spin off: which endurance saddles do you recommend?

[idtogo]

I am very , very new to distance riding both endurance and competitive trail....

I am crossing over from the event, dressage, combined driving world with a new morgan. I would like in addition to all of the above, do some competitive rides (not necessarily endurance though) with my guy

which saddles do you guys like and why ? My morgan is 15.1 and his dressage and jumping saddles are 17.5" and medium-wide trees.

thanx for any opinions !

[Auventera Two]

I have a Bob Marshall treeless sport saddle and LOVE IT. :cool: :winkgrin: :)

http://www.loristack.com/images/bmbeau.jpg

[Bank of Dad]

AT, I can't remember, is that the saddle you had problems with at first, girth slipping??? or something?

[saratoga]

I cant say enough good things about DeSoto saddles. Being you are just starting out, you may not have any need for a custom saddle or want to spend the money, but I always like the chance to plug mine! Its a rather heavy treed saddle, but I've had mine for maybe 5 years now, completed endurance rides up to 65 miles and it is so comfortable for me and my horse (his back is NEVER sore) and stays in place in the most extreme of mountains. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone having trouble with saddle fit.

For my younger mare, I bought a used Barefoot treeless saddle which I like OK, but if I was going to stick with distance riding with her, I'd probably buy her a DeSoto too :) I hated the Bob Marshall when I had one and couldnt sell it fast enough- it forced my hips apart and put my feet in front of me in a bad way.

For just getting started in CTR, one of the saddles you have now should be fine.

[Auventera Two]

AT, I can't remember, is that the saddle you had problems with at first, girth slipping??? or something?

No, that was the Bandos. I loved the Bandos, and the horse loved it, but I could never really get my legs on the horse. It was like they were popped straight out to the sides all the time. There was just too much fluff and padding between the rider's thigh and the horse. And yes, the saddle was not nearly as stable as the Bob Marshall is.

[Rachel L]

I LOVE my SR.

My three requirements for the saddle were:
1. fits the horse
2. fits me
3. is pretty

As a former hunter princess, #3 was VERY important. I borrowed a Bob Marshall and I found it very comfortable for me and the horse, but (sorry A2) YUCK those things are ugly. Plus, I use my endurance saddle more for trail riding in the mountains than endurance, and on some gnarly bits of trail, I found that I preferred the stability of a treed saddle.

[prudence]

For starters I wouldn't go out and buy a new saddle, but rather ride in one of those you already have. I ride in a passier baum dressage saddle - just got it reflocked and checked for fit - and use various cantle and pommel bags to get the carrying capacity. If you find you like the sport, then go to an endurance saddle if you like. And everyone's suggestions here are great!

[gypsymare]

I LOVE my Freeform <3

[Icecapade]

I am very , very new to distance riding both endurance and competitive trail....

I am crossing over from the event, dressage, combined driving world with a new morgan. I would like in addition to all of the above, do some competitive rides (not necessarily endurance though) with my guy

which saddles do you guys like and why ? My morgan is 15.1 and his dressage and jumping saddles are 17.5" and medium-wide trees.

thanx for any opinions !

for competitive rides... as someone mentioned, esp just getting started, there is little need for a new saddle.

If your dressage saddle is good I would recommend that, the jumping saddles tend to throw you just THAT must to forward for comfort over any length (but thats MHO). They also are built for speed generally speaking and I know a lot of people find their horse to be rushy in their jumping saddles from the way sits the rider. That is not a quality of a good long distance saddle.

But I find I can do upwards of 15 miles... ish, in my dressage (which I'm new to so just starting to break into it over the past 2-3 months) saddle w/o becoming sore.

I think it has as much to do with what you are used too (my friend did a 25 in her jumping saddle just fine) and can tolerate. I'd die in one.. but my german cav saddle with zero padding (ie tree followed by glue followed by hide) is perfect for any length including 100 milers and most people SERIOUSLY balk when you say no padding. =)

good luck to you in your new adventures!

[Diamond Jake]

I would second the notion of riding in what works for you now, and begin building your critieria as you go through your own experiences. As you can see, it really is a matter of comfort, fit, and taste, and they all are very different with each horse and rider.

Initial investment recommendations? Maybe a sponge on a rope, a packable halter and lead, maybe a cantle bag... although most rides I go to you are not really out of camp long enough to need a full day's rations.

You may find that one of the saddles you have right now is the best, and you certainly need not worry about looking out of place. People in all kinds of tack show up for the rides.

Have fun!

[matryoshka]

Agree with Icecapade. Your dressage saddle will work while you figure out if you like distance riding. The stirrup position is great for trail work, since it allows you to post easily and go to two-point without effort.

I think you can even buy a saddle pad or something that goes under the saddle that has ties so you can attach gear without having to modify your saddle. Can't remember where I saw it, or I'd post a link. I'd put it between a regular saddle pad and the saddle. Maybe I'll think of where I saw it.

[Bank of Dad]

I think Cashel has the thing with ties that go under the saddle.


http://www.cashelcompany.com/productdetails.aspx?C=7&SC=60&ProductID=9685#


Tie one on. The one we have is for English, kind of like a thin pad with ties hanging down.