| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 1812.1 | shop around | CSOA1::AANESTIS | | Mon Oct 04 1993 17:41 | 8 |
| For weekend use they hold up ok. You can also get leather saddles built
on a ralide tree that are almost as light, and hold up even better! If
you are thinking of the the old fashioned roper with the hardwood and
rawhide tree, those are heavy. Hit a few tack shops and lift up some of
the new "equitation seat" westerns, you won't believe how much lighter
the "high-tech" trees have made them.
Sandy
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| 1812.2 | General stuff | DECWET::JDADDAMIO | Seattle Rain Festival: 1/1-12/31 | Mon Oct 04 1993 17:56 | 22 |
| We stopped doing business with Libertyville years ago because we didn't
like their selection, quality or service. But, that's not what you
asked...
Re the saddle, I'll pretend I'm a New Yorker and answer your question
with a question. Who guarantees the tree? The manufacturer? If you've
never heard of the brand, what makes you believe they'll be around to
honor their guarantee?
If the saddle *does* get ratty in 5 years, will you be able to replace
it? While a leather saddle is heavier, very few of them wear out in 5
years.
One other thing re "I am new to riding so I need a western saddle"
Whichever riding style you choose should be more influenced by your
interest rather than whether or not you're a beginner. Many people
begin in other seats. If you choose to ride western because you like
it, fine. But, don't be deceived by the shape of the saddle into
thinking that it's more secure for beginners.
John
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| 1812.3 | Is it cheap? | ANGLIN::DUNTON | | Mon Oct 04 1993 18:01 | 3 |
| That sounds great! I would love nothing more than to have a new
leather saddle, but the pocketbook won't allow. Can I get a leather
saddle of quality for less than $400?
|
| 1812.4 | | CSC32::M_HOEPNER | A Closed Mouth Gathers No Feet | Mon Oct 04 1993 19:25 | 18 |
|
Since your node names looks like you are from the greater Chicago
region, you might want to start calling all the local tack and
feed stores to see what is available in terms of good used saddles.
And you can hit the local horse auctions if you have someone who could
look at the saddles for you. And/or look for ads in the local
newspapers.
Even out here in Colorado, you can find a simple used saddle for around
$400 if you look hard. (Prices for used western saddles is a little
high here compared to some other parts of the country, including
California.)
I just had my saddle rebuilt (shattered the tree). The saddle was
built in 1976. Since getting a new tree, the saddle looks almost like
new -- the leather is in wonderful condition. And it should last
another 20 years (or until I shatter the tree again).
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| 1812.5 | | MPO::ROBINSON | you have HOW MANY cats?? | Tue Oct 05 1993 10:16 | 13 |
|
I'll second John's remark about Libertyville... I no longer
do business with them either.
You're better off find a local tack shop that deals with used
saddles, AND give you either a trial period or a guarantee on
them. Some people change their styles of riding, or for other
reasons, trade in a perfectly good and nicely broken in saddle
for something else, so just because it's used doesn't mean it's
not a good saddle!
Sherry
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| 1812.6 | | POWDML::MANDILE | The Dungeon, cell# D13 | Tue Oct 05 1993 10:38 | 7 |
|
A ralide tree in a western saddle isn't the greatest thing.
Many western saddles are made lighter now, with wooden trees.
Check out the local stores for a good used saddle, making sure
that the saddle fits both you AND your horse!
|
| 1812.7 | Thanks to all! | ANGLIN::DUNTON | | Mon Oct 11 1993 11:43 | 6 |
| Thank you very much for all your input. I was reluctant to do business
with a mail order company I had never heard of so your comments about
Libertyville were very important to me. I'm just going to wait until I
can afford something nice instead of trying to take short cuts on
something that will not hold up. Thanks again!
- Paula -
|