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If you ride a gaited horse, you need this saddle!
Gaited horses just aren't built the same as non-gaited horses. Gaited breeds are
proportionately larger of shoulder, higher of wither, shorter of back than the average non-
gaited breed. And, critically important, the gaited horse's back flexes as it gaits--on an ill-
fitting tree, this translates into pressure points that discourage free movement, and
ultimately soreness.
We met a great Amish saddlemaker deep in rural Kentucky that truly understands good
saddlemaking and fit. A leather craftsman at heart, he also understands that great
saddles are the result of traditional technique with state-of-the-art materials and
fantastic fit.
Why are these gaited saddles so great?
- Steele Saddle Company flex trees: Each saddle is crafted on a flex tree from
Steele. Universally known as the finest manufacturer of saddle trees, Steele
leads the way in quality flex tree design. And the flex tree totally resolves the
need for the saddle to 'give' while the horse's back flexes.
- Fantastic fit: We've used these saddles on the widest range of gaited horses
imaginable; we've fit narrow-bodied 2 year olds and wide-barrelled mature
horses with the same saddle. Each time, the fit was right and the horse moved
great with no discomfort! Low to high withers, rounded barrel to oval, we've yet to
find a gaited horse that this saddle hasn't fit!
- Quality materials: Top quality hides, each piece selected for it's intended use.
Specific leathers are chosen for their role in the saddle, and no cheap materials
are hidden where you don't see them (you'd be shocked by the number of
premium brand production saddlemakers use inferior materials in places like
the groundseat; a structurally critical piece of the saddle, but hidden where you
don't see it).
- High end padding materials: The basic seat uses high density memory foam
cushioning material; firm enough to support you, but soft enough to cushion you.
Want more cushion? Then upgrade with a layer of Supracor(r) padding under
the memory foam--an amazing material that provides unmatched comfort and
support. We ride all day (and I mean all day!) in these in total comfort!
- Centerfire drop rigging: Gaited horses wear the saddle close to the wither;
typical Western saddle rigging places the girth too close to the leg, inhibiting
free movement and encouraging galling. Centerfire drop rigging puts the girth
where it belongs, and moves the cinch knot lower and away from the rider's mid-
thigh; much more comfortable!
- Rounded single skirts: Large skirts look traditional on Western
saddles, but don't serve much purpose, other than to keep the
horse hotter and cause more irritation points on a short-backed
horse. These skirts help the saddle fit right on a gaited horse.
- Tie-ons and hardware: Lots of points to tie on cargo or add
baggage--these were born for the trail!
- Custom quality: These aren't stock saddles sitting in the
warehouse. When you place your order, your saddle is made,
with the features you want.
Does a gaited saddle really make a difference? Here's a personal story: I had a very
expensive 'Buena Vista' style saddle--bought it because it (and it's maker) were
reknown for making these saddle particularly for gaited horses. My mare (a Tennesee
Walker; narrow bodied, high wither, 16.1 hands) wore it without complaint, but carried
her head low, refused to stay in gait, and soon developed 'white spots' where the tree
contacted the shoulder behind the wither. Sure enough, the saddle was hurting her;
she was just too easy-going to really let me know. I switched to one of these saddles,
and immediately, she carried her head higher, gaited more freely, and her back
started healing. I won't ever, ever go back.
This is why we are showing you these saddles--we recognize that the contact
points between horse and rider, the bit and the saddle, are critically important
in making sure the horse is comfortable, at ease, and ready to work. We think you'll
agree; you won't find a better saddle for your gaited horse, and you surely won't find
one better for the money!
Contact us for more information about these great saddles!
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Endurance, 16", dark brown
(black seat), with saddle strings,
polymer Trail stirrups, braided
tooling
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Western, 15", chestnut (black
seat), with saddle strings,
polymer Trail stirrups, braided
tooling
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15", black (black seat) with Texas star
conchos. For 2009, we've added a 'pencil roll'
finish to the seat lip.
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All sorts of color combinations
possible; this customer selected a
black saddle with dark brown stirrups
and seat. You can see how
deep-pocketed the seat is--very, very
secure!
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Custom work available, too.
16" Endurance saddle with
thigh supports added.
Standard 5" cantle with
pencil roll, optional Texas
Star conchos and tooled
leather wrapped stirrups.
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16" Endurance, dark brown, black
seat. Optional Supracor padding...talk
about cushy!!!
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