Category: Testimonials

25,000 Miles on my Steele Mountaineer since 2011

I have put at least 25,000 miles on my mountaineer since getting it in September 2011. I ride at least twice a day 6 days a week on rough mountain trails, I do have several different horses (Rockies Mountains, Paso Finos, Peruvian Horse) that I alternate between riding. I have also used it on Drafts and Draft crosses as well as Quarter Horses. This saddle fits them all great and is the most secure and comfortable saddle of any type I have ever owned.

I compete in ACTHA on My Rocky Mountain Horses and also my Paso Fino; Zoey de Apache Pasador who has competed in 20 ACTHA events since February 2015 and has placed in every one, winning 7 out of the 20 and already has 109 points, which has earned him the bronze, silver, and gaited medals. I always ride in my Mountaineer at competitions and have had fellow competitors ask to try it on their horses to see how it feels. They always get off wanting to know how they can get one just like it!
–  Laura Hark-PLumley

Steele Saddle Rider 10 Years – I do not ride anything else. Period

My Steele Classic, what I love about it. Well, just about everything. I have had it now for about ten years or so. With a couple of different pads I have had no problem fitting it to any horse I put it on. I train horses and have 12 of my own, so that is saying something. I have had clients with horses that had bucking issues that were caused by the saddle they had and or the fit. I put mine on placing it correctly and all of a sudden, no more bucking.

I love the way it fits me. I have a rule, and that is I do not ride in any other saddle. Period. Ever. It is like an old friend or a pair of jeans. It fits perfectly and has since day one.

It looks good, and I look good in it. I am  not one who is into flash and carving. There is nothing wrong with it, but it isn’t me. When I ordered my Classic, I got to choose the color combination and hardware, and have never regretted my choice. Mine is starting to show some wear, and I like that. It has easily been on over 100 horses and seen some hard rides and use. I get a lot of compliments on how it looks. I will be the first to admit it makes me look good when I ride, or helps.

It is tough. It had to be made out of the best stuff, because in ten plus years I haven’t had to fix anything. I am still using the original cinch strap, and it is still in good shape. All of it is. I dust my saddle off when I ride and when I am done and about once a year or so I oil it lightly. I like minimal maintenance.

It is versatile. I use mine for trail riding, playing cowboy and used in in Cowboy Mounted Shooting. In my experience and opinion, if a saddle fits you and the horse, you only need one, not one for every type of riding that you do. Oh, I also use it to give my 4 year old grandson riding lessons.

Last, I like the life time warranty on the tree. I doubt that I will ever have to use it, but it is a real comfort knowing that it is there.

Anytime anyone asks me for a saddle recommendation, the only one I can give is to get a Steele. I knew as soon as I sat down in the demo Classic that Steele sent to me over ten years ago that I was going to buy one, and since then it has been the only saddle I use. I really have no interest in trying any other saddles as I am still completely happy with mine. If you want to buy the best and last saddle that you will ever buy, get a Steele.

First ride in our Steele Saddle

I thought I would send a few pics of our first ride today in our new Steele Mountaineer Trail saddle! We rode for four hours today and had a fantastic ride! This saddle is the most comfortable and secure saddle that I have ever had and my horse Ms. Mattie loved it too! I only wish that I had found out about you guys sooner! I absolutely refuse to ride in any other saddle ever since I sat in a Steele! Again I want to thank you and Fred for everything! God Bless!  –  Michelle Autry

No more issues, ordered mine today!

I was having issues with my Gaited mare not gaiting anymore. Since using this saddle she is back to her normal smooth gait, with no encouragement.  And if this isn’t enough, it is also extremely comfortable for me.  All this with just the demo saddle!  Got my final one ordered today and can’t wait for it to arrive.  I highly recommend this Steele Trail Saddle to everyone. – Helen Temps of Placerville, CA

My happy mule in my Steele

Here is my happy mule with my Steele saddle on her.  We compete in Western Pleasure and Trail Pleasure classes together.

– Flo Brimstein