Anybody heard of Don West saddles?

[duvers]

There was one on Craigslist locally. It was advertised as a 15" seat, but actually ended up being only a 14 1/2" seat, so wouldn't work for me, but researching the saddle piqued my interest. In concept, it sounds like the tree is designed in a way that would be favorable for Kigers, Sulphurs, and other colonial spanish type horses. However, I really don't know much about saddle trees and design.

Thoughts?

Website at www.havesaddlewilltravel.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=37

[Michelle Clarke]

I knew lots of Paso Fino folks that used his saddles - they all loved them.

[stlkigers]

Never heard of him but nice looking saddles...not a bad price either....some decent reviews of them on the net too...

Not having really seen paso fino's...how similar in build are they to the kigers? I'm always worried about buying a saddle to fit my gelding....he has ok withers but such a round barrel, and I don't want to inhibit his shoulders in any way....

What type of western saddle do you guys have on your Kigers that you like?

Thanks,

Angela

[Michelle Clarke]

Most gaited type saddle work well on Kigers...wide and short backs. The only thing you have to be careful of is when they don't have a real tree, like the Orthoflex. They are built on a four bolt system, where all the pressure is put to those four points. Gaited horses go well in them because they have to lock their back to gait, whereas a trotting horses back (should) be loose. I've seen many a non-gaited horse go very lame after being ridden in one of those and if nothing else, they loose all muscle along the back from dropping away from the pain.

We use a western saddle, made in Spain on the same tree as my dressage and schooling saddle:

iberianconnection.com/tack/index_files/page2.htm

There is a small pict on the bottom with the western. I'll have to dig up a photo and post it. Fits the spanish type horses super well.

[stlkigers]

Any information is appreciated.......I love looking at some of the gorgeous tack on the Iberian Connection....just gorgeous....

Someone on a HC forum was trying to tell me that all arab saddles should fit a Kiger since the arabs tend to be short backed and wide barreled to....What do you think about that?

Thanks,

Angela

[duvers]

I think I'll follow up on the Iberian Connection.

I've been talking to Don West re: used saddles that he said he'd sell me. He shot over pictures, and when I called him back to say I'd take one of them, he said they were new ones and he wouldn't sell the used ones. His perogative, but the way he went about it was very unprofessional and borderline unethical. I told him I didn't appreciate the bait and switch. Unfortunate, because the saddles really are nice looking.

[stlkigers]

Cindy who has theKiger stallion Bravo rides in an Allegany Mountain saddle and loves hers...Gotta say I love the looks of them and the reviews are very positive:

trailridingsaddles.com/

Angela

[stlkigers]

Duvers:

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I also just remembered that another mustang friend of mine that rides endurance on her short but well proportioned short back mustang really likes these saddles:
www.specializedsaddles.com/

More food for thought....

Angela

[Michelle Clarke]

Steele trees (from the trailridingsaddle site) are VERY good. When picking a saddle, make sure you have rounded skirts - preferable to not have lacing on the top skirt behind the seat for more flexibility.

Yes, Iberian Connection has some cool stuff!

[grullagirl]

Would these saddles help people with back problems?

[duvers]

Grullagirl-

I don't know if these saddles would help with back problems. FWIW, though, I've been corresponding with a local lady who specializes in saddle fitting. She also has a spanish-type mustang (unregistered & not sure which HMA, but Spanish type nonetheless), and some pasos. She says she checked into Don West saddles, but feel they put you in a position that is not good for you or the horse. Everybody has an opinion, but she does seem quite knowledgeable.

Not sure what saddles would be good for back problems, but my sense is that a saddle that places your legs more beneath you rather than in front of you would be best. Also, stretching your hamstrings and doing some basic abdominal exercises will not only help your lower back, but will also be complementary with horseback riding.