Dear Cynthia, I bought a saddle over a year ago. I had the "Fit to be seen" first. I waited this long before I wrote to say thank you.
For years I tried several saddles & pads, every which way, but not good. White hairs in an unusual spot. Then I found you on the web one night. Thank you.
I have ridden for over a year in this saddle and the white hairs are gone and the pressure points are also.
I ride long trail rides and that is when poor fitting saddles cause the problem. A good fit is a must if you care about the horse who is carrying you on an adventure.
Satisfied customer Chris C
Cynthia and sam.....wow! my new saddle is beautiful. we had the best time looking at it when it first arrived...exclaiming over every perfect detail. we love it and are so
impressed with the perfection and obvious love that went into the creation of such an excellent product. our peruvian boy acts proud to be seen in it and is breathtaking
in his new gear. thank you so much for the incredible work and the joyous experience of all my contact with your company. this was the perfect piece for what is, for
me, the fulfillment of a life-long dream. happy holidays to you all, SUSAN JAMME
For years I tried several saddles & pads, every which way, but not good. White hairs in an unusual spot. Then I found you on the web one night. Thank you.
I have ridden for over a year in this saddle and the white hairs are gone and the pressure points are also.
I ride long trail rides and that is when poor fitting saddles cause the problem. A good fit is a must if you care about the horse who is carrying you on an adventure.
Satisfied customer Chris C
Cynthia and sam.....wow! my new saddle is beautiful. we had the best time looking at it when it first arrived...exclaiming over every perfect detail. we love it and are so
impressed with the perfection and obvious love that went into the creation of such an excellent product. our peruvian boy acts proud to be seen in it and is breathtaking
in his new gear. thank you so much for the incredible work and the joyous experience of all my contact with your company. this was the perfect piece for what is, for
me, the fulfillment of a life-long dream. happy holidays to you all, SUSAN JAMME
Cynthia,
It felt like Christmas... O the saddle is so beautiful and the craftsmanship is awsome...I was almost speechless. It was well worth the wait.
And just in time too...I get to ride my horse this weekend, for the first time... I am going to try and take some pictures of him with his new
saddle this weekend and send them too you.. My friend will be wishing she ordered one instead of the Crest Ridge saddle. Im going to
spread the word about your saddles, since now they can see it in person... My trainer wants to ride in it too, he has a Tennessean, but I know
he will like the look and feel of your saddles better.. Alot of people bought the Tucker kind and most are selling theres, it doesnt fit TWH well.
Also I ordered some silver rosettes off ebay that match the silver in the saddle...It will look like im ready for a show instead of a trail ride...
Happy trails to you !!!! PS I LOVE MY SADDLE !!!! Julie
thanks for the note. THE SADDLE IS W O N D E R F U L !!!!
Rode about 30" on Sat. and 45" today (Monday). The saddle fits ME perfectly & very comfortable but it sits differently than my other one (better). Translation: whole new set of
my muscles being used (and sore LOL!) We've just been riding at a walk because I'm feeling very unsteady at a trot - was better today and I expect to keep improving quickly.
But enough about me - you want to know if it fits my horse! I checked the fit without a pad and the angles, spaces, etc. all looked good. After that first 30" ride (with pad of
course!)I checked the sweat pattern and it was textbook perfect. No signs of bridging, no dry spots that should have been wet, no wet areas that should have been dry. I felt
carefully around his shoulder area and there were no tender areas and no "hot spots". Hot spots are what I call those little areas where there is a slight warmth compared to
other areas. They are not very tender and there is no swelling. I'm very sensitive to being able to feel these areas - most people say "I can't feel anything different". Everything
was still good after today's ride.
He seems to be moving out with more energy and more head and neck movement (this is a good thing). So far, no stumbling for no reason (mole tunnels are a reason for
stumbling.
After all the parts are here, I'll be sure and send you pictures
THANKS,PAT
Hi; I just wanted you to know that this saddle is even more beautiful than I imagined; it is so well made and just absolutely gorgeous; it will last a
lifetime I'm sure! IT fits my gelding, too! We will definitely be ordering more saddles; one for my husband and one for my son. Thank you again, take
care, God bless and I hope we meet sometime soon. Warm regards, Nancy Cantrell
Hello Cynthia,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and Dan for the beautiful saddle we received. I have been travelling out of
town, so I missed the day it arrived, but when I finally got to see it with my own eyes, it took my breathe away! The saddle
far exceeded my expectations and the workmanship is second-to-none. I couldn't wait to saddle Sunny and go for a ride and
we have done so a few times now. It's extremely comfortable and I'm SO GLAD I ordered the 17 size as it fits perfectly with
that little bit of extra room that I like. The bridle too is beautiful and they are perfect together. The workmanship, quality of
the leather and the attention to detail is the very best. Best of all, it fits her high withers and back like a glove. I couldn't have
asked for anything better had it been custom measured and designed - paying a much higher price, I might add.
When we are ready, I will definitely order another saddle from you. Again, your communications were excellent and I so
appreciated all of your help and advice. I wish you and yours a blessed holiday season. My best to Dan and his family as well.
Regards and many thanks! Susan W
Hi Cynthia,
I just wanted to share a compliment to you on the saddle I purchased from you :>)
As you know my horse has had some real soreness and health issues, and trying to get him comfortable has been a real concern for me. At his follow-up vet
visit earlier this week I had my vet fit the new endurance gaited tree saddle I bought. I have less than an hour on it due to him being laid up and really wanted
to hear that it fit him before putting any miles on it. Well, as the vet silently checked all the contact points, he turned to me and said....."fits like a glove!" I was
so very pleased to hear that, as you can imagine!
Not only did it fit my 16.1 hand TWH, but it also fit a 14.2 hand PASO, who's own saddle, a Fabtron on a gaited tree did not provide the curve underneath to
meet his slightly dropped back. My vet flipped your saddle over and showed us WHY IT WAS A GOOD SADDLE, showing us how it curves to fit the contour of
the back, rather than being flat. The PASO's owner is considering buying my saddle, and if she does, I will take you up on your offer to remake one for me
with the silver lacing. I will let you know, but mainly I just wanted you to let the saddle maker know that his saddle made some points with several gaited horse
owners in California! So, I will refer everyone your way :>)
Oh, my horse is hopefully on his way to recovery. My chiropractor has him back in balance, and the vet said his hocks had improved 90% due to the hock
injections and supplements. His lumbar back and rump muscles are still sore and traumatized from the wrong muscles being overworked as he compensated
for the pain, so acupuncture was done and he received 8 injections of B12 in those muscles. He is laid up for one more week, then I get to finally begin
building him up and retraining him to use the correct muscles by teaching him it is okay to reach under himself. I hope to see him lengthen his stride and be
comfortable in his own body soon. It is just nice to have encouraging news and A SADDLE THAT FITS.... finally. Thank you for your part in that!
Sincerely,
Polly
Cynthia
I put my new saddle on the horse Friday and got everything adjusted. On Sunday I rode it. It is great! Thanks so much for your help I am very
pleased with the product, service and the total association. If you have a customer that wants a reference give them my e-mail. dhh
It felt like Christmas... O the saddle is so beautiful and the craftsmanship is awsome...I was almost speechless. It was well worth the wait.
And just in time too...I get to ride my horse this weekend, for the first time... I am going to try and take some pictures of him with his new
saddle this weekend and send them too you.. My friend will be wishing she ordered one instead of the Crest Ridge saddle. Im going to
spread the word about your saddles, since now they can see it in person... My trainer wants to ride in it too, he has a Tennessean, but I know
he will like the look and feel of your saddles better.. Alot of people bought the Tucker kind and most are selling theres, it doesnt fit TWH well.
Also I ordered some silver rosettes off ebay that match the silver in the saddle...It will look like im ready for a show instead of a trail ride...
Happy trails to you !!!! PS I LOVE MY SADDLE !!!! Julie
thanks for the note. THE SADDLE IS W O N D E R F U L !!!!
Rode about 30" on Sat. and 45" today (Monday). The saddle fits ME perfectly & very comfortable but it sits differently than my other one (better). Translation: whole new set of
my muscles being used (and sore LOL!) We've just been riding at a walk because I'm feeling very unsteady at a trot - was better today and I expect to keep improving quickly.
But enough about me - you want to know if it fits my horse! I checked the fit without a pad and the angles, spaces, etc. all looked good. After that first 30" ride (with pad of
course!)I checked the sweat pattern and it was textbook perfect. No signs of bridging, no dry spots that should have been wet, no wet areas that should have been dry. I felt
carefully around his shoulder area and there were no tender areas and no "hot spots". Hot spots are what I call those little areas where there is a slight warmth compared to
other areas. They are not very tender and there is no swelling. I'm very sensitive to being able to feel these areas - most people say "I can't feel anything different". Everything
was still good after today's ride.
He seems to be moving out with more energy and more head and neck movement (this is a good thing). So far, no stumbling for no reason (mole tunnels are a reason for
stumbling.
After all the parts are here, I'll be sure and send you pictures
THANKS,PAT
Hi; I just wanted you to know that this saddle is even more beautiful than I imagined; it is so well made and just absolutely gorgeous; it will last a
lifetime I'm sure! IT fits my gelding, too! We will definitely be ordering more saddles; one for my husband and one for my son. Thank you again, take
care, God bless and I hope we meet sometime soon. Warm regards, Nancy Cantrell
Hello Cynthia,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and Dan for the beautiful saddle we received. I have been travelling out of
town, so I missed the day it arrived, but when I finally got to see it with my own eyes, it took my breathe away! The saddle
far exceeded my expectations and the workmanship is second-to-none. I couldn't wait to saddle Sunny and go for a ride and
we have done so a few times now. It's extremely comfortable and I'm SO GLAD I ordered the 17 size as it fits perfectly with
that little bit of extra room that I like. The bridle too is beautiful and they are perfect together. The workmanship, quality of
the leather and the attention to detail is the very best. Best of all, it fits her high withers and back like a glove. I couldn't have
asked for anything better had it been custom measured and designed - paying a much higher price, I might add.
When we are ready, I will definitely order another saddle from you. Again, your communications were excellent and I so
appreciated all of your help and advice. I wish you and yours a blessed holiday season. My best to Dan and his family as well.
Regards and many thanks! Susan W
Hi Cynthia,
I just wanted to share a compliment to you on the saddle I purchased from you :>)
As you know my horse has had some real soreness and health issues, and trying to get him comfortable has been a real concern for me. At his follow-up vet
visit earlier this week I had my vet fit the new endurance gaited tree saddle I bought. I have less than an hour on it due to him being laid up and really wanted
to hear that it fit him before putting any miles on it. Well, as the vet silently checked all the contact points, he turned to me and said....."fits like a glove!" I was
so very pleased to hear that, as you can imagine!
Not only did it fit my 16.1 hand TWH, but it also fit a 14.2 hand PASO, who's own saddle, a Fabtron on a gaited tree did not provide the curve underneath to
meet his slightly dropped back. My vet flipped your saddle over and showed us WHY IT WAS A GOOD SADDLE, showing us how it curves to fit the contour of
the back, rather than being flat. The PASO's owner is considering buying my saddle, and if she does, I will take you up on your offer to remake one for me
with the silver lacing. I will let you know, but mainly I just wanted you to let the saddle maker know that his saddle made some points with several gaited horse
owners in California! So, I will refer everyone your way :>)
Oh, my horse is hopefully on his way to recovery. My chiropractor has him back in balance, and the vet said his hocks had improved 90% due to the hock
injections and supplements. His lumbar back and rump muscles are still sore and traumatized from the wrong muscles being overworked as he compensated
for the pain, so acupuncture was done and he received 8 injections of B12 in those muscles. He is laid up for one more week, then I get to finally begin
building him up and retraining him to use the correct muscles by teaching him it is okay to reach under himself. I hope to see him lengthen his stride and be
comfortable in his own body soon. It is just nice to have encouraging news and A SADDLE THAT FITS.... finally. Thank you for your part in that!
Sincerely,
Polly
Cynthia
I put my new saddle on the horse Friday and got everything adjusted. On Sunday I rode it. It is great! Thanks so much for your help I am very
pleased with the product, service and the total association. If you have a customer that wants a reference give them my e-mail. dhh
Hi Cynthia. Just wanted to drop a note - You already know how awesome your saddles are but I wanted to add to the testimonies/praises. We got
enough break in the heat to ride Wednesday. Before that I had done nothing more than try my new saddle in my arena. We went on quite the
adventure this time - a trail we had not been on before, a little more difficult. I was more eager than ever since I was using new tack.
Cynthia, that saddle is soooooooo comfortable. I really like the deep seat, the high cantle, the way it positions the rider. Also my knees generally
hurt while I ride and this time I had very little knee pain. The stumbling problem my horse had was completely absent on this ride - I can only
attribute that to the saddle. I like the balanced ride rigging too.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know. I look forward to showing it off every chance I get. Trish H.
Cynthia,
I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE the saddle. My horse LOVES the saddle. I have tried (bought and sold) at least 6 saddles and this time,
you got it right. The quality of this saddle far surpasses any of the other saddles that I have bought - they don't even come close. We rode the day after
I got the saddle and it was the best ride we had in 2+ years. I didn't enjoy riding much and hadn't felt secure in my saddle like I did on this ride. I even
got on Sam the next day and did some exercises in the yard. I thank you for your time and patience and especially your expertise. You didn't have to spend so much time
answering questions and
teaching me about saddles. I will not own another saddle unless it comes from Dixieland Gaited Saddles!
Thanks again,
Alana S.
enough break in the heat to ride Wednesday. Before that I had done nothing more than try my new saddle in my arena. We went on quite the
adventure this time - a trail we had not been on before, a little more difficult. I was more eager than ever since I was using new tack.
Cynthia, that saddle is soooooooo comfortable. I really like the deep seat, the high cantle, the way it positions the rider. Also my knees generally
hurt while I ride and this time I had very little knee pain. The stumbling problem my horse had was completely absent on this ride - I can only
attribute that to the saddle. I like the balanced ride rigging too.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know. I look forward to showing it off every chance I get. Trish H.
Cynthia,
I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE the saddle. My horse LOVES the saddle. I have tried (bought and sold) at least 6 saddles and this time,
you got it right. The quality of this saddle far surpasses any of the other saddles that I have bought - they don't even come close. We rode the day after
I got the saddle and it was the best ride we had in 2+ years. I didn't enjoy riding much and hadn't felt secure in my saddle like I did on this ride. I even
got on Sam the next day and did some exercises in the yard. I thank you for your time and patience and especially your expertise. You didn't have to spend so much time
answering questions and
teaching me about saddles. I will not own another saddle unless it comes from Dixieland Gaited Saddles!
Thanks again,
Alana S.
Hi cynthia,
My saddle arrived today and it is even more beautiful than any of the saddle photos on your web page! I love the soft padded seat
and the silver trim and the fine leather, just takes my breath away.I will treasure my fine saddle for many, many years. I just may have
more friends ordering when they see it......The LATIGOS are on and are basket stamped, wow! Do you want the ones
you sent, sent back when they come? Please thank your wonderful saddle maker for me May God bless Carol F
My saddle arrived today and it is even more beautiful than any of the saddle photos on your web page! I love the soft padded seat
and the silver trim and the fine leather, just takes my breath away.I will treasure my fine saddle for many, many years. I just may have
more friends ordering when they see it......The LATIGOS are on and are basket stamped, wow! Do you want the ones
you sent, sent back when they come? Please thank your wonderful saddle maker for me May God bless Carol F
Cynthia,
Received my saddle and it fits my gelding perfectly!!!!! There is no shoulder interference, nice rock, and it is slightly flaired up off his kidneys. When
something fits so well its impossible, in good conscience, to put anything else so I would like to order another.....Anita in California
Received my saddle and it fits my gelding perfectly!!!!! There is no shoulder interference, nice rock, and it is slightly flaired up off his kidneys. When
something fits so well its impossible, in good conscience, to put anything else so I would like to order another.....Anita in California
Hello Cynthia: Just a quick note to say thank you for taking such good care of my friends the Foley's in New Jersey. They love
the new saddle for their gaited mare and yes it has solved a lot of problems. They like the breastcollar which you included. They
also ordered a matching headstall a few months ago and are completely satisfied. I just wanted to tell you that I have ridden in
nothing but Circle Y for 20+ years and have recently ridden their gaited horse in the saddle which they purchased from you. I was
quite surprised by how comfortable it was to ride in and just wanted to let you know about it.
Many thanks,
Shari Allison
the new saddle for their gaited mare and yes it has solved a lot of problems. They like the breastcollar which you included. They
also ordered a matching headstall a few months ago and are completely satisfied. I just wanted to tell you that I have ridden in
nothing but Circle Y for 20+ years and have recently ridden their gaited horse in the saddle which they purchased from you. I was
quite surprised by how comfortable it was to ride in and just wanted to let you know about it.
Many thanks,
Shari Allison
Cynthia,
Just received my saddle and it is more gorgeous than I could have dreamed. The leather is truly nice and soft, and best of all it fits both of my
horses perfectly. It has been such a pleasure working with you and please feel free to use me as a reference.
Happy Trails,
Jeanine
Just received my saddle and it is more gorgeous than I could have dreamed. The leather is truly nice and soft, and best of all it fits both of my
horses perfectly. It has been such a pleasure working with you and please feel free to use me as a reference.
Happy Trails,
Jeanine
Hi Cynthia,
We received the saddle today and WOW, beautiful. My husband just loved it. I definitely will be ordering more saddles and telling all my friends about you
and the high quality saddles you produce. thanks Again,Michelle
Cynthia
The workmanship was all that your other customers said It was. The fit to my horse was superb. The only thing I had to understand was saddle placement
on my first TW. This saddle out of the box set me like my old one. I tested it with a four hour ride and I nor my horse were sore. As I’ve gotten older my knees
and lower back at the end of an all day ride would let me know that it was to much. I can now set my horse for 4 to 6 hrs with no pain. The on line purchase
was a great experience. It was my first time to buy a saddle that I’d not set in first and usually more then once to be sure of the fit. Cynthia was great in
working with me and answering all of my questions before and after the sale, both by e-mail and telephone. It was a pleasure to work with her. I’ve look at set
in, and ridden some of the big name brand saddles and I’m glad I have a DixieLand Gaited Saddle. J
We received the saddle today and WOW, beautiful. My husband just loved it. I definitely will be ordering more saddles and telling all my friends about you
and the high quality saddles you produce. thanks Again,Michelle
Cynthia
The workmanship was all that your other customers said It was. The fit to my horse was superb. The only thing I had to understand was saddle placement
on my first TW. This saddle out of the box set me like my old one. I tested it with a four hour ride and I nor my horse were sore. As I’ve gotten older my knees
and lower back at the end of an all day ride would let me know that it was to much. I can now set my horse for 4 to 6 hrs with no pain. The on line purchase
was a great experience. It was my first time to buy a saddle that I’d not set in first and usually more then once to be sure of the fit. Cynthia was great in
working with me and answering all of my questions before and after the sale, both by e-mail and telephone. It was a pleasure to work with her. I’ve look at set
in, and ridden some of the big name brand saddles and I’m glad I have a DixieLand Gaited Saddle. J
Cynthia,
I would be glad to tell you my experience due partly because so many wrote back to me this summer as I was searching for the right saddle. Do unto
others being the Golden Rule, now it is my turn:
I bought 4 saddles in last 6 months, all were not the quality I expected nor did they fit my horse: 1 – Tennessean Saddle Fabtron from National Bridle Company (very poorly
made.) 2 – Bon Allen used western saddle (well made but didn’t fit my foxtrotter and not comfortable for me to ride). 3 – Custom Tree & Saddle Co. (they sent me a brand
new one to try, and although it looks great on the internet, it is HUGE SADDLE and made of stiff harness leather, and takes a certain type of back to fit right. Also, leans way
back, legs way out front, not easy to get in and out of quickly.) 4 – The Trekker Endurance saddle similar to the Tucker, well made but used cheap leather and nylon in
places, but otherwise not bad, but fits really funny, needs a sway back type horse for saddle tree to fit good, more like an Arab type back or thoroughbredish.)
I sent the saddles back or sold them.
I then began to write to many people on ebay who were selling their saddles made by Crest Ridge Saddlery, Alleghany, Gaits of Gold IMUS saddle, etc. They were all
selling these saddles for a reason: They didn’t care for them. Everyone was going to buy a Dixieland Saddle because they had actually seen them or had a friend who had
one. They all said the quality was excellent. Finally, I talked with a gal selling her Crest Ridge Saddle on ebay she’d ridden for 4 years. She had just bought a Dixieland
and she said the quality was night and day. The Dixieland was exceptionally made.
So I called Dixieland and she wouldn’t sell me a saddle until I tried all three trees. I did all of that and sent many pictures of the trees on my horse. I wanted the big gaited
PW tree and she recommended against it. After a month of thinking about it, I decided to trust her and went with the D tree, non-flex, which is a modified quarter tree. Well, I’
m glad I listened to her, this is why:
When I got the saddle, which is buttery soft (I ordered the extra hand rub as recommended) and perfect, it had not once single flaw, not even the stamping was flawed, each
clear and precise. Also, I ordered very specifically (which I would be glad to send you my specific order so you can see it.) She built it perfect, not one thing wrong, every
detail perfect, bridle and breast collar too.
Now about the saddle and how it fit my horse. Before I got my Dixieland Saddle, my gaited horse, Rambler, would not ever canter. Refused to do it. Only bareback would
he canter. Also, he would often stop in the middle of a ride, like he was going to poop or something, but didn’t. If I was bareback, he’d travel forever without stopping, so I
knew it was whichever saddle I was riding at the time that was hurting him. He loves to be ridden and is not sour on the barn or other horses, but he acts it when I ride in
these other saddles.
The day I put on the Dixieland Saddle, my horse didn’t want to go home. When we got back to the ranch, he turned and by himself walked back out to the trail. And, he
wanted to gait and TO CANTER. I’m not kidding. We cantered a ½ mile without stopping and he loved it! He even jumped two levies I didn’t see coming, just glided over
them, never had done that before. I can’t tell you how I cried with tears on my face in the wind at my now happy-moving-out horse. He neighs at the gate when he sees me
take out that black saddle, no kidding. He loves to be ridden.
I could tell you more examples but really I have to go. I don’t know Cynthia personally, but she’s been very honest and direct in her communications with me and I
appreciate her business-like approach. Also, I paid for my saddle in advance in full because I wanted my saddle quickly, which I had it in about 6 weeks. They are backed
up in orders so I appreciated her doing that for me.
My horse is straight backed and average withers. His biggest problem was stumbling with his back legs probably due to my weight and his smaller stature. He does NOT
stumble anymore, no kidding. I think the right tree makes all the difference in the world for these gaited horses. I’m glad I took Cynthia’s advice on what tree to get.
Oh, I want to say that I weight 220 lbs, and am a big boned tall woman. My gelding is a stocky 14 hands foxtrotter. Also, the Dixieland saddle is easy to mount in and out of,
work a gate or mailbox, reach down and grab a child off the ground and up into the saddle with me. I say this because as a one-time polo player, I like to be able to move
any direction in a saddle and work in it. Many of the gaited saddles I tried have the reclining type trees with too much rock in them and your legs sort of stick out forward. I
don’t want to be leaned so far back. I want to be upright so as to move any direction easily. I like the fact that I can work a cow or take a trail ride and be comfortable either
way. And, as I have small sons on horses riding with me, I need to be able to jump off quickly in emergency to grab fallen reins for them or even to stop their wandering off
horse. So, this has been a big deal, to have a saddle so well balanced. I don’t want to feel like I’m in a recliner when I’m riding. I hope that makes sense.
I can highly recommend a Dixieland Saddle. Personally, they could charge another $500-$600 dollars for these saddles such is the quality and workmanship. I hope they
don’t, as we are on a budget and my husband wants to order one for himself in the spring! Mrs. Suzan Doer
I would be glad to tell you my experience due partly because so many wrote back to me this summer as I was searching for the right saddle. Do unto
others being the Golden Rule, now it is my turn:
I bought 4 saddles in last 6 months, all were not the quality I expected nor did they fit my horse: 1 – Tennessean Saddle Fabtron from National Bridle Company (very poorly
made.) 2 – Bon Allen used western saddle (well made but didn’t fit my foxtrotter and not comfortable for me to ride). 3 – Custom Tree & Saddle Co. (they sent me a brand
new one to try, and although it looks great on the internet, it is HUGE SADDLE and made of stiff harness leather, and takes a certain type of back to fit right. Also, leans way
back, legs way out front, not easy to get in and out of quickly.) 4 – The Trekker Endurance saddle similar to the Tucker, well made but used cheap leather and nylon in
places, but otherwise not bad, but fits really funny, needs a sway back type horse for saddle tree to fit good, more like an Arab type back or thoroughbredish.)
I sent the saddles back or sold them.
I then began to write to many people on ebay who were selling their saddles made by Crest Ridge Saddlery, Alleghany, Gaits of Gold IMUS saddle, etc. They were all
selling these saddles for a reason: They didn’t care for them. Everyone was going to buy a Dixieland Saddle because they had actually seen them or had a friend who had
one. They all said the quality was excellent. Finally, I talked with a gal selling her Crest Ridge Saddle on ebay she’d ridden for 4 years. She had just bought a Dixieland
and she said the quality was night and day. The Dixieland was exceptionally made.
So I called Dixieland and she wouldn’t sell me a saddle until I tried all three trees. I did all of that and sent many pictures of the trees on my horse. I wanted the big gaited
PW tree and she recommended against it. After a month of thinking about it, I decided to trust her and went with the D tree, non-flex, which is a modified quarter tree. Well, I’
m glad I listened to her, this is why:
When I got the saddle, which is buttery soft (I ordered the extra hand rub as recommended) and perfect, it had not once single flaw, not even the stamping was flawed, each
clear and precise. Also, I ordered very specifically (which I would be glad to send you my specific order so you can see it.) She built it perfect, not one thing wrong, every
detail perfect, bridle and breast collar too.
Now about the saddle and how it fit my horse. Before I got my Dixieland Saddle, my gaited horse, Rambler, would not ever canter. Refused to do it. Only bareback would
he canter. Also, he would often stop in the middle of a ride, like he was going to poop or something, but didn’t. If I was bareback, he’d travel forever without stopping, so I
knew it was whichever saddle I was riding at the time that was hurting him. He loves to be ridden and is not sour on the barn or other horses, but he acts it when I ride in
these other saddles.
The day I put on the Dixieland Saddle, my horse didn’t want to go home. When we got back to the ranch, he turned and by himself walked back out to the trail. And, he
wanted to gait and TO CANTER. I’m not kidding. We cantered a ½ mile without stopping and he loved it! He even jumped two levies I didn’t see coming, just glided over
them, never had done that before. I can’t tell you how I cried with tears on my face in the wind at my now happy-moving-out horse. He neighs at the gate when he sees me
take out that black saddle, no kidding. He loves to be ridden.
I could tell you more examples but really I have to go. I don’t know Cynthia personally, but she’s been very honest and direct in her communications with me and I
appreciate her business-like approach. Also, I paid for my saddle in advance in full because I wanted my saddle quickly, which I had it in about 6 weeks. They are backed
up in orders so I appreciated her doing that for me.
My horse is straight backed and average withers. His biggest problem was stumbling with his back legs probably due to my weight and his smaller stature. He does NOT
stumble anymore, no kidding. I think the right tree makes all the difference in the world for these gaited horses. I’m glad I took Cynthia’s advice on what tree to get.
Oh, I want to say that I weight 220 lbs, and am a big boned tall woman. My gelding is a stocky 14 hands foxtrotter. Also, the Dixieland saddle is easy to mount in and out of,
work a gate or mailbox, reach down and grab a child off the ground and up into the saddle with me. I say this because as a one-time polo player, I like to be able to move
any direction in a saddle and work in it. Many of the gaited saddles I tried have the reclining type trees with too much rock in them and your legs sort of stick out forward. I
don’t want to be leaned so far back. I want to be upright so as to move any direction easily. I like the fact that I can work a cow or take a trail ride and be comfortable either
way. And, as I have small sons on horses riding with me, I need to be able to jump off quickly in emergency to grab fallen reins for them or even to stop their wandering off
horse. So, this has been a big deal, to have a saddle so well balanced. I don’t want to feel like I’m in a recliner when I’m riding. I hope that makes sense.
I can highly recommend a Dixieland Saddle. Personally, they could charge another $500-$600 dollars for these saddles such is the quality and workmanship. I hope they
don’t, as we are on a budget and my husband wants to order one for himself in the spring! Mrs. Suzan Doer
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Cynthia,
Hello! It's been right at a year since I placed my order for my saddle. I waited anxiously for it and in Dec 2008, I received it. I had NEVER seen another
saddle so beautifully designed. I was in awe! Of course, with it being my saddle, I was a little biased. :0) I didn't get to ride much after I got the saddle due
to the busy holidays & the cold weather. Then a horrible ice storm hit here in Kentucky, causing the entire state of Kentucky to go under a State of
Emergency. Now that's we've all recovered & we have been blessed with an awesome summer, I am writing to you today with my testimony and pictures.
I ALWAYS experienced leg/knee pain within the first 15-20 minutes of a ride while riding in my previous saddle. I bought stirrup straighteners and that
seemed to help some but, getting off my horse in that particular saddle was something I had to do on a regular basis in order to walk around & stretch out
my knees. In 2008, I rode more than I did the previous year and that's when I noticed the white hairs on Chance's shoulders. I knew I had to find another
saddle. I searched different tack stores and sales ads trying to find a saddle that would fit Chance. With his narrow build, I was not coming up with anything
until I ran across your website and saw how you fit each horse with your fit forms. That's what made my decision because I would know, without a shadow
of a doubt, that this saddle will fit Chance the way a saddle should.
So now, it's August 2009, I've gotten PLENTY of time in my saddle. It fits Chance like a glove. It is so comfortable. I can ride for hours and not have any
knee or leg pain. I don't use stirrup straighteners and I've never used the 'broomstick" technique. I didn't have too. The leather in which my saddle is made
is so soft & flexible. My stirrups hang the correct way simply from me riding in the saddle. Wherever I go, wherever I ride..... I get compliments on my
saddle. I gladly tell them it came from dixieland gaited saddles & I do believe my mother in law, will be purchasing a saddle from you for her horse Luke
within a few months.
Again, thank you so much for my beautiful saddle.
May your company always be blessed.
Missi Tomes
Hello! It's been right at a year since I placed my order for my saddle. I waited anxiously for it and in Dec 2008, I received it. I had NEVER seen another
saddle so beautifully designed. I was in awe! Of course, with it being my saddle, I was a little biased. :0) I didn't get to ride much after I got the saddle due
to the busy holidays & the cold weather. Then a horrible ice storm hit here in Kentucky, causing the entire state of Kentucky to go under a State of
Emergency. Now that's we've all recovered & we have been blessed with an awesome summer, I am writing to you today with my testimony and pictures.
I ALWAYS experienced leg/knee pain within the first 15-20 minutes of a ride while riding in my previous saddle. I bought stirrup straighteners and that
seemed to help some but, getting off my horse in that particular saddle was something I had to do on a regular basis in order to walk around & stretch out
my knees. In 2008, I rode more than I did the previous year and that's when I noticed the white hairs on Chance's shoulders. I knew I had to find another
saddle. I searched different tack stores and sales ads trying to find a saddle that would fit Chance. With his narrow build, I was not coming up with anything
until I ran across your website and saw how you fit each horse with your fit forms. That's what made my decision because I would know, without a shadow
of a doubt, that this saddle will fit Chance the way a saddle should.
So now, it's August 2009, I've gotten PLENTY of time in my saddle. It fits Chance like a glove. It is so comfortable. I can ride for hours and not have any
knee or leg pain. I don't use stirrup straighteners and I've never used the 'broomstick" technique. I didn't have too. The leather in which my saddle is made
is so soft & flexible. My stirrups hang the correct way simply from me riding in the saddle. Wherever I go, wherever I ride..... I get compliments on my
saddle. I gladly tell them it came from dixieland gaited saddles & I do believe my mother in law, will be purchasing a saddle from you for her horse Luke
within a few months.
Again, thank you so much for my beautiful saddle.
May your company always be blessed.
Missi Tomes
| Dixieland Gaited Saddles, Inc Old Amish Craftsmanship "Featuring the Steele Equi-Fit and Equi-Fit Flexible Tree" c/o Cynthia Wright 714 County Road 492 Lexington AL, 35648 256-366-7480 DixielandSaddles@gmail.com |