I'm looking for a new saddle. I plan on using it for elk hunting and general ranch work. I also do a little roping but have saddles for that. I like the feel of the modified association tree. Has anyone got some ideas on a good quality saddle? Has anyone tried the Ericksen hunting saddle?

Coming from a person, who can't afford as many saddles as he'd like.
I think a good hunting saddle is one that fits the horse, has lots of strings to tie stuff on with, and isn't too heavy.
Since I happen to be plenty heavy during the hunt, what with big boots, layers of clothing, Binos, rifle, lunch etc

I often tie some canvas saddle paniers behind the cantle. When I knock down an elk, I bone it out and put the meat int he paniers and lead the horse back. Saves having to go back to camp and get a horse with a pack saddle and return to the kill.

FWIW, it's hard to go wrong with a Mod Assoc. tree for a general purpose saddle. Are you looking for a custom build, or a production saddle? In either case, google is your friend. I've got a pile of makers bookmarked. Personally, I prefer a ranch cutter style of saddle for general use, but I ride cutters so...

I use an old, I mean OLD AH Heiser standard fork. It was made about 1882, but she still does the job.

Rich
DRSS

FWIW, the most versatile saddle I've ever found, and the most comfortable, as well as the hardest to come unattached to in a pinch, is an Australian saddle. It's all I ride anymore.

the one that looks like it was designed for dressage?

Rich
DRSS

Wymple,
Good to see you around again. I like the Aussie saddles too, but to my mind, a hunting saddle must have some hauling capability. On a typical western saddle, you have a horn and well defined cantle that will accept panniers, and thus can haul gear if need be. I'm aware that you can get Aussie style saddles with a horn, but I'm not sure they would be substantial enough to handle panniers. I could be wrong though. Can't argue with you on their comfort level, good ones anyway.

Daniel, buddy, that's what pack mules are for!! Seriously, I've never tried to load up an Aussie.

Just took delivery of a new saddle today. Nothing fancy, just a Dakota #800 mule saddle. The cantle is a bit higher than I'd like and the horn too straight up to lean under overhead limbs, but for the price and as hard as mule saddles are to come by it'll do. Got the first coat of Lexol on it this evening, hoping to ride this weekend.

Pics?

#800 Dakota Mule Saddle

Here is a link to the one I bought. They have lots of options as well. Took 3 months from the time I ordered. I upgraded fleece, oversize stirrups(12EE boots take some room) and dee rings for the breast collar.
I've ridden a couple that my Son in Law has and they are dependable strong saddles. He has had one about 4 years the other about half that with no problems. Nothing fancy but for a base price of just over $700 I don't expect fancy.

Nice looking saddle.