Posted 2009-01-21 3:39 PM (#97947 - in reply to #97827) Subject: RE: Saddle
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
I love my Crates saddle. THey are built on the Steele tree which provides a flared front for less interference with the horse's shoulders.
The person that owns Crates saddles USED to be the builder of Simco saddles - back when they were really good hand-made saddles.
Crates are hand made in Tennesee. I have a few friends that have bought Crates after seeing and riding in mine. They hold up well and are a good value for the price. They will fit a variety of horse shapes.
That particular saddle, with rounded skirts and brass hardware is at least $1800 or more new. With the rounded skirts, that saddle is considered one of their "gaited saddles".
Posted 2009-01-23 7:45 PM (#98082 - in reply to #97827) Subject: RE: Saddle
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
The round skirt could also be a crates barrel saddle. I would get the gullet measurements. If it's 7 inch wide then most likely a gaited saddle. If it's 6-3/4 to 6-5/8 then most likley quarter horse bars saddle.
Posted 2009-01-24 10:12 PM (#98173 - in reply to #98160) Subject: RE: Saddle
Regular
Posts: 74 Location: NW
Originally written by gabz on 2009-01-24 8:32 PM
Crates makes a barrel saddle with a gal's name that I can't think of right now.
The brass fittings and strings are what make me think it's more likely a trail saddle. But yes, checking the width is always a good idea.
I wish I could remember, but the code on the latigo hanger, on the left side will tell width and length.
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You are probably thinking of Meleta Brown - at least that is the current barrel saddle they are producing. I have one & love it. It is extremely comfortable to ride. I put the slanted stirrups on it & was comfortable for hours up in the mountains riding here. Then my mare decided to broaden out much more & the Crates no longer fits.
Posted 2009-01-25 2:50 PM (#98207 - in reply to #98173) Subject: RE: Saddle
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
Originally written by Rockyroad on 2009-01-24 11:12 PM
Originally written by gabz on 2009-01-24 8:32 PM
Crates makes a barrel saddle with a gal's name that I can't think of right now.
The brass fittings and strings are what make me think it's more likely a trail saddle. But yes, checking the width is always a good idea.
I wish I could remember, but the code on the latigo hanger, on the left side will tell width and length.
You are probably thinking of Meleta Brown - at least that is the current barrel saddle they are producing. I have one & love it. It is extremely comfortable to ride. I put the slanted stirrups on it & was comfortable for hours up in the mountains riding here. Then my mare decided to broaden out much more & the Crates no longer fits.
Yup. Maleta Brown.
I bought a Fabtron endurance for my wide-bodied MFT. I also replaced those cheapo stirrups with Walls slanted aluminums. LOVE those stirrups.
Posted 2009-01-25 11:57 PM (#98233 - in reply to #98179) Subject: RE: Saddle
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: washington
I hadn't thought of it but we are not using it so might consider selling our older Crates saddle :) I will ask my daughter if she still wants it. I know I don't... I ride with an endurance saddle and my daughter is using an Abetta western saddle on her old mare.
Saddle
