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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
  
Location: where the wind blows | As soon as I get my one reining saddle sold I'll be looking for a second barrel saddle. I currently have a caldwell max and while I absolutely love, love, love it I don't think my budget can afford another one, especially with the Canadian dollar to U.S. being so bad right now. I sure like the looks of the Jeff Smith's they look like they sit you down well. I tend to ride pretty forward (past english riding) so I need one that sits me down.
There is a Lynn Mckenzie double J (nueva?) close to me used I might try. Anyone ride them?
Anyway ideas? |
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| I don't own a Jeff Smith but I ran in a friends for a weekend and I have never rode in a saddle that I liked more than that one. Even a Caldwell didn't compare. It sits up upright, but still has a deep seat that holds you in good BUT allows you to get up and over your horse. I felt like I had a lot of feel with it and could position myself wherever I needed to be very easily. I sat in a friends Tami Semas made by Jeff Smith (didn't run in it) but I preferred the Jeff Smith version better. They are cheaper than the Semas, too :)
Very high quality leather. Once I get this wedding over with it is the next item on my wish list to check off :) |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | I have a Jeff Smith Mary Walker saddle that I love. Really has a nice feel. The descripson that wrapn gave above is what I like about my Mary Walker saddle. Look up Amandaandleemulvaney on facebook and shoot some questions her way-I believe she has a couple for sale-maybe you could work out a try before you buy?? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 501
| I really like my Double J but have ridden in it maybe twice since I got my Jeff Smith. The way they sit is just so correct. Quality is there and price is right. Highly reccomend. |
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Location: South Dakota | Is there a big difference between the Mary Walker's and the regular Jeff Smith barrel saddles? RS Saddlery have several that have caught my eye. |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | i think there is quite a bit of difference, the "regular" jeff smith I sat in at RS was NOTHING compared tot he walker saddle-the cantle and swells are so much more secure on the walker. |
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Location: South Dakota | LMS - 2016-03-07 11:45 AM i think there is quite a bit of difference, the "regular" jeff smith I sat in at RS was NOTHING compared tot he walker saddle-the cantle and swells are so much more secure on the walker.
That is interesting, thanks for your input! The "regular" Jeff Smith's the ones with the dark oil finish were the ones that caught my eye, over the Mary Walkers. |
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| I think the Mary Walker saddles have improved in the last year. I sat in one a few years ago and strongly disliked it. Seat felt flat and there was nothing special to it. Now I see it says they are made on a BW tree and the seat looks very comparable, so it makes me believe they are more like the other Jeff Smith's that I rode in.
And yes, not all Jeff Smith saddles are one in the same. I think they still have their cheaper models as well.
 (jeff Smith.JPG)
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 jeff Smith.JPG (77KB - 248 downloads)
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| You can see there are subtle differences in the Mary Walker
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Mary Walker.JPG (79KB - 249 downloads)
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I love, love, love my Tami Semas by Jeff Smith. I ride in other saddles then ride in my Tami and I fall in love with it all over again. LOL I'm such a loser |
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It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | This is what I was told about the Mary's compared to regular Jeff's
It's similar design best way to describe it would be it sits more down on the horse around the shoulders instead of more of a perching fit. It has less of a pocket putting you in a more forward position. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | I absolutely adore my Jeff Smith! I love the way it sits ME.
I ride a lot of different horses though, currently riding 5 a day and that 5 will be different 2 months from now. I will caution that it is not a saddle for every horse. Not that I've found a saddle that is, but if you are looking for a saddle for one specific horse I recommend trying one before purchasing. |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | BamaCanChaser - 2016-03-07 1:23 PM I absolutely adore my Jeff Smith! I love the way it sits ME. I ride a lot of different horses though, currently riding 5 a day and that 5 will be different 2 months from now. I will caution that it is not a saddle for every horse. Not that I've found a saddle that is, but if you are looking for a saddle for one specific horse I recommend trying one before purchasing.
I loved the way mine sat me too. I had two of them. However as my horse got older it got a little too snug for him. Still fit my young horses nice, but not my open horse, so I sold it them both. Thinking about taking my horse down there and having another one built once I know he's done growing. |
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| SmokinGirlie - 2016-03-07 1:17 PM
This is what I was told about the Mary's compared to regular Jeff's
It's similar design best way to describe it would be it sits more down on the horse around the shoulders instead of more of a perching fit. It has less of a pocket putting you in a more forward position.
Thanks for sharing that! I always wondered. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 747
| Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Mary Walker's supposed to ride similar to a Coats, since that was what she was riding prior to having her own made? I've always through her line through Jeff has somewhat resembled a Coats, but with her subtle twists.. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| If you are ordering one from Canada, be prepared to be waiting close to 5 months.
Neighbours of mine were told it would be 6 weeks, and it took just over 5 months for them to get it, they were not happy with the wait time, but they do love the saddle. |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | WrapN3MN - 2016-03-07 1:02 PM I think the Mary Walker saddles have improved in the last year. I sat in one a few years ago and strongly disliked it. Seat felt flat and there was nothing special to it. Now I see it says they are made on a BW tree and the seat looks very comparable, so it makes me believe they are more like the other Jeff Smith's that I rode in. And yes, not all Jeff Smith saddles are one in the same. I think they still have their cheaper models as well.
This saddle is NOT the "regular" saddle I sat in-this one looks much better-pretty sure they didn't have these at RS when I was there 2 summers ago. I rode a saddle built on a coats tree when I was looking for a new rig and yes they do sit VERY similar-to me the swells on the walker are a little wider and you sit more "down" in the seat than the Coats-however, I have no idea what Mary Walker was riding before she "endorsed" this saddle......... |
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 Veteran
Posts: 253
Location: Where we're waiting for spring! | cheryl makofka - 2016-03-07 3:44 PM
If you are ordering one from Canada, be prepared to be waiting close to 5 months.
Neighbours of mine were told it would be 6 weeks, and it took just over 5 months for them to get it, they were not happy with the wait time, but they do love the saddle.
I ordered a Jeff Smith C3 and I LOVE IT!!Im in Canada and it arrived exactly 8 weeks from the day I ordered it. They said 6-8 weeks. So I was pleased with the arrival time. The wait almost killed me just on 8 weeks, couldn't imagine 5 months. But.... don't fear ordering from Canada because it wasn't a hassle for me. Just a word of caution, ask them not to ship by UPS. But, that's a whole other story. Nothing to do with the store. I will second or third that it's best to try the trees on your horse before you buy. I would have ordered a wide for mine if I hadn't crossed paths with Chery last fall. My mare fit their regular tree best and the wide that I thought would be the right fit fell down on her. I was really surprised by how much room their regular fit has. I honestly can't say enough good things about the saddle tho. Im balanced, secure and I can get up out of it when needed. I haven't found anything better (for me). I feel like I found "the one" haha |
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Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | cdnrodeo - 2016-03-07 8:19 PM cheryl makofka - 2016-03-07 3:44 PM If you are ordering one from Canada, be prepared to be waiting close to 5 months. Neighbours of mine were told it would be 6 weeks, and it took just over 5 months for them to get it, they were not happy with the wait time, but they do love the saddle. I ordered a Jeff Smith C3 and I LOVE IT!!Im in Canada and it arrived exactly 8 weeks from the day I ordered it. They said 6-8 weeks. So I was pleased with the arrival time. The wait almost killed me just on 8 weeks, couldn't imagine 5 months. But.... don't fear ordering from Canada because it wasn't a hassle for me. Just a word of caution, ask them not to ship by UPS. But, that's a whole other story. Nothing to do with the store. I will second or third that it's best to try the trees on your horse before you buy. I would have ordered a wide for mine if I hadn't crossed paths with Chery last fall. My mare fit their regular tree best and the wide that I thought would be the right fit fell down on her. I was really surprised by how much room their regular fit has. I honestly can't say enough good things about the saddle tho. Im balanced, secure and I can get up out of it when needed. I haven't found anything better (for me ). I feel like I found "the one" haha
Can I ask where in Canada you are? Do you feel the regular fit fits a wide variety of horses.
If if my caldwell pro max fits both my current horses would a regular tree Jeff smith fit. |
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| jkrm - 2016-03-07 8:15 AM
As soon as I get my one reining saddle sold I'll be looking for a second barrel saddle. I currently have a caldwell max and while I absolutely love, love, love it I don't think my budget can afford another one, especially with the Canadian dollar to U.S. being so bad right now. I sure like the looks of the Jeff Smith's they look like they sit you down well. I tend to ride pretty forward (past english riding) so I need one that sits me down.
There is a Lynn Mckenzie double J (nueva?) close to me used I might try. Anyone ride them?
Anyway ideas?
I love a Coats or a Shiloh. I'm trying a Shiloh right now. I think the contenders must run small. Coats is probably the best fitting. But I also like how this Shiloh is on the back of a horse and how I sit in Ut. I also like a Martin the seats run small on them too. |
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Veteran
Posts: 253
Location: Where we're waiting for spring! | jkrm - 2016-03-07 10:52 PM
cdnrodeo - 2016-03-07 8:19 PM cheryl makofka - 2016-03-07 3:44 PM If you are ordering one from Canada, be prepared to be waiting close to 5 months. Neighbours of mine were told it would be 6 weeks, and it took just over 5 months for them to get it, they were not happy with the wait time, but they do love the saddle. I ordered a Jeff Smith C3 and I LOVE IT!!Im in Canada and it arrived exactly 8 weeks from the day I ordered it. They said 6-8 weeks. So I was pleased with the arrival time. The wait almost killed me just on 8 weeks, couldn't imagine 5 months. But.... don't fear ordering from Canada because it wasn't a hassle for me. Just a word of caution, ask them not to ship by UPS. But, that's a whole other story. Nothing to do with the store. I will second or third that it's best to try the trees on your horse before you buy. I would have ordered a wide for mine if I hadn't crossed paths with Chery last fall. My mare fit their regular tree best and the wide that I thought would be the right fit fell down on her. I was really surprised by how much room their regular fit has. I honestly can't say enough good things about the saddle tho. Im balanced, secure and I can get up out of it when needed. I haven't found anything better (for me ). I feel like I found "the one" haha
If if my caldwell pro max fits both my current horses would a regular tree Jeff smith fit.
I'm in Ontario... I honestly can't answer whether or not it fits a wide variety as I've only had it a short time and only ridden it on the horse I purchased it for. I would call the store or, find Chery Pinkston on Facebook. She designed the C3 saddle specifically that I purchased. But I'm sure she would help with questions on the tree they use. She was awesome to deal with when I ordered. |
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 Peecans
| I ride in a Jeff Smith cutter. It is really the best balanced saddle I have ever owned, I spent close to 2 years looking and buying / selling barrel saddles for her.
I gave up and went with this saddle, I LOVE it so much! And I like the horn on his cutters its a but forward slanted, very comftrotable and you can get up in it still. |
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Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | Thanks for all the input everyone. A couple more questions.
What at is the difference in the Jeff Smiths the c3's and the Tami Semus made by Jeff Smith.
Also so do those of you that have them have the smooth seat or suede. I see so many smooth seats. Are the slippery?
Thanks
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 494
| Does anyone know what his saddles weigh? |
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It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | Here is my Tami Semas. It's so comfortable and really puts me where I need to be. The quality is amazing as well. I've been through a lot of saddles, I listed it for about a week because it wasn't fitting my main horse like I wanted it to but I just can't get myself to sell it. It's one I'll keep for good!
 (Tami.JPG)
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Tami.JPG (22KB - 241 downloads)
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Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | Can I ask what jeff smith cutter you have? When I go on the website there are so many to choose from. Do you have pictures? Did you get a custom or one in stock. Thanks
joni muri |
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Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | Bumping up for answers to above questions. Also those of you with jeff smiths either cutter or barrel can you post pics? |
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Veteran
Posts: 170
| I love my Jeff Smith Tami Semis!! It has the slick seat but isn't slick at all. It is a little heavy but that means it's built well..IMO |
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | There is a nice Jeff Smith 14.5" on EBay right now. I don't need it, but I bid it up to $1800 because I thought it was a good deal. The gal said on FB that it has a Mary Walker tree. IF I NEEDED it, I'd probably go over $2K on it! |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | ND3canAddict - 2016-03-14 12:03 PM There is a nice Jeff Smith 14.5" on EBay right now. I don't need it, but I bid it up to $1800 because I thought it was a good deal. The gal said on FB that it has a Mary Walker tree. IF I NEEDED it, I'd probably go over $2K on it!
That is the gal that I bought my Mary Walker from-super helpful and a great deal! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456
Location: SW MO | I would definitely try one out if you have the option; I have a fancy mary walker and I love it but I think I might sell it because its just a hair to big in the seat and I really dont like being behind. Great quality and definitely a brand to consider IMO |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Jeff Smith seems to make a few different style of cutter type saddles. My wife trains versatility horses and rides in Ranch cutters, but the ones with high cantles, deep seats, and built up fronts. These are similar to the basic Jeff Smith barrel design. We have a friend that bought a JS barrel saddle that is very nice and built this way. Only tangible difference I can see is the seat size and smaller skirts. These saddles seem to fit most horses well and are well made. They are not in the same league as custom saddles, but are a really good value for their price point. If you like the way they sit you, then I think they are a good saddle and good option. |
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 Best of the Badlands
Location: You never know where I will show up...... | I've got a couple of Tami Semas saddles by Jeff Smith. I bought my first one just to ride colts in. Wanted to save on my more expensive Caldwell and PSC saddles. I ended up liking the Tami well enough that I went ahead and bought another one this fall. I really like how they sit a horse and how they feel. I have both a regular tree and a wide fit and I like them both a lot. |
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Regular
Posts: 98
Location: California | I have a Mary Walker by Jeff Smith Saddlery that I bought new in the fall of 2015. They are great saddles! Very high quality! I love this saddle but has always been too wide for my horse so just bought another Jeff Smith saddle that fits him perfect. I have the Mary Walker for sale, listed on this site. I can maybe work a little on the price. They are not cheaply built saddles. Built on the Buster Welsh tree and keep you right where you need to be. |
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 Buttered Noodles Snacker
Posts: 4377
Location: NC | I love the look of his saddles. I really like the ones on the cutter trees with teh high horn/swell and high cantle. Do any of the modles have forward hung stirrups? |
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