Just curious if anyone has any experience with them. Any opinion good or bad. Just looking at their website I'm not sure how I feel. https://twsaddlery.com/3-d-fitting-system/
Posted 2017-03-31 7:30 AM Subject: RE: Specialized Saddles
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 520
I have tried one of the trail saddles. It is a LOT of rock to the tree and rigging was ridiculously far back. I probably would have had to have 3" of shims in front and back to get it to work. Never even rode in it.
Posted 2017-03-31 7:48 AM Subject: RE: Specialized Saddles
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182 Location: Do I hear Banjos?
MANY in the distance sports compete in them. I have one and it is the only saddle that I was able to fit to my guy after trying several others. He earned his NATRC Open National Championship in it. At those events the horses are evaluated by a veterinarian who (among many other things) checks their backs for soreness throughout the two day event. Now...these are the endurance style that I'm talking about. I've no experience with the western. The stirrup rigging can be adjusted to 3 different positions (either forward, center or back) So you go with what works for you.
The saddle is designed with panels you can shape/adjust or shim as you need to which is great as a horse changes during conditioning. So the rock, flare, everything can be adjusted...but you do need to start with the right tree (they have a few different widths etc). I had mine fitted to my horse, and I chose all of the options I wanted when I had it made. (Cantle type, trail or endurance seat, etc)
Posted 2017-03-31 8:43 AM Subject: RE: Specialized Saddles
Expert
Posts: 3815 Location: The best kept secret in TX
I built a basic roughout saddle like I ride now and it was $3,033 total before shipping and taxes. It would be very hard to get that out of it when re-selling. I can see why the tree has rock to it. You're shimed up to fit a horse and basically riding on foam... Foam moves... It would be very sketchy to me to ride one.
For that price I'd rather buy a Martin or Double J, or two of my beloved Teskey saddles lol. But I wouldn't take a chance on that type of saddle. Especially when you may have trouble getting $1500 back for it if you had to sell....
Specialized Saddles
