Gaited horse saddles and layaway...

[MsNickie]

Ok so I'm looking into maybe getting a gaited saddle for my twh. Anyone on here ride in one any brand advice? I don't think any of my local tack shops carry any gaited saddles they are all QH bars so I'm frazzled about saddle fit

anyone used layaway online? Any specific websites to use or avoid?

My price range is about $800 MAX and I want to do layaway for spring.

[Lou Ann]

I have a Gaited saddle in layaway,I found it on ebay, It is called Frontier Equestrian Inc.phone # is 417-394-2298 . I am paying 480.00 for mine .

[Horsie Michelle]

I bought a Dixieland and I love it! Very well made and comfortable. I bought mine used on ebay for 450.00...

I know there is a website...just don't know what it is.

[alliebath]

We have (had) two Dixieland - really like them. Sold his as he doesn't like a horn - perfers his troopers, but still have mine. Bought mine new, and his used from Ebay. We also ride Trooper saddles - if you have a typically narrow type horse they work well, a wide horse not so well. Less expensive than a western saddle, but of course no horn either

[David]

I would suggest checking these guys out.

http://trailridingsaddles.com/

You can test ride their saddles ( you just have to pay for shipping) and their saddles are right in your price range. Plus they make just about any style saddle you could want in a gaited tree.

David

[scrapchick]

Country Supply has Big Horns with gaited-horse trees, I have one that is a leather/cordura and love it because it is so light, and very comfy.

Also, if you like aussies, check out Down Under Saddlery's clearance saddles, some just have a nick or a scratch but the prices are right and they will suggest which saddle to use for your horse if you send them a wither tracing, you could get a nice saddle for your budget but I don't think they do layaway.

[TanglewoodGR]

1) Try Dixieland Gaited Saddles - one of the best for the money
2) Look for a "Henry Miller" - they are around $800 w/o the breastcollar, headstall ,etc....total package around $1000-1100
3) Crestridge Saddlery- nice also but found them a bit too upright on my horse and I wanted a more close contact saddle - they do have lots of models to choose from
4) Fabtron sells a nice cordora gaited model - around $650??
5) Tucker makes a great saddle - they are expensive but worth it if they fit your horse properly


good luck - fitting a TWH is not easy - I went thru several trials before i found the one that fits my horse

[Jen&Jack]

I have a Rocky/Morgan gelding and it took FOREVER to find the right fit. Don't be fooled by "gaited bars", gaited horses have different shapes to their back just like non gaited. Jack has an extremely short but wide back, and it definitely caused some issues. I had to haul him an hour away to have him fitted by an Amish saddle maker, and then bought a Dakota Barrel Saddle. Gaited bars didn't fit, Trooper didn't fit, Semi QH bars didn't fit, Mule bars didn't fit. Full QH bars ended up fitting perfectly. I paid $750 for my saddle. I tried to do the fit form program from Allegany, but quite honestly was not happy with the customer service.

[CorbinDeutsch]

I recommend you look at Crest Ridge. For $650-$750 you have a choice of several saddles and get professional assistance with saddle fitting. It is worth the little bit extra to buy new if you do not have the experience to look at the width, twist, rock and other aspects of saddle fitting, especially since you can stay within your budget.

Good luck!
John

[David]

Originally Posted by TanglewoodGR

1) Try Dixieland Gaited Saddles - one of the best for the money
2) Look for a "Henry Miller" - they are around $800 w/o the breastcollar, headstall ,etc....total package around $1000-1100
3) Crestridge Saddlery- nice also but found them a bit too upright on my horse and I wanted a more close contact saddle - they do have lots of models to choose from
4) Fabtron sells a nice cordora gaited model - around $650??
5) Tucker makes a great saddle - they are expensive but worth it if they fit your horse properly


good luck - fitting a TWH is not easy - I went thru several trials before i found the one that fits my horse

Henry is the saddle builder for the company that I suggested. You can find his saddles other places but they are usually more expensive. You can also look for Eli Miller saddles ( Henry's uncle and mentor) or Little Eli Miller saddles ( a nick name Henry uses to capitalize off his uncles status as a saddlemaker). These saddles are about 20-25 lbs and hold their resale value like a harley davidson motorcycle.

Good Luck
David

[Churumbeque]

Originally Posted by Jen&Jack

I have a Rocky/Morgan gelding and it took FOREVER to find the right fit. Don't be fooled by "gaited bars", gaited horses have different shapes to their back just like non gaited. Jack has an extremely short but wide back, and it definitely caused some issues. I had to haul him an hour away to have him fitted by an Amish saddle maker, and then bought a Dakota Barrel Saddle. Gaited bars didn't fit, Trooper didn't fit, Semi QH bars didn't fit, Mule bars didn't fit. Full QH bars ended up fitting perfectly. I paid $750 for my saddle. I tried to do the fit form program from Allegany, but quite honestly was not happy with the customer service.

Very much agreed. Just because they call it gaited does not mean it will work.
I have a Tennuvian and the only saddle I could find to fit was the Bob marshall treeless with the peaked pommel. My gaited horses shoulders move more freely I am just having trouble getting used to the feel.