Category: Testimonials

From the demo to my Platinum trail saddle I couldn’t be happier with the quality and fit for both the horse and myself.  While you were making my saddle, the demo went on  a 2 week trail ride in the Carson national forest and was a huge success with several riders saving pennies and selling old saddles to get their own Rolls Royce of saddles, the Steele saddle.  The demo was used on a 14.1 hand paso, a 15.1 hand paso, a 15 hand paso, and a 16 Hand foundation quarter horse.  Each horse was rode between 3-10 hours during the day with this saddle. Not one sore back or rub spot.  Plus I never had to use a  breast strap or crupper to keep my Steele saddle in place riding through the Rocky Mtns..  All the other riders had to use both breast strap and crupper as we  bushwhacked with our horses through the Carson national forest.

My Steele saddle has been used on a 14.1 hand petit Paso, a 15 hand Missouri Fox Trotter, a 15.1 Tennessee Walker and a quarter horse.  This one saddle fit each horse with no signs of rubbing, back soreness or other signs of discomfort. Plus, I never once experienced knee or back soreness.  Thank you for making an amazing fitting saddle that holds up to what ever the weather or human throws it’s way.

Two weeks ago I was so excited to receive my demo saddle from Steele Saddles.  That weekend I tacked up my Rocky Mountain Horse and got ready to ride.  At the end of my ride I was not very happy and thought I would be sending my demo back the next day.  I sent Eric my 12 pictures anyway with the following email:

“Eric:
Attached are the photos from my demo try out.  I was disappointed that the saddle didn’t seem to look right; the back sort of looks like a tent of leather on the horse.  My horse did not gait well at all and I am very sore through my inner back thigh area.  There will be a total of 3 emails with all the pictures.  If you can’t see them very well I can send them from my phone to you.  Let me know what you see because after reading all the wonderful comments about these saddles, I’m at a loss for words. Thanks.”

I then received a phone call from Eric regarding my email and we had a long discussion about what I was feeling, how I was sitting, how the saddle is made and how you’re SUPPOSED to sit in it..  At the end of the conversation I said I would try the saddle again that weekend.  Once again I tacked up my horse with the demo saddle, made sure my stirrups were the proper length for me and that I was sitting in the correct, butt under me, position as I rode.

After a few minutes of riding I felt a big difference in my comfort and my horse’s comfort.  I could tell he was comfortable by the nice head shake I was getting and the looseness in his back and behind.  By the end of my ride, no rest breaks necessary, I felt great and my horse did too.  The next morning I felt wonderful as well.  No sore spots anywhere!  Of course I had to follow up with Eric with more pictures just to make sure my sweat patterns were still correct, etc. but I also sent him this email:

“Hi Eric:
I had a great ride this weekend.  You were absolutely correct, I was not sitting properly and I had the stirrups too long.  Me and my horse did great once I wasn’t fighting with the saddle and let it do its thing!  I really got the feel of the horse opening up in front and pushing from behind going up the hills in a good gait.  (I assume that’s what I was looking for.)  Had a deer spook and I, and the saddle, remained centered!  In fact my friend said the saddle was sitting the same when I finished riding as when I started.  I didn’t even need to adjust the cinch at all while riding.   If my demo pictures look good to you, I am ready to order a saddle!   I am NOT sore at all today either.  I’m so glad I gave it another ride!”

Needless to say, I am now anxiously awaiting for my custom Mountaineer!!!!!!

When I spoke to Eric about purchasing a Steele Saddle, he told me that it has helped riders with back pain. It was hard for me to believe this statement. Since riding in my new Steele Saddle Classic for just one week, I have lost about 50% of my pain in my back. I can tie my shoes in the morning, walk straighter, and I am well balance in the saddle. Plus my horse just gets better each time that I ride him. He was so hard to fit a saddle for him, that I was getting discouraged. If you do have any doubt in purchasing a Steele Saddle, I truly believe in their demo program. It was well worth it and Eric will treat you right. This decision that I made for my horse and myself was “Priceless”. The fit was  proper for the horse and rider. I’m happy to say I can ride again, and I felt like they built this saddle for just me.. PRICELESS!!

Classic Saddle by Steele Saddles! It is a beauty & made for us! Thank You. – Tammy R.

Enjoying the day riding Dude on my Plantation Steele Trail Saddle.

– Mike G.

Any day in the saddle is great, even the rainy ones. We rode in a fund raiser for Children’s Make-A-Wish Foundation and raised total of $10,000!

– I love my Steele 🙂