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Post by ghostrider on Feb 14, 2014 0:09:19 GMT -5
Kirk, I was horseless for 13 years and during that time DH (ex) kept telling me just get the horse and we'll figure out where to put him after. Even tried to get me to bid on a pretty little appaloosa. BUT I know all the things involved. We JUST DID IT before moving to ID and talk about a pain trying to erect a fence before moving into your home!!!
DH took me to a tack auction a couple years after that, we got high bid first option and I picked out a beautiful off brand western saddle. Then some guy got the next two and was so impressed with himself my ex had to buy another 16 or 17 of them. He's an auctioneer and we had a used furniture, misc store so he'd put one or two in the auction each time he had one. I finally got tired of waiting for him to get us a place to put a horse and traded my saddle for a Baretta 9mm.
I actually got the saddle first two different times. Then the Lord stepped in and granted me the desires of my heart...DH helped. LOL
PS, it's easier to fit a new saddle to your horse then it is to find a horse that fits your saddle? HaHa
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 14, 2014 18:36:55 GMT -5
I have to say buying a saddle was a really good lesson for me. When I finally had one in my hands, I learned about tree widths, differences in "roundness" of horses, and how a saddle can be too long for a horse (19" english) and about horse conformation. Learned billets are way important and that they can and should be fixed. Luckily I fixed those before they gave out. I also learned never ever buy a saddle with a hole in the panels. They would cost WAY more than the saddle is worth to fix them. Flocking in the saddle needs to be in good shape to be comfortable for the horse. I learned what that Lexol is great stuff. So many lessons! Still learning about Western saddles as I don't see those quite as often. I at least know how to tie a latigo and buckle an Australian saddle. I guess my point is even though it seems like wasted money, it was really helpful as a teaching tool for me. Fortunately, no dry-rotted leather was involved!
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Post by horsespoiler on Feb 14, 2014 20:59:45 GMT -5
Our first saddles were Weaver synthetics. We were new to horses and didn't want to put a lot into tack since we were doing everything for 3. 3 horses, 3saddles, 3 bridles etc, all at once. We also learned not to order the cheap leather western saddle packages online. DH did and I don't know how he rode in that thing at all. It cut into my legs just above my knees. When the right time came we both found the right leather saddle, at about 50lbs each. Of course I have an english, an aussie and a couple of smaller western Tex-Tan saddles from barn sales. Weaver has a full line of really colorful nylon halters out now. I can't help it.
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 14, 2014 21:24:31 GMT -5
What brand Western or Aussie saddles do you recommend? Not looking for top of the line but still pretty good quality. I realize that I might start a totally new thread here :-)
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 14, 2014 23:46:47 GMT -5
I love my Tucker.. It has a lot of cushion for me and the horse and the last couple years my son lived here he would ride in it because it didn't hurt his butt. He's the one who picked out his Abetta and couldn't be talked into leather. I've had it almost 6 years and it's stil in great shape even though I've put a thousand miles on the thing. I love the Colorado saddles, they are built top of the line and the only trouble I've ever had was my dog chewed up the corner of one of the stirrups when he was a pup. I have two new pairs but haven't yet changed them out. Some people may have trouble with this saddle though because it's a slick seat but I find it comfy, I have enough padding. So do you ride English, post and all that? or are you looking to get into western riding? What state are you from? Tucker is the golden one at the bottom. Attachments:
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 15, 2014 9:25:53 GMT -5
I live in Southern Maryland (though I have lived in MA., CA., OR., WA., FL. too). So far, I've ridden with English saddles but no posting. Paso Finos are gaited horses so posting not required-amazingly smooth. It's kinda like learning how to drive a car with an automatic transmission. You can only drive the automatic properly and when you go into a manual car you're a bit lost. Last summer another friend let me ride her QH where I learned what I know about Aussie and Western saddles admittedly not much and experienced a real trot and canter! I enjoy both styles. Being able to neck rein is a real bonus.
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 15, 2014 19:19:21 GMT -5
I've lived in CA, dad still does. Been to WA and OR and vacationed in Destin FL two years ago. I have family all over, lots and lots of aunts and uncles and cousins. My parents were both from families of 8 kids each.
Yeah Buddy has this real slow smooth trot but he also has a very smooth canter. He's like riding a couch. Boomer on the other hand is bouncy I can't believe my son thinks he's smooth. He's also much faster than Buddy and when Matt rides him I don't know which one likes galloping full out, hell bent across the prairies better. They are both crazy.
Our visiting pastor was telling me they use fino boards? to show the paso finos on because the hoof beats are amplified, I believe he said that they basically run in place. They sound interesting. The woman who bought our 3 horse barn/corral in WY had a bay paso fino but had some founder problems.
My aunt from TX raises and shows saddle breds, they are gorgeous horses but I can't imagine riding with a head in your face.
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Post by luvmymorgan on Feb 16, 2014 9:17:00 GMT -5
Hi Kirk, I've had an Aussie for about 10 years. Previously had a western saddle that was HEAVY and a little too long for my short backed Morgan. I bought a Downunder Aussie and wouldn't buy from any other company. JMHO. They have great customer service and really helped me find a saddle to fit both me & my horse. I got one without a horn, very easy to post if you need to. I love the secure feeling I get on trail rides and yet once when I had to bail it was easy to do.
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 16, 2014 17:57:16 GMT -5
You're right, they do use a sounding board at the Paso Fino shows. The gait you're talking about is the Fino gait (or Fine gait) which is really fast foot-fall but the horse has very little forward speed. The Corto gait is slightly slower than a trot but not by much. I've ridden a Paso Fino at a show using the sounding board at a Corto gait. The fastest gait is the Largo gait which is something like people doing speed walking, quite amazing to watch. I watched a Largo race and any horse that broke into a trot had to wait five seconds as a penalty and start up again. The Largo race isn't sanctioned, just a lot of fun. Usually a Fino gaited horse only does the Fino gait but usually not the other two. I prefer the performance horses that do the Corto and Largo.
Thanks for the info on the Aussie saddle, I'll look into that company. I've been told that the Aussie saddles only have the horn because of the American market and that traditional Aussie saddles don't have it (like yours). If you care to share on why you needed to bail, I'd like to hear it so I learn more about difficult situations and maybe how to deal with them?
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Post by Kirk Martin on Feb 16, 2014 17:59:32 GMT -5
So just out of curiousity, how do I earn my second gold star and graduate from being a Newbie? Not that I mind being one....
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Post by luvmymorgan on Feb 16, 2014 19:39:06 GMT -5
Kirk, the time I needed to bail my horse was acting like an idiot, on the street just down from my house actually. He was buddy sour & my other horse was calling for him. I wasn't feeling capable of handling him and was afraid I would come off & get dragged so I bailed. Risty calmly trotted back home & left me to walk Actually, the chances of getting dragged are less with an Aussie due to the way the stirrups (leathers & all) come off the saddle when there isn't a rider. I hooked a stirrup on a post leading him through a gate once & it came off with no damage to it or the saddle. I also learned to flip the stirrups over the saddle leading him through tight places to avoid that. I think the stars accumulate based on the number of posts you have.
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Post by ghostrider on Feb 17, 2014 0:47:09 GMT -5
Yeah you gotta do a lot of fast talking! or typing. I would love to watch a paso show, maybe I'll google it on my days off.
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Post by horsespoiler on Feb 17, 2014 1:02:19 GMT -5
LMM, did your Aussie come with English style leathers and irons? I bought a cheaper brand and the stirrup leathers are wider and have western stirrups on them. They can be easily changed to the others though. I got a horn on mine so when we trail ride I would have a place for a horn bag. The horns are NOT for working, just for hanging stuff on (or for hanging on to). I like the ride but I'm not sure it fits any of our current horses. I haven't tried it in a while.
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Post by luvmymorgan on Feb 17, 2014 10:07:54 GMT -5
Mine has the English style leathers. I bought a couple of water bottle holders with clips to attach to one (there are at least 6 on my saddle) brass "D" rings. You are right, the horns are NOT for working. I attached a "monkey strap" between 2 of the rings where the horn would be if I need to grab something while riding and also for lifting/carrying the saddle. It works really well.
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Post by vsolubo on Feb 17, 2014 10:38:58 GMT -5
Hi Kirk! I love my Abetta; comfy & easy to clean. I've put all my other saddles up, haven't used them in years now.
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