American Saddlery
Arizona Rancher
Roping Saddles
Manufacturer: American Saddlery
Model: Arizona Rancher
Category: Roping Saddles
Purchase: I purchased this saddle from a local tack shop for a little over a $1000.00; I had been wanting a Wade/ A-Fork for a while now after riding in mostly cutting saddles and I saw it and was immediately impressed by the quality. So I walked away did some research and went back and bought after comparing it to other Wade/ A-Fork saddles. I have purchased many saddles for our farm for our lesson program and for my family. I was familiar with American Saddlery having bought a barrel saddle for my daughter a few years back so I knew they sell well made saddles. This one is much nicer of course being apart of their mastercraft-handmade line.
Likes: This saddle comes in only size 16 but really fits more towards a 15/15.5 inch in my opinion which works for me perfectly. I ride in a true 15 and there just harder to find these days it seems as if saddle makers/ retailers have just standardized to a 16 inch saddles for mass market and us smaller framed folks just have to ride with it; but those of us who ride more once or twice a week know this does not work. So I was pleased to find one that fit so well. I have owned far more expensive saddles such as Martin and have to tell you this saddle is every bit as nice when you factor in the price! Mine has a roughout seat (I have seen others with slick leather) with basketweave border tooling, bucking rolls, rope strap and solid brass conchos and medium oil finish. What a Value! A lot for your money there!
Dislikes: The only thing I did not like was the oxbow stirrups which I switched to a pair 2.5 inch bell wood stirrups. Upon purchase I was not sure about the bear trap cantle; but this has turned out to be fine and in retrospect since I work with a lot of green/ troubled horses I actually like the extra secure feeling it gives. Other than that I would prefer a natural over a synthetic fleece; but that would have driven the price up around $200.00 to $300.00.
Quality: WOW once again this is really where this saddle shines! This saddle is hand made and shows it. Pictures on the web do not due this saddle justice; it has a very classic look about it. What might be apparent from photo’s about this saddle is the uniform staining throughout the basketweave pattern which includes the top of the horn. The rigging is solid brass and is of excellent quality. The tree is by equisteel and fits comfortably with my horse and the others I have tried the saddle with. Nice Tree----Nice Fit.
Summary: I have oiled the saddle down really well and it’s breaking in nicely. If you are in the marked for a Wade/ A-fork and you do not want to spend the $2000.00-$3000.00 you see out there you should consider this saddle. You can have this saddle for a little over a $1000.00. In my opinion a great value and its quality construction and materials make it a lifer.
Rating: 5
Author: azureequine
Date: 2010-03-01
Usefulness Rating: 2.99605 out of 5.
760 reader(s) voted.
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