Wintecs don't fit me at all, or else I would have bought one a long time ago. They're good enough little starter saddles and the price is right, but the largest seat size they make is 18, and they're just too small.

Aschafr2 - I'm interested in finding out more about that leather saddle you have.

My3arabs - I'm in So. Orange county (San Juan Capistrano), so Calabasas would be like a 3 hour drive for me, and I just don't have that kind of time. But do they have a website? Maybe I could see what they have in stock?

ArabsandotherAliens - a stubben of my own is my ultimate saddle goal for this horse. I love the brand (especially the older models) for the very reason you describe.

Brntumber - I've been searching on ebay for about a year now, which is part of why I was discouraged enough to ask for help. Though I do have one saddle that is a possible fit that I just put a bid on. So hopefully that will pan out. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

I have started a horse bareback before, and was successful, but it's just my personal preference to start with the saddle. I use a mixture of John Lyons, Richard Shrake and Classical techniques. And by the time I get on a youngster, he's had pretty extensive groundwork, in hand, on the lunge, ground driving - all with and without a saddle, so that wearing the tack and giving to bit pressure is just part of his daily routine. I also start putting my feet in the stirrups and jumping up and down, and standing on the fence to lay over the horse's back for a week or more before I ever get on. But I do see your point and I appreciate the advice.

http://equinesolutions.blogspot.com/