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 Posted: Wed May 16th, 2012 01:19 pm
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NOELLEE
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myboyduncan wrote: only concern I have is it's a size 15 and I usually ride in a 16.... I'm 5'6 / 135 lbs size 4-6 jeans. What are your thoughts on this please?
I am 5'5", size 6 jeans still, prob weigh more now in upper body/belly now, but when I got my 15" IMUS I was about 135lbs.  In the pics I posted on this thread, the one in the river I would be in weight about what you listed.  I love the way my 15" seat fits me, I am "put" exactly snug into the saddle at all times, it feels right not at all like I may fall out, and I get positive comments how well the saddle fits both horse and rider together.  I don't have a roomy feel, but that is how I like it.  No matter how "super-going" my TWH gets, I feel like I got a handle in the saddle. 

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 Posted: Wed May 16th, 2012 03:24 am
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Lakota
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Hi there and welcome to the board. How do you fit in the seat of a typical 15" saddle? If you have some room you should be o.k. The Imus 4-beat supracor padding is very forgiving and a person can ride a little smaller seat w/o getting banged around. Without actually seeing you sit in a 15" there's no way to really tell.

I hope you go ahead and get it. I think both you and your horse will be very happy. If the size doesn't suit you, you should be able to get your investment back pretty easily and then look for another one in a bigger size.:) 

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 Posted: Wed May 16th, 2012 02:33 am
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myboyduncan
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Hello friends- I'm looking at a used Imus saddle online. I never sat in or saw one of these saddles. My horse Duncan is narrow with high withers- Imus was suggested for us..... After reading all of the reviews, I'm excited to get one! The cost is an issue to purchase new- I did find a used one at a good price point- the only concern I have is it's a size 15 and I usually ride in a 16.... I'm 5'6 / 135 lbs size 4-6 jeans. What are your thoughts on this please?



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 Posted: Wed Apr 18th, 2012 05:46 pm
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Lakota
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Ha! Do it, do it! My problem is I want one of each model/color and I don't have the funds to be that big of a saddle collector. I have refurbished a few older saddles (one from the 1930's) and I can tell you that there's really only a couple of things that might need replacing over the years on the 4-beat.

The tie straps will probably wear first, and maybe the stirrup leathers later. In 35-40 years time, that will be normal wear. The leather (as you well know) is top quality.

I got to see the new Imus 4-beat Lite in Columbus. That waxwear material looks to be extremely low maintenance. I do love the leather but less time cleaning it is pretty appealing and of course the lighter weight is good too.

Keep us posted....:D

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 06:42 pm
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NOELLEE
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Lakota wrote: I just love seeing a great team all tacked up with the best fitting tack in the world. 
Lakota... shhhh, but I am seriously considering when I get my tax refund buying another IMUS western saddle just like the one I have and putting it up.  Because what happens when Rain and I have been riding for years in this tack team that works so great, and suddenly I need to replace my saddle to age! I would be outta luck if Brenda Imus is not around making the same saddle I once brought!

Anyone else ever get that need for back up, lol.

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 06:28 pm
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Lakota
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You two are looking good as usual. I just love seeing a great team all tacked up with the best fitting tack in the world. Thanks for posting the pics.!

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 02:10 pm
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NOELLEE
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And another taken this last Sunday... we are rolling at a good "rack" thro the field, but it looks like we are hardly moving, lol.  The saddle is perfect! You can see Rain's forelock blown back, my shirt too, and my eyes squirting because of the wind, if you notice :)

Attachment: 0415121444a_01.jpg (Downloaded 47 times)

Last edited on Tue Apr 17th, 2012 02:14 pm by NOELLEE

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 02:10 pm
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NOELLEE
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And another taken last summer... again we are snug in the saddle and this is what I have always preferred.  So base it on what you have always preferred, you will love the saddle.

Attachment: Fun at the river.jpg (Downloaded 47 times)

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 01:59 pm
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NOELLEE
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I too, find the western IMUS saddle to be true to the seat size I always prefer in a western saddle, 15in for me. I am 5'5", and not slim either, but this works perfectly so I would say go with what you have always felt fits best.  I rode Rain this last Sunday, and the saddle is about a year and half old now, fits us both even better, even though I may have put on some winter weight!  Rain is very high vibe, great handle, so sometimes we move out quick and the 15in seat keeps me snug like I prefer. I rode bareback a lot growing up and my IMUS western saddle reminds me of what bareback riding used to feel like, but with the security of a saddle. 

Here is a pic of us on Sunday... Chris did not get Rain's beautiful head in the shot!! But it shows his neck and topline and how the saddle and I appear nearly molded into Rain's natural form.

Attachment: 0415121455a_01.jpg (Downloaded 47 times)

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 Posted: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 06:03 am
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Lakota
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No big deal, it didn't bother me at all.:)

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 Posted: Mon Apr 16th, 2012 08:29 pm
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karenlexsc
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I have to apologize Lakota, for referring to you as "she" in a previous post. Silly me, I knew the Lone Ranger was male! I know you are a guy, sorry!

Back to size of seat - I really think the guidelines are just that and its a personal preference too. My DH is 6' 175 and he loves his 17" 4 Beat. he could easily fit a 16", but he likes wiggle room too.



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 Posted: Mon Apr 16th, 2012 04:49 pm
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Lakota
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Hello and welcome! Are you looking to get the Imus 4-beat saddle? If it was me, I would think you would be best suited to the endurance model with side skirts and narrow stirrup leathers. It will be a lot easier to punch additional holes and you don't have to worry about the western fender length being a problem.

If you are that small, it may be that any saddle will bother you by being 'wide' in the seat, but I know of no other saddle that can offer more comfort to the majority of riders (and their horses). That is the main reason I own one (actually 4 of them).

Don't know where you are located, but you just missed an opportunity to try them out in person at the Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend. I would look for the chance to sit in one if you can. Maybe you can seek out message board members near you that have one and would be willing to let you try it out. You also have the option of buying one from National Bridle and if it doesn't fit, you have two weeks to return it.

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 Posted: Sun Apr 15th, 2012 02:50 pm
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sirizod
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I'm just 5ft, and 88lbs. and having a difficult time finding an edurance saddle to fit. I currently have a 151/2  Equitation saddle with English stirrups (the only type I could get short enough for my legs,) but the twist is too wide, and my hips ache after an hour.:? Any suggestions?

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 Posted: Sat Nov 19th, 2011 07:10 pm
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Lakota
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Karen, I have a small backside and the 15" keeps me right where I need to be- comfortably.:D

On the western saddle, you could punch additional holes to go shorter. If there's room for the fender to go up under the seat jockey farther, just get the appropriate sized gasket punch and add some holes. Be sure to measure and mark so they will be spaced as the originals and put a board under the leather so you don't ding the cutting edge of the punch.

Last edited on Sat Nov 19th, 2011 07:16 pm by Lakota

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 Posted: Wed Nov 16th, 2011 11:40 am
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karenlexsc
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Wish I had longer legs! My biggest problem is too big a butt and too short legs. DH's 17" western just barely does work for me on the shortest stirrup adjustment. Interestingly though, my 17" endurance's stirrups will go a bit shorter, so works good for me.

I was surprised to read that Lakota likes a 15" being she's so tall. Guess personal preference does play a part in your choice. Sorry this seems to be so hard for you, but am sure you won't be disappointed in the 4 Beat saddle. They are wonderful!



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 Posted: Wed Nov 16th, 2011 03:27 am
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Lakota
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I too found that my Imus seat runs true to size. I always rode a 15" and the Imus in a 15" is just right. I'm 5' 10" and 170 lbs. with long legs. I also have a 16" that was ordered as a 15" and was a mistake. I ended up keeping the saddle and found that a thick wool sheepskin seat saver filled it in enough to make it work.

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 Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2011 06:18 pm
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SPOTD RIDR
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I don't have a Imus but I do use a 17" thought it was a 16" when I bought it but it measures 17.

I still like the size for me when I am 50lbs +/- I like my saddle a little roomy so when I want to sit back  I can, I don't like to feel restricted like I have to sit up straight all the time, and if I gain or lose weight my saddle still fits.



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 Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2011 05:02 pm
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elisaliv
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TN Trailrider wrote: When I had my Imus saddle, I had a 17" seat. I am 5-8 and weigh about 155. The saddle felt just right. The 16-inch seat was big enough, but the 17-inch seemed to put me right in the pocket I needed to be. I thnk at your height and weight, you'd need the 17-inch. I like to have a bit of wiggle room.

I'm currently getting back into running after injuries while in the Air Force so will be slimming back down to 165 or 170.  But even with the weight loss the size recommended is a 17".  I'm thinking with my long legs a 17" will be the way to go. 

I am just researching at the moment because I will be getting a TWH at some point hopefully in a year or sooner.  My husband is Air Force and we are trying to get orders to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX where we would like to stay once he retires in 4 years.  We will be buying a house with land when we move there.  I plan to get the horse first and send pics using the "Fit MY Horse" Services to make sure I have the right saddle.

I appreciate all of your replies!

Elisa

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 Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2011 02:30 am
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TN Trailrider
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When I had my Imus saddle, I had a 17" seat. I am 5-8 and weigh about 155. The saddle felt just right. The 16-inch seat was big enough, but the 17-inch seemed to put me right in the pocket I needed to be. I thnk at your height and weight, you'd need the 17-inch. I like to have a bit of wiggle room.



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 Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2011 11:32 pm
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whattarack
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I think there are reasons why the 4 Beat seat seems smaller than a traditional western saddle. It may be due to the depth of the seat or because the pommel of the seat is more in front of the rider (if that makes sense).  But I am of the opinion that the seat is pretty true to size with other saddles and I ordered the seat size I rode in other saddles. However, like I said, I've read the Imus seat 'feels' smaller according to some people. Maybe it technically is . . . I don't know.

When I measured mine, it measured true to size. I have a 16" and I rode it when I weighed 140lbs and when I weighed 160lbs. How is would a 16" fit at 185lb? I think it would be snug. That's just my opinion.

You could  call Jake at his number on the homepage and ask him to measure the seat for you. Jake might not have a 17" on hand but . . . he might. Either way, he will be glad to talk with you about it.

Let us know what you think about it when you get it. If it 'feels' smaller to you, I'd like to know.

Thanks,

Whatta



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