Where is a good place to look for saddles these days? The tack shopes are few and far between here in north centeral Alabama and do not have a great selection. I have started to ride again and need a basic work saddle that will fit a large Arab. I would like to have an aproval period to make sure of the fit on the horse and myself, being sort of large and old.
Judge Sharpe

JS,
I'm not a horse person ... but my missus is into dressage on a 5YO Anglo-Arab. Two year ago I offered to buy her any saddle she wanted for her birthday. She went with a Wintec saddle (not sure if available in the States) because of the adjustable gullet system. Its been extremely handy as we can up/down size the gullet to suit the horse as he goes up in size and adds or loses weight seasonally and depending on whether working or not. I do the gullet swaps and it takes me 10min. In hindsight for us ... an adjustable gullet was a good move as if the next horse is bigger we can make the saddle fit, likewise if the next one is smaller. Just a thought...
Cheers...
Con

We've got a Wintec as well, and the adjustable gullet system works well. There is a nice price range of Wintecs, as well, and that's nice.

Specialized Saddles likewise have an adjustable tree, and we have one on an arab now.

I like Aussies, and have found Down Under Saddles in Denver to be very nice, and fit well.

It's tough to find anyone who will allow a "trial" period as then you've got a used saddle.

anyone know anything about Tucker sadddles? I saw the catalogue on line and wondered about the flex tree system they use. I am not sure that I like the Idea of a flexable tree for general rideing.
Judge Sharpe

I know several people who ride in Tuckers, and they are all very satisfied with them. The one I rode in was an equitation saddle. Very comfortable, and from what I could tell, very well-made. Good leather, solid construction.

Take a look at Outfitters Supply in Columbia Falls, MT. You'll have to do a search on the internet, but they've got a great site, and they are very positive on Tuckers, and have lots of info on why they are good.

Again, from what I've seen, people are very satisfied with Tuckers, and I've heard nothing bad.

Ditto on the Tucker.

I just opened my Valley Vet Supply catalog and they have a "try before you buy" section with certain saddles for demo. Might be worth looking into. Valley Vet is out of Marysville, KS and the website is www.valleyvet.com

I am not into Arabs, other than my friend Saeed who isn't a horse. but I am a team roper and the best supply house for Western stuff is www.NRSworld.com or Smith Brothers at 800-433-5558, both in Texas.