Rider's Choice Saddles
Ranch Roper and Crate Wade
Roping Saddles
Manufacturer: Rider's Choice Saddles
Model: Ranch Roper and Crate Wade
Category: Roping Saddles
Purchase: Rider's Choice Ranch Roper Saddle -- $450
General western riding and horse training
Rider's Choice Crate Wade Saddle (semi-custom) -- $1400
General western riding and horse training
Likes: Ranch Roper was priced very well. It has held up under rugged conditions. It fits my horse quite well. Overall quality is as good as considerably more expensive saddles. There are no frills with it, but it still works just fine.
Crate Wade was priced equally well. This was a special order, because I wanted some custom things to better fit the way I rode, and to better suit my horse training needs. I had the stirrups pre-turned and leather bound. The slick fork had bucking rolls added. The seat is unpadded and is rough out. The fork, cantle, bucking rolls, stirrup position, and seat are just right for keeping me in the saddle when things get a little rough. The tree was sent to me to check out before the saddle was made. The company was very cooperative.
Dislikes: The ranch roper had stirrups that were too far forward. There was no way of judging the position from the picture in the ad. I sent the saddle out, and had the stirrups repositioned. This worked fine, and I still use the saddle.
Quality: The quality of the ranch roper is really about average. It has worn well. When new, the leather was difficult to oil; however, as time went on, it improved. Stitching is tight. The padded rough out seat needs only occasional brushing. The horn is trouble free. Nothing has ever broken.
The quality of the Crate Wade is excellent. This was a bargain. Other comparable saddles cost much, much more. There have been absolutely no issues with this saddle. The finish is great. The fit is also great for both my thoroughbred and quarter horse--just swap cinches, make some adjustments, and go. Because I was able to inspect the tree, I know how well it was made. There have been no problems with the tree. The stirrups stay at right angles to the saddle and horse, which eliminates searching.
Summary: I like the ranch roper made by Rider's Choice. It fits the horses I ride just fine. Ultimately, I wanted something that better fit me and the way I ride. This saddle was good enough to have confidence in the manufacturer.
The Crate Wade is one heck of a good saddle. As far as the essentials go, I do not believe that there are any better on the market. Since I do not care too much for lots of decorations, this saddle suits me fine.
I recommend Rider's Choice. You can get the ideal saddle for you at a price you will like. They have off-the-shelf models. They can make semi-custom saddles to suit you. They can also make some very fancy saddles as true custom orders.
For me, I got more than I paid for.
Rating: 5
Author: Al Rench
Date: 0000-00-00
Usefulness Rating: 2.99199 out of 5.
624 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Corriente Association Tree Saddle Roping Saddles
J Stead Custom Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
J.Stead Saddle Co. Custom Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
Corriente CSW 126 Roping Saddles
Porter Saddle of Arizona Slick Seat Wade Roper Roping Saddles
K&B Saddlery Ol' West Roper #1610 Roping Saddles
J.C. Martin Wade Roping Saddles
Forty Rod Saddlery Ranch Cutter Roping Saddles
Raymond Blevins Saddles #61 Dixie Roper Roping Saddles
Corriente Saddle Company Custom Association Ranch Saddle Roping Saddles
Raymond Blevins Saddles Dixie Roper Roping Saddles
J.C. Martin Saddle 16" Western A Fork Buckaroo Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
J.C. Martin Buckaroo Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
JC Martin A Fork Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
Breaking Wind Saddle Co Custom Roping Saddle Roping Saddles
Riders Choice G.W Crates Master Series Wade Roper Saddle AR Buckle Roping Saddles
Porter Saddle Shop DSC - 00037A Wade Roper Roping Saddles
Southern Trails R-8005 A Fork Roping Saddle Roping Saddles
Billy Cook Big Boss Roping Saddles
Pish Saddlery Wade Saddle Roping Saddles
