Leather vs. synthetic saddles?

Question

I was wondering what everyones opinions were on leather western saddles vs. synthetics. I hear a lot of conflicting reports on how well the synthetic ones hold up, and whats the deal with all the things the synthetic trees are made of? Whats the best?

The synthetics seem so much cheaper and lighter, for a person who doesn't do any showing or competing, are there really any drawbacks?

Just curious what people thought about them, as far as comfort for horse and rider, durability, ect.

Answer 1

As for saddles, I have owned a leather saddle before and I own a Wintec synthetic now. This is what I found:

Synthetic

Good:

-Last longer

-Little maintenance required

Bad:

-Some people don't like the look of it but I think that depends on what brand you get because the Wintec looks fantastic

Leather:

Good:

-I don't see any good sides...

Bad:

-Has to be properly cleaned regularly (can't just hose it down)

-Cracks over time

-Doesn't last as long

Answer 2

I've owned BOTH kinds and the leather ones are still with me.  In the early 90's I traded a set of corner plates for a Wintec Sport and grant it, it was a GREAT saddle, BUT the difference in sitting in one vs my now 39 year old Stubben Siegfried is like the difference between owning a Saturn and trying to compare it to a Mercedes.  Let's see if the Wintec holds up to the standards of a Stubben nearly 40 years later.

I also ended up with an Abetta western saddle for a bit and ended up GIVING it to my best friend, who also basically ended up GIVING it to somebody else.  

Our reasoning behind this is that a synthetic, no matter how they make 'em has no "GIVE", that's one of the reasons for the interchangable gullets in the saddles of the Wintecs.  I can honestly say in the decades of owning my Siegfried (Stubben), I've NEVER had it on a horse it didn't fit and I've owned a LOT of different sized/breeds of horses.  From WIDE Quarter Horses to Narrow TBs and even a couple of Arabs.

I can also say the same about my Western saddles.  My favorite saddles are a 40 year old Circle Y and perspectively my now 22 year old Broken Horn Show saddle and 12 year old Broken Horn working saddle (Both BH saddles were made for me on semi QH trees which will fit the majority of horses I have and will own.).  I don't like the fact that the synthetics don't have any "give" to them and you stand a better chance of soring up a horse because they don't shift with a horse's body (They have little or no "give" in the trees, let alone the comfort that a leather saddle does for it's rider if you get a good, quality saddle.).

If you're limited on funds, then try e-bay and find a good used saddle.

Answer 3

Go for synthetic if you aren't competing! You save a cow :) We use some synthetic saddles and they hold up just as well as the leather ones. They are SOOOO much lighter and cheaper... I really like them. And as I said earlier, they are animal friendly! Possibly the one drawback would be that they don't clean up as nice as leather, but that doesn't really matter for you. It's really nice because you don't have to buy a ton of leather cleaner and conditioner for it, you just wipe it off.

Answer 4

A well kept leather saddle can last years and years ( I rode today in my leather saddle that I bought new 26 years ago.)

Synthetic saddles are much cheaper, lighter and easier to care for. Not had one long enough to say for sure how well they stand up to years of hard use but do have one and it rides well is very light and fits most of the horses fine.

For just trail riding or light riding I'd probably go with the synthetic saddle.

Answer 5

Synthetic

Answer 6

Hi there,

Well in ot a western rider in a hunter/jumper

But if your not competeing synthnetic sadles are great because they are comfy and light weight and cheaper then a leather saddle. My friend has a synthnetic western saddle and she loves it. But then she does have a leather western saddle for competeting to keep it in good shape she only uses it for shows. But if you are only going to be doing pleausure riding at home go with the synthnetic saddle

In the hunter world if you are compete how dare you come into the show ring without a havana, brown,or chestnut saddle

Good Luck!

Answer 7

If your not showing, Synthetic is great.

The trees last long, and the saddle overall. They are easy to clean, you can get them wet, and they are durable. They are really comfy for the rider because they usually have padding, unlike leather saddles. They are also light for the horse, and the trees are shaped well.

All of the factors are better with the quality of the saddle. You can get a top of the line synthetic saddle for not too much either.

Answer 8

It depends on what you plan on using the saddle for.  If you want a durable light, extra light saddle to use for at home, trail and training, they are excellent.  You don't want to lift a heavy saddle for every day use.  You can't use them for showing.  They are very durable, and easy to take care of.  I think everyone should have more than one.  You use a very expensive leather for show, and a cheap or used to death saddle for everyday use, or I do anyway.

Answer 9

the synthetic are nice and light if your going on a long trail ride but leather are good for showing

synthetic do not last long enough but they are light

the leather you condition to keep it in shape but is heavy

Answer 10

well if you arent showing.. synthetic saddles are much cheaper, and more durable.  they are more comfortable, and can stand being wet from the rain, and are easy to clean. i'd much rather have a synthetic saddle.. but im doing my equestrian team, and my saddle was a gift from a friend.. and i cant just give that back.. and its very comfy.. i just would love to have a synthetic  saddle much more.. i love them

Answer 11

My mare doesn't speak to me in English but I can tell by the way she acts that she totally prefers the synthetic (they are so much lighter) Her whole body language from the moment I lift it onto her back tells me she's way more comfy. She'll let me walk right up to her with it (with no halter or bridle on her) and let me put it on and cinch it up without even looking over her shoulder. And as far as my comfort goes I feel the same way about the saddle from the other side. It's light and comfy to me too. I wouldn't care if it was butt ugly. Its worth it.

Answer 12

If you don't plan to show, the synthetics can be a great option.  Much cheaper and as long as you are careful to get a saddle that fits your horse properly, will be just as comfortable for your horse.

Answer 13

Its true If your not showing, Synthetic is great. i have a spare synthetic just for daily work outs they are fantastic easy to clean and yes light weight which is good for both you and your horse the only thing i will say is get a well made synthetic saddle not just the cheapest of the lot and if you do start to compete you can you it for daily exercise

sorry almost forgot the synthetic saddles also have a gullet that you can make wider or narrower leaving it less likely  to pinch