Category: Testimonials

Riding rough terrain on an elk hunt on a Steele demo changed my riding life forever!

My husband and I love hunting, and our annual horse-packing elk hunting trip is something we look forward to and prepare for all year long. This year we had a wonderful trip and harvested a beautiful 6×6 bull elk. We hunt in northwest Wyoming near where we live and the trip we take is not for the faint of heart. Seven miles into the back country on horseback trailing two pack horses through difficult terrain, we camp in some of the most beautiful mountain country you’ll find anywhere. The trail is often 4-5 inches deep in mud as it winds along on the hillside above three mountain lakes with tree roots threading through the trail making footing dubious at best. Steep, rocky hillside trails no more than a couple feet wide give you pause when you think about what a misstep by your trail horse or pack horse might mean. And then there is the ever constant awareness that we are in grizzly bear country, and the chances of a bear encounter of some sort are very good. In past years, I have had a fair amount of anxiety just riding in and out!

Earlier in the year, I ordered a custom saddle from Steele Custom Trail Saddles in McEwen, TN. They graciously provided a demo that I rode extensively during the summer, and they allowed me to borrow it for our hunting trip. I had the Outlaw Steele Saddle which I think is the most secure saddle they build. The difference was amazing. The high swell and cantle gave me such a secure seat regardless of the terrain we were challenged with on the trail. Having that saddle during this trip was priceless! My whole attitude about the ride was different. I didn’t have to worry about staying in the saddle and rode for hours with no discomfort. In my old saddle (which didn’t fit me or my horse), my knees and seat always hurt by the end of the day and I would constantly be re-positioning as I rode. With my Steele demo saddle, it fit so well I would ride for hours and not squirm at all. I can’t wait to get the custom Steele Saddle version. This saddle has changed my riding life forever, and I would recommend it to anyone!

Thank you Eric and Fred, for making such a quality product! – LeeAnne Bell, Lander, WY (10/26/2015)

I’m ready to buy another Steele Saddle

Greetings from California! I bought a Steele Trail Saddle from you for my chestnut mare 2 years ago. It is so perfect.   My mare’s filly is now 2 and half & I’m riding her bareback & bitless. I want a Steele Saddle for her.  – Roma Vaicius, Paso Robles, CA

I was in the market for a Tucker and discovered Steele!

I’ve had a Tucker Troop for 20 yrs that I loved. But it was time to let it become my backup saddle. I intended to replace it with another Tucker Trooper, but discovered the quality of the leather was not the same.  So I did a lot of research on the type of saddle I wanted.  I was not happy with anything I had seen. Then in May 2015 I was camping at a friend’s place and she had just gotten a Steele Mountaineer Trail Saddle and it was just what I was looking for.  I called & talked with Eric and he was really patient with me. I had a lot of questions.  He sent me out a demo and I was very impressed with the 12 step program.     I am so amazed that Eric can tell so much about how to fit the tree to a horse by looking at the pictures you take.

I Ordered the saddle and Pad.  Looking forward to receiving this fine saddle. My husband says Merry Christmas 🙂 BOY, did he get off easy!! LOL  –  BJ Horton De Leon Springs Florida

Kept me safe for years!

Thank you Eric & Fred for the Steele Trail Saddle. I love it!

My Steele has kept me safe for years.   – Debbie Isyk, testimonial from Ft Lauderdale FL

“We are glad you enjoy it and that it keeps you safe!  Safe trails and thank you for the great testimonial!”  Eric & Fred, Steele Saddle

My Steele fit my hard to fit horse so well, I had to part with both of them.

My story is bittersweet. I purchased a Steele Mountaineer Trail Saddle about 8 years ago or so.  I used it on my very HARD to fit Missouri Fox Trotter.  She was tall and lean and I couldn’t get a saddle to fit.  EVERY saddle I tried slid back at least 3 inches.  She had a very high wither.  I did 50 mile Competitive Trail Rides with NATRC and I could not afford to have this horses back rubbed or injured by poor fitting equipment.  I reluctantly contacted Steele Saddles (I say reluctant because nothing ever worked!) and they were extremely kind and very encouraging.

I did everything they instructed me to do, to the letter, I received a demo saddle.  I used it, testing it to the extremes of hills and hard terrain.  Oh my gosh!  I used it completely without a breast collar or crupper and it didn’t move an inch, then I used it with my crupper to see if it really didn’t move…it didn’t!  I didn’t have to re-tighten my crupper at all!  Not even an inch!  I didn’t want to send the demo back I offered to pay full new price!!!  But it wasn’t mine.

I actually was sick sending that demo back, but in return, weeks later I got the neatest saddle I have ever owned.  I loved my saddle, I showed it off all the time!  Sadly to say I decided to sell my Missouri Fox Trotter, with her went my lovely wonderful saddle.  It was honestly her saddle.  No other saddle ever fit, it wouldn’t be fair to my sweet horse to have a new owner with an ill fitting saddle.  I love and miss my horse and my prized Steele Saddle, but there is one heck of a happy horse out there!  – Rochelle Gribler,  Sugar-N-Spice Kennels