What brands and models of saddles are popular in the Arab/Half Arab world? For performance and equitation riders?

I am wondering the same thing. I have a cutback saddle that I bought for $25. My 10 year old daughter shows in the local dog and pony show with it and does great. Mostly I think because she and her horse are so darn cute. However, I want to purchase a "grown up" show saddle. Saddle seat seems to be an elusive discipline to get information about.

Well I know whats popular for morgans and saddlebreds (like Shivley 2000 & the MMX, Freedman, Whitman, Regular Barnsby, some Crosby, etc) but I was wondering since arabs/half arabs are smaller if there where other brands or models that where more popular?

Hopefully soon there will be a saddleseat section on Equimania.com, theres my saddleseat equitation website and then theres a great post on the horse grooming forum that discusses ss brands: http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse...s-200449-3.html. I am also currently writting an article for my equitation website on finding the perfect saddle fit for the horse and rider so I will let you know when its up.

A VERY popular line of saddles for Arabs is the Arabian Saddle Company saddle made by Lovatts and Rickets in Walsall, England. They are designed to fit arabs and are spectacular TREED saddles. I loved mine but unfortunately my horse didn't agree so now I have the treeless Ansur (Rolls Royce of treeless) These are absolutely awesome saddles. Very comfortable for both horse and rider but very pricey. YOu can get them used on ebay reasonably. They are just awesome for the horse and quite frankly I doubt I'll probably ever go back to a treed saddle again. I got tired of spending $80 a year for a restuffing. I can use my ansur on any horse/pony with no fitting problems; whew! What a relief!

The Ansurs don't have a Lane Fox model but would be cool if they did. Is the Barnsby LaCroix popular as well? Are there any equitation inspired kind of saddles like the Shivley 2000 or MMX in the Arab world that help improve position?

I have the Shively MMX and LOVE it. I am waaaay too old for equitation, but it is so comfortable. I wouldn't ride in anything else.

If I were going to go buy a new flat saddle, I'd either get an Arabian Saddle Company (ridden them, they are wonderful), a Shively or a Mill 3000. All very nice saddles. My show saddle is custom made by a now defunct saddlery in England, and it's one of the most comfortable and beautiful saddles I have ever seen. I bought it years ago from a good family friend (who owned the 1981 US & Canadian National Reserve Champion Half Arabian English Pleasure horse Saturday Night). I love my saddle, wish I could have two or three more just like it!

I have and do like the Arabian Saddle Company cutback saddles. However, for me, personally, they aren't close enough contact to the horse. I REALLY like my Battaglia cutback saddle. It fits me perfect, and fits great on any horse that I have ridden!



Allyssa Baird

Even if you don't show in equitation classes you should still care about your own. A good saddle can help make sure getting into the correct position is easy.

Hey jrchloe! I checked out your website.. Do you show Saddlebreds? I noticed that all of your photos are of Saddlebreds! Very informing website for those that show them!

Allyssa