Still have saddle issues-I'm not happy-neither is Red*Need Saddle Recommendations

tabinmaine · 11-02-2009, 04:21 PM

I think you need a saddle with full QH bars... he needs a wider fit and no saddle pad in the world is going to make that better. I would buy wider rather than narrow...you can always pad up but if you have to pad down...well...that's the situation you are in right now. I personally would not ride him again in that saddle...just based on your pics where his hair is rubbed...there is your answer right there on if you need another saddle or not..... just my two cents...
If it makes you feel any better I bought and resold 5 saddles in 2 months until I got the "right one" for my boy....

QOS · 11-03-2009, 05:43 AM

Sorry for your troubles but I can so relate. Sigh...my boy is high maintenance!

Jim_in_PA · 11-03-2009, 03:49 PM

Well, you could always try an English trail/endurance or dressage saddle or an Aussie as already discussed.

No horn, but you can always put a strap on across the Dees. You better ask Red first, however, if he'd be offended by wearing a city-slicker getup...

QOS · 11-03-2009, 08:38 PM

LOL Jim, he looks great in an English or Steele saddle! He is such a pill.

I called Billy Cook Harness and Saddles today and asked them exactly what tree/bars was in the saddle. I was told that all of their saddles are made with Quarter Horse Bars unless specifically custom ordered.

I told the man I spoke to about Red's white marks and he said he wanted to see them. I directed them to the blog that has a bazillion pictures of Red in his saddle and the marks too.

I haven't heard back from them but that was late this afternoon. I don't expect them to do anything because there is nothing wrong with the saddle - I am just not totally convinced it fits him even with the thicker pad that his former owner loaned me.

My little pea head has nearly exploded with all the saddle images I have thrust into it!

Jim_in_PA · 11-04-2009, 06:01 AM

Well, hopefully the folks at 'Cook will have some thoughts and remedies in mind after seeing the pictures!

tlwidener · 11-04-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QOS

LOL Jim, he looks great in an English or Steele saddle! He is such a pill.

I called Billy Cook Harness and Saddles today and asked them exactly what tree/bars was in the saddle. I was told that all of their saddles are made with Quarter Horse Bars unless specifically custom ordered.

I told the man I spoke to about Red's white marks and he said he wanted to see them. I directed them to the blog that has a bazillion pictures of Red in his saddle and the marks too.

I haven't heard back from them but that was late this afternoon. I don't expect them to do anything because there is nothing wrong with the saddle - I am just not totally convinced it fits him even with the thicker pad that his former owner loaned me.

My little pea head has nearly exploded with all the saddle images I have thrust into it!

Ask them to describe "Quarter horse bars." Ask what for the measurements and angles of the bars. Remember that there is not standard among different makers.

QOS · 11-04-2009, 10:07 PM

It seems the more people I ask the more different answers I get! LOL I had Red shod today. His new farrier (he has shod him twice and is the only farrier that has kept shoes on my darling little shoe puller!) is a cowboy from the word go. I asked him about the fit of the saddles. I said that Red's saddle was a Billy Cook. He instantly said "too wide...from the marks on his back you need a narrower saddle".

OMG what should I get or do? I don't know whether to poop or go blind!

tlwidener · 11-04-2009, 10:16 PM

From your other thread, it is too wide. You need to find one with Semi QH bars. Be sure you know what your Billy Cook actually measures. You'll need one that is narrower with a steeper angle than what is on QH or FQH trees. I thought Billy Cook offered a SQH tree. Do they not? SQH trees are not hard to find.

Here's a saddle like mine. This one is my absolute favorite of all time. It fits me well; I can ride in it all day. It also fits a lot of horses. McCall saddles are pricey, but IMO well worth the money.
http://www.tacktrader.com/show_item....0&share_this=Y

PM TackCollector she may have some good suggestions and can maybe point you in the right direction.

tlwidener · 11-04-2009, 10:20 PM

There's a McCall Saddle dealer in TX, don't know if you're anywhere close.
Shawnee Mercantile
428 Raintree
Bells, TX 75414
(903) 965-4374

tlwidener · 11-04-2009, 10:20 PM

Am I remembering right that you got the Billy Cook at Teskey's?

11-02-2009, 04:21 PM	#21
tabinmaine Full Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: I live in Northern Maine Posts: 201 Images: 5	I think you need a saddle with full QH bars... he needs a wider fit and no saddle pad in the world is going to make that better. I would buy wider rather than narrow...you can always pad up but if you have to pad down...well...that's the situation you are in right now. I personally would not ride him again in that saddle...just based on your pics where his hair is rubbed...there is your answer right there on if you need another saddle or not..... just my two cents... If it makes you feel any better I bought and resold 5 saddles in 2 months until I got the "right one" for my boy.... __________________ Mommy of: 12 yr old QH Buckskin: Cash

11-03-2009, 03:49 PM	#23
Jim_in_PA Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Bucks County PA Posts: 3,135 Images: 16	Well, you could always try an English trail/endurance or dressage saddle or an Aussie as already discussed. No horn, but you can always put a strap on across the Dees. You better ask Red first, however, if he'd be offended by wearing a city-slicker getup... __________________ “Never raise your hands to your children, it leaves your groin unprotected.” - Red Buttons Be safety conscious. 80% of people are caused by accidents. For best results, try not to do anything stupid. Horseback Riding...the most fun you can have with your boots still on...

11-04-2009, 06:01 AM	#25
Jim_in_PA Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Bucks County PA Posts: 3,135 Images: 16	Well, hopefully the folks at 'Cook will have some thoughts and remedies in mind after seeing the pictures! __________________ “Never raise your hands to your children, it leaves your groin unprotected.” - Red Buttons Be safety conscious. 80% of people are caused by accidents. For best results, try not to do anything stupid. Horseback Riding...the most fun you can have with your boots still on...

11-04-2009, 10:16 PM	#28
tlwidener Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,768 Images: 146	From your other thread, it is too wide. You need to find one with Semi QH bars. Be sure you know what your Billy Cook actually measures. You'll need one that is narrower with a steeper angle than what is on QH or FQH trees. I thought Billy Cook offered a SQH tree. Do they not? SQH trees are not hard to find. Here's a saddle like mine. This one is my absolute favorite of all time. It fits me well; I can ride in it all day. It also fits a lot of horses. McCall saddles are pricey, but IMO well worth the money. http://www.tacktrader.com/show_item....0&share_this=Y PM TackCollector she may have some good suggestions and can maybe point you in the right direction. __________________ Does this saddle make my butt look big? It's MINE! GIVE IT BACK NOW!!!

11-04-2009, 10:20 PM	#29
tlwidener Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,768 Images: 146	There's a McCall Saddle dealer in TX, don't know if you're anywhere close. Shawnee Mercantile 428 Raintree Bells, TX 75414 (903) 965-4374 __________________ Does this saddle make my butt look big? It's MINE! GIVE IT BACK NOW!!!

11-03-2009, 05:43 AM	#22
QOS Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,039 Images: 137	Sorry for your troubles but I can so relate. Sigh...my boy is high maintenance!

11-03-2009, 08:38 PM	#24
QOS Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,039 Images: 137	LOL Jim, he looks great in an English or Steele saddle! He is such a pill. I called Billy Cook Harness and Saddles today and asked them exactly what tree/bars was in the saddle. I was told that all of their saddles are made with Quarter Horse Bars unless specifically custom ordered. I told the man I spoke to about Red's white marks and he said he wanted to see them. I directed them to the blog that has a bazillion pictures of Red in his saddle and the marks too. I haven't heard back from them but that was late this afternoon. I don't expect them to do anything because there is nothing wrong with the saddle - I am just not totally convinced it fits him even with the thicker pad that his former owner loaned me. My little pea head has nearly exploded with all the saddle images I have thrust into it!

11-04-2009, 10:07 PM	#27
QOS Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,039 Images: 137	It seems the more people I ask the more different answers I get! LOL I had Red shod today. His new farrier (he has shod him twice and is the only farrier that has kept shoes on my darling little shoe puller!) is a cowboy from the word go. I asked him about the fit of the saddles. I said that Red's saddle was a Billy Cook. He instantly said "too wide...from the marks on his back you need a narrower saddle". OMG what should I get or do? I don't know whether to poop or go blind!

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