Any Quality Production Saddles?

[archer55]

Hello. I'm sure more senior forum contributers are tired of this topic, but...

I have been combing this site for information about saddle quality and what constitues quality contruction. I know most experts here hold a low opinion of production saddles, and seemingly for good reason. I have been looking for a quality saddle in a 16.5" seat with "FQH" bars/tree with a budget of $2250 (firm), with no luck. Got close, but no luck.

My question for all you saddle makers and repairers: In your experience, are there ANY production saddles that show more elements of quality construction, than what is normally expected/observed?

For example, I have been eyeing some Reinsman Ranch saddles - http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/reinsman-ranch-saddles.html

The shop manager told me that they use 20 guage seat strainers with built up leather ground/shaped seats, Hermann Oak grade 2 and occasionally grade 3 leather, stainless hardware, Precision Kevlar-reinforced trees w/lifetime warranty, etc. The guy was honest enought to tell me that they do use roofing nails (sparringly) in construction some aspect of the saddle.

So what say you? ANy good production saddles out there? I will mostly be using it for hunting, trail riding, and maybe some light roping. I also ride dressage, so don't mind a a balanced seat either.

Thanks.

[Billy H]

At that price range there are plenty of really nice saddles for sale.

Just google "Custom Used Western Saddles". Regards Billy

PS

Roofing nails in my mind shouts "cheep"

[kseidel]

As far as new saddles in that price range, best ones are McCalls, Reinsman, Billy Cook, Courts. You would be better to look for a used handmade by a reputable maker.

[archer55]

Billy H: That's what I do every day, still no luck. And I agree roofing nails sound cheap (but not being a saddle maker, I don't know if that is actually the case or makes a difference).

kseidel: Thanks for your feedback. I found a used McCall Association that was in great condition and a 16.5" seat, but sadley has semi-quarter horse bars. not big enough for my 1/2 quarter, 1/4 Freisen, 1/4 Percheron gelding.

Again, thank you both!

[archer55]

Colorado Saddlery any good?

[harrington]

CO Saddlery hasn't built a quality saddle in 50 years

[archer55]

Good to know. Just curious what makes them poor quality. Thanks.

[rdl123]

Hello Archer 55,

I believe you will be best served following Keith's advice of going with a solid used rig from a reputable maker.

However, in the event that funds are just not available for that expense I could recommend Corriente saddles. I spent a few days in a couple of their wades on a ranch in SW Saskatchewan. They sweated up the quarter horses he had good, were pretty comfortable and the guy who owned those saddles routinely ropes yearlings so I know the hold up all right. They are fairly inexpensive.

That is the route I personally went - I purchased a lower end but pretty well built rig and rode it for a couple years until I could afford to build my own 'custom' rig. The lower end saddle kept me riding and it actually fit horses pretty well. It wasn't something I would have wanted to rope anything big off of. I did hock some calves at brandings off it a few times and it held up fine. The bottom line is it kept me riding horses - After I had built my 'custom' rig i sold it for just a little less than what I paid for it to a trail rider.

Now having a saddle that really fits horses well and really fits me well I'd never ride anything less than a custom rig.

Anyhow, just some ramblings.

Ron L

[Denise]

I have read a bunch about Corriente. The bottom line seems to be that it is a decent saddle for it's price ($700 or so). However, it seems that while some are good, some are so-so and some are bad and sore horses. I read one person saying to get a "custom" Corriente, not an off the rack one, and your chances of getting a bad one were lower. No personal experience here - just passing on what I have read.

[CWR]

I have seen a lot on here and other sites about corrientes saddles and have bitten my tongue up to this point. I would run from them like my skin was on fire. I have had several in for repairs and never found one with a square tree. They use some sort of plastic to plug the skirts. They use staples to hold the rawhide to the tree. The last one I had in had no stirrup leather grooves because the staples had pulled out and the rawhide had pulled loose from the tree. I'm sure there are some serviceable ones out there but I would not be willing to gamble on getting one. They sell a new saddle for way less than my material cost. This tells me quite a bit about their quality. That being said, it's still a free country so buy what you want.

CW