endurance saddle and girth

[chisella]

I am shopping around for an endurance saddle. So far I am thinking about getting the Abetta(http://www.toolsandsaddles.com/abetta-arabian.html). I was wondering if anyone had an opinion about synthetic material vs. leather. Also, any advice for what would be a good and comfortable girth for going long distance would be appreciated. I 'll be riding from just above Denver, Colorado, to Prairie Farm ,Wisconsin this spring.

[HooverH]

Bighorn also makes a nice synthetic endurance. Synthetics are nice and lightweight, pretty ideal for an endurance...the one thing I've noticed is they just don't wear as long as leather, but I'm talking decades in wear terms.

Girth wise, my riding instructor likes the strands because they breathe, and uses them for everything from day rides to camping to roping.

[chisella]

Thanks, that is helpful. I have a lot to figure out before I make this trip.

[TheRider]

That is a heck of a ride. Where or how did you find out about it. Sounds like many many days on the trail.

[RackingHorse]

Sure enough that is one heck of a ride. Where did you find out about it. Did you find it by looking locally or did you go outside of your normal area?

I might think about something like this in 20 or 30 years.

[chisella]

How did i find out about this ride? Well, I wanted to go from coast to coast. a friend of mine has a sister in Colorado that is moving to Prairie Farm , WI though and she offered me to take her horse . There is a known (to me)trail for some of the route , but I have some researching to do for much of the way. If you like, check out my blog http://horses.bethanyjean.com/ that may explain more. I may opt to take the southern route and go through Kansas, Missouri and then cut north. I know more folks along that way, but we'll see as I do more research.

[Jack]

Hi im cas, from new zealand
i used a synthiec saddle for many years
its light, easy to clean and lasts, great when crossing rivers etc we useed it down the beach.
i recently purchased a 1,000$ leather saddle i HATE it.
its hard to clean you cant ride in bad weather it gets soggy and you dont want to ruin it. its already starting to rub, we are in a big debate with thte company at the moment.I serouisly reccomened a synthitic.
They are cheap to.
As for the girth
Hymmm i use a anit sweat one its nice it had like little holes in it.
Hes black and gets really hot.
Good luck
Cas and jack

[chisella]

I finally got an Abetta endurance saddle and then a mohair girth. I haven't taken my trip yet, but I think it is a good fit. I'll certainly find out.

[getawaygal]

yeah i'm against leather as well. i'm not a fan of how it wares over time and it can get kind of cruddy if you can't scrub the dirt out often. if you're riding that far, you're gonna want something that doesn't require as much maintenance, but it still easy on the horses hair/skin.

[chisella]

I have to say, I 'm happy with this saddle. It is light and a good fit. I got a mohair girth and converters to make it english style instead of a cinch. One of the leathers attaches to the d ring in the back and spreads out the weight/pull. Easy to clean too.