Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo <pennbo@bbv.net>]

I used a synthetic for years and only sold it because it didn't fit my 
horse. It was light weight, well made, and very solid feeling. EASY to 
clean! It had a smooth out leather seat.

As to getting leather wet- I have been told by several saddle makers 
that getting a saddle wet is not a problem. It's how you DRY it that is 
the problem. Also, most modern saddles are 'laquered' over the leather- 
that's not the surface of the leather you see. You can remove it and 
then use a good oil to keep your saddle young and full of life for many 
decades. (somewhere I have a good article on this process) If you don't 
you need to make sure to occasionally oil UNDER the flaps whereever you 
can reach in order to keep the leather supple.  My saddle has been wet a 
few times and I've dried it off slowly. It's fine, a couple of water 
spots here and there that don't bother me at all. Also, $2500 isn't 
really that much to spend on a custom made saddle and there are many 
reasons for having one custom fit. I have one very hard to fit horse. 
Instead of throwing good money after bad on stock made saddles I am 
saving to have a custom made one. It probably won't cost me $2500 
because I want round skirts, no tooling, and a smooth out seat but it 
will cost close to $2000. From what I've been pricing on the internet 
most really well made saddles are running between $1000 and $1500 new.  
Anyway, just another opinion to throw into the mix!

Chris Pennington