Instructions
Consider the type of horse you have when deciding what type of bars you need on the Cordura saddle. A slenderly built horse like an Arabian would do best in a Cordura saddle with semi-QH bars, while a thick bodied quarter horse will need a saddle with full-QH bars. A saddle with full-QH bars is designed to fit the back of the average-sized quarter horse, but it will generally fit most other stock-type horses, like paints and appaloosas, as well.
Check the warranty for each saddle you are considering. Look for a saddle that is warrantied against defects and material problems for at least two to three years.
Review the return policy of each saddlery or mail order house. Many saddle makers and mail order horse supply sellers allow riders to try out the Cordura saddle for a set period of time and return it with no questions asked if it is not satisfactory. When evaluating return policies, be sure to check the shipping and handling requirements, and take the cost of insured shipping into the equation.
Go to your local tack shop, even if you plan to buy your Cordura saddle through the mail or over the Internet. It is important to actually see the saddle in person, since this will give you a good indication of the quality and the workmanship.
Examine the fittings for the girth, cinch and saddle bag attachments. A saddle with poorly made fittings is likely to be poorly made overall. Look for high-quality details, like the stitching on the sides of the saddle and along the back of the seat.
Look at the colors available for each saddle. Since Cordura saddles are often made with synthetic materials, saddle makers can create saddles with seats and fittings in every color of the rainbow. Consider color carefully if this is important to you. Many show and parade riders look for a Cordura saddle with a color that compliments their horse, like a baby blue saddle on a jet black horse or a red saddle on a white horse.
How to Compare Cordura Saddles
Ever since they came on to the market, Cordura saddles have been popular with trail riders, endurance riders and others. One of the hallmarks of Cordura saddles is their light weight. In some cases a Cordura saddle weighs less than half what a traditional saddle of the same size does. Cordura saddles are also easy to care for, especially ones made with nylon and other durable materials. But since there are so many Cordura saddles on the market, it is important to choose the right one for your needs.