Western Saddle for a Fatso (Horse)?

Question

Got our huge Arab/Quarter Horse cross fitted for a Western Saddle - Tucker extra wide tree.

Don't know how he got so huge. We own his sire - a 14 hand Witez bred beauty whom I ride; and his dam, an average Skipper bred QH. This horse looks like a Morgan or warm blood - short backed and heavily muscled,, close to 16 hands and weighs 1200.

I have no problem with English saddles fitting - school him in a Passier, but for long trail rides out west we use Western tack. Okay, we're getting old.

Tucker's are expensive - $1600. Can't find a used one with an extra wide tree. Husband rides him - he needs a 17" seat and long strirrups.

Afraid to purchase a used saddle if I could find one over the 'Net' 'cos it might be the wrong fit.

Anyone satisfied with something other than a Tucker? Something cheaper?

Only answers from "old farts" please who need a Lazy Boy and a gaited horse.

Answer 1

This is the horse racing section. There is a Pets>Horse section where you might get better answers to your question.

Answer 2

Hey,  I owned a Witez bred horse until we had to put him down last year.  He was the best horse ever!  I love the bloodline!  I had a half arab/ paint once that was very wide too.  

  I think it might be hard to find a used saddle with the extra wide gullet and a 17" seat.  You may have to shell out the money for the tucker.   But, you can think of it this way.  If you need to sell the saddle, you will get your money back out of it since it is such a rare tree size.  People like you are tying to find them used and can't.  

If you are not h**l bent on getting a tucker, try looking for a saddle maker that will custom make a saddle with a tree that fits your horse.   You might be able to get it cheaper than a tucker.  

Or if you don't have the money and need something to use for now, look for a cheap draft tree saddle on eBay.  It may get you by until you find something better or order a tucker saddle.