FAQ

What style saddles do you offer. 

We specialize in the "Wade". The Wade saddle is renowned and considered a must-have for riders due to its iconic design that combines comfort, durability, and functionality: its deep seat offers security during long hours of ranch work or trail riding, the low-profile horn is practical for roping, and the overall construction exemplifies the rugged reliability needed for demanding Western activities, making it a favored and sought-after choice among enthusiasts for its versatility and timeless appeal.   

The Tree 

It is said that a saddle is only as good as the tree it is made on.  We use two different types of saddle trees.
1. Lightweight tree, a strong tree made of fiber glass, well suited for general every day pleasure riding, farm riding, show ring.  
2. Heavy duty trees are made very strong with hard wood and then covered in  Rawhide for additional  strength, suited to everyday riding, starting horses, roping and rodeo activities. 

Will it fit me and my horse ? 

Saddle fitting is the crucial art of ensuring a harmonious connection between horse and rider by  selecting  the saddle to accommodate the horse's anatomy and the rider's comfort.    Talk to us about your horse and also about yourself so we can guide you in the right direction.  With many years experience in the equine world, we are here to help guide you.  We suggest you try one of our  saddles that is already made first, before custom ordering a saddle.   We do offer a saddle fitting service, where you can try before you buy.   You are welcome to bring your horse to us, or talk to us about coming to you with some of our saddles for you to try. 

Can you make a Lightweight saddle ? 

Yes we have a range of lightweight saddles, that  are easy to handle and lift up onto your horse.  We have designed saddles with this in mind.  There is nothing worse than having a heavy saddle you struggle to carry and saddle up with.  Please also remember the more you oil your saddle the heavier it can become.  One liter of oil is equivalent to approx. 1 kilo in weight.  Talk to us about your saddle requirements, we are happy to help. 

How long does it take to
get a saddle ? 

  The quickest way to get a saddle is to look at what we have in stock ready to purchase, we can have these freighted to you straight after receiving payment and you should receive your saddle within 5 to 7 working days, once the saddle is with the freight company.   Pay in cash and pickup from us directly on the day.
If you custom order a saddle from us you can expect your saddle to take approx.  two (2) months to complete, sometimes less.  

Who made it ?

Kiwi Custom Saddles are made  to our specifications, by our team of professional saddle makers.  It has taken us several years to find a team to make saddles to our requirements and to our high standards. The saddles are made in several over seas based workshops.   We have many happy riders throughout New Zealand.  Many have taken advantage of our saddle fitting service and have been very happy with the results.  

Rigging 

Yes we can make a saddle with different rigging positions, in tree rigging and inskirt rigging.  The rigging diagram shows  the different positions the main girth is attached to the saddle, unlike an english saddle, many western saddles are designed to have two girths, some can also sit nicely with just one girth. This is something we can talk about when we discuss what you need in a saddle for your horse.  Our saddles have the girth position at 7/8 position.  The most common position is the 7/8th position which is said to be good for upto 75% of horses allowing horses to have better shoulder movement. 

Bridles, girths, saddle bags, etc. 

We can offer all types of extra's, just write down what you want in extras, eg. padded seat, stirrups style, if you need a matching bridle and breastplate set, saddlebags, cinches  etc.  Off course you do not have to want lots of bling, the options are endless.  Also consider your budget,  as we are do not want to break your bank, we can set you up easily on a fair budget. 

My horse has never had a western saddle on before ? 

Most horses take to having a western saddle on with no problems at all. Precautions can be  taken, most horses are very quick to adapt to a western saddle with a bit of careful handling and training.  This also is a reason why we offer a saddle fitting service to avoid mishaps and advise you with the correct way to fit your saddle and get you and your horse used to it.   

The Waikato Wade