Western Bling In The Ring: Part V

Hey ya’ll! Guess what time it is… Western Bling In The Ring: Part V so get super excited! It is sort of a bitter sweet article though because this will be the final and last portion of the series I have been working on. I am really excited about this one, however, because all the previous pieces of bling in the ring I have told you about (Western Bling In The Ring: Part I- halters, Western Bling In The Ring: Part II- bridles, Western Bling In The Ring: Part III- breastcollars, and Western Bling In The Ring: Part IV- blankets and pads) were all working their way up to the big one. SHOW SADDLES!

The saddle is obviously the largest piece of tack that you must have for showing western pleasure. Saddles, just like everything else we have explored about the extreme tack options available for the show ring, can be completely ridiculous in style, glitz, glamour, and price. If you thought that any of the other pieces of equipment for your horse were expensive… wait until you catch a glimpse of these bad boys! The show saddle is not only the largest part needed for your horse, but it is certainly the most expensive chunk of your expenses as well. The price tag is sure to reflect your personal style and desire for bling as they can come in many different arrays of designs, brands, colors, and even sizes. Money most certainly has no limits for many horsemen out there who would venture to pay the amount of cash you are about to witness! Remember what I said from the very beginning… nothing about showing a horse in the world of western pleasure is ever going to be a cheap purchase.

This Alamo saddle is a very nice and classy show saddle. It has an attractive leather style and color that is finished off with some shiny silver pieces that are eye catching. It is priced at $1,300 and may seem like a lot of money to someone who is unfamiliar with the prices of saddles, but all I have to say is… just you wait!

This is a new brand of saddle that has just hit the market called the Flex 2. The dark black leather is a perfect example of the color variety that is offered when choosing a saddle of your own. The glitzy sterling silver pieces are really accented more due to the contrast of the dark black leather color which I find more eye catching. The price tag is sure to catch your eye also as this particular saddle costs $3,800. This is quite the jump in cash from the first saddle we looked at, but the fun is not going to stop here folks!

This is a Rio Show Saddle that has a medium leather tone that is very common in the show ring. The sterling silver trim that outlines the entire saddle is sure to bring plenty of bling to the ring. Even the basket weave print of the leather is very classy and elegant. I hope the price of $4,299.99 is also found to be classy enough for your style because this pretty little number costs just that. Hold on to your seat ya’ll when I tell you that this is only the AVERAGE price of most show saddles being sold, so let us take a look at what is next.

Even the name of this piece of work is sure to catch your attention as this is a San Simeon Cupertino Show Saddle. The tooling of the leather is a very unique style called morning glory, but I have not quite decided yet whether I approve or dislike? The large plates of sterling silver are found on all eight corners and there are additional pieces covering the back of the seat and the saddle horn. The silver is also given a little more detail than most due to the black tinted horse show shape that really stands out. What stands out even more to me, however, is the crazy price of $4,999.99. Yep, that is right my friend… this piece of tack is rolling in at about five grand! What could possibly top that? Well, we will soon find out.

This Ultra White Circle Y Show Saddle has a very distinctive color of leather that is not seen very often. The leather is also tooled in an uncommon floral prism pattern that really gives the design of the saddle a bit of class. The amount of sterling silver that completes the design of this piece is quite a lot, covering from all eight corners, to the back of the seat, and the saddle horn. While I find this saddle very attractive and well suited for the show ring, I have to wonder what in the world makes it so freakin’ special that it would cost a whopping $6,000?!?! I have absolutely no clue, but if you happen to believe that it is worth that much… go for it bucko!