I received my new Cheyenne last week and wanted to share with you how impressed I am with the immediate change in my Percheron X gelding. I started him in February and just could not get collection. Having trained several horses in the past I was frustrated by my inability to teach this big drafty collection. I had never had this problem in 20 yrs of riding and training. When I rode him this past Tuesday, our FIRST ride in the Barefoot, I tried again to ask for collection and to my surprise I got it. He lifted his back and came off the bit and his trot became so lofty and free, that at first I wasn't even sure it was really happening! I was amazed. This change happened 10 minutes into our FIRST ride in this saddle! Although I have not had problems with treed saddles in the past, I am a complete convert to treeless now that I have seen what a difference in freedom of movement a horse has in a good treeless. I am so happy to have discovered the Barefoot. It is the best money I've ever spent on a saddle. And I thank you for your wonderful customer service.

Julie, Ontario

Victoria P., Vancouver Island

I am compelled to write to you and let you know how much my Horse, Thunder, and I enjoy trail riding in our new Black Nevada Saddle from your company.

First of all, I have to say that you both were excellent in helping me decide, sending me photos and giving me advice I could use to make a very well thought out decision. After looking at other treeless saddles on the market, I was convinced I would want to try this Barefoot saddle for my low withered gelding.

I am using a neoprene, one inch felt contoured saddle pad, and so far it seems to be working fine. I have ridden in the arena and outside on the trails. The first time I sat in this saddle, and also every time since, I felt I was sitting on a couch. It is SO comfortable! Today, he decided to be a bit jittery, and every black lump of dirt was scary to him. He lunged forward once and sideways once. With the force of his lunging, I was amazed how well I stayed in the saddle. I am really enjoying his free movement and he seems to love it also. He has no problem moving all ways with this saddle. There is nothing to pinch him.

He used to move around a lot when mounting when I used my old treed saddle. Now, he stands still and waits for me to climb on. I use a stepping stool to make it more comfortable for my gelding.

Again, I want to thank you very much. I am spreading the word about these great saddles, and have passed on your website to my horsey friends. I may even be in the market for an endurance one some time in the future. I would never go back to a treed saddle again.

Angie and Thunder, AB

I can't remember when I have been so pleased about a new product. My big appy is doing amazing. Always been stiff, hard to get soft in the face, just wouldn't bend - now he is amazing. The other thing is he is so relaxed. He has always been nervous when I rode him even though I never really ever used any harsh discipline on him - now his head is down, tail relaxed and I think he actually enjoys going out. He was at the barn door as soon as he saw me coming to get him. If horses could smile I am sure he is :-)

Eileen and her huge hard-to-fit Appy

As a fair size breeder of Paso Finos in Western Canada we always have a large number of horses of various ages in different stages of training. As you can appreciate I will be riding and conditioning a number of horses each and every week. Currently I have 7 saddles and numerous different types of saddle pads, so that I can fit all the different types of horses that I will be riding. A while ago I decided that having all those saddles was just crazy. There had to be a better solution out there. I started looking on the internet and I found a lot of very good comments about the Barefoot treeless saddles. I even saw some great comments about these saddles on americanpasofinos.com . So I decided to try one.

I received my Barefoot Arizona saddle last week from Happy Horseback Saddles in Kamloops B.C. It arrived by bus in less than 24 hours after I ordered it - now that is service!! Being that I was told that I could test ride the saddle for the next two weeks to make sure I was happy with it, I figured I had better try it on a number of my horses.

Over the past six days I have cinched my new Barefoot saddle on to five different horses with five very different back types - from a horse with a very short and narrow back, to a horse with a fairly wide and flat back, to an extremely high withered horse - and I have to say that I have been truly impressed! Every single horse showed an improvement in their gaits and/or more willingness to go forward. It was truly amazing! All the horses were ridden for at least one hour or until they had worked up a fairly good sweat. I examined each and every horse immediately after riding and every horse had a perfectly even sweat pattern. Amazingly there was not one single dry spot on any of my horses.

I just want to let you know that I love my new saddle and I can guarantee it will not be returned! However, I can see me selling a lot of my other saddles in the very near future and you can bet I will be looking to buy another Barefoot.

Not only will I have happier horses, but just think of all the extra space I will have in my tack room!

Rose Mary Axell, Sundown Gaited Horses

Long rides and hard use

I had a few people come up to my at my ride asking questions about my saddle, so gave them some info. My horse Saiga did very well on his 50 mile competetive trail ride His back was not sore just the muscle ahead of his rump, trotting down the hills made him a little sore, but no soreness on his back from the saddle!!!!!! You don't see many treeless saddles at these rides but I think as more people see the advantages, there will be more interest - a lot of people do not understand that you have to post and get off there backs. Looking forward to talking about your saddles at Nationals - we will be doing the championship ride 40 miles on day and 40 miles the next day. I will send a picture of our last ride once I get them - the photographer took some get pictures of us flying thru the mud and bog.

Cindy in AB, hard core endurance rider

And Cindy about the pad, later:

It is amazing how the pad allows air flow thru the spine of my horses back while you are riding and I put on a lot of miles!!! My saddle is settling in so nicely as well. I am just really happy with your product.

Cindy

Greetings once again, just a little update on "Ben" and his new saddle. In the 2 weeks since its arrival, we've been very busy. All this was planned long ago, so I am extremely grateful that we could enjoy everything pain free. First was our participation in the Stampede Parade. We trailered the horses down Thursday evening and a group of us saddle up, ride around downtown for a few hours. Then the parade Friday morning with all it involves is about 4 more hours in the saddle. Then during the next week a couple of visits to the barn, short rides in the arena just to keep things going, then Friday in the trailer and out to the mountains. 4 hours Friday, about 7 1/2 on Saturday, and then a short one Sunday morning to stretch their legs before the ride home. Through all of this he has shown no indication of discomfort, he's always eager to go, even after the long day on Saturday - and this is a huge change from similar outings before.

As Walter once mentioned in a conversation, I do think his stride has lengthened, both in a trot and a lope, but what really lets me know he's ok now is a slow lope. Before, he was difficult to keep at a constant easy pace, and not too much luck with going in a circle. Because he is comfortable now, I can nudge him into a nice easy lope and keep him there, and when I let him out into a good run, wow, like never before.

So thanks for all your help, I've been talking up the saddle, there was a lot of curiosity in the mountains, hopefully I can send some business your way

Rich in AB, VERY busy rider!

"How did you find a saddle for your horse then?"

"I sold the horse and bought me another one fitting my saddle."

Well, I guess it wasn't the worst advice I got regarding saddles and my horse, but I love my little stubborn black mare, being the most arbitrary horse and the most reliable partner I ever had.

Nobody so far considered my mare hard to fit, somewhat high withers, a tendency to wear her head a little high and the back maybe a little hollow sometimes, but nothing to really worry about. However, she's a standardbred from the racetrack and who attempted ever to fit a saddle on a horse pacing with more than 40 km/h and doing all kind of gaits you could think of? And so the story went. Within the course of not even a year, we tried approximately 15 saddles on her, several western saddles, an orthoflex endurance saddle, an english AP saddle, a treeless saddle, another english saddle, another english AP saddle again and nothing working for both of us. Either the saddles were pinching, rubbing or bridging on her back or my knees were pain and sore after not even riding for an hour and me hanging on the horse like a sack full of wet wheat flour, which probably prevented those saddles from displaying any rubbing or pinching issues. Spring came and while the sun was shining on the trails in Golden Ears and flowers were coming out, I was as frustrated and feeling as helpless as could be. I might have forgotten to mention that we've been aiming at endurance.

This time, it just happened by accident that I met an older endurance rider and after talking about my (apparently) not very common problems (well, standardbreds aren't bred for putting a saddle on their back) for a while he showed me one of his saddles and also allowed me to try it on my horse. The padding didn't work for my mare and my knees were missing some support, but in contrast to the wooden rocking chair called english AP saddle I was using at this time I did feel like sitting in a fauteuil. And our chiropractor had no concerns about the saddle other than we, my mare and me, would need a smaller size. However, I had spent a lot of money on saddles, the wooden rocking chair was ok for my horse and due to circumstance chances were low that we would ever make it to endurance.

Still, I decided to give the barefoot saddle a try. After chatting a little bit, Christina suggested the Cherokee model, size s. It took a few tries to figure the padding out (sheepskin plus the bottom layer of the physio!), but I really enjoyed riding in it, the close contact with my horse, the sit, it's just like riding on clouds. Only the stirrups were driving me crazy, too far behind, in particular on inclines. Well, options were sending the saddle back or fixing the problem. I went for the last, took a bungee cord through the D rings for the breast collar, down in front of the knee rolls and tied it on the stirrups, so that the stirrups couldn't slip more backward than the bungee cord would allow them to. Believe it or not -it turned out to be the most perfect custom stirrup holder you could think of no matter what happened.

And the endurance ride?

A month after we got the saddle, we completed our first 50 Miles in Golden Ears - and not a hair of her fur got broken.

Thank you for all the happy miles we did since then!

Tina & Shanny

Secure hold for riders of all ages and skill levels

I love my saddle!!! I would like to thank-you again for your honesty and taking the time to answer my questions before I bought my awesome Nevada saddle. It is very comfortable; I ride well in it; I feel balanced. My horse is mutton withered and is really hard to keep saddles on. The barefoot stays in place really well, as long as I use a mounting block. While I am riding it doesn't seem to slide at all even with the elastic cinch. Thank you again.

Lorraine in AB

So I already received the saddle today - that was sure fast! I love it already! Jazzy seems to like it as well, barely moved back or forward compared to my other saddles.

Laura in Coldstream

I picked up the new saddle yesterday - wow, are you guys ever fast! The saddle is a thing of beauty - I am very, very impressed. I haven't had a chance to try it on Maggie yet, as it has been pouring rain, but it certainly looks as though it will be perfect. There is certainly no comparison between this saddle and the two rubbishy saddles that I had to return to [a US outfit selling cheaper look-alike copies].

Jainie, Bulkley Valley

And after three months of riding:

Thank you so much for the wonderful saddle (black Cherokee). It is a perfect fit for my two "skinnies", and I will just need to get a wider pommel for the "fattie" (okay, Walter, you were right and I was wrong - I do need the wider pommel!). The saddle does feel a little odd to me at first, but after 15 minutes when the foam has warmed up and formed, etc, it is beyond perfect. The thing I really like about it is that in that saddle, I feel more secure than even in our Australian stock saddle. It is weird, but I truly feel like nothing can pitch me out of that saddle (not that our horses our habitual rider-tossers, but any horse can spook).

Anyway, thank you again.

Jainie, Bulkley Valley

I picked up the saddle today from the post office and headed up to the farm, itching to try it out. When I got there, my friend had arrived ahead of me with her son Josh. He has never ridden a horse before, never even so much as sat on one and he asked to come on a trail ride with us. Not a problem, we'll put him on Stingray, the trustworthy steed that takes care of all the beginners. But which saddle to use? Josh had big winter boots on and none of the English saddles stirrup irons would be big enough for his boots. No Western saddles at the barn - oh yes, there is now, the Barefoot!!! But it's treeless and Josh has never ridden before!!?! Oh well, saddled up and off we went - Josh had a wonderful time, was very comfortable and so was Sting!

Vicky, Ontario

Just want to say THANK YOU!!! for the saddle. It turned to be the safest, most comfortable thing I ever had to sit it. I'm VERY impressed! So glad that I gave it a try!

Again, thank you SO MUCH!!!

I'm in love with riding again!!!!

Kristina

And a few months later:

Hi Walter and Christina,

Yes, we're definitely happy. I'll send you the pictures when I get somebody to photograph me :)

And once again I want to mention that I've never felt that secure and pain free in any saddle, it truly gave me more confidence and I'm not afraid to let my horse go when it asks because I know the ride will be a pleasure. I'll keep you posted with questions/suggestions.

Thank you!

Kristina

I rode up and down hill with NO pommel yesterday - soft insert only - and didn't have ANY problems. And, I have no problem with saddle slip. It just looked to me like the girth was a bit farther back than usual. So far, all is good.

I asked about the new model because I did remember taking the saddle off 3 times and noticing the nice dry channel over her spine. I just didn't look at the bottom of the saddle closely. Then I was online and went - ah hah! So, it works well!

Donna S., Texas, and her Rocky Mountain Horse

Comfort for horse and rider

The saddle sure is comfortable. One day I used my other saddle for my other horse and oh my goodness it was terrible....

Cathy

... found out about these amazing saddles at The Mane Event in Red Deer this year. I was able to bring my new saddle home from the exhibition. I'd been having trouble with both my horses' performances and decided to give this a try. I have a Tennessee Walker and a quarter horse. One has high withers and the other is wider. From the moment I tried it on them I noticed an amazing difference in the way they moved and their attitudes. For the first time since I've owned them they are happy to go for a ride. They don't fight to get back to the barn and don't fuss when it's time to saddle up. It's like I have two completely different horses. I will never go back to a treed saddle again. For myself I feel more secure in this saddle and rarely experience back pain anymore. I could ride forever in this saddle. Thanks so much for introducing the treeless saddle to me. I can't imagine using anything else.

A forever friend

Shelley

Hi Christina and Walter. Just thought I'd update you on how we are doing with the Cheyenne saddle that we bought several months ago. At first I thought I'd bounce right out of the thing, but after a number of rides it began to "contour to my contours". It is extremely comfortable now and I feel very secure and deep in the seat. I ride asymmetrically because of a hip problem, but the saddle helps me stay on my seat bones and I really like how easily my leg stays in the correct position. My husband's riding instructor had serious doubts about the set-back position of the stirrup when I first showed her the saddle, but after seeing me actually in the thing she changed her mind.

I survived a couple of Austin's super spooks when we unexpectedly ran into a herd of deer who all leapt out of some tall grass at once. Normally I would have been left in the dust, so kudos to the saddle (not my riding!) for that.

Overall, I'm REALLY happy with the Cheyenne. Austin can be a bouncy ride, but the saddle is extremely comfortable and helps hugely. I've got the endurance fenders and even with my ruptured ACL, have not experienced any knee torque with those. I put the Cashel stirrup pads on the stirrups, as they were just a wee bit too long for my short legs. That solved the problem as I couldn't quite shorten the stirrups enough to fit and even now, I had to bend the stirrup fender over at the top attachment area.

Anyway, thought you might like to hear how I made out, as I initially contacted you with concerns about my various orthopedic issues and was hesitant to try the saddle. Your try-out policy was so generous that I couldn't NOT give it a try and am really glad I did. I also appreciated your in-depth answers to my initial concerns. I felt very supported and it paid off. Thanks!

Laurie AB

Just wanted to say that I can't imagine a better saddle for myself and Pixie! The first day I put my Nevada on I could feel the relaxation and comfort in my horse! For years I have had a few horses with saddle fitting issues - now I can say I have for sure found the answer! I used to get bucks from Pixie but ever since I got my Nevada there hasn't been one bronk show! Not only is Pixie enjoying it, I am also benefitting from the saddle. Running heavy equipment and other numerous incidents have led to a lower back sublexation and hip issues. I have found after a few rides in the Barefoot there is no more pain when riding! A dream come true! I have also been using on numerous horses and fits them all wonderfully. I have my mom, dad and cousin interested in ordering one each soon hopefully! I have also been showing it to other riders, although there is still some skepticism I think people should really give it a try, especially with the 30 day trial period. As well as the saddle I have had numerous people ask about my Barefoot Physio pad. Thank you so much for getting Barefoot Saddles out!

Thank you so much Christina and Walter Martin!

Bailey N. and Pixie

Hello Christina, Just to let you know I will be keeping the Cheyenne saddle! (I guess you are not surprised). It fit fine, including the girth, except for the fork which is too narrow for my big Canadian. I took out the fork and stuffed the pocket and it is fine. With the fork there was more space between the withers and saddle, allowing more air through. The horse and I are getting better every ride. My legs actually hang down on him in a useable position unlike when I ride in a treed saddle on this big guy. These guys are so smart. As you said - he has to check out that it is HIS saddle every time before he will stand to let me put it on - guess he was getting sore with the other saddles! Really like the small fenders and big stirrups too - can't wait for winter - I will be so comfy. Thanks for all your help.

Ann

Just wanted to let you know I love my new saddle!!! My girl friend was over yesterday, she is a licensed equine massage therapist and she checked the saddle out on my horse and really liked it - it is hard to please her so if she liked it we are doing well. Thank-you for your honesty and I will be pleased to tell lots of people about your saddles. Thank-you

Lorraine

My daughter rode in it the other day and usually she has trouble with back pain after riding but she commented that her back wasn't sore at all.

I just want you to know that I really do love the saddle. I am very happy that I made the decision to purchase a Barefoot. My days of looking for a suitable saddle for Sheba are over as I plan to keep this one for many years to come! I feel very secure in it, it doesn't slip at all and it fits my horse like a glove.

Thanks again for all your help and information. It was great to be able to do business with you and I have your website marked in my Favorites!!

Lynn in Nova Scotia

Hi Christina,

I just want to tell you how much my horse and I are enjoying the Barefoot saddle I purchased from you at Heritage Mane Event. It is soooooo comfortable. Its lightness is wonderful for lifting up and putting on the horse. Also the pads are great and make it so the saddle does not slip. My only problem is getting on - I need something to stand on to assist on getting up without pulling the saddle over.

I think my riding has improved as I sit up straight on turns etc. I used to be constantly adjusting the saddle under me while riding but no more.

Just wanted you to know that you have a happy happy customer.

Barb U. and her Missouri Foxtrotter

I have been singing the praises of this saddle so you may benefit ...the Fjord is a difficult horse to fit and this is truly a very good option. My aging body also appreciates the comfort...uj

Ursula J., Prominent Fjord breeder

Christina, One of my boarders found this picture of me on my Barefoot Saddle! This is my horse Zoe - who I just purchased in September of this year - great trail riding horse and most comfortable on the Barefoot Saddle. I also have been using her for a riding school horse as well.

Have an enjoyable and safe holiday season!

Katherine Wilcox-Chapman, Head Mare, Jake Circle K Stables, Guelph

I just want to let you know that I'm very, very pleased that I bought the Atlanta! It took a little while to sit well, to get used to the stirrups free movement back and forth, but, I've been riding it lots, and have had to sit out more than a few bucks, done some steep up- and down-hills, a whole LOT of fast trotting up steep, down light inclines and I can't compare, because I don't really remember from my fall rides, but, her trot is dynamite - really, really long extension and smooth, which may well be her comfort with the saddle.

Stephany Kamloops

It may feel "different" at first...

I just have to report that I love the saddle. It took me a few days to get used to the feel and after that - it's been smooth sailing.

Lisa Huhn, barefoot hoofcare professional

I am extremely satisfied with the Cheyenne I purchased from you. It exceeds its advertising which - in an era of dubious marketing - is remarkable. As advertised, it fits several horses of different confirmation without a problem and balances the rider in a way that is as comfortable for the horse as it is for the rider. The result is, as your website says, a happy horseback. To that I add, the result is also a happy rider.

I have had to adjust the seat a little with some padding behind the cantle as it is about one inch too big for me. I often make these minor adjustments in tack myself and do not consider it a detriment or inconvenience. In fact, I think the saddle's design is ingeniously versatile and lends itself well to riders who are willing to make minor modifications to suit individual needs.

It took a good eight hour ride in the mountains to really break it in and experience its benefits. I would suggest to other first timers to be patient and let the saddle work its magic as you re-tighten the girth and adjust the stirrup leathers over the first few rides. An hour in a new saddle would be near pointless.

Despite some minor oddities, the overall design of the saddle is superior and the quality of the workmanship admirable. I have no hesitation suggesting horses tell their their riders to buy one.

Keep in touch as you get new developments.

Thanks for your patience with my hesitation in ordering the saddle. I was a skeptic but am now part of the choir.

Tyler, AB

Service and Shipping

Just wanted to let you know that the Barefoot girth arrived yesterday. That was really fast. Thank you so much for your help with getting it out to me. It is the nicest leather girth I have seen, very soft and the price is great. I am so impressed with your customer service and it is so nice to be able to order horse stuff from a Canadian supplier.

Kristina

You guys did it!!!! Thank you!!!! The saddle pad came in yesterdays mail - yippeeee!!!!

We're taking the horses camping up the mountain this weekend so that's perfect!! Me & my hoss are very appreciative of your efforts!

Thanks guys!

Fiona, Kootenays

I wanted to thank you for sending the saddle so quickly to me. I received it the day before I went riding. We went out for 5 hours.

Cherie AB

It is such a pleasure to do business with you with such great service. We have been so aware that others in the service industry have such a "don't care attitude". You have such a different attitude and we so appreciate the change.

Susan, Cherryville

My hard to fit gelding is very happy too - finally a saddle that doesn't hurt!

Thank you again for the great customer service!

Charlene, AB

So, I had a great ride today. Austin was relaxed and round. I stayed on - always a plus. And am now feeling fairly "normal" - normal being overrated, but for me it's a goal.

Anyway, I must compliment you on your very user friendly service. One always feels such pressure to rush into something, and then you suffer the expensive and disappointing consequences of a hasty decision. I really feel that you have the interest of your customers as your first priority, so thank you for that. I will be sure to send people to your website if they are curious about the Barefoot! Thanks so much for everything!

Laurie & Austin.

Bitless bridle

It's wonderful! I really like the soft head band and nose piece compared with the other brands.

Elaine, Ontario

I tried out my Missoula this weekend with my 8 year old mare Sina and loved it. I took today off and thought I'd try out the bitless bridle on her. I rode her in the pasture just in case her Fjord stubbornness came out - I wanted her in a semi-controlled area! She did beautifully - I think even better than with her usual snaffle bit. Not only did she "whoa" without a problem - she neck reined and even backed up on command like a pro. Both of these skills are things I've had to teach her - she hadn't been taught them by her previous owners who rarely road her but used her primarily as a brood mare. I love both the saddle and bridle, especially since I know they are more comfortable for her than my old traditional tack. Thanks again for all your help.

Debbie USA

I LOVE the saddle, my mare loves it too...what a wonderful feeling to ride like this...The bridle is also working out great...I will not be returning anything

Cathie, Kootenays