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!!!!!!
