cherokeemyluv

I have been looking through the State Line Tack catalog which recently came in the mail and notice there seem to be saddles made of real leather and a variety of synthetic materials. I've never seen a synthetic saddle or known anyone who has one, is there a particular reason (other than price) that someone would purchase a synthetic saddle? Can they be used at shows? I imagine upkeep is easier, it says you can just hose them off, no lengthy soap/oil process, but are they as safe? I've always heard leather halters were safer than nylon because they break if your horse gets caught. Would the same thing apply to the nylon billets and girths? Anyone know?