[Gnome!]

....what type do you prefer or would like to have?

I have a western saddle and love it heaps for its comfort and to some extent its looks. It has been quite some time now since I last sat in it (due to not having a horse!) but I know that I will be in relative comfort when I get back into it. I like stock saddles as well but not being pinched by the stirrup straps. (I know a woos!) but hey I like comfort and being able to concentrate on where I'm heading and not being distracted because of being pinched.

I will get some pics of mine up tomorrow but it can be seen in this pic.

[rossy]

i' ve always prefered the bare-back....although resent advise, has had me looking at saddles

Dickie

[Gnome!]

... Rossy you have much to learn!

[Gnome!]

As promised here is a pic of my saddle. Comfortable and functional.

[knowyourart]

A pony saddle is made up of various parts, the names of which can be confusing. If you are serious about pony riding you should be familiar with how a saddle is made. The following will help you to tell your cantle from your pommel and your tree from your flap.

The Saddle Tree is the foundation of the saddle and can be either of two kinds - rigid or spring. A spring tree is generally used in English saddles, and a rigid tree in Western saddles. For spring trees the shape is created from a base constructed from thin plywood, layered over with fibreglass for strength. Steel strips placed beneath the saddle from front to back give the spring.

[Muddy]

Stock with oxbows... so when I fall out of it, I can fall OUT of it...