I am getting more and more optimistic that I might be able to try some endurance rides next year. When I get into a sport/hobby, I like having the right gear for whatever activity I am participating in (– it’s also a good excuse to buy stuff...lol)
I have actually had this new saddle for a couple of months and I’m just getting around to writing about it now... It is a semi-custom endurance saddle – the Specialized Trailmaster. My friend at the barn has another saddle from this company and loves it, so I decided to order one as well – seeing as how I was having saddle fit issues with Rusty and then Dolly. The Specialized saddles are a very interesting combination of the three traditional saddle styles – English, western and dressage. They end up looking a bit weird, I think, but they suit their purpose very well.
I have actually had this new saddle for a couple of months and I’m just getting around to writing about it now... It is a semi-custom endurance saddle – the Specialized Trailmaster. My friend at the barn has another saddle from this company and loves it, so I decided to order one as well – seeing as how I was having saddle fit issues with Rusty and then Dolly. The Specialized saddles are a very interesting combination of the three traditional saddle styles – English, western and dressage. They end up looking a bit weird, I think, but they suit their purpose very well.
 |
| Just minutes after taking it out of the box! |
Specialized saddles have three huge selling points for me:
- adjustable fit for the horse
- semi-custom – lots of options when ordering – style, colour, fit, etc.
- light-weight
The fit of the saddle can be adjusted easily. There are several sizes of shims and wedges that can be velcroed in as needed. These saddles are quite affordable, compared to more expensive brands (Reactor Panel, Schleese, etc.). From what I have heard from my friend and another endurance rider that I know, the saddles are very durable as well. I also like the fact that they are hand-made in the US and not from some factory overseas. I am quite impressed by the quality of the leather and the way it has been put together.
I only have one little beef with this saddle and it isn’t really the company’s fault. Since I am so short (my inseam is only 28”!!), I have a heck of a time with stirrup length on any saddle that doesn’t have English leathers. My western saddle has youth fenders and it is perfect for me. I was hoping that with some of the customizable options on this saddle, I could deal with the stumpy leg issue without too much trouble.
The fenders are shorter, but once the length is adjusted short enough, the extra material (with all of the holes punched in it...) hangs down near the actual stirrup. Due to the shape/size of the endurance stirrups, this extra leather/biothane acted like a trap for my foot. I was able to bunch up the extra length and use the hobbles to keep everything in place, but it doesn’t work 100%, since the underside is lined with biothane, it doesn’t bend that easily. I’m going to have to take the saddle in to my local saddle guy and have him cut the extra material and re-stitch it.
 |
| Dolly modelling the saddle and her hunter green attire |
(sorry to FB friends that have seen the pics already!)
7 comments:
I like it. It looks comfy and look like it will put your legs and seat in the correct position, too. And lightweight is a big selling point for me, due my disc issues in my neck.
It's ironic about the fenders being too long for you, because I have the darndest time finding pants that are long enough for my 6' tall height, but I've never had any problems with saddle's fender lengths. Maybe saddle makers don't think 'height-challenged' folks ride, or perhaps they think that they can just buy youth saddles instead?
Well, after you get the adjustments made to your fenders, you can say that your saddle is not just semi, but a fully custom-made saddle :)
~Lisa
Oooh, I like! I agree, it does look a bit funny at first but less so the more I looked at it. It looks like it will be perfect for it's job, actually.
I had the saddle fit guy out on Saturday...I'm splurging on a new saddle too :) I assume I know who you're talking about and you couldn't ask for a better person to fix it up for you!
Lisa - 6ft tall? Wow - I would be happy to be 5'2" lol! :-) We all have our struggles, I guess...
RB - a new saddle? Swwweeettt! Are you getting one from the saddle guy's line? Or a second-hand one? Either way, he has nice stuff and does nice work.
You will just have to wait for my post on it! Or finally going for that coffee...if I see you in person I'd have to tell you!
I love it, looks comfy :)
My stirrups attach the same way, and I hate it... I did get hung up and dragged a bit because of that. Take the time and bit of money to have someone that works with leather alter them.
I think it's a good looking saddle and Dolly sure looks spiffy in Hunter green.
I'm sure you'll get the fender thing worked out. Cutting them off sounds like a good idea. I used to not mess with my saddles too much because I was worried that if I decided to sell them that they might not work for others...but I finally got over that. I need the saddles I ride to work for me and if cutting off excess length is necessary...then so be it.
Kitty has the same problem when she rides here. The stirrups on the westerns just don't go short enough for her 5'2" self. At 5'8", I don't have that problem myself, but I can offer sympathy.
PS Love the saddle!
Post a Comment