My horse isn't a gaited horse, but I'm looking for a new saddle and am wondering, what's the difference between a saddle made for a gaited horse v. a non-gaited horse?  Am wondering in particular re Western or Endurance saddles.  Would a gaited-horse saddle work on a non-gaited horse??  Thanks for any info!

 Mary

They are made different so that the gaited horse has shoulder room to move properly.. My racking horse has a small back & I had to hunt for a while to find an abetta ( not a specific gaited horse saddle) to fit him.. I think if the saddle fits well & doesnt rub him or make him sore it couldnt much matter? But thats just my theory

bassclef54:

My horse isn't a gaited horse, but I'm looking for a new saddle and am wondering, what's the difference between a saddle made for a gaited horse v. a non-gaited horse?  Am wondering in particular re Western or Endurance saddles.  Would a gaited-horse saddle work on a non-gaited horse??  Thanks for any info!

 Mary

The front of the tree on a gaited saddle is shaped different to allow for more shoulder movement.  Yes you can use a gaited saddle on a non gaited horse.  My trail saddle is a gaited horse saddle and I love it.  When I ride multiple horses at the horse traders house I take that saddle because it fits a wider variety of horses without making them uncomfortable.

I was told that you can use a regular saddle on a gaited horse.  You just need to move it back about a hands width from where you would normally place it on their back to allow for more shoulder movement.  That's what I've always done with my peruvian--I use a cordura western saddle that happens to fit him perfectly and just move it back.  He has been just fine with that--no problems at all.

A couple more to consider

http://www.gaitsofgold.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=27&Itemid=14

Brenda Imus saddles are sold through National Bridle shops.

http://www.dixielandgaitedsaddles.com/index.html

Also Tucker Saddles.

http://www.tuckersaddles.com/

You won't find many saddles smaller than 15",  But unless you are very small person, you should fit in a 15"  Look at the Tucker Saddle Catalog. They have a suggested fitting guide.  At 5' tall to 5'5" tall and 100-125 lbs they suggest a 15.5" saddle.  same holds true for the saddle weight. Most all Western saddles will be 25lbs and up.

Good Luck