FAQ
- Which style of saddle is best for me?
- Are half-breed saddles better than traditional Australian stock saddles?
- My horse has a sore back, my saddle mustn't fit properly. Can you help me?
- How much can I expect to pay for a custom made saddle?
- What methods do you use to build a saddle?
- How are the trees made?
- Which Style of Tree is Best For Me?
- How do I order a saddle; what's the process?
- How can you guarantee comfort and fit for me and my horse?
- I've been told that my horse doesn't carry a saddle well. Can you still guarantee your Cooper's Custom Saddle will fit properly?
- How can you be sure the leather you use is the best quality?
- Is there anything in particular I should ask saddle makers as I shop around?
Q1: Which style of saddle is best for me?
A: There is certainly plenty to consider when choosing the right saddle. Here are the main factors that need to be considered:
1) The saddles purpose - will it be used in competition, used for work, or just for pleasure? These factors will determine the saddle's functionality and appearance. It will also determine whether or not one specific style of saddle is needed. You may be able to choose from more than one style if your saddle is for multi-purpose or general use.
2) Your horse/s - breed, age, shape and condition of your horse(s), and his suitability to your chosen riding activities.
3) The rider - Your age, approximate weight and height and also a few measurements taken from the waist and legs.
4) Personal riding style - for example, do you prefer a more seated position with plenty of forward stirrup movement? Or perhaps you prefer to be in a more upright position with your stirrups back under you.
Note: It's good to remember that personal preference plays a large part when considering a new saddle. Sometimes it's not about what everybody else uses or what they say, it's about what will work for you!
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q2: Are half-breed saddles better than traditional Australian stock saddles?
A: There are mixed feelings out there, some say yes, some say no.
This is DEFINITELY a personal preference. Any top quality custom saddle should fit and be comfortable for both horse and rider, regardless of which style it may be.
However!
My opinion (and your horse's too I'm sure) is that half breed saddles ARE better. They provide much more positive contact with the horses back through more under-saddle surface area, therefore spreading the rider's weight over a much larger area. I strongly recommend this style of saddle for a rider weighing 80kg's or more.
Also, this style of saddle allows the rider to get right down on the horse, as close as possible to the horse's centre of gravity. Unfortunately, traditional stock saddles cannot offer these characteristics to the same extent.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q3: My horse has a sore back, my saddle mustn't fit properly. Can you help me?
A: Yes I can.
Firstly, there are many causes of soreness in the back although, most often the saddle is immediately ASSUMED to be the cause. This is NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
Sure, bad saddle fit can cause problems, but keep in mind that there are many different shaped backs and one saddle will not fit every horse. A good custom saddle built on a good custom tree will fit most horses with 'good backs' and should not cause any soreness. In the unlikely case that soreness is caused by (or a bad fit is evident with) such a saddle, the problem is usually 'horse specific'. For example, if your saddle doesn't fit one out of ten horses, then this should not immediately be classed as saddle failure.
In the case of soreness, the following should also be considered:
- the horse's seasonal condition;
- the horses level of fitness;
- the horse's age;
- the horse's conformation and movement;
- the horse's past and/or present injuries or ailments;
- your riding style and level of horsemanship;
- your saddle cloth and the amount of padding used between the saddle and the horse.
The bottom line is that a good relationship and COMMUNICATION between yourself and Cooper's Custom Saddles before, during and after your saddle is built ensures that your saddle will suit you, your horse/s and your purpose. (See my guarantee).
Be assured that Cooper's after-sales service is proven positive with advise, problem solving and satisfaction. Find out what customers have to say about Cooper's (Riverdale ASH Stud, Steve Hart Performance Horses).
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q4: How much can I expect to pay for a custom made saddle?
A: Purchasing a good quality custom made saddle is an investment.
Unlike cheap, mass produced saddles, a good quality saddle actually appreciates in value, IF it is looked after.
Seem strange?
Well, recently one of my regular customers traded in a saddle built by Cooper's Custom Saddles on a new saddle. This saddle was built in 1993 and worth $1350 back then. It was worn, but had been well maintained and was solid. I sold it for $1650 (a new saddle identical to this - today - is worth over $4000).
Years of reliability and faithful service, and a $300 return. . . .not bad!
As I am always developing the design & construction of my Custom Saddles, the pricing varies according to the current price of materials etc.
Please call to discuss current pricing.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q5: What methods do you use to build a saddle
A: You will find that my methods and materials are largely traditional…
…but I do use some methods/techniques that are my own creation, along with some more modern materials. For example, I use modern materials/techniques in tree and groundwork construction that have proven to be hugely beneficial to horse/rider comfort. They also create advantages that traditional methods/materials cannot.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q6: How are the trees made?
A: I build my trees by hand laminating them in moulds that I also have designed & constructed myself. This guarantees quality & consistency throughout my full range of tree/saddle styles.
All of my trees are 100% my own design.
They consist of a fibreglass outer shell with internal fibreglass framework & solid castable filling.
All horns are solid carbon fibre laminated into the internal framework of the tree.
***Expandable resins ARE NOT used in any of my trees.***
The use of current materials & methods such as these, allows me to offer my clients & their mounts, a saddle that affords much more horse/rider contact, while fitting the horse correctly with INCREASED underside surface area.
They also withstand stress & fatigue much better than traditional trees, for example, my stirrup bars on my Campdraft & Breaking trees are rated at 2.5 tonnes!!!
In addition to all this, these materials allow a very narrow, fine- waisted, comfortable seat for the rider.
These are all advantageous qualities that traditional rawhide trees simply cannot compete with.
I realise some people have had a bad experience with a saddle built on a fibreglass tree and prefer rawhide trees and vice versa.
Materials are often unfairly accused as the cause of saddle tree failure, instead of the design, methods and/or workmanship involved in the construction of the tree.
All aspects of my trees are tried & true, they have proven themselves over many years.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q7: Which Style of Tree is Best For Me?
A: Personal preference plays a big part...
...other than actual physical characteristics which are necessary for your saddle to function correctly, whatever its purpose - and this is something that I will discuss with you to ensure you get the best suited saddle possible. However, when ordering a custom made saddle, and in turn the types of tree, it may be best to remain open-minded in regard to the use of different styles of saddle trees. This avoids robbing yourself of possible advantages created with the use of one style or another.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q8: How do I order a saddle; what's the process?
A: When ordering your Cooper's Custom Saddle, it is important that as much information as possible is exchanged between us.
Communication is the most important factor in the early stages of saddle development. I cannot stress this enough. Together we are can define exactly which style of saddle, dimensions and characteristics will suit you and your horse/s the best. This process will provide the very best outcome for you and your ride.
We need to work closely, to cover as many aspects as possible, concerning your preferences and what you require of your saddle. If you need to call me numerous times to ask any questions or voice any concerns, PLEASE DO. I will be happy to help where ever possible, and prefer a pro-active approach.
STEP 1
After discussing your preferences, requirements & measurements, I have all that I need to customise the seat, so that it fits you correctly.
STEP 2
We discuss your horse's height, weight, age and breed. I may also ask to see your horse, or photos of your horse. This will show me his conformation and condition. This enables me to assess whether the underside of my saddles will fit your horse(s) correctly.
STEP 3
With all measurements, fittings, and selections complete, I will advise you of an estimated production/delivery time.
All details are then put in writing on my order conformation form, which is then emailed or posted to you for checking. With all details checked by you, the order form is signed & returned to Cooper's Custom Saddles along with the initial payment.
Upon receipt of the initial saddle payment, your order is written in the order book.
STEP 4
When I am ready to commence work on your order, I will notify you by phone &/or email.
At this stage you will be asked to make full final payment prior to work commencing.
Once full payment is received, I begin work & you have your completed saddle delivered within 4 - 6 weeks.
Once you have your new Cooper's Custom Saddle, you will enjoy a much closer relationship with your horse, plenty of comfort and security - and a happier horse that is more eager to please.
The only thing you won't like about your Cooper's Custom Saddle, is getting out of it!!!
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q9: How can you guarantee comfort and fit for me and my horse?
A: Because I build every Tree & Saddle myself.
From experience, I have found that my standard rigging position, tree design/dimensions and saddle design are flexible enough to allow me to ensure the best fit (with correct use of padding) for most horses.
The photo above shows my Custom "Wade" Tree, and demonstrates correct bar contact with the horses back and shoulders.
Again from experience, my seats (this includes seat profile & contour, stirrup bar position & many other aspects) are designed for maximum rider comfort with superior feel & balance, thus creating the ultimate seating position.
In conjunction with the above, I take clients’ feedback into careful consideration when designing & further developing my saddle/tree designs.
The bulk of my clientel ‘live’ in their saddles.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q10: I've been told that my horse doesn't carry a saddle well. Can you still guarantee your Cooper's Custom Saddle will fit properly?
A: If, after seeing photos of your horse, I have concerns that your horse may not carry a saddle well, I will discuss further information with you - or request that a visit to me be arranged for a manual fitting.
On rare occasions, unfortunately, it is a fact of life that some horses will not carry ANY saddle well, regardless of its quality and fit. This is a conformation problem and NOT the fault of the saddle.
In cases like these, if the horse's conformation IS found to be a problem, we then discuss the best plan of action before proceeding.
If you and/or your horse have, or have had, trouble with good quality saddles not fitting either or both of you correctly, I recommend that you visit me in person with your horse for a manual fitting in order for my guarantee to cover such cases.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q11: How can you be sure the leather you use is the best quality?
A: Because I take the same care in choosing the leather as I do in crafting each saddle
Every Cooper's Custom Saddle is built using the finest skirting and bridle leather sides available in the world.
Wickett & Craig is known the world over for producing the finest saddlery leathers available. This American based company is well established and have been consistently producing high quality leathers for more than 100 years.
This is the leather that I choose for use in building my custom saddles.
Choosing the Best …
The leather is carefully graded after each stage of the tanning process, and again upon completion. They are then shipped to my suppliers here in Australia. When I place my orders, I ask that my suppliers select the best sides of leather from the 1st grade leathers only, carefully inspecting both its grain and flesh surfaces for any imperfections before forwarding them to me.
Upon receiving my orders, I thoroughly check the leather for anything that may have been missed on previous inspection. As my suppliers and I have a long history and loyal working relationship, they are well aware of my standards, are efficient and pride themselves in providing me with goods as ordered. Should any leather be forwarded to me that did not meet my stringent quality requirements it would be immediately returned for replacement.
You can be sure that the leather used to build your saddle will have a solid grain structure. With the proper maintenance and care it will remain soft, flexible, durable and hard wearing, while keeping its rich, clean, faultless appearance for many years of enjoyment.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
Q12: Is there anything in particular that I should ask saddle makers as I shop around?
A: YES.
You should ask as many questions as need be to obtain as much information as possible prior to your new investment.
Along with the obvious general questions like pricing, time frames etc, here are a few questions that often go un-asked:
Ask the saddle maker;
Q.1)
- a) Do you build your own trees?
- b) If so, what materials are used?
- c) What benefits/advantages, stress ratings & guarantees can you offer me?
- d) If not, who does build your trees, what materials are used & what guarantees can you offer me?
Q.2) Do you build ALL saddles yourself, or do you sub-contract other makes to build all/some of your saddles?
These points have been brought to light through conversation with people about their past/present experiences with SOME saddle makers, either while having/had a saddle built or while simply shopping around.
It seems to be that SOME saddle makers do not, or have not, offered this information to their clients up front.
Often, this information is discovered during some kind of after-sales issue involving a solid session of “buck passing”. After all that, there is no need to be paranoid about your new saddle purchase.
If you deal with a reputable maker, you won’t have any problem.
Again, ask the details of their guarantee.
They’ll have no issue with you asking such questions & will have probably already offered it to you.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.