Supposenothing stood in the way between you and the purchase of a brand-new saddle.What type would you pick? Picture yourself on a saddle-showroom floor, thenchoose the answer that comes closest to describing your ideal new saddle’sstyle.

1. Ropingsaddle. Traditionalleather, double-rigged, and stout enough to hold a dallied steer.

2. Trailsaddle. Speciallydesigned for all-day-riding comfort, horse and rider alike.

3. Showsaddle.Event-specific, and no skimping on the bling.

4. All-aroundwork saddle. Amiddle-of-the-road model that can adapt to multiple horses and uses.

5. Child’sor youth saddle.Specially sized for junior riders in the family.

Thanks for sharing!

The H&R Editors

First of all It would depend on the maker and which one fit my horse best.  But I've already got the last saddle I'll ever need, a Dale Martin original man's roping saddle.  I love how it sits perfectly flat and level on my horse with the most comfortable ground seat I've ever sat on and the stirrups hang perfectly aligned to where I can use them most effectively, not just for roping but for all kinds of riding.  I use this saddle for everything - from breakaway roping, running barrels and poles in playdays and even on my mounted drill team horse.  It fits me and my horses so well and it's so comfortable.  It's made of Hermann Oak leather and I take good care of it; so it will be around long after I'm gone!  Truly an investment and an heirloom I'll pass on.

#3.  I'd LOVE a dressage saddle from the maker of my jumping saddle, but barring the lottery or a huge sale I'm going to have to wait a while.

3.  I'd love a dressage saddle too.  Ummm, NO bling though please, and no gigantor freaky knee rolls either.  If anyone is taking notes....

I would pick # 4.  An all round saddle that can adapt to multiple horses and uses, since I do ride at home and on lesson horses.  I also like riding trails, jumping, and would like to start learning more dressage.  So with all that in mind, I think an all around saddle would be great.

I've got my Martin fully tooled team roper... and I absolutely LOVE it.  I can ride it all day comfortably. But, I'm also currently on the hunt for a nice ranch cutter... something with a reinforced horn that I can dally on. I've been looking at maybe buying another Martin. I want a saddle with stirrups that swing just a little freer for riding my youngster. I've heard good things on the new Axis trees Martin is making. 

 Little bit Western-oriented, aren't we? I'm dreaming of a nice old-fashioned dressage saddle these days. No fat knee rolls, no thigh blocks, and no bling. Bling is for browbands.

#3!!! Something that fits both me and my horse well and has a tastefull amount of bling. I don't want it to weigh 50lbs because there's 25lbs of silver on it! It has to be comfy (for my horse) for long weekends at the showgrounds.

You must check out the Admiral Dressage Saddle  www.trekker-flexible-saddles.com

This saddle has a metal reinforced leather flex tree that really moves with the horses back. Great leather quality and SUPER comfy seat. German made. Its a bargain at about 1300.00.  Don't let the obscure name fool you.  My friend says its as comfortable as her amerigo!  I have had my saddle on a variety of different horses.  It really does flex to fit!

OK I admit, I am a tack a holic.  I have had several english and 2 western saddles for my 1 horse.  Got rid of all but 1 dressage saddle and one endurance saddle. My horse hated the western saddles and tolerated the english but now she is liking what Im currently riding in...Finally!   Hands down my favorites are:

The Trekker Pro Endurance Saddle and the Admiral Dressage.

Both made by a small German company.  Super quality at an affordable price.  The most comfortable seats I have ever sat in.  The Pro Endurance looks like a cross between an english dressage saddle with a western seat.  Super close contact feel.  Super flexible as it doesn't have a stiff tree. Adjustable panels on the underneath filled with super nice foam.  Secure seat for those spooky trail horses....and super soft for those long endurance rides.  Great for short backs at only 19"  and light weight at about 10 lbs.....  LOVE LOVE LOVE mine!

www.trekker-flexible-saddles.com if you want to see it!

I'd love a custom trail saddle for my hard to fit mare.  Five saddles and god knows how many hundreds of dollars and saddle pads later, and I am still having problems fitting her!  When we go riding we are out for 6-7 hours at a time. I know it would make both of us feel better!

 I would pick a trail saddle, hands down!  There's nothing like spending a beautiful day in a comfortable saddle with your horse and some riding buddies!

Sophia P. Decker

Nathalie, VA

I trail ride Tennessee Walkers.

 If nothing stood in my way,  I would offer this lady enough money to custom-make me a plantation saddle that she wouldn't be able to refuse

Forget the one saddle and make that three saddles --- one for each of my Walking Horses

http://4beatstitchery.com/