14.5″ Desoto Endurance Saddle

This is such a cool saddle! There’s a reason that Desoto Saddles remain incredibly popular despite their limited production now, and now that we’ve had one in, we can totally see why! This is an older one, and it has seen lots of ride time, but is proof that quality tack lasts. Made by Marilyn Horstmyer, who is a legendary endurance rider, taking her own frustrations, experience, and education to make a truly comfortable, safe, lightweight, and well-fitting saddle. This saddle is a true 14.5″ saddle with a very deep seat bed, high cantle, and offers ample padding on the seat. Has an endurance style pommel (hornless) but is a bit wider than many (swell width) while also being narrower in diameter, making it a great grab handle. On a VERY wide fitting, measuring 8″ with a ton of shoulder flare, is wide thru the whole tree, with moderate rock to the bars. This would fit a #landhippo well that has a bit of shape to their topline. Think a very fit Morgan, Welsh, Halfie (yes, those do exist!), or similar built horse or pony. We are obsessed with the rigging. Has what is best described as leather, in-skirt rigging that has two slots on each side that allows for varying placement and allows for center fire rigging that will actually lay flat under your leg. Given this rigging construction, you don’t have to use a back cinch as it cinches very secure. Another outstanding design feature is the underside of the saddle. Very much designed like a Dressage saddle with wider panels that are lined with wool, which improves fit and reduces slipping and sliding. Again, perfect for those *round* horses out there. Has western style fenders that have narrower stirrup leathers in nylon, which helps reduce bulk, wear, and stretching. Nylon reinforced rings, all brass hardware, crupper ring, and plenty of strings finish this cool saddle off. This one is older and shows some bumps and bruises from use, but overall has been well cared for. The leather is very, very soft. Has a few scrapes, has some rubbing near the rings from packs, and some spots of discoloration but all typical and purely cosmetic. There is a bit of fraying along the edge of the nylon stirrup leathers, but they are still sound. We’ve gone through this one with a fine tooth comb and its sound! We are shocked by how lightweight this one is, too. It weighs just 18lbs! Does not come with stirrups. This is such as nice saddle. We promise, you won’t find one like this at this price!

Measurements:

• Seat: 14.5”
• Tree/Gullet: X-Wide, 8″
• Skirt: 20.5”
• Cantle: 4.5”
• Thigh Space: 9″
• Weight: 18lbs
• Serial Number: 90596