High Horse: Circle Y’s New Budget Saddle Brand
July 12, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Resources, Saddle Types
Circle Y is introducing a new budget saddle line called "High Horse" that will be a stand-alone brand featuring trail, barrel, cutting, roping ,and show saddles. They describe the saddles as "entry-level" but claim to have reduced the cost without sacrificing quality. Huh? Must be magicians. There isn’t currently a lot of information available on [...]
What’s a Rough-Out Saddle?
April 12, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Saddle Types
Ever wondered what "rough-out" is? Is it the same as suede? Why are some western saddles made with it and why do some folks prefer it? Let’s get the skinny on rough-out. Leather saddles are made from heavy hides known as saddle skirting. Skirting comes in different weights (thickness) and grades (quality). The thickest skirting [...]
Western Saddles: Custom, Semi-Custom, Handmade, or Production?
February 23, 2007 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Types
Ever wondered what the difference was between a custom, semi-custom, handmade, and production saddle were? While you’ll find differences among saddle makers, the following are the most commonly used definitions. Custom Saddle A saddle made from hand completely to the individual customer’s specifications. The only exception to total handwork is the possible limited use of [...]
Buying a Custom Saddle
December 17, 2006 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Buying, Saddle Types
Making the leap to a custom saddle is a big decision. Make sure you’ve done your homework before you make your purchase by reviewing these tips and guidelines. Buying a Custom Saddle
Coveting a Custom Saddle
November 14, 2006 by Saddle Sense
Filed under General Saddle Topics, Saddle Types
A friend called me the other day and he was just bubbling. He had just received the custom saddle that he had ordered several years ago, and it was worth the wait. I listened as he went through every feature, describing why each piece was so well crafted and beautiful. He was in love. He [...]
Treeless Saddles: Why all the Controversy?
September 27, 2006 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Types
Treeless saddles are quite controversial in the riding world. Some folks swear by them and others claim they’e dangerous and harmful to the horse and rider. Before you can form an opinion, you need to understand the basics of treeless saddles. Treeless Saddles
Trophy Saddles: Win some “bling”
September 9, 2006 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Types
Trophy saddles are awarded at a wide variety of western riding events. They’re flashy and coveted by competitors both amateur and professional. Trophy Saddles
Australian Saddles
September 8, 2006 by Saddle Sense
Filed under Saddle Types
Australian saddles took off in the US with the release of the move "Man From Snowy River" back in the 1980′s. They are a really nice compromise between English and Western saddles and, with their "keep you in" design, can be a good choice for beginner riders. Australian Saddles
