Saddle up
Log hours on the trail in saddles designed to keep both you and your horse comfortable.
The GAS014 Trail Saddle (suggested retail, $684), from CTK Saddlery/distributed by Sycamore Creek Saddles, features memory foam cushioning on both the seat and underside for the comfort of both the horse and rider over long rides. The saddle weighs about 17 pounds and is fully customizable with a choice of colors, stirrup styles, finish materials and tooling. Seat sizes range from 15 to 18 � inches. Call 828-387-7007 or visit www.sycamorecreeksaddles.net. The Western Trail Saddle (suggested retail, starting at $2,595), from Synergist Saddles, has a patented measuring system for adjusting fit. For riders, the saddle has a gender-specific seat sculpted for comfort, freeswinging fenders and more than 50 options for customization. Available in oil finish, saddle tan, mahogany, brown, chestnut or black as well as two-toned colors, in seat sizes from 14.5 to 17 inches. Call 307-433-1008 or visit www.synergistsaddles.com.
“Give a man a horse he can ride, Give a man a boat he can sail; And his rank and wealth, his strength and health, On sea nor shore shall fail.” ---James Thomson, “Gifts”
With multiple features for trail riding, the Abetta Brushpopper Trail Saddle (suggested retail, $695 to $895), from Action Company, is made with a scratch-resistant 1000-denier nylon laminated to shockabsorbing foam, with an extrathick seat cushion, four-inch stirrups with shock-absorbing pads, and stainless-steel loops and D-rings. Available with regular, wide or flex trees, sized 15 to 17 inches. To find a retailer, visit www.actioncompany.com. The Trailblazer Saddle (suggested retail, $1,899.99), from Cashel Company, is designed for reining, Western pleasure and everyday exercise as well as trail riding. It is built on an Axis tree to fit your horse comfortably, and a double-padded seat aids comfort during long days in the saddle. The saddle weighs 27 � pounds and is available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch tree sizes. Call 800-333-2202 or visit www. cashelcompany.com. The Colin Poley (suggested retail, $1,995), from Colin Dangaard, Inc., is a new Australian stock saddle built in California with American leather. It features an adjustable wood-and-metal tree for a customized fit, with 4 � -inch poleys and a web-suspended seat that is double-padded for comfort. The underside is lined with merino sheepskin, and a number of customized features are available, including a horn. Call 818-309-8125 or visit www.colindangaard.com. The lightweight AMTS Survivor endurance saddle (suggested retail, $1,899), from Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles, has a minimal skirt, slim pommel, English billet style rigging and minimal fenders. It can be customized with choices of fender, stirrups, hardware and border stamps. Depending on size, the saddle typically weighs 18 to 20 pounds. In black, oak, chestnut or russet. Call 716-652-0680 or visit www. trailridingsaddles.com.