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?
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. View the Measurements Form here. It needs to be made into PDF and included here for downloading by customers.
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.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or for any further information.
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!
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!
In 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). Thirteen years of reliability and faithful service, and a $300 return. . . .not bad!
These days, my custom made saddles start $3850 (inc GST), fully mounted and guaranteed.
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: There are two types of trees: the long-used rawhide covered wood and the modern polyurethane types.
Components & Construction
The components of these trees are made of wood and are laminated in some areas for strength, before being shaped and set in place. The wooden tree is then covered with rawhide which is applied wet using nails and rawhide lace so a snug fitting cover is achieved. The trees are then carefully dried to avoid twisting and warping as the rawhide shrinks onto them, creating a super tight covering. This is where the trees gain their strength and durability; without this covering the tree would break.
Components & Construction
Instead of using wooden components to create the structure of the tree, a high density polyurethane is used. Again, with all components shaped and set in place, carbon fibre is added and then the trees are covered using fiberglass cloth and elastomer or polyester resin and allowed to dry.
The use of such coverings eliminate the risk of twisting and warping during the drying process and also allow certain components of the trees to be much thinner, while offering superior strength and durability against stress and fatigue. This allows me to offer my clients, and their mounts, a saddle that affords much more horse/rider contact, while fitting the horse correctly with more underside surface area. In ADDITION to this it allows a narrower, more comfortable seat for the rider. These are advantageous qualities that rawhide trees simply cannot offer to the same degree.
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 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 either type of saddle tree. This avoids robbing yourself of possible advantages created with the use of one style or the other.
I realise some people have had a bad experience with a saddle built on a fibreglass tree and prefer rawhide trees and vice versa. My opinion is that materials get blamed unfairly as the cause of saddle tree failure, instead of the methods and/or workmanship involved in the construction. The tree makers I have chosen to build my trees are well established, reputable, experienced in all aspects, and consistently build high quality trees.
I have NEVER received a tree from them that has been ill-fitting, poorly constructed, or badly finished.
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 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.
| STEP1 - | After discussing your preferences and requirements, you will need to complete a measurements form. This gives me the dimensions that I need to customise the seat, so that it fits correctly and is comfortable FOR YOU. |
| STEP2 - | I need your horse's height, weight, age and breed. I will also need to see your horse, or photos of your horse. This will show me his conformation and condition. This enables me to customise the underside of the saddle, so that it fits correctly and is comfortable for YOUR HORSE. |
| STEP3 - | With all measurements, fittings, and selections complete, I will advise you of an estimated production/delivery time, a deposit is put down, and I begin building your saddle! |
I offer free fittings for both horse and rider for your piece of mind, so if you are able to come for a visit in person/horse for a cuppa and a chat, that would be great!
If not the forms and photos can be emailed, faxed or mailed.
You will be informed when your saddle is almost completed, so that convenient arrangements can be made to get your new saddle to you as quickly as possible!
Once you are notified that your Cooper's Custom Saddle is complete, payment in full is required on pick up - or before postage/delivery.
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!
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 every tree used is custom made to my exact specifications.
From experience, I have found that my standard dimensions and design are flexible enough to allow me to ensure the best fit (with correct use of padding) for most horses.
On the odd occasion where a horse's dimensions do not suit that of my standard tree, a fully customised tree is designed and fitted. This enables me to build each and every saddle with the exact characteristics that you and your horse(s) require, EVERY TIME.
See my Guarantee.
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.
Hermann Oak and Wickett & Craig are known the world over for producing the finest saddlery leathers available. These American based companies are well established and have been consistently producing high quality leathers for more than 100 years.
These are the leathers 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 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.
… So You Can Rest Easy.
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.
