Buying a Saddle That Fits You

[@andrewplatt7795]

I don't really know beans about horses or wrangling but sir... I would watch you describe ice to Eskimos. Thank you again. Can't wait to hear more about the school!

[@eklypised]

same lol

[@jasonrad9332]

Yup

[@davidellis4416]

As a saddle maker, this is a very good explanation of this important issue

[@johncolquhoun6416]

I live in Scotland in the city and can't tell you the last time I seen a horse but in my mind I'm a cowboy. I'm watching this and now I want a saddle 🤠

[@deanjenkins4716]

Very well explained! Also hard to find a saddle that fits BOTH you and your horse! Very HARD to find a saddle that fits you and multiple different types of horse's! But once you find that saddle take care of it and it will last a lifetime! Hell my saddle was built in 1966! I haven't ridden horses in years but I will NEVER get rid of my saddle!

[@erynd2524]

I actually sat in several different saddles and arrived at getting into a 17 inch roping saddle and it fits me and my mare like a glove. Take as much time and fuss over and over again until you do find “ the one”.

[@Kittycat-rm8hu]

Couldn’t ever have a horse but I enjoy watching you talk.

[@Livefreejeeper]

You said it you always explain thing very logically. The best part I understand your logic

[@cindyroach2036]

I own a saddle and tack repair shop and have questions about horses and tack from my customers. Now I’m no expert but have rode for the last fifty some years. Now that I found your posts I have gave them my advise but tell them to be sure and watch yours. I have never recommended anyone else. I especially appreciated your post about the ones that come out and measure the horse to build a saddle since I have been telling customers it’s a waste. When they have asked about the trainers on TV , I always tell them to watch the birds with horse crap. They pick out the good stuff and leave the crap behind.

[@cindyroach2036]

That’s Martin Roach

[@urnaighean_shamhach]

Lubrication isn't necessarily all equivalent... That stated agree that one should look at context, not just in saddles, but ALL gear

[@Danny-hm6vk]

Great video. Love the common sense. I hope your school goes great good luck and thanks for all the great content.

[@waceybarlow6585]

Great explanation, everything in the cowboy world is based on experience and personal preference.

[@samieljessop8461]

You always give great advice, and thank you for that.

[@khaleesi4210]

This is helpful, thank you! I have a bigger lower body and a short-backed horse. Now I know to look for more than just measurements!

[@richardblack1263]

Good to hear you are in Tennessee and your classes are filling up. As I wrote in a previous comment, certainly hope in the future you will consider providing overnight horseback excursions into some of the many wild and beautiful areas located in Tennessee.

[@dannymiddleton1142]

Right on ! I would sign up for that.

[@ericnorton4045]

I don't know much about horses or saddles. But we are wanting to buy land and I am seriously thinking on getting a horse. Your videos are very educational I love them because they are plain and simple. Enjoy the cigar videos to

[@MrHercules222]

Love the content as always! I am going to disagree with you on diff oil. I have seen some ATV differentials burn up because the manufacturer called for Mobil Hydraulic Fluid and the customer filled with 80w90, but I worked as an ATV mechanic for several years and I am here getting advice on saddles. I bought a Corriente Wade saddle a couple years ago and have been very happy with it. It's not as nice as some, but it is well built and fits my horse.

[@itllkeal]

I love this man. God bless 😊

[@johnnydavenport8933]

I absolutely agree with you on that. I rode in a 17 inch Dakota roper saddle model 802.even though I was barely pushing 200 lbs and 6’2. And I loved the freedom of that saddle and still have it today.

[@phillipcoiner4232]

Great point don't listen to a roper or other arena cowboy. They use saddles that are too small for trail riding and packing. How often does a roper turn around and look behind his mule/horse? If you hunt your saddle needs to be a little big so when it gets cold and you layer up you have room to rotate to take care of your pack mule that took a left when you took a right

[@GoodGuysCarry]

Don’t let the stress get you! It’s all gonna be alright!

[@vessietaylor]

You just made me reason out why I always said no saddle. I've sat on many kind. Noticed all the things you pointed out. Nobody could tell me why the difference. The price one pays for uncomfortable stuff didn't compute till now. I need a saddle to fit my light behind. I've been sitting in the big boys chair... There are lots of benefits to a big seat. It's how I taught myself how to do tricks riding

[@tuckerallen3621]

Rules are “guides”, “recommendations”not laws. common sense and what works for you is all you need. Dwayne I want you to know I totally support your cause and family I wish I could support you patron but money is a little tight! Just know you have my support! Thank you so much I’ve learned a lot from you and your wise advice! Idk if you’ve had much experience with Australian Stock saddles. I hear they are built for more trail and bush terrain and that’s what I would use it for it will also be my first saddle and horse. Just wanted to hear you thoughts. Thank you so much!

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I actually had one one time several years ago, but I could not get it to stay on a stocky quarter horse for anything. I just did not work for me, however I know several folks who have ridden them and love them.

[@tuckerallen3621]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool good to know, thank you sir. Appreciate all you do👍🏻 also the mare I am looking at is available for me to get to know before purchase and there is also a mule out there with her I’m doing what you did in your video on how to catch a horse to the tee. But the mule stays with her and runs her off when I get close any advice there lol

[@MrHercules222]

I have owned several Aussie saddles. They were all extremely comfortable and could ride long days without knee pain, but I never did find one that fit the horses I was riding and I always had dry spots and even white hairs start if I was riding a lot for several months. Granted, this was all back when I was a lot younger and dumber and couldn't tell the difference between a $20 saddle pad and a $200 saddle pad.

[@tuckerallen3621]

@@MrHercules222 thanks.

[@baykay9559]

Extremely helpful. I always wondered about the ins and outs of saddle sizing. Thank you sir.

[@TimCausleyhorsemanship]

So true-I teach people to ride bareback and saddle and how to train horses-it is difficult to express the importance of “riding” the horse which therefore I figure you need lots of room in your saddle to Ride-Great explanation and video -already shared to a few people-maybe coming from someone else might help me convey this message

[@geogriapeach5211]

Bless your heart for your honesty.

[@deanjenkins4716]

I've worked with all types of horse's from mustangs, Arabs, quarter, big warm bloods for hunter jumpers, thorobreeds ETC! I have a western saddle for starting all of them and an English saddle! Hell I've been on cattle round ups and mountain trails riding my English saddle! I actually prefer my English saddle! But then again I'm not roping anything! Lol because hell I can't rope!

[@rotaylor2237]

Thank you for this Dwayne, I’m learning about this from you as I am looking to buy a new saddle. I want it to fit myself, but just as importantly my mare an it’s a huge learning cover. I know horses, but now know rubbish at saddle fitting. Thank you for the help.

[@EPGunman]

Best piece of advise I have heard in a long time!!!! Just ride the horse!!!

[@AndyTheCornbread]

Western saddle trees are typically measured from the cantle to the top of the gullet, not the horn. That said I recently had a professional saddle maker make a saddle that ended up being way too large for me. He measured me all up and said I needed a 17.5" one of his saddles. I thought, 'well every saddle maker is different so maybe his 17.5" is somebody else's 16" or 15.5" '. I just didn't think I needed a 17.5" because I am fairly tall but I'm not that big and have no belly but I put my money down and paid to have him make me saddle trusting that he knew what he was doing as he makes the saddles and the trees he uses all by hand. It's beautiful and it's super comfortable but it's waaaaaay too big for me. I can ride it just fine, like you said you ride the horse not the saddle but when I sit in it and ride where I do I've got at least 3" - 4" inches in front of me and 3" - 5" behind me and it takes up a LOT of real estate on my horse's backs. I paid $4,500-ish for it and I will most likely take a loss on it when I sell it, because I'm not keeping a saddle that I spent that much money on, only to have it fit me that badly. The saddle maker I used came highly recommended from a great number of folks in the horse world I talked with but I think he could use some work on fitting the saddle to the man. Like you I don't want to be squeezed in but I don't want to pay that kind of money to essentially ride bareback saddle fit wise.

[@buffranchAB]

Wow that sucks !!

[@rafterL78]

No idea how much saddle time you've had but I would have had to ask more questions before flopping down that kinda money. 17.5 is a HUGE seat.

[@AndyTheCornbread]

@@rafterL78 That's what I thought too, but he insisted that was the size seat I needed in his custom made tree. FWIW I have been riding for 45 years now. I should have listened to my gut and told him that I normally ride a 15.5 and sometimes a 16 depending on the maker. You could quite literally fit two people in this saddle seat and I need a warmblood size horse to put it on.

[@nativeoutdoors7963]

Thank you you helped me look for on buying my first saddle. We are still looking for one. We have a thoroughbred

[@sharongruener6078]

Thanks for the info on saddles. Blessings.

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Simple and sound advice as always- keep up the good work

[@cybrarian9]

Hi Dewayne, I’m primarily an English rider and have ridden both hunt seat in both a jumping and flat saddle and also very deep-seated dressage saddles. I’ve also ridden in endurance saddles and Paso Fino saddle-seat saddles and Icelandic horse saddles. I’ve also ridden in basic western saddles for trail riding. Your points about how to fit a western saddle are the same for other kinds of saddles. Size of knee rolls, seat style, cantle height, and space needed for attached accessories all factor into saddle fitting. The one important thing that I thought you would briefly mention was that saddle size is also relative to the breed and size of the horse in addition to the riding discipline. But I do realize the limited time you have and to not overwhelm the newbie or bore the experienced rider. I think that I tend to ride a 17” dressage saddle (+/-) and/or all-purpose saddle (so I’ve been told). I can tell when the saddle size is too small as it throws my weight and balance forward, so I compensate as best I can. I often ride in saddles owned by women as I do “catch riding” of my friends’ horses, so the saddles are usually a bit too small for me. A 17” saddle sized for a horse with a wide and/or long back and a horse with either high or low withers and/or different kinds of shoulders will also determine how a saddle is sized. And this also takes into account different horse breeds and breed types too. Your average old style Quarter Horse May need a completely different sized saddle than an Appendix or more leaner breed. Of course you also could have mentioned the different kinds of saddles for all the different riding disciplines, but that would take a much longer time. In the end though, please tell me what you think is more important to selecting a saddle, how it fits your horse, or most horses, or fits the rider.

[@garyb4929]

He kinda answers your last question in other video about Wrangling & saddles. When working different ranches & wrangling jobs. You never know what horses you'll be working. So there is no 1 answer, depends on what You will be doing. I.ve worked ranch that you coulden.t use your own saddle, foreman wanted you using ranch gear, already matched their horsed for most part. But your experience with the dressage riding is a workd of knowledge in itself.

[@dw-qh2fr]

Great information. Practical advice as always. Great info.

[@jth1195]

I have been riding for 50 years and no one ever accused me of being a good rider. But I have never understood how 1/2 inch could possibly make me a better or worst rider. 1 inch may can make a difference to a good rider tho.

[@taramarr5468]

Quite Frankly sent me. We’ll all be checking you out!

[@guytaylor3727]

Yet another great vid. I was told by a guy in Alberta the other day that he bought a saddle online and it didn't fit him. To me that's as bad as buying a horse online before you know if you two will work together

[@teri2651]

always great explanation and tips on life and ranch things. I love your videos and talks on life.❤️

[@kevinferguson2278]

I have always used the front edge of the hand hold opening for seat measurement not the top of the horn

[@pirateatfourty]

i use a 18 have for many years it probably should be a 17 but it is more comfortable. i have had the same leather saddle since 1972 nice and broke in i do not rope anylonger. now it is slow down.,, hi ho silver

[@aarontasseff8207]

Thank you, I always learn something new from you.

[@perryseltz8010]

I really enjoyed this one and would enjoy seeing some videos on pack mules and pack saddles, Decker vs sawbuck, etc.

[@jimmoore3705]

Exactly the Information I was looking for. Thank you.

[@mruthcowboy4991]

Great Stuff.Great timing for me. Ive been looking for a saddle.

[@lisabennett8879]

I really needed this video. Thank you

[@rodeocontentmedia4327]

Thank you for this. I am a steer wrestler and people who rope try to buy 15.5 inch steer wrestling saddles and don’t understand that our saddles slope back several inches

[@asportableskatesharpening4207]

Measuring from the horn is not accurate, it is typically measured from the inside top of the pommel beneath the horn, that is a 15" saddle you are showing us. That being said, I agree with all your points, very helpful as usual...

[@cowboylife373]

Usually when I'm looking for saddles I usually look for the shape as well as the number

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

LSD Diffs take different oil . Love your show 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@cynthialawhon4681]

Great video of pure truth.

[@rationalremedies29]

Enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@LaLaLucky7777]

At 6-3 and 265lbs I ain't fat no gut just a big Dude! I need a size 18 perfect fit!

[@joelhamilton6720]

Keep up the good work sir God Bless

[@nancymartin9203]

I'm new to your channel and am learning a lot. I really enjoyed this video. Can you make a video on fitting a saddle to a horse? Any help is much appreciated. Thank you, again for great videos!

[@robertbutler8004]

It is easy to say do not order a saddle online but not everyone has the opportunity to test a saddle as you demonstrated what's your advice for those people?

[@JenniferStillman-w7s]

Great video!

[@davidb.beasley7359]

Welcome to the Tennessee Valley.

[@alwentzel4776]

Thank you sir

[@johnsmith-ub7vr]

Another reason to get a slightly larger fitting saddle is that most people tend to get bigger as they get older.

[@shaunroberts9361]

This was a great video.

[@TheEubanksFamilyVlog]

Great Advice Ty Sir!

[@kristycook6041]

Makes perfect sense

[@davidholliday2703]

Hello Duane. What stirrup position do you prefer and why?

[@BLYFACTOR]

This channel is great, watched 1 video and been watching several others. Great information all around.

[@antoniomarchello2475]

Could you or would you recommend a saddle maker that wouldn't break the bank for a working man.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I have worked with some working cowboys who rode Corriente saddles, and some who Tesky saddles, and some that rode NRS saddle, and some that rode Circle Y. And they all liked them.

[@alexanderyeates935]

I will throw in my two cents on corriente saddles. I own one of their Wade saddles, that’s what I ride right now it is very comfortable for me.(5’10” 150#) that said when I was cowboying and working in it I have sored one horse. The second time time it happened to him (after changing pads) I turned him out for 3months to heal up. He now has a lump of scar tissue on his back now right where the skirting is woven together in the back. I cut a hole in a saddle pad where that spot is and it no longer gives me an issue. Until we do 12+hours on the mountain gathering that’s when he gets just a little tender but not bad. I always say you get what you pay for. I believe that 100%. However if you are just trail riding or arena stuff they are great. It has served me well and will continue to do well until I can save the money for very nice saddle. Again just my $.02 I like mine but am saving for a higher quality one. I have certainly got my $900 out of the saddle and then some.

[@antoniomarchello2475]

Thank you both.thats helpful

[@cg5434]

Teskey's ranch saddles with an association tree in them fit a horse pretty good and are strong enough to rope something big out of them. I have had 3 of them. Corriente saddles have had some really bad issues with some of their construction hardware. Their stirrup leathers tend to wear out pretty quick because they use leather from the belly instead of the strong back leather. It honestly depends on who is making them that day. If you are really serious about getting into riding, I would recommend buying the best you can afford. I have a custom built saddle and there is night and day difference in quality between it and a my Teskey saddles. It cost 3 times as much, but it will last me the rest of my lifetime.

[@FITZIEBLUE]

great video ! thanks for the tips

[@debbushee6970]

ty this was very good ty deb

[@johnnylamm7375]

Enjoyed the video

[@daleallen5812]

I have terrible arthritis in my knees. Constantly adjusting length. Some days longer works best. No posting anymore. Struggling with stirrup leathers and turning to take pressure off knees. Anyway to move leathers around Easily. Forward back. Cut narrower under fenders.? Thoughts, thank you.

[@kristencora]

Dewayne has a video on turning stirrup leathers. He shows it on Momma’s last saddle. It works very well. I’ve been doing it to all the saddles I ride for years. I have busted up knees and hips so I understand completely. So days I can hardly get in the saddle. Turning your leathers helps so much. I can actually ride comfortably now.

[@hungtor2226]

I love that jacket you’re wearing what brand is it? Looks sharp

[@wilburwilbur4195]

HEY MAN HOW S IT GOIN DO YA LL THINK YOU WILL HAVE SOME ADJUSTMENT FROM WIDE OPEN SPACES TO THE CLOSENESS OF EASTERN WOODS SOME HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT THANKS FOR THE VIDS GOOD LUCK

[@comesahorseman]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a saddle, especially a Western saddle, without having a professional saddle fitter vet it first. Just lack of experience.

[@nmelkhunter1]

That is very wise. You treat your horse right, you’re that much better off.

[@PeeWeeHenson]

YEAH, SON IN LAWS CAN BE DIFFICULT AT TIMES. I KNOW THE FEELING

[@robhill1072]

I heard you say forking your horse. Would you please explain that meaning? Great video, thank you for posting.

[@kristencora]

Forking your horse means you’re not sitting back on your pockets with your feet jacked out in front of you and braced against the stirrups putting you in chair seat. It means you’re in a well balanced position and riding the horse, not the saddle.

[@michaelschulze6545]

yes

[@diamondranch44]

You never measure a saddle from the horn. The correct measurement is taken from the back of the swell top of hand hole to the top of cantle. Biggest factor that effects fit is the thigh measurement, and that is taken from the point of the cantle to the bottom edge of the swell.

[@donmurrin5269]

Hope the move was smooth. Do you plan on staying put. We'd like to say hey on our way south. We're putting together our retirement hacienda in Central Florida. Nice video bud. We're sopping it up. Being a green horn. And getting started on our second childhood. With an interest in mules and donks.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

The move was very smooth, Thanks! We are definitely hoping to put down roots in the area. You guys are welcome to drop in on the way through, just let us know

[@Alex-horsman]

What can you say about cantle?? Which are best? And about seat soft or hard? Thanks

[@texasgeorge1386]

Hello Dwayne I know this is off topic from your video. But I recently got a new horse from a auction and ended up he has strangles and has exposed my daughters horse to it also . So I wanted to know what you know about it . And if you could maybe do a video on it and let me know what you know about it

[@itllkeal]

Different types of metals need different types of addives.

[@Fish_612]

what if i want to make saddles, who can i go to, im in MN

[@walterbradshaw9695]

I have a horse that will not go forward she will going backward every time you try to get her to go forward can you help me is a quart

[@roc31539]

Dewayne, to be a wrangler do I need to know something about cattle, herding, husbandry? Thanks Rocky

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

No, for wrangling the main focus is horses and people. Cattle, herding and such are very rarely ever a consideration.

[@ralphcrosby9622]

From riding myself- from saddling as a wrangler and buying and selling some saddles and tack. The biggest hint I can give. Is your next size is normally close to the seat size you need. About 90% accurate.

[@vonnaposey1434]

Could you address saddles and comfort for women? I rode 6 days last year and my undercarriage was in great discomfort the entire time. My saddle was handmade by the owner of the outfit for himself. Recently I learned that women have 3 points of contact in the saddle and men have two. Do you have any thoughts or comments on making the saddle youre given for a ride be more comfortable?

[@Justiceiscoming4you]

Hello Dwayne, I have a question, I adopted a mustang and he has a short back and he’s about 14 hands. What kind of saddle do you suggest for a short backed horse? He’s a 4 year old so I know he’s still going to grow some more but I don’t think much more. Do you have any tips or advice? Thanks for all the great videos.

[@michaelduffy5695]

Wade type saddles will fit the majority of mustangs with short backs. Keep in mind that a Mustang isn't full-grown until it's 8 years old. Depending on what HMA your Mustang came from, what you're feeding and what kind of excercise they're getting, your 14 hand 4 year old could very well be in the 15 to 16 hands at 8 years old. One of my twin peaks horses went from 14.3 to 16 hands between 6 years old and 8 years old.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

In many cases, the length of the seat has a lot to do with the overall length of the saddle. Not only that, but the length of the skirt and the back jockeys affect the size of the saddle as well. One of the things that you can do is make sure that you purchase a saddle that does not have excessively large skirts or jockeys in the back. Usually, saddles with rounded skirts or what they call a butterfly skirt do not have near the excess leather sticking out the back of the cantle, and work well for short backed horses.

[@mc_baitsmc_baits]

I assume that this is a ranch saddle by the way it looks i have a question can you do a posting trot in a saddle like this i know certain saddles put you in different positions and it was just a curious thought that came to mind

[@kristencora]

Yes, you can. It is possible to post in most, if not all saddles, just harder in some than others. In any saddle that puts you in a chair seat position or has swells close to your legs it is more difficult. A properly built ranch saddle, especially a slick fork like this, has no swells to get in the way and should have you in a well balanced position and should be easy to post in.

[@texasdrifter4544]

Where are some good places to check for becoming a Wrangler? Texas is my stepping grounds partner.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

There is a website called ranchworldads.com. That is a really good place to begin looking. They have a page on there where places of employment do job listings.

[@ericnorton4045]

OMG where are you at in Tennessee?

[@JohnRago-kk1ub]

"Numbers are there to confuse the facts". A saddle maker told me that.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

I completely agree with your Saddle Maker

[@derekjensen4797]

What make is this saddle

[@Alexander81225]

What’s a good price for a saddle there’s someone that makes them a few towns over they charge over 2000

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

It is been my experience that for a good working saddle, $2000 is about the base starting price.

[@reaccionapr]

Have you ever touchy about doing voice-over work? I think if you do a livestream one day and open the super chats you will be pleasantly surprised at how much people appreciate you and your message.

[@CB-hi7mf]

And every saddle I try is way TOO big. The stirrups are too long. I'm annoyed

[@CB-hi7mf]

I'm only 5 ft 2. I CANNOT find any western saddle that fits me. 🤬

[@Grk1776]

Can I ask you sir where your Hat came from?

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

Rand’s Hat in Billings, MT

[@randomcrap1234]

The horse is what matters if the saddle that fits your horse doesn't fit you then you Should get a different horse

[@dennisford6818]

Well I couldn't watch your video. No saddle seat measures from the horn .

[@LaLaLucky7777]

Has anyone watched Unbranded on KZbin! WoW what a cool documentary of 4 young cowboy's who ride wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada! What a very cool film! A Mustang is one solid horse! God bless Justice Clarence Thomas and Donald J Trump

[@cindyroach2036]

Martin Roach