How important is the saddle and the clothes you wear?

QUESTION: 

I am just starting out showing my paint horse. How important is the saddle and the clothes you wear? And what types of things do judges look for? Thank you, Bonnie.

ANSWER: 

Hi Bonnie,

Another good question. I could care less about how much silver people have on their saddles, and I could care less about how much people spent on their outfits and equipment. The main thing you need is a saddle that fits you and your horse. Neat and clean. The main ingredient is hand made equipment that puts you where you need to be in the saddle. I ride all day long and I refuse to ride in a poorly constructed saddle. I will not ride in any thing but a well made saddle. Who cares about the silver? Look for a good saddle builder, and not how much silver it has. It will also hold the value longer than a factory saddle. I ride in Bob’s, Blue Ribbon, and Bruce Cheney saddles every day and I love them.

Thanks,

Mark