I ordered my Steele Trail Boss trail saddle yesterday. I loved riding in the
Steele demo trail saddle and so did my mare. It was such a comfortable fit for both of us.
Thank you Eric and Fred for all of your help and patience with me. It is truly a pleasure to do business with you.
– Pat Laborde of Marksville LA
We ridden these saddles for a while and really enjoy the light weight. There’s nothing added that is un-needed. There’s nothing missing. yet they weight next to nothing. We’re both on the high side of 70 yrs. old and believe we’ll probably have an added 10 years of ridding because we can put the saddle up on the horse easily.
Equally important is the fit (horse and rider). As we mentioned, the saddles fit our 5 horses inter-changeably. They fit us really well. Just this last weekend we rode in the mountains of San Diego. Despite fairly aggressive terrain, our butt’s staid in place and so did the saddles. What more can be asked?
Thanks again,
Bill Anderson &
Ginger Von Achen
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 Testimonial
From the demo to my custom Steele Platinum Trail Saddle I couldn’t be happier with the quality and fit for both the horse and myself. While you were making my new Steele trail 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 Trail Saddle. The Steele demo saddle 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 rubbed spot. Plus I never had to use a breast strap or crupper to keep my Steele saddle in place riding through the Rocky Mountains. 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 Trail Saddle has also 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 trail 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 trail saddle that holds up to what ever the weather or human throws it’s way.
Shawn in Kansas riding our Steele Platinum Trail Saddle with Horn
It has been over a year since we ordered our two Steele saddles. We are very pleased with them. You advised us to use the girth strap straight down instead of using it as a center-fire. We tried it and are very satisfied with how it works.
You also told us that it wasn’t really necessary to use a breast collar or crupper. We haven’t used either of those and are very pleased. We trail ride the Big South Fork and ride the difficult trails as much as the trails where we gait.
They are great saddles and we are glad we bought them.
Sent from Joyce C
From Steele Saddle: “Joyce, thank you for taking the time to share your trail saddle purchase experience with us. Have a great day.” Eric & Fred
My standardbred mare Baby in our Steele Mountaineer trail saddle, custom 5 Star pad and 5 Star y-cinch ready to head out for an afternoon trail ride. Does it get any better?
Cherie Cornmesser, Pennsylvania
