Gun Dog Forum

Would like your opinions! I have been riding a M & W trooper and love the comfort of it, but I do not feel secure in the saddle. I rode a friends western saddle last night and felt like I could stay in the saddle better if my horse spooked. I am thinking about selling my trooper and buying a western. My local saddle shop sells a Simco trail saddle for $850.00. Not sure if this is a good brand or not.

What brand would you recommed that is less than $1,000.

Thanks

Brian

Brian,

Do a search for saddles on Ebay before you buy new. I won the bid on a $1500. Tucker Custom Aussie last year for 700. that was brand new. It didn't fit the fella's slighter built Mare, so he put it on there to get rid of it.

Might also want to look at a plantation saddle.... kind of in the middle of trooper and trail saddle. I felt the same way I love the ride of a trooper but wanted a little more security and now I have a plantation saddle that is comfy and secure with no horn.

I use a Simco Western Arabian curved skirt saddle. It is the greatest saddle, had for over 6 years now. It is tough on the butt after many hours in the saddle, but it's been thru heck and back and done a fantastic job! There is nothing wrong with a Simco. They are good for the dollar you pay. I like mine!!

Have you considered an Abetta? Light, cheap, and easy to clean (cordura). They seem to fit well, are comforable, and you can choose western with a horn or an endurance style w/o.
The only upgrade I put to mine was some comfort stirrups.