Custom Saddles: The Ultimate Guide

Custom saddles are specialized saddles handcrafted and tailored to fit the unique body shapes and riding styles of both the horse and rider. These saddles offer unparalleled fit, comfort, and personalization for riders and horses, ultimately enhancing performance and the overall riding experience.

What Are Custom Saddles

Custom saddles are handcrafted, tailored saddles designed to provide an optimal fit for the unique body shapes and riding styles of both the horse and rider.

Benefits of Custom Saddles

1. Optimal fit for both horse and rider, ensuring maximum comfort and performance

2. Improved communication and feel between horse and rider

3. Reduced risk of injury or discomfort

4. Customizable features to suit individual preferences and riding disciplines

5. Superior quality and durability

Custom saddles provide an optimal fit for both horse and rider, ensuring maximum comfort and performance. The personalized fit allows for closer contact and better transmission of aids, facilitating a more harmonious partnership. An ill-fitting saddle can cause pain, rubs, and long-term damage to the horse's back, but custom saddles are designed to distribute weight evenly and eliminate pressure points.

The Custom Saddle Process

1. Saddle fitters take detailed measurements, tracings, or molds of the horse's back and the rider's dimensions

2. Customers choose from various options like leather types, tooling patterns, seat styles, and hardware finishes

3. Each saddle is individually crafted by experienced saddlemakers, ensuring a unique and tailored product

Types of Custom Saddles

Western Saddles

1. Ranch/Trail Saddles: Designed for comfortable all-day riding on trails and ranches

2. Roping/Ranch Calf Saddles: Built for ranch work and rodeo events like calf roping

3. Cutting/Reining Saddles: Lightweight and close-contact for precision movements

4. Barrel Racing Saddles: Lightweight with a swept-back fender design for speed events

English Saddles

1. Dressage Saddles: Designed for close contact and communication

2. Jump/All-Purpose Saddles: Versatile saddles suitable for hunters, equitation, and jumping

3. Endurance/Trail Riding Saddles: Lightweight yet sturdy saddles for long hours in the saddle

4. Saddle Seat Saddles: Featuring an exaggerated knee roll for specific disciplines

Latest Trends in Custom Saddle Design

1. Close Contact Riding System: Positioning the rider's body in an optimal line

2. Customizable Fender Styles and Lengths: Accommodating different riding disciplines

3. Variety of Tree Options: Multiple variations for better fit

4. Personalized Seat Styles and Padding: Ensuring optimal comfort and performance

5. Intricate Tooling and Silver Patterns: Creating unique and personalized designs

Saddles Used by Real Cowboys

Real cowboys typically use ranch or working saddles designed for the demands of ranch work and long hours in the saddle. Popular choices include:

1. Billy Royal® Rancher Extreme Cowboy Work Saddle

2. Saddles from Saddle Smith Saddlery

3. Rancher and Trail Rider Saddles from Molly's Custom Silver

4. Craig Cameron Rancher Cowboy Saddle Style 600

Cost of Quality Saddles

The price of a good quality saddle can vary significantly:

1. Inexpensive/Low-End Saddles: $100 - $500

2. Mid-Range Saddles: $600 - $2,000

3. High-End Saddles: $2,100 and above (can exceed $8,000)

Factors affecting saddle prices include materials, craftsmanship, brand/maker, custom vs. off-the-rack, and purpose. For a decent quality, entry-level Western working saddle, prices typically range from $500 - $800. Mid-range, well-built Western saddles can cost $3,000 - $6,000.

Why Cowboys Use Saddles

1. Comfort and Support: Provides a comfortable seat during long rides

2. Security and Control: Helps maintain balance and control

3. Equipment Attachment: Allows securing of ropes and other tools

4. Protection for the Horse: Distributes weight evenly across the horse's back

5. Tradition and Culture: An iconic part of cowboy heritage

Top 10 Places to Buy Custom Saddles

1. Custom Saddlery

2. County Saddles

3. Trilogy Saddles

4. Black Country Saddles

5. Hennig Saddles

6. Frank Baines Saddles

7. Fairfax Saddles

8. Cliff Barnsby Saddles

9. Custom Saddle Makers (local artisans)

10. Used/Consignment Saddle Shops

Considerations

While custom saddles offer numerous benefits, they are significantly more expensive than off-the-rack options, often ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Despite using measurements, achieving a perfect fit is not guaranteed as horses' backs change over time. Regular adjustments and maintenance may be required to maintain the optimal fit.

Conclusion

For some riders, especially those using multiple horses or riding for short durations, semi-custom or off-the-rack saddles may be a more practical choice. However, for those seeking the ultimate in comfort, performance, and personalization, a custom saddle can be a worthwhile investment that enhances the bond between horse and rider for years to come.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.