Detailed Review Comments from Daily Rides
Synopsis
The only differences I could see in my mule’s back before and after
riding was that the hair flattened down under the pad and saddle.
There was no sweat pattern, as it was so cold out my mule didn’t
sweat enough for it to soak through his hair.
The hair was evenly flattened, and the dirt pattern on the pad indicated
even pressure underneath the saddle from the front of the pommel
(swells) to the back of the cantle.
Things I liked
I really liked the shape and appearance of the saddle, and the way it
looked on my mule. It’s an attractive, tidy looking saddle that didn’t
look either too big, or too small on him.
I like the design of the seat, both the way the front fits under the
pommel/swells, and the way it blends into the cantle. The leather
parts are thick enough to adequately cover the top of the stirrup so
there’s no lump, and the seat adequately pads the Velcro and seam
underneath it.
I also like the thickness of the leather and sheepskin underneath the
saddle, as I was able to strap both front and back latigos into one
cinch without folding up the middle of the saddle.
I liked the way the stirrups were padded, as the suede gripped the
bottom of my boots so they didn’t slide around.
Things I didn't like
The only things I’d want to change o the saddle would be that the
stirrup webbing would likely last a lot longer if it was lined with a light
piece of leather, which would also make the straps stiffer and easier
to handle. I always line any nylon webbing I use as it helps prevent
the holes from tearing out.
It also looked as if some or all of the hardware on the saddle is
chrome plated rather than stainless steel. I strongly prefer stainless
steel or brass hardware, because in this climate any plated hardware
soon turns to rust.
Maya Saddles Comments
For new models, we are adding leather instead of Nylon to the leather
fenders.
For new models, we will be adding brass or stainless hardware.
DAILY JOURNAL
Day 1 - 10/25/2008
Rode for an hour. Started out with both latigos in one cinch, but found
that the configuration tended to pull the saddle forward so added a
crupper. Rode around in the outdoor ring and field, and found the
saddle comfortable and secure. My mule was unconcerned.
The dirt pattern on the pad (photo) and the hair on his back indicated
that the pressure was well spread out and there were no pressure
points underneath the saddle.
Day 2: - 10/26/2008
Rode for an hour. Made stirrup adjustments and then rode as on Day
1. Did a lot of canter departures and halts, as I was working on canter
leads, and the saddle stayed put and felt secure.
Day 3: 10/27/2008
Rode for 2.5 hours. Decided to set up the saddle with 2 cinches to take
some of the pressure off the crupper. Rode up and down hills at the
walk, trot and canter for over 2 hours. Saddle felt secure, even though
the cinches were pretty loose.
Day 4: 10/28/2008
Rode for about 2.5 hours. Trailered my mule to my friend’s place in
Stephentown, NY to ride a long, flat trail with her. I added some extra
straps between the cinches just in case I needed them, but didn’t. We
walked, trotted and cantered for a couple hours, mostly on the flat, and
everything was still comfortable and secure.
Day 5: 10/29/2008
Got more video, although some of it was pretty bouncy! I added a
breeching because we were going to do several steep hills. Didn’t
need a breast plate, as I just tightened the front cinch a bit more than I
usually do and it held the saddle in place.
Day 6: 10/30/2008
I wanted to try the saddle on hills with just the front cinch and a
crupper, and it stayed put just fine. I got more video this time, as I
knew that day 5’s footage was kind of choppy. No problems at all with
the saddle.
Synopsis
The only differences I could see in my mule’s back before and after
riding was that the hair flattened down under the pad and saddle.
There was no sweat pattern, as it was so cold out my mule didn’t
sweat enough for it to soak through his hair.
The hair was evenly flattened, and the dirt pattern on the pad indicated
even pressure underneath the saddle from the front of the pommel
(swells) to the back of the cantle.
Things I liked
I really liked the shape and appearance of the saddle, and the way it
looked on my mule. It’s an attractive, tidy looking saddle that didn’t
look either too big, or too small on him.
I like the design of the seat, both the way the front fits under the
pommel/swells, and the way it blends into the cantle. The leather
parts are thick enough to adequately cover the top of the stirrup so
there’s no lump, and the seat adequately pads the Velcro and seam
underneath it.
I also like the thickness of the leather and sheepskin underneath the
saddle, as I was able to strap both front and back latigos into one
cinch without folding up the middle of the saddle.
I liked the way the stirrups were padded, as the suede gripped the
bottom of my boots so they didn’t slide around.
Things I didn't like
The only things I’d want to change o the saddle would be that the
stirrup webbing would likely last a lot longer if it was lined with a light
piece of leather, which would also make the straps stiffer and easier
to handle. I always line any nylon webbing I use as it helps prevent
the holes from tearing out.
It also looked as if some or all of the hardware on the saddle is
chrome plated rather than stainless steel. I strongly prefer stainless
steel or brass hardware, because in this climate any plated hardware
soon turns to rust.
Maya Saddles Comments
For new models, we are adding leather instead of Nylon to the leather
fenders.
For new models, we will be adding brass or stainless hardware.
DAILY JOURNAL
Day 1 - 10/25/2008
Rode for an hour. Started out with both latigos in one cinch, but found
that the configuration tended to pull the saddle forward so added a
crupper. Rode around in the outdoor ring and field, and found the
saddle comfortable and secure. My mule was unconcerned.
The dirt pattern on the pad (photo) and the hair on his back indicated
that the pressure was well spread out and there were no pressure
points underneath the saddle.
Day 2: - 10/26/2008
Rode for an hour. Made stirrup adjustments and then rode as on Day
1. Did a lot of canter departures and halts, as I was working on canter
leads, and the saddle stayed put and felt secure.
Day 3: 10/27/2008
Rode for 2.5 hours. Decided to set up the saddle with 2 cinches to take
some of the pressure off the crupper. Rode up and down hills at the
walk, trot and canter for over 2 hours. Saddle felt secure, even though
the cinches were pretty loose.
Day 4: 10/28/2008
Rode for about 2.5 hours. Trailered my mule to my friend’s place in
Stephentown, NY to ride a long, flat trail with her. I added some extra
straps between the cinches just in case I needed them, but didn’t. We
walked, trotted and cantered for a couple hours, mostly on the flat, and
everything was still comfortable and secure.
Day 5: 10/29/2008
Got more video, although some of it was pretty bouncy! I added a
breeching because we were going to do several steep hills. Didn’t
need a breast plate, as I just tightened the front cinch a bit more than I
usually do and it held the saddle in place.
Day 6: 10/30/2008
I wanted to try the saddle on hills with just the front cinch and a
crupper, and it stayed put just fine. I got more video this time, as I
knew that day 5’s footage was kind of choppy. No problems at all with
the saddle.
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Kris Anderson
I have over 40 years of riding experience. I have ridden since I
was 5. I started out trail riding, and then after high school went
to Colorado and took the Riding and Horsemanship classes
(Western) at Colorado State University for the four years I was
there. When I finished college I started taking hunt seat lessons,
and then dressage lessons after that, and rode a wide variety of
horses during that time.
I got my first mule in 1985, but didn't start looking into treeless
saddles until about 10 years ago, when I realized that none of
the saddles I had fit the mules very well. I made a treeless
saddle out of Cordura about 5 years ago, and after adjusting
the padding many times have finally got the pressure spread out
enough. It's an English style saddle though, which is what I
prefer.
I meet others to trail ride every Sunday, year round, and have
been doing that religously for the last 10 years. I also ride
during the week, both on trail and in the ring, although I
alternate between my mule and my horse (Warmblood) during
the week.
I have over 40 years of riding experience. I have ridden since I
was 5. I started out trail riding, and then after high school went
to Colorado and took the Riding and Horsemanship classes
(Western) at Colorado State University for the four years I was
there. When I finished college I started taking hunt seat lessons,
and then dressage lessons after that, and rode a wide variety of
horses during that time.
I got my first mule in 1985, but didn't start looking into treeless
saddles until about 10 years ago, when I realized that none of
the saddles I had fit the mules very well. I made a treeless
saddle out of Cordura about 5 years ago, and after adjusting
the padding many times have finally got the pressure spread out
enough. It's an English style saddle though, which is what I
prefer.
I meet others to trail ride every Sunday, year round, and have
been doing that religously for the last 10 years. I also ride
during the week, both on trail and in the ring, although I
alternate between my mule and my horse (Warmblood) during
the week.
Willie
My mule, Willie, is 13 years old, and was born here. He's out
of our Halflinger mare and Mammoth donkey.
I've been training Willie since he was born, both in the ring and
out on trail. We started him in harness as a 3 year old, started
riding him at 4, and he's been to wagon trains, shows, and trail
rides in VA, KY, PA, NY, CT, NH, VT, ME and MA.
So even though Willie sometimes acts like a green 2 year old,
he's been to a lot of different places and done a lot of different
things. :-)
My mule, Willie, is 13 years old, and was born here. He's out
of our Halflinger mare and Mammoth donkey.
I've been training Willie since he was born, both in the ring and
out on trail. We started him in harness as a 3 year old, started
riding him at 4, and he's been to wagon trains, shows, and trail
rides in VA, KY, PA, NY, CT, NH, VT, ME and MA.
So even though Willie sometimes acts like a green 2 year old,
he's been to a lot of different places and done a lot of different
things. :-)
Click on Photos to enlarge
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| Do you have a question on Treeless Saddles in general? Visit my page for answers or contact me with your question. - Carol Sumner |
"I purchased a saddle from you a
couple of months ago. Our
weather has finally changed for the
good and I am able to go riding
again. I am pleased to tell you that I
am happy with the saddle. It is very
comfortable for me and my horse I see
a very big difference in her attitude
with this saddle it is good Thank
you" - Holly from WI
couple of months ago. Our
weather has finally changed for the
good and I am able to go riding
again. I am pleased to tell you that I
am happy with the saddle. It is very
comfortable for me and my horse I see
a very big difference in her attitude
with this saddle it is good Thank
you" - Holly from WI
Day 1: Dressed up to go
Day 2: Before and After
Day 3: Before and After
Day 4: Before and After
Day 5: Before and After
Day 6: Before and After
If the video does
not work, click on
the image on the
right
not work, click on
the image on the
right
