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Expert
Posts: 1409
 
Location: Oklahoma | Went and looked at a Purdy saddle demonstration and tried one on my horse, Love how it feels to ride in but just not sure on the concept. Anyone have one? and how long and pro and cons? |
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Defense Attorney for The Horse
Location: Claremore, OK | I hosted one of his saddle fitting clinics last year. The way the shape of the bar is designed it fits many different types of horses.
There were several types of horses, from thick withered to Tb. The saddle fit everyone of them. The only thing he did was on a couple he changed the thickness of the saddle pad. Workmanship on the saddles was very nice.
Edited by Liana D 2017-01-15 9:53 PM
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
   
Location: Phoenix | I really want one!! Haven't been to a saddle fitting tho. :(. Is there anything on YouTube? |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | hammer_time - 2017-01-16 7:40 AM I really want one!! Haven't been to a saddle fitting tho. :(. Is there anything on YouTube? https://youtu.be/wBCCO37lj18
ETA: THis is the video comparing traditional trees to the Purdy's. Maybe you can find a video on how to fit one through the link as well. 
Edited by IRunOnFaith 2017-01-16 8:47 AM
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | I've had one for about a year, and absolutely love it. I've used it on several different horses and it works well. I'll just change the pad a bit depending on the type of horse I'm riding. I bought it to fit a mare that had been thru several saddles trying to find something that worked for her. She's not shy about letting me know if she doesn't like something.
Edited by MS2011 2017-01-16 8:48 AM
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Been googling for quite some time... Can anyone explain the difference in a regular tree and a Purdy tree? The above video I posted was the only one I could really find and it isn't very informative as far as mechanics go.
I'd like to know more details about the bars if possible. Does anyone know if these are manufactured or handmade? OH! One more thing, What is the price range for a Vernon Purdy? |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | The Purdy saddles start at about $3500 I think. You're paying for his tree for the most part. The saddles are made in several different shops around Greenville, one of which is Green Custom Saddlery. They make a very nice saddle themselves on their own tree, which is a modified Buster Welch tree. Their saddles start around $1500 for the same exact workmanship, just different tree. I saw Vernon's tree when I was in the shop and it is interesting, but didn't have my horse there, so can't give any input on how it fit or anything else. |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Herbie - 2017-01-16 9:05 AM The Purdy saddles start at about $3500 I think. You're paying for his tree for the most part. The saddles are made in several different shops around Greenville, one of which is Green Custom Saddlery. They make a very nice saddle themselves on their own tree, which is a modified Buster Welch tree. Their saddles start around $1500 for the same exact workmanship, just different tree. I saw Vernon's tree when I was in the shop and it is interesting, but didn't have my horse there, so can't give any input on how it fit or anything else.
Thanks Herbie. I'm familiar with most all the shops that make the manufactured saddles.
Can you explain to me why his saddle tree is interesting? What is different about it from a regular tree? Is it fiberglass or rawhide wrapped? |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | It's just a completely different shape through the bars than most trees. It is smooth and has more of a flare through the front giving it almost a rocking chair appearance if your flared the rockers on the rocking chairs. I have a picture of it on my phone I think. It is fiberglass covered. |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Thanks for the reply Herbie. Fiberglass covered trees in ropers scare me. I'd be okay with a fiberglass covered barrel tho. Really interested to see the tree. Had never heard of them before this post.  |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Fiberglass covered trees don't scare me in either, as they actually are air tight and protect the wood from moisture, etc. Rawhide is still a hide and contracts and expands with moisture, as does wood. Sometimes if a saddle is not stored in an air tight, temp controlled room, the rawhide covered trees can warp or become damaged or more susceptible to damage due to the moisture and extreme temperatures. |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Herbie - 2017-01-16 9:43 AM Fiberglass covered trees don't scare me in either, as they actually are air tight and protect the wood from moisture, etc. Rawhide is still a hide and contracts and expands with moisture, as does wood. Sometimes if a saddle is not stored in an air tight, temp controlled room, the rawhide covered trees can warp or become damaged or more susceptible to damage due to the moisture and extreme temperatures.
I completely understand about the warped rawhide trees. I know exactly why Fiberglass is the better choice. But I've also had the warping happen to one before and it's no fun. Luckily it was still under warranty so I got it replaced and then sold it.
My only concern for fiberglass covered trees in a roping or ranch saddle is that I've seen way too many horns lay flat when slack was tightened. Maybe it's just me but I'd be afraid to lay one over. It's scary to watch.
I know a lot of guys who won't touch a fiberglass tree with a ten foot pole for the same reasons. But again, I'd try a barrel saddle with fiberglass no problem.  |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I hear ya for sure. Just depends on the tree and the maker I think. |
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Expert
Posts: 1409
Location: Oklahoma | It is my understanding that the tree fits wider over the back to sit closer to top of the ribcage. But not sure I'm explaining right. When I went to demo I figured I would hear more bout people using and looking for one like you hear bout other brands. Before I invest in his saddle for that much I wanted to hear from people who is using them :)). Thanks again. Will just keep an eye out for reviews |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I don't know why it works but it does and beautifully. I love my Purdy saddle. But I need to sell it because I need to have a new air conditioner in and I have not been able to ride for a while. Age has had a way of catching up with me. It anyone would be interested send me a message. And if I owe BHW and ad fee for posting this please let me know what I owe. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Bumping this up for new reviews. Went to a fitting today and was very impressed. |
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Expert
Posts: 1409
Location: Oklahoma | Had mine a couple months and love it even more and more!!! I am very secure in it but yet doesn't trap you in saddle and I can move easily when need to! Love way better than a Caldwell! and so does my horse! Have learned that they don't all fit the same even if same tree. I was so very lucky that mine fit perfect! This is my forever saddle! Never selling! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 912
Location: Alabama | bumping
Any one have new reviews? Interested to see what shape of horses these are working for.  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Sockittoemred - 2017-09-19 3:05 PM
bumping
Any one have new reviews? Interested to see what shape of horses these are working for.
I actually just got a used one that I traded my lazy l for. I personally love it so far my gelding is coming back from KS surgery last year and I think he moves a lot freer in this good even sweat pattern.I haven't gotten to run him yet in it but hopefully soon! |
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 Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338
Location: Georgia | I know this is an OLD thread but I'm bumping to see if anyone has any other input on these saddles? I spoke with Vernon for about 30 minutes this past Friday. I like the concept of these saddles and he seems to think his tree would be a great fit for my horse. Just looking for opinions. |
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