I bought this saddle in the 15.5in seat a few months ago. Breaking it in has been easy enough, pretty much zero squeaking which is awesome because I can’t stand that. It got a good oiling and conditioning after my first ride too and that helped soften everything up even more.
My young gelding is going through a lot of changes in his body, so sometimes this saddle doesn’t fit as well one day vs another. Just young horse things. It has NOT made him sore though, he happily moves out when asked.
There’s a good amount of flare in the front of the bars, see attached picture. I think that’s good for big shouldered creatures, not too extreme for more slender bodies. I honestly think it fits broader backed horses a bit better though.
The seat is super comfortable. The fenders are on the stiff side though, so when I get off my knees are obliterated after trying to keep my feet pointed forward. Probably just a personal problem.
This saddle has seen some things in the short time I’ve owned it and it has held up great!! From young horses, to an unintentional bronc ride, to desensitizing to my wrestling dummy and using the saddle strings to tie it on. I see someone in the reviews has roped with it, I don’t rope but I think it’s sturdy enough to withstand it.
Highly recommend. Hope the pics help!
