Show Saddle Question

[Lakota]

When I mentioned to my coach that I was interested in a synthetic saddle for my horse (he'll be three in the Spring), she said I would be better off buying him a leather saddle suitable for showing and everyday riding in. She said that a judge wouldn't take us seriously if I showed him in a wintec or abetta synthetic. I see her point, I am just looking for opinions. I will be a novice, and I'm just learning show stuff now. I can't afford a very expensive saddle, and certainly not two of them, hence the riding and showing.

While on the topic of showing.. how about a halter? I have been looking for a leather show halter, but I am not much on heavy silver plating. Would a nice plain halter and chain do?

[ChewyDog]

As far as saddles go........I prefer leather myself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting out with a sythetic for lessons and schooling shows. But be aware you cannot use them in higher level shows.

For your halter........unless you are showing at halter you dont need a fancy silver plated leather one. If you are just doing schooling shows in halter classes then a simple leather one with a matching lead and chain with suffice just fine. However in higher level shows Halter is taken very seriously and grooming, conformation and appearance are all taken into consideration...........so a flashy halter is an important item.

Have fun

[Reinergirl]

I think you really will be happier in the long run if you get a leather saddle. We school and show in the same saddles, just gotta clean 'em up good!
Sythetic saddles are a big no-no in the show pen. You can sometimes get away w/ it at smaller shows, but it just doesn't look good.

As for the halter, yes a plain halter is acceptable, as long as it FITS like a show halter should! Remember your horse is being judged on conformation and a poorly fitting halter will detract from that.
Stateline has some pretty plain halters
http://www.statelinetack.com/largeImage.js...lg_in734438.jpg
That particular one has floral tooling, but you can see that it is a fitted halter like show halters should be.
Halters like this should NOT be used
http://www.statelinetack.com/viewProduct.d...dNum=EI3-731355
It is not fitted enough and wont present as "clean" a picture.

[MValentine]

Ditto on the saddle topic. Spend a little bit more for a basic western leather saddle and you'll save money down the road because if you get a synthetic saddle you'll end up buying a leather one to show in later. It doesn't have to be fancy for local shows, but try to find square skirts if you can.

[Lakota]

That reminds me. It's been suggested I look at a round skirt as my horse has a pretty short back. Opinions? I am headed to Vancouver to look at tack this weekend. I hope to drop by the FV Auction Sunday.

[Reinergirl]

Originally posted by Lakota@Oct 17 2003, 11:31 PM
That reminds me. It's been suggested I look at a round skirt as my horse has a pretty short back. Opinions? I am headed to Vancouver to look at tack this weekend. I hope to drop by the FV Auction Sunday.

I wouldn't...as they are going out of style in pretty much all the breeds....JMO though

[Cash]

A good leather saddle will last for years if you look after it. My daughter has a Champion that is not got a lot of Silver on it and it is 25 years old dark colour and she does just fine. Spend the extra dollars you won't regret it.

[Equizyne]

I have to agree with everyone else. A leather saddle looks much more professional then a synthetic (IMHO). I do believe if you were just looking to trail ride, etc. a synthetic would be great but there is something about a leather saddle that just seems to complete a 'business like' appearance. As well when you asked about the rounded skirting; I do believe this is going out of style. Depending what type of show/work saddle you're looking for, you should be able to find a square style that fits properly and looks great. (I find, for example, that my Billy Cook Pro Reiner seems a fair bit longer on my horse then when I use my Godfather's Blue Ribbon show saddle.)
As for your question about halter; I think you could sneak away with a plain halter for the time being at smaller shows as long as it's fitted well; however for higher levels you'll need one with silver.
Though, with all that said and done, I don't think there is really a difference between local shows and higher end shows (okay, there is, but I'm coming to a point..LOL) when it comes to appearances. You won't be marked down because of it (unless you show up in like, a t-shirt and sandals..LOL) but if someone comes in and they are overly polished with nice looking tack, they will definitly receive points for it.
Hope this helps and good luck.