Curbstrap2

[Curbstrap2]

What do you all think of this one? Its a nice Vintage Wyeth. Which is a better saddle in your opinion? Thanks again!

http://cgi.ebay.com/L-K-VINTAGE-RARE-WONDERFUL-WYETH-SADDLE_W0QQitemZ190336825636QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c50f57924&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Edited September 27, 2009 by Curbstrap2

[rickybobby]

What do you all think of this one? Its a nice Vintage Wyeth. Which is a better saddle in your opinion? Thanks again!

http://cgi.ebay.com/...id=p3286.c0.m14

I don't know anything about the value of this saddle. It may be a nice "find" if the history given is accurate. The other saddle (foster) was a vintage find just because of the style. This saddle looks like a production type saddle that many of the "Dude" ranches here in AZ. use. It may just be the design but it may be worth some $$. Take a look around the web and see. The other saddle sold for $300.00+ Did you get it?

These older saddles are really cool and even better if they have some history to them. The second saddle (foster) that you posted does not look like it is in as good of condition but it is hard to tell in photos. The discription that is given does not seem very accurate I believe cutter and reiners (stock horse class in the 60's & 70's) liked a flatter seat like they do today. That seat is for Equitation to help roll your seat (butt) under you to help sit up straight. This would appear to be a 60's show saddle as well.

Rick J.

[Curbstrap2]

I don't know anything about the value of this saddle. It may be a nice "find" if the history given is accurate. The other saddle (foster) was a vintage find just because of the style. This saddle looks like a production type saddle that many of the "Dude" ranches here in AZ. use. It may just be the design but it may be worth some $$. Take a look around the web and see. The other saddle sold for $300.00+ Did you get it?

These older saddles are really cool and even better if they have some history to them. The second saddle (foster) that you posted does not look like it is in as good of condition but it is hard to tell in photos. The discription that is given does not seem very accurate I believe cutter and reiners (stock horse class in the 60's & 70's) liked a flatter seat like they do today. That seat is for Equitation to help roll your seat (butt) under you to help sit up straight. This would appear to be a 60's show saddle as well.

Rick J.

No, I was outbid on that one. No worries .... the world is full of saddles.

[Denise]

Curb,

Are you looking at these at riding saddles for yourself? I sure can't help you with the brands, but one thing I would recommend is to take a close look at the seat in them if they have a good side view. Where does it put you in the saddle compared to where the stirrups are? That first one was a slide all the way from the front to inside the cantle. You couldn't possibly sit anywhere except at the far back of that seat with your legs out in front of you. Different people have difference preferences as to how they like to sit, but a seat like that puts a lot of weight far back on a horse and makes it difficult for you to "get with him" as he moves. Not to mention it is tough on the horse to be carrying you there. Ideally, I would see the low spot (where your pin bones will rest) as being a little in front of the cantle with enough room for the rest of you around that spot. What happens in front of the spot doesn't matter (flat or rise) so long as there is enough room for you in that "pocket". Just some observations. Other's thoughts may vary...

[Curbstrap2]

Curb,

Are you looking at these at riding saddles for yourself? I sure can't help you with the brands, but one thing I would recommend is to take a close look at the seat in them if they have a good side view. Where does it put you in the saddle compared to where the stirrups are? That first one was a slide all the way from the front to inside the cantle. You couldn't possibly sit anywhere except at the far back of that seat with your legs out in front of you. Different people have difference preferences as to how they like to sit, but a seat like that puts a lot of weight far back on a horse and makes it difficult for you to "get with him" as he moves. Not to mention it is tough on the horse to be carrying you there. Ideally, I would see the low spot (where your pin bones will rest) as being a little in front of the cantle with enough room for the rest of you around that spot. What happens in front of the spot doesn't matter (flat or rise) so long as there is enough room for you in that "pocket". Just some observations. Other's thoughts may vary...

As a rider of primarily gaited horses, I prefer something that will set you a bit further back to free up the front end of the gaited horse. When your weight is behind the vertical, it allows for a more comfortable ride and better gait. Thats why these older styles are still hot. Generally they have a semi QH bar and will better fit the modern gaited horse.