True Partner Western and Endurance Saddles are designed and crafted with tradition in mind! Tradition means that you start with an understanding how a saddle should be constructed for the comfort and safety of the rider as well as the horse. It starts with the proper tree design and fit with the correct balance point carved into the ground seat. This puts the rider in a better position allowing for engagement of the core of the rider's body. Naturally being put in this position lets you move better with your horse even in sudden and unexpected moves. The ground seat is shaped and designed with the correct balance point in relationship to the fender strap grove. The grove in the tree itself is position further back than most western saddles. This allows
for your body to easily align in a natural position. Having the ability to stand to the trot as well as post with ease was always desired in a saddle during the 30 plus years my wife and I competed in long distance trail competitions. Together we have over 18,000 documented miles. (not including all the conditioning miles!)
Different rigging positions and the multiple rigging options allow you to precisely fit your
horse. Tradition means the tree is solid (absolutely No flex trees here). We use wood trees that are covered in a quality fiberglass process. The trees are screwed together. (not Stapled) These trees are designed and fit for scapula and trapezius relief which allows the horse to move without restriction. We start by measuring the angle of the shoulder and then what the proper spread the tree needs to be for your horse. The rock of the back is taken in consideration as well. I have a card system that will indicate which angles and spreads are needed to fit almost every horse. The bar's are designed to put you close to the horse. The total length of the bars are 21 to 22 inches which allow for a better fit for most horses. ( 16 inch seat is the maximum size for 21” bars and 16.25" for the 22” bar). Features of our Trail Saddle include:
Herman Oak or Wicket and Craig leather in the different colors that are carried. Sheepskin underneath skirts for better grip of the saddle pad with the butt end of the hide placed in front to "grab" the pad better because of how the "nap" lays.
Skirts are Wet molded and Blocked to the tree for better fit and stability.
Fenders are custom fit to your inseam.
Fenders are pre- stretched and twisted (Hamley Twist) into the correct position for a
no break-in stirrup. Different stirrup options.
The LEATHER fender strap is 2 " or 2.5 wide for less weight . We do not like nylon or Bio thane fender straps because we believe it can create friction against the horse. But if your choice is synthetic then we can accommodate. Different riggings options on the Endurance model that can be changed in the field with different straps. All rigging options allow for close contact and no interference for your leg. Several traditional western rigging options including Flat Plate, Semi Plate, Spider rigging (round rigging ring) or most any style you desire. Nearly indestructible foam in the seat that will not retain water. This foam
will support you while riding long distance and will not show seat depressions . Napa or Nubuck seat leather in several colors. Or slick or roughout seats.
Tunnel skirts (open in the rear on Endurance and western models) or traditional western. We never lace the skirts in the back due to potential spine pressure. Round or square skirts for the Western model. The Endurance saddle is around 22 to 23 pounds with full fenders. Less than 20 pounds with 2"English fenders. Western models are usually in the 26 to 30 pound range. All hardware is Stainless Steel , Brass or Bronze. Your choice. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions about how we fit horses and the design of the saddle. Every aspect of building a high quality saddle is taken into consideration. Regards,
Mark
