Cheap Saddles.... they aren’t worth it!!

[@OdysseusCentral]

I’ve got one of their saddles because I’m a poor college student and it’s pretty comfortable and fits a horse well. With that said it came dry as a bone and I know I got what I paid for. It’s good enough for now but eventually I’ll get a proper saddle. Very informative video

[@brandtbuchanan5526]

Note from a real rancher: everyones needa are different. I'd probably should just buy a good saddle from Big Bend Saddery since they're local, well-made, and I can get it fixed free whenever I go to town for the groceries. That said, I still buy cheap saddles for several reasons: 1) I don't use my saddle every day. Years I'm on the ranch full-time when we're short-staffed, I may horseback 3-6 days/month; but other years I may only come out for the fall works and a couple weekends to catch strays. 2) It's dry and dusty here so saddles require regular maintenance especially sitting on a saddle rack in the Barn. 3) People like to borrow the best saddle in the barn. that means go saddles get left out in a trailer or worse, they get treated like rental cars, and sometimes the just disappear. 3) Cheap saddles still work. You just have to watch them a little closer. 4) If you have to make improvised repairs in a pinch, you don't have to worry about ruining a $3500 investment. If I had decided that Im going to and the rest of my life on the ranch full time or working horses for living, I'd drop $5000 custom Big Bend Saddlery saddle but, I can't guarantee that i can make that commitment therefore, I can justify the purchase under current circumstances. That said, I can still get repairs done at the BBS for very fair rates and I've bought thousands of dollars worth of tack from Big Bend Saddlery and I won't allow myself to go in there unsupervised anymore. LOL

[@roberttailspin6330]

Those drywall screws were all I needed to see. Thanks for the video.

[@junifisher7362]

Excellent look "under the hood." Those who don't 'get" the difference never will, but for those who want to learn, I'll be sharing your video. I have been selling saddles since the late 80s in high end shops, and privately. Quality always costs more, and quality lasts. Thanks for making this. (PS, I had to ride a new saddle of this brand once for a few hours, on a trail ride, and it was awful. Of course, if I had never ridden good saddles before, I would not have known the difference.

[@reverendmorgano9659]

Everything you said is true. When it comes to cheap saddles it's always a gamble with most ending up being literal garbage. I was fortunate enough when I was a kid to get hold of a cheap saddle that turned out to be versatile, comfortable, and as rugged as anything you could ever want and didn't look too terrible either. Such instances are extremely rare and I've been searching for another saddle like it for going on 28 years now with no luck.

[@kellycollier2026]

Yes I'm sure your saddles are far superior but are they 1000 to 1500 dollars better? This company makes an under 1000 dollar saddle a comparable H&R is 3k. Considering I'm replacing my 50+ year old Bighorn will I really notice? Face it, not everyone has a 100k horse trailer and unlimited budget. The biggest selling factor for this brand is the number of people that purchase multiple of them and have zero negative experience.

[@LukeA1223]

Think about your animal's back... can't afford a saddle? Use a bareback pad.

[@devhyd7]

@@LukeA1223 try roping an angus bull on a bareback pad. Some people dont have money but they do have a job. I have been on alot of those when i was just starting. And have never had an issue with saddle fit or soring a horse. And that is what it is. If you use horses as a means of work and you dont have daddy's money for a 4000 dollar saddle. Invest in a couple really good saddle pads. I use CSI under a corriente association ranch saddle. Never broken on me. And fits all five of my horses just fine.

[@LenaPalmier]

Your life is priceless. Horseriding is and remains a dangerous activity, and if you ride with lousy equipment, well, be ready to reinvest thousands of bucks in your horse's and your own health, physiotherapy and medical treatment. ;-)

[@kellycollier2026]

Yes I know the dangers. Some neighbors cows and big ol Brahma bull got out yesterday. My 18 year old gelding that's steady as a rock decided that a full gallop out of the trailer towards a bunch of cows was an opportunity to buck like a 3 yr old. Dangit! I am too old for that. I got a close up look at the ground. But we did get the cows gathered and put back where they belong. I was on my 31 year old Herford saddle. I am feeling it today. My wife teased me a LOT!

[@cg5434]

Almost all of those Corriente saddles are made from whatever they have on hand for their stirrup leathers. Usually it is leather from the belly of the steer instead of the back which is a lot thinner leather. This causes those stirrup leathers to stretch really quickly as you ride and break in your saddle. Cheap stirrup leathers will get your hurt faster than anything if they break while you are riding fast.

[@addisonbaroni5629]

Getting a Corriente barrel saddle and the only thing i don’t like is the breast collar ring placement. Otherwise, the leather is very high quality and if it fits the horse it’s a good saddle for me.

[@rotaylor2237]

Thank you this video just saved me a lot of money and I will be buying from a local saddle shop. He makes handmade and sells honestly, also will do saddle fitting, I will be sure to have a warranty on whatever I buy

[@davidstalnaker3334]

I a agree with you but real working cowboys can't spend 4000 dollars on a saddle old son

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

….. I beg to differ on the notion real working cowboys can’t spend $4000.00 + on a handmade saddle. We consistently sell to working cowboys across the country as do many of my fellow Saddle Makers craftsmen. My base price is currently $5000.00 for a plain roughout or smooth out rig….. more often than not the average price range is 6400.00 with added tooling. But I totally get it…. It’s a good chunk of scratch and some save up for them. But when it’s a tool of your trade and you spend everyday in one it’s well worth the money as they are built to last a lifetime with proper care. Personally I have handmade saddles that my father had made when I was a kid that look fantastic and ride like a dream after 40+ years and ultimately will be passed down to my children to use and have as an heirloom. What I’m getting at is this….. upfront cost is vastly greater , but the long term is actually cheaper when compared to how many low cost saddles get bought and traded off for whatever reasons. Ultimately one must work within their budget and buy what they can afford….. just be sure you inspect what you buy and make the improvements necessary to keep you safe.

[@MarshallMcCrory]

​@@brancocustomsaddlery1753 CHEAP SADDLES AINT GOOD GOOD SADDLES AINT CHEAP

[@karenhorsekeeper1309]

Thank you for educating us !!

[@lilik6945]

i agree with everything you said. for around 800-1000 you can definitely expect a SOLID base, especially for a standard production tree and parts. yes, the leather will never be the same quality as a pricey saddle because good leather is hella expensive, but in my experience the thinner leather does just fine for the average rider, especially if you consider how thin the leather is on english saddles that still hold up for years.

[@jth1195]

Thank you for the very informative video. I always thought the difference in a high quality saddle, and a cheap saddle was the better quality leather in the higher end saddle. You pointed out some important differences in hand made and production saddles. But, if a $1000 saddle is a cheap saddle, yours are surely $1500 and up. There is certainly a place in the horse world for you. In my horse world , we would have to sell 3 of our horses to buy one of your saddles. I have been saving for one of those cheap saddles and I hope to get one soon. Not being negative, you are a master craftsman

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

We totally understand everyone has a budget. Aside from the quality of leather and Tree ….. craftsmanship and, the builders level of horsemanship are the major differences. Most all production built saddles are built in shops by people that are just performing a “Function”. They haven’t any idea of how a saddle is supposed to fit a Rider or the Horse properly. If it looks the part they call it a saddle and it’s done. Quality Handmade Saddles will start in the pricing of 3500.00 and up depending on the builder you select. Most Custom Makers waiting list are long enough for people to save. Waiting list are anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Our list hovers around 9 months from time of order.

[@nholbrook1682]

Definitely understand working with a limited budget - that said, I but used high quality. Every saddle in my tack room was once a 2.5k and above new, but I've never paid more than $400 a piece 🤠 HOWEVER.... You need to know how to evaluate a used saddle to make SURE it's fit for use and fit for your horse. Some day, I'd sure like a custom from one of these artisans.

[@rebelbelle62]

Thank you for educating us on the correct way a saddle should be made.

[@drsierra1]

Used it for pleasure riding 5 days per week, 4 hrs per day, for 8 years. Not bad for $310.

[@DanielRivera-ju5mi]

Yea those sure are Corriente Saddles!! And yes those saddles are Mexican Made with Mexican labor and materials. They just stamp the saddles with the the corriente makers mark and do minor fix ups to them here in Elpaso. I know I’ve been to there shop and very disappointed with how they steal the workmanship of Mexican Saddle makers and use there name on them. Those saddles in Mexico cost about $400 and the resale them for twice or more it’s original value.

[@itzmekyleigh4300]

Corriente for me has lasted years, I paid 1200 custom for it on my corriente. I added oil to my saddle and twisted the stirrups overnight. It hasn’t broken down on me or anything. They are VERY annoying to break in but if you put in the work to maintain it and keep it clean you won’t be disappointed…but I also paid 1200 for it whereas you can pay as little as 6-800 for saddles on their website too. Personally won a 800 corriente, it wasn’t that bad but very very annoying to break in and quality was poor and so was craftsmanship compared to my 1200 corriente.

[@ShawnOShea-f3v]

I run a Hereford saddle and it does me just fine. Mass produced saddles aren't always low quality.

[@JackiJohnson-x6x]

My mare is hard to fit, she is wide with a flat back and my Circle Y wasn't quite right. I took her to a saddle fitter and put a hand made saddle on layaway. It was a lot of money, my husband still thinks I'm crazy, maybe 😅

[@2xsurviver]

I ordered a saddle very similar to this on eBay, knowing you get what you pay for, but I had to try it! I sent it back! Cost me 60 bucks to send it back, lesson learned

[@joelponce6244]

Custom saddle makers talk crap of anybody else’s saddles but have u ever seen any one make a video in a Corrientes saddle actually falling apart hmmm no I have used Corriente saddles since they started buy 10 at a time for my cowboys they Warranty there trees for 5 years and no worries never had one go bad I am sure them screws hold on like they should good guys at corriente don’t rip u off

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

Here is a quick video of one of our builds if you haven’t seen it on the channel. Attention to detail, fit ,finish and overall craftsmanship should be quite apparent after watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2TCZo2bfKeJY9ksi=Kap181VnWDGzzSWU

[@kevinferguson3196]

I have a coreinte wade and I absolutely have never ridden a saddle that was extremely wide and uncomfortable! I spent hours in tearing down and thinning down the leather to try and make it comfortable to no avail. As you said it's all in the ground seat you start with.

[@TexHoss1]

What a POS. Why some companies are always trying to screw people as much as they can. Thanks for showing this & hopefully people will wake up to what is being made.

[@johnmorris7960]

I just came across your video and your channel. I am really impressed with the professionalism that you have shown throughout this video. We all know that saddle is made with Mexican materials and probably Mexican labor. Two sides of quality US tanned hides of at least Hermann Oak and useable stainless hardware, nothing fancy, a low cost but useable tree, and the price is already at $900 plus with no labor so you know that cheated in quality of materials for sure. The individuals, with a few exceptions out there, will not sit in this saddle long enough to really see how bad it rides or how bad it is made. Everything pointed out in this video is spot on. Can't afford a custom made saddle of quality, save up till you can buy the same high dollar saddle used. Nobody said a great made new saddle is not capable of being bought in a very good used condition. If you are worried about a new, cheap saddle just because you can pick out the stamping or trim and it is "custom" to your specs than you are already convinced that a cheap saddle like this Corriente is a bargain and you will never experience the difference of quality gear.

[@tamiboelter5491]

I was wondering if this was a Corriente

[@BullySportfishing]

I feel the need to comment. The difference between a Corriente saddle and a custom should be about $3000 bucks. You get what you pay for. Corriente fills a huge “niche” for folks you can’t afford the more expensive versions. I prefer either Big Bend saddles or Robert Handy saddles. But when I was starting out I was sure happy to call Corriente and have a beautiful for them money saddle at my house in 2-3 days. And I had one that didn’t work out and their customer service was second to none. I have had issues with custom saddles and it took months to remedy. Be mindful that what you get is what you pay for - if you can afford Corriente you will most likely be happy, if you can afford a $10k hand tooled saddle, buy one and you will probably be happy. This guy is comparing apples to raw oranges. For what it’s worth I ride custom saddles. But I was damn happy to have my Corriente when it was in my price range. I have bought the 1500/ semi custom and they were junk.

[@Chance04]

I had ordered my first saddle a Corriente wade saddle for $950 and my dad got it for me for Christmas and I can't wait for it to show up. But what I'm asking is that are they good saddles, and are they gonna last me a while or did he just waist his money on something not worth it?

[@horsemindedwtp]

9:40. Oh, that's easy. It's for a bucking strap attachment.

[@ranchwifelife7414]

Thank you for sharing this information !!

[@mountainmuleman0311]

Corriente?? Been looking at their mule saddles for a while now. Now im not sure. I ride for a living

[@mountainmuleman0311]

After thought and evaluation, I ended up ordering one. I'm a family man, and I'm a mule packer by trade so the reality is I am on a budget. I ordered basically the exact same saddle in the video except my stirrups fenders are strip down. I've rode it consistently for the last month and have put more miles on it in a month than most will in a lifetime. It's very easy for a custom saddle maker to critique one of these saddles. When you spend months handcrafting an item that's worth $3000 plus. The reality is when you do this line of work for a living you might only be able to afford a corriente. And it's easy to critique one in a shop but.... from the perspective of someone who rides 10 miles a day...., and rode over 800 miles alone last summer in the Sierra Nevadas with a custom horse saddle, ........the seat is comfortable and fits me well , the rigging positions are good when you ride multiple different mules of all shapes and sizes as I do every day, the bars and shape of the saddle fit all the 6 mules in my string fairly well, the saddle is extremely secure for sitting ( had a rodeo yesterday morning), and the saddle is very well done in appearance. At the end of the day I do this for a living and I'm surrounded by folks that do this for a living. Many have corrientes and like them, many admire mine, the only people I hear that down talk these are custom saddle makers. Are these perfect? No , but they fill a void for the working man or woman. Bottom line is when your in rough country alone and 30 miles from a road you need the best gear you can afford. For me that's an $1100 corriente and im not ashamed of it.

[@talkingmonkeymere]

Thanks for the info. I have owned a Corriente 'mule' saddle and I really loved it. I had no idea they are so poorly made. I will never buy another one. You just saved my life. Those saddles are dangerous.

[@imagineifyouwereaworm]

Your life isn’t in any danger riding in these.

[@elizastar1973]

So, Corriente brand. Thank you because I was going to buy one, no way now.

[@tamiboelter5491]

me too!

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Shoot, if they're going to use drywall screws, they could at least use a washer around it to give the screws a wider amount of grip on the leather.

[@LukeA1223]

This is just sad... there's no excuse for not studying up and finding out who makes horse and mule saddles. This one's made for a saddle stand. It does make for a safer ride and you can ride anywhere if you put a TV in front of your saddle stand. Thanks for the video, the animal will appreciate it if people are listening!

[@carlosrivas3837]

Good information. I use a circle Y less simply because it’s so heavy and use the lighter off brand. My off brand not near as bad the one shown. Don’t depend on those wall screws with your life. Especially the way they are mounted

[@callingjr1511]

Okay people listen. Yes there is a diffrance between a $800 and a $3000 saddle. Alright mostly its the brand and the price. I have had so many saddles break from big brand companies. Like Circle Y and Billy cook listen saddles are made out of a saddle tree and leather metal and nails. There is no gaurentee that a saddle wont break or rip over time. Lets also take a moment and realize this isnt even a horse saddle its a mule saddle. They are made diffrently. Because of the diffrance in their body types. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CLEAR IN THE TITLE. These saddles are made really well made as a horse saddle. Also know that this company does NOT specialize in mule saddles. Corriente is pretty much all horse. Many people actually ride these even in ranch saddle bronc competions. AND THEY ARE FINE. The Horse, The person riding, AND THE SADDLE. You do get what you pay for. However NOT ALL CHEAP SADDLES ARE BAD. I have like I said not only bought expensive saddles but cheap ones too and out of all honestly I feel like brands like Double T hold up a hell of a lot better than a piece of junk like Circle Y or billy cook. And listen if your paying $1000 for corriente saddle. THAT IS NOT CHEAP. Thats about and average price of a decent saddle. Not all decent saddles are $10000. It might be nice to have one but weather you work you ass off or not realize we still may not be able to afford a $10,000 saddle. When Im still paying for my truck payments. If you want a nice decent saddle that will hold up Corriente is the way to go. Make sure you dont get a mule saddle, because so far that has seemed to be the ONLY problem. Buy a mule saddle from someone who specials in mule saddles. You will get your money worth. Or not. Like I said expensive saddles break all the time. These so called "Cheap" saddles can break but It doesnt mean it wont last.

[@dannybailey5477]

I'd recommend American saddlery saddles .I've seen them put together for 25 years . excellent saddles

[@kellycollier2026]

And a thousand dollars isn't cheap!

[@samnolan1065]

For a saddle it is

[@cheyennejt]

Very informative thanks for sharing

[@cskipper65]

My family has a ranch and we run between 500 and 600 head. Most of the cowboys we hire on to work ride corriente saddles. These arent first time riding saddles they are great work saddles. You dont have to baby these saddles. They get the job done. That is what most cowboys want and most day workers dont make the money it takes to buy a 5000 dollar saddle. Those ssddles are for people that make more money than what they know what to do with.

[@ddunning6207]

That brand is often used for trophy saddles. We don't use them. They are dust collectors....

[@christopherburns9795]

Are these the Sheridan saddlery? Saddles

[@silasmcgarrah4796]

Hehe. And here am I. I bought me a saddle tree with a broken seat. One of them Mexican ones. I plan on making a crummy saddle out of it with KZbin tutorials. I've never been one for much complaining, so it should work out great.

[@janharkins8448]

Shop around and buy a decent older saddle from a reputable saddle maker. Clean it up and ride it. Corriente and the like are the harbor freight of saddles. I've got 2 saddles from the 50s 60s from Hertford and from vaught saddles. Both solid as a rock. Bought 1 for 200, the other for 125.

[@Sheesh121]

Hello my grandfather passed recently and he left me a JH Rowell Saddle . All I know it's a 15" full quarter horse bars not sure if I'm saying that correctly anyhow. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it

[@banjoboy1337]

I bought a corriente saddle for my 15 year old. it was cheap and it was in my budget. He has 5 years of riding left so I wasn't going to splurge. I do have a young yearling and when she is old enough to be ridden I will do some more research and get a very good saddle. I just do trail riding. But for anybody who has a nice young horse who has several riding years left in the horses life, go out and and find a nice saddle thats really good equality. Do your research and find nearby saddle shops. I do not suggest a corriente saddle for a long time saddle. If you do have a corriente saddle, please use a CSI pad. It helps fit the saddle way better

[@jth1195]

I love when people say "I just trail ride". When I am training a horse or starting one, I may ride an hour a day. A barrel racer may ride an hour a day to leg one up and then twenty seconds to perform and the same for other show riders. True cowboys and trail riders may ride all day.

[@lorenzomedina6220]

Informative video. I go to Bowden Leather Co in Vinton/Canutillo Texas. Excellent workmanship !

[@46rambo49]

I took a $3k saddle back to the maker one time, it came flying apart, the guy wasn't happy, he never replaced it, wanted to keep the money and fix the pos he sold me. 3 years in court, I just shake my head

[@shannonchase9948]

I cowboy and a bad seated saddle will literally cause my hips to pop out of place..

[@mauroignaciodimarco7200]

Yo no hablo inglés pero me encanta ese tipo de monturas acá no hay y me e cansado de buscarla

[@karenhorsekeeper1309]

Send us a list of recommended saddles you would buy

[@stephridestheworld]

This looks like a lot of those saddles you see advertised on Etsy by "crafts people". Yeah nah. Apart from material and finish, they are often simply not "horse shaped". There is a reason traditional saddle makers guard the specifics of their successful and quality trees: it takes decades to determine what works out in the field and what doesn't.

[@tlynch176]

Does anyone have any reviews on the Brazos River Saddlery???

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

They only offer one tree, it’s definitely not a true mule saddle.

[@carlcarlamos9055]

Thanks. Take care.

[@KANSASIOUX]

I bought one in a hurry… it’s trash. Now looking for a real craftsman.

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

I’d smooth it down, swap the hardware and send it!!! I’d flip it every few years and get another one. These are cheap disposable saddles.

[@dollipop12]

$800 to $1400 is not exactly disposable to most people but okay.

[@infidel3730]

nothing like a custom made, unless you like to walk

[@graced2941]

What brand is this saddle?

[@sethgriffin6014]

Looks like it may be a Corriente

[@graced2941]

@@sethgriffin6014 I wonder if it's the older ones? My saddle guy said they're good saddles and he's picky. I'm also a saddle snob and think they're alright. Not the best but far from dangerous.

[@sethgriffin6014]

@@graced2941 I honestly don’t know, it just looks pretty similar to the ones I’ve seen. I’ve heard that they’re good for the money, but that you’d probably be better off buying a used Circle Y or Billy Cook for about the same amount of money as a new Corriente or Dakota.

[@graced2941]

@@sethgriffin6014 I agree, that's what I did, but corrientes don't fit my horse. I have met some good Dakota saddles and some bad ones. The quality definitely isn't as consistent as Ys or Cooks.

[@gilbertojimenez4224]

In others kind of words,that saddle is a complety mess.

[@binfordq]

If you are going to tear apart a saddle and one that you stated may not even be safe, you should have the decency to name drop them. If not just to ensure the public and your viewers don’t endanger themselves or their horses but to also allow the company to respond. You said “it’s important to know whats under the hood” then didnt tell us what hood we are looking under. This was an advertisement for your business not an informative video. Without saddle identification the company cant even respond to say that is truly their work or answer for their poor craftsmanship.

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

First of all there are too many of these types of Saddles to name them individually. I think that by not naming the company directly shows a bit restraint. The information provided in this video can be used to inspect any saddle. Of course I use KZbin to advertise for my business. Why else would I even post anything ? But above and beyond anything you should take away from the video that a little bit of knowledge can help you make a better decision when buying a saddle from anyone.

[@KA-om9oz]

She won't ride that saddle enough to even matter.

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

She sold the saddle soon afterwards when she realized it wouldn’t work on her mules

[@1979augistine]

When you order your saddle off wish and Amazon !

[@lisapeterson6464]

What can the drywall screws be replaced with? Nails or real saddle screws?

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

Stainless Steel Screws are best. Nails are good for certain things but not for securement of any kind.

[@Boomhower89]

It’s a shame. It wouldn’t take make more money to actually make it correctly

[@brancocustomsaddlery1753]

You are 100 % correct. A little extra time could be spent to resolve a majority of their deficiencies.

[@anthonywashington2492]

Yea a mules back is much different from a horses she should know better.

[@robertcalzadillas8224]

Made in mexico all the way

[@Randy-1967]

$700 and up is not a cheap saddle

[@Joelp405]

Hilason saddle company stands behind ther saddle and give u a 5 year warranty on the tree they do good i own a couple have not had any issues i do have a circle y with broken tree no Warrnty gonna take to mexico with saddle maker to repair or trade

[@davejackson3497]

Thanks, that a pos

[@loganeayrs4088]

I’d rather peddle a bike then ride a corriente saddle. People should save their pesos and get a quality saddle.

[@--_-_-_-74..]

Nothing like a custom saddle . Ride on .

[@ManuelMartinez-wv7he]

LO