Re: A-Betta Endurance Saddle by Action

["Code-Co, Byron Harward" <byron@code-co.com>]

>I am considering trying one of these saddles.  Does anybody with
experience with one have any input on the good points and bad points.  How
do they stand up to the rigors of endurance riding.  What about the comfort
level for both horse and rider.  Any input would be appreciated.
> 

I used A-Betta endurance saddle for a while and decided it would not work
for me my horse. 

The things I liked: low cost, low weight, lots of rings, places to hang
water bottles, I could get a 17" seat (western measurement) that fit by
large behind. Wide tree for my wide shouldered horse.

The things I didn't like considering my horse:  The tree and skirts for the
17" seat were too long for my horses back and the saddle bridged quite
badly. This by itself would have required that I stop using the saddle.

The things I didn't like for me:  The entire surface of the saddle was a
woven nylon or synthetic material that was quite abrasive on the material
of my seat and legs. I much preferred the slick leather seat of a Big Horn
saddle design.

I have since bought an Arabian Saddle Company English style endurance
saddle. This saddle has let me have a very comfortable large seat AND the
bars of the saddle fit the short back of my Arab with no bridging.  I can
tell my horse loves the fit of this saddle. (I just wish an English style
saddle had more places to put things so they didn't bang on the horse. I
hate fanny packs.)

Hope this helps.

Byron Harward and Tzadik