Trail Saddles Testimonials
Staci, I wanted to take a few moments and give you some feedback about my saddle. I purchased the Cascade Wade saddle from you and received it just before Thanksgiving. When I read reviews of things on the Internet I take into consideration what is being reviewed. If it is something that should last for a while and is used repeatedly then I tend to ignore the reviews that are submitted upon receipt of the item (with the exception of the initial impression of quality/appearance) because these items should stand the test of time/use. Consequently this email as I have had a couple months of riding time now to properly assess the saddle. To state it in a one liner, I like the saddle more the more I ride it. As stated after receipt, the quality (craftsmanship/appearance) is excellent and that statement is every bit as true today as it was when I took the saddle out of the box. It seems to be more comfortable every time I ride. Every bit as important as the comfort is how well it fits me and provides me with stability. More importantly, I have noticed no adverse behavior or reluctance to perform from my horse which tells me that the saddle fits him as well as it visually appears to. You have a satisfied customer here and one who would not hesitate to recommend Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles to anyone. Respectfully, Bob Bardes
I had offered my Andalusian 3 different well made saddles. He refused them all with head bobbing, kicking his belly, objecting to cinch being tightened, refusing to go forward, groaning loudly, and trembling at the mounting block. Once I submitted my order arrangements were made for the saddle fit forms to be sent. After review of photos and videos an AW tree was recommended. There were so many options I'm sure I tested their patience but I finally chose the Kydaho Rancher. I also sent pictures of some vintage style tapaderos I liked. They were faithfully recreated. My saddle was made very timely, about 9-10 weeks, so I didn't miss a lot of riding. After a couple of weeks using my new saddle my horse's avoidance and fear behaviors went away. I tried the saddle on my Kiger Mustang just because I still had it in the barn. His occasional head bobbing and peculiar neck arching behavior under saddle disappeared and it wasn't even made for him. My horses are much happier! I am happy too because the seat is so deep and secure and I feel very close to my horse. This is good because I'm of an age where falling off is a bad idea. Did I mention it's pretty? And easy to put up on my 16 hand horse? It's black with a touch of silver studs. I call it my Hi Ho Silver saddle because my gray Andalusian looks so much like the Lone Ranger's Silver while wearing it . I strongly recommend Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles.
It's been a few months since we received the saddle and I haven't had a chance to let you know how it is working out for us. I apologize for the delayed response, but I've been busy testing this saddle to make sure it's as good fit as it is beautiful! It is! My horse is a teeth grinder, not once has he grind his teeth with this saddle on! He is a "beefy" guy and not many saddles has fit him, my trainer also says this is the best fit he's had! We've been to the beach, many trail rides and hours in the arena, I LOVE it! I chose the slick seat and was worried it might take some time getting used to...not once have I been sore! We are also getting tons of compliments on how gorgeous it is, the quality of the workmanship is outstanding! I would highly recommend Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles to anyone! Thank you!
Like many, I finally turned to AMTS after several unsuccessful attempts to find a saddle that actually fit my 16 yr old Haflinger gelding. Saddles would seem to fit but they didn't. They pinched his shoulders and inevitably started slipping to the side. The gullet was too narrow and the tree pitch too steep. Bigger saddles were just too big. AMTS great website convinced me to try a custom saddle and not just a custom saddle. There is a lot to learn about fitting a saddle to your horse. Even so, Staci and Melinda guided me through the process. Besides being highly experienced they are real patient. The custom saddle fitting kit is the place to start and I imagine many clients can find the tree they need from the forms. After so many misses I wanted to be sure. AMTS has finished trees that you can also request and I went through a few of these. A little time consuming but well worth it. I finally found the proper tree and Staci suggested a small modification. Finally I had a tree that a saddle could be built on and 99% sure it will actually work. So I ordered two saddles, a Renegade Endurance and a Western. Then it was deciding on all the wonderful options. One can only imagine how long that took me. Once I placed my order for two saddles they were delivered amazingly quick. The craftsmanship is awesome and the leather they use is superb. No breaking in a stiff saddle for me or the horse. The stirrup leathers are turned perfectly. I am extremely happy that I found Staci, Melinda and AMTS. I actually enjoyed the process of determining a correct fit and learned a lot which also made it worthwhile. AMTS website and FB has so many photos of beautiful saddles and everyone of them is unique. Truly an enjoyable process ending with the saddle my horse and and I always wanted. I highly recommend AMTS.
Staci/Melinda, I have attached a picture of being on its first ride. Not the best picture so I'll try to get another for you. The workmanship of the saddle is excellent. It fits my horse very well; so much so that I don't believe an ortho pad is necessary (even checking sweat patterns). Saddle feels great riding. I think AMTS did a great job providing the right saddle for a hard to fit horse. Respectfully, Bob Bardes
Hey guys, Just wanted to thank you so much for my wonderful saddle. I really can't get over how well made and beautiful it is. Its far superior to the last "custom" saddle I had from another company that cost more and never really fit my horse. This one fits Moose, fits me and looks fabulous without being too flashy/blingy. The amazing craftsmanship speaks for itself. I could sit around and stare at it all day...too bad I can't stare at it while I'm in it...but everyone else can enjoy looking at it going down the trail. And its so light! Moose seems very happy with it. It stays put without a tight girth or breast collar and doesn't interfere with his big shoulders. The minute I first sat in it the difference from my old saddle was apparent. This one fits ME too. No more sore knees and hips. And no more bulky leather between me and the horse. A beautifully comfortable and balanced ride. I really can't thank you enough. Y'all were easy and pleasant to work with your craftsman are obviously very talented. Moose and I love our AMTS and can't wait to put a few thousand miles on it:)
I got to go for a pretty good ride yesterday!!! Extremely happy, we were able to go into the canter from a walk and he kept the pace and I was completely balanced! Amazing as it's been awhile since I've had a good gallop on him :) I've gone through a few saddles and one "custom" saddle with no luck, pinching/sliding back/pads moving all over the place/extremely unbalanced ride I've had it all lol!! I didn't think I should settle or just deal, I knew there had to be something I could find!!! And in my search I finally found Allegany Mountain Trail Saddles!! I'm so happy I've finally found my dream saddle!!! And I am so thrilled it is so light I have no issues lifting it up on him (he's 17hh). Fits him like a glove!! Furthermore I opted to go with an Equipedic pad that Staci recommended for the ultimate fit!! Looking forward to many many many more years of use :) I just wish we had a longer fall season so I could get in some more trail rides this year :( Thank you Melinda, Staci and the amazing saddle builder!!!!
Staci and Melinda, My new saddle arrived last Thursday night. It is just beautiful - my non-horsey husband declared it a “work of art”. But as you know, beauty isn’t enough, and it must perform. Going into this process I had 3 goals: - a lighter weight saddle than my old trail saddle - a more comfortable seat for me - and with the above, a saddle that fit my horse well (can’t sacrifice his comfort for mine!) After 3 rides in the saddle, covering a total of ~ 20 miles, I am delighted to tell you that both of us are loving the saddle! It fits him perfectly - we have ridden up and down steep hills, and that saddle stays in place perfectly. We have gaited and galloped in it - I love the close contact feel with no flap under my leg - the trim fenders are wonderful. The English style billets are perfect with that Toklat girth. The 16.5” seat is working just fine for me - no pressure on my non-bending spine - and the seat itself is so darn comfy - no sore “tender bits” for me! Oh, and having the Texas twist done on the stirrups is fabulous - I love that I didn’t have to do the “broom thing” before riding in it - this saddle was trail ready right out of the box! As for Romeo, he has plenty of room in the shoulder to gait beautifully - his ears are up at every gait and he is raring to go. Below are a couple of photos of him in the saddle. Thank you both for working with me through this process - I am delighted with the saddle - it was so much fun to customize the look and “girl-it-up” with all the flower carving and border stamp - options that no one else offers. Joanne and “Romeo de United”
Hi Staci and Melinda, First of all I want to thank you, for your wonderful customer service and your help in the making of the perfect saddle for Annie. Not only the saddle is absolutely gorgeous, incredibly comfortable, so well made but most important, IT FIT my “unfitable” mare !! I am so thrilled and still in awe at the perfection of it all. I can assure you that i will brag about you guys and you might get a few more customers from BC. ;) Cheers! Stephanie
Just to say thanks to the AMTS team for a lovely saddle - Dallas and I have travelled many trail miles using it. Thanks again