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 Veteran
Posts: 214
| Reading through endless and endless saddle posts and ads has me a bit overwhelmed. I am hoping you all might share how you think your saddles ride. I am looking for something that helps keep my feet forward, has a deeper seat but doesn't trap you in so you can't get up and ride.
I am currently running in a triple creek and its not that I don't like it I am just curious if there is something better suited for what I am wanting out there? I know better position/riding will fix my bad habits (coming into the barrel my inside foot tends to sneak back a bit and rocks the rest of me too far forward which puts me off balance and when my gelding does his drop and swooping move on the backside it leaves me behind) I am taking lessons, working out to get stronger etc so I am doing more than just trying to find the right saddle to cover up those bad habits :)
I am hoping to narrow down the sea of saddles to a few that might be what I am looking for and see which of those fit my gelding the best.
So what are you riding in?
likes?
Dislikes?
Does the seat seem to be true to size or run smaller/larger?
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
 
| I rode triple creeks for a couple years, I don’t dislike them but they just weren’t working on my current horse, or at least not as well as I’d hoped.
I’m anxiously waiting on my Jeff Smith C3 to come in. I tried one back in October and LOVED it. Plus it freed my gelding up a ton, our fastest run of the weekend was my 1st real run in the C3.
I suggest trying to find one in your area to try... |
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Veteran
Posts: 268
| Robbie Phillips. If you are anywhere close to Buckeye AZ he is there and doing free saddle fittings..he is a second generation saddle maker. Love my saddle from him. Decent price too. |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | kj11 - 2018-01-10 5:21 PM Reading through endless and endless saddle posts and ads has me a bit overwhelmed. I am hoping you all might share how you think your saddles ride. I am looking for something that helps keep my feet forward, has a deeper seat but doesn't trap you in so you can't get up and ride. I am currently running in a triple creek and its not that I don't like it I am just curious if there is something better suited for what I am wanting out there? I know better position/riding will fix my bad habits (coming into the barrel my inside foot tends to sneak back a bit and rocks the rest of me too far forward which puts me off balance and when my gelding does his drop and swooping move on the backside it leaves me behind) I am taking lessons, working out to get stronger etc so I am doing more than just trying to find the right saddle to cover up those bad habits :) I am hoping to narrow down the sea of saddles to a few that might be what I am looking for and see which of those fit my gelding the best. So what are you riding in? likes? Dislikes? Does the seat seem to be true to size or run smaller/larger?
I sold my 2 Triple Creek saddles to buy 2 Meleta Brown saddles made by Crates.
Likes-fit my horses excellent, so far a young 3 yr old, stout geldings, tall geldings etc
-sits me in a good position
-comfortable enough to ranch in for 10 hrs (ugh)
-very nice quality leather
Dislikes-heavier than any others
-can't find a 14" so had to go with 14 1/2" but it doesn't seem to bother me to ride/run in them
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | I have a couple of double j pros and they are the most balanced saddle I've ever rode in. It has a nice pocket in the seat and the stirrups are just slightly forward. It just sits very balanced and keeps you where you need to be and get up and hustle. I rode (still do) in a pozzi before and didn't know how I would like the lower cantle (it's a .5" lower) but I very quickly got accustomed to it. I don't miss that extra .5" I even ran a horse I'd never rode before at a rodeo in my pro and I never missed a beat. My colt drops and turns the first barrel pretty hard most of the time and I'm always right there with him. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | Josey ultimate hip hugger
I am like you, I like a deep seat with a forward hung stirrup.
Also looking into a double j. |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| I'm in a McKenzie Nueva that I absolutely love, and a custom Coats that is a sweet ride.
If you get a brand name, endorsed saddle, make sure your body type and height is similar to whomever designed/endorsed it. I promise it makes a difference. |
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Curve Ball
Posts: 2258
Location: Pelham, TN | We ride daily in our Shallow Creek Saddles!! Great fit and quality workmanship!!! |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | I am currently riding in an Ammerman. I LOVE my saddle. Gives you a nice balanced ride. But it seems to be putting too much pressure just behind the withers on my mare so I ordered a Bob Marshall. She was ridden in one with her prior owner and seems much happier in one. |
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 The One
Posts: 7998
Location: South Georgia | I currently have an older Marlene Special EFFX by Circle Y. They get a lot of trash talking, but this saddle is quality. It's fully tooled and pretty nice for the price. It sits very upright and legs right under you. That was the hardest part to get used to, but it is very comfortable. It has the 7" flex tree. My mare has outgrown it, sadly.
I ordered a Lynn McKenzie Double J Wide fit and LOVED IT, but it did not fit either. Sat so nice. I could have my feet slightly in front of me without too much so, and have room in the seat to move. Lynn sent me the trees and it turns out my mare needs the wide nueva. I have had zero luck finding one used. Still looking. I'm also scoping out the PSC's. For the price, it seems pretty dead on to a Caldwell and I like that look too. I know we shouldnt ride on looks, but I like pretty. LOL
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 762
Location: NC | Currently run in a Deb Sibley. I never worry about my feet moving with the way her stirrups are set up and i can get up and ride. We also have a crown c in for the old man and locally made DC western saddle as well |
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 I'm doing it!!
Posts: 2332
| Coats, and Martha Josey Cash. |
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 Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Hard to go wrong with a Shiloh of any kind. I also have a saddle that Corriente made that I actually love and bought on a whim, however when I called to try and get another just like it, they couldn't guarantee me they could duplicate the things I love about it and then basically told me that they had serious concerns about building a saddle for me due to how specific I was in how I expected it to ride. Well, YEAH, that's one of the most important thing in having a saddle made is how it sits and rides! So I may have the "unicorn" as far as Corrientes go b/c I haven't seen another that looks like it would sit the way mine does. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560
Location: Where the buffalo roam | Love my FX3's - they hold me in and keep my feet from swinging back. I have heard that the Jordan Peterson Shiloh saddles are also great for helping with seat and leg position. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 595
Location: North Dakota | I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on.
I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on.
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Love my Shilohs. I want to try a Robbie Phillips to see how they compare. |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 12:13 PM I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on. I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on.
GIVE IT TO ME!!!! I get first dibs when you're tired of it. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Herbie - 2018-01-12 12:46 PM MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 12:13 PM I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on. I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on. GIVE IT TO ME!!!! I get first dibs when you're tired of it.
#addict
Do they have a 12 step program for this? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 784
Location: USA | Herbie - 2018-01-12 9:17 AM Hard to go wrong with a Shiloh of any kind. I also have a saddle that Corriente made that I actually love and bought on a whim, however when I called to try and get another just like it, they couldn't guarantee me they could duplicate the things I love about it and then basically told me that they had serious concerns about building a saddle for me due to how specific I was in how I expected it to ride. Well, YEAH, that's one of the most important thing in having a saddle made is how it sits and rides! So I may have the "unicorn" as far as Corrientes go b/c I haven't seen another that looks like it would sit the way mine does.
Pics?? |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Three 4 Luck - 2018-01-12 12:55 PM Herbie - 2018-01-12 12:46 PM MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 12:13 PM I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on. I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on. GIVE IT TO ME!!!! I get first dibs when you're tired of it.
Do they have a 12 step program for this?
Gosh I hope not! What would I do with all my extra time???  |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 912
Location: Alabama | I call dibs from you Herbie when you're ready to give up the Bob if you get it from her!! LOL
I am still rolling around the idea of having another Allen Ranch built.
I am loving my Allen Ranch I bought from Herbie. 
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 595
Location: North Dakota | Herbie - 2018-01-12 12:46 PM
MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 12:13 PM I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on. I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on.
GIVE IT TO ME!!!! I get first dibs when you're tired of it.
Lol!! You are number one on the list. I should have sent it down to you to enjoy while it was just sitting for 6 months. Now it’s back in action and it’s just as lovely as I remember it.  |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Sockittoemred - 2018-01-12 2:21 PM I call dibs from you Herbie when you're ready to give up the Bob if you get it from her!! LOL I am still rolling around the idea of having another Allen Ranch built. I am loving my Allen Ranch I bought from Herbie.
Edited by Herbie 2018-01-12 4:10 PM
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 3:08 PM Herbie - 2018-01-12 12:46 PM MidWest1452 - 2018-01-12 12:13 PM I was lucky enough to stumble across an older treed bob marshall barrel saddle. When I was searching some of the diamond's in the rough as I didn't have a lot to spend on a saddle. Herbie on here is a big help to narrow down what rides nice and what won't. I have been beyond happy with this oldie but goodie that I found. It rides nice and fits everything I have put it on. I suggest to everyone not to over look those older saddles that sell for under a thousand.. sometimes those are the best ones that fit a ton of horses. Before we got all crazy about this wide vs regular, big gullets and so on. GIVE IT TO ME!!!! I get first dibs when you're tired of it. Lol!! You are number one on the list. I should have sent it down to you to enjoy while it was just sitting for 6 months. Now it’s back in action and it’s just as lovely as I remember it.
I'm so happy that it's back in action. I need info on the new stick sometime soon! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 559
| I've owned..Double J Pro...Double J Charmayne James.....Marlene Mcrae...Crown C...Brazilian...Billy Cook...Triple Creek...Coats...Meleta Brown by Crates...and a Caldwell. Hands down 2 best saddle were Meleta Brown and Caldwell. I'll never own anything different. |
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| I've owned Circle Y, Double J, and Martin's, but now that I have a Caldwell, I'll never ride anything else. They now come in several trees and various rises, so it's a must to try several and see what's right for you. Ordering a new one made to order will be a 9 month wait, but there's a handy used Caldwell Facebook page now. I have a bad back, and the Caldwell saddle has made riding painless for me. |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
| I have several saddles but as far as a deep seat I like my Marlene by Cactus and Tammy Fisher. I've had 2 Bob Marshalls and hated them both. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
Location: Tennessee | I just bought one and then custom ordered a Shallow Creek Bit saddle. Excellent customer service. I was having trouble finding a saddle that would fit my nervous nelly horse and this one has really settled him down. Love the deep seat and the buff leather on the jockeys and fenders instead of roughout. The second saddle I had them get a tree with the forward longer horn for my benefit. Absolutely love these saddles, they fit both me and the two geldings I have wonderfully. Forward hung stirrups and are lightweight too. A friend had me sell one of his older saddles from the early 90s, if my new saddles hold up that good I am going to be very happy!! You have to contact Shallow Creek Bits to get them to order them for you.  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
Location: Tennessee | slowpoke - 2018-01-11 7:45 AM We ride daily in our Shallow Creek Saddles!! Great fit and quality workmanship!!!
Yes! Totally agree with Slowpoke! She's the expert on these saddles! |
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Expert
Posts: 1226
| I have a Burns and I love it. I had it custom made and well worth it. They are very easy to deal |
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 The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | heidiinaz - 2018-01-15 12:16 PM
I have a Burns and I love it. I had it custom made and well worth it. They are very easy to deal
I meant to stop by their trailer while they were here at Buckeye, I tried the RooHide saddles and the Robbie Phillips...neither of these impressed me.
Edited by LIVE2RUN 2018-01-15 3:50 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1226
| Yes I am very, very happy with mine. The leather work is superb and it fits both my horses perfectly. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Edited by heidiinaz 2018-01-15 6:02 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 623
Location: Iowa | Glad to hear this. Ordered a Burns last Oct. Can't wait to get it, probably March. |
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Veteran
Posts: 214
| Thank you all so much for your responses! Its hard to even guess how a saddle might ride if you have never even been around one so I really appreciate all the information! |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| LIVE2RUN - 2018-01-15 3:49 PM heidiinaz - 2018-01-15 12:16 PM I have a Burns and I love it. I had it custom made and well worth it. They are very easy to deal I meant to stop by their trailer while they were here at Buckeye, I tried the RooHide saddles and the Robbie Phillips...neither of these impressed me.
Edited by rodeomom3 2018-01-16 4:38 PM
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | JJ Pro. Love it, fits my horse, and feels just like home to me. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 495
Location: Washington | Love that the Bob Marshall Treed are wanted. Mine is a cutter but this will be my first year back after year and a half of not racing and will be in a 16" treed bob marshall cutter. LOVE the saddle and will not ever sell. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 747
| rodeomom3 - 2018-01-16 2:35 PM
LIVE2RUN - 2018-01-15 3:49 PM heidiinaz - 2018-01-15 12:16 PM I have a Burns and I love it. I had it custom made and well worth it. They are very easy to deal I meant to stop by their trailer while they were here at Buckeye, I tried the RooHide saddles and the Robbie Phillips...neither of these impressed me.
I second this, I love my Roohide to death. It's the only tree I could find that actually fits my mare, and it rides like a dream. I wasn't that impressed when I just sat in one on the stand. But when I put one on and actually rode in it and felt the difference in both the way my body was positioned and the way my horse could move freely, I was hooked. |
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