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 Expert
Posts: 1440
  
Location: Texas | I was wondering who rides in a Calwell saddle and what do you like or dislike about it. Also after looking at their website their saddles look very customized so how did you pick seat size and style and how did they fit your horse. My one horse is very hard to fit and I don't want to spend so much $$ without getting him fitted some how. |
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  Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | SG turned me on to Caldwell saddles a lot of years ago...LOL.....I rode in hers and I was instantly sold....I have the TG model with the high rise seat....the TG fit the horse I was riding at the time very well because she had high withers...it was one of those saddles that I could get in the first time and go make a hard run without getting used to it...they are so balanced and don't get your feet behind you....the seat is very secure feeling....I have team penning and sorting horses now, but I still refuse to get rid of my Caldwell just in case I want to get these horses going on barrels enough to actually enter them...LOL....
I would pick a tree style that fits a wide variety of horses...there's a lot of people here that can steer you towards what might be best for your horse....for me, the TG tree worked great for my mare who had high withers with a dip behind the shoulders... |
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 Best of the Badlands
Location: You never know where I will show up...... | I've been riding them for 11 years now. I can't say anything bad about them and I've got 5 of them. I've always bought mine used though, I've never ordered a new one.
As far as fit, I don't really know much about the newer trees they have. Mine are all either TG or Pro Racer trees and between those 2 trees and a several styles/thicknesses of different pads, I can fit all of the horses that I ride. I have everything from gangly string bean 2 year olds to a 15.3hh 1300# fat withered stud that I ride, so that's a pretty good variety.
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 Expert
Posts: 4625
Location: Desert Land | LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I have been a Caldwell junkie for like 7 or 8 years now and it's all I ride. I have tried or bought about every big name brand out there and in my opinion...nothing compares. When I bought my first one, I took a stab on the dark on what tree I needed and it ended up being perfect. But the good thing is, they hold their value really well and are not hard to re-sell. If you talk to Charon and show her pictures of your horse, she can give you a good idea on which tree is best for your horse. Every time she has been spot on for fit with my horses. As far as the seat goes, it's all on preference. I like the highest rise they have...helps me sit back. The higher the rise, it does shrink up your seat a bit - so I get a .5" larger than I normally would to accomodate that. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse. |
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Veteran
Posts: 237
| If you go to the BBR in Oklahoma she will have her stuff there. I have 4 now. I love them ALL ProMax is my Favorite!! but I have the maxxed out and the TG for my high withered ones. You cant go wrong I usually ride a 13 to 13 3/4 they keep me from going out as I have a paralized left leg that has no feeling. Good Luck and Happy Caldwell shopping!!!
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 Voice of Reason
Location: NOT at Wal Mart | Only saddle I ride and I too have tried many. Love Caldwells!
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | obestobbe - 2014-02-21 10:16 AM If you go to the BBR in Oklahoma she will have her stuff there. I have 4 now. I love them ALL ProMax is my Favorite!! but I have the maxxed out and the TG for my high withered ones. You cant go wrong I usually ride a 13 to 13 3/4 they keep me from going out as I have a paralized left leg that has no feeling. Good Luck and Happy Caldwell shopping!!!
Awesome! I have really been eyeing these! They seem to be the only saddle that I can't find a single negative thing said about them! |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | Same here... I have never heard a negative thing about the saddle itself. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it.
To me this is a deal breaker |
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 Expert
Posts: 2151
| I was initially impressed then once I learned more about saddle trees & saddle construction I became less impressed. Really do your homework before you spend the kind of $ they are asking for them these days. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | I spoke with Charon the other day, and she was very nice and helpful. I could not find any used ones that would fit my horse though, so I am test riding a Martin next week.
I have heard the H3/Performance Saddle Company saddles are somewhat similar as well. I need to get more pictures of my horse's back and get back to the owner, Kari. She seemed nice over emails. :)
I have never ridden in any of them, but I have heard good things. :) |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | achipintime - 2014-02-21 12:21 PM
I was initially impressed then once I learned more about saddle trees & saddle construction I became less impressed. Really do your homework before you spend the kind of $ they are asking for them these days.
I am curious as to what has you less impressed. If you don't want to broadcast it then PM me. I have ridden in pretty much all of the major brands at this point and all have their ups and downs. A blanket statement like you made does t help me. Tell me what you ride and why you ride it and what you like about it. I am not trying to be snarky, I am seriously wanti g to know. |
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 Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| I have a ProMax I bought used. It solved fit issues I was having on 2 horses.
The leather is very nice and it is very well made. A drawback is that it is fairly heavy.
After I had it for a few months a stirrup broke. I could tell there had been a knot in the wood where it broke.
I emailed Caldwell and they asked me for pictures of the stirrup and the serial number of my saddle to verify the stirrups were, in fact theirs.
I sent the pictures and offered to ship the broken stirrup to them. They said the pics were fine and sent me a new pair of stirrups.
I don't think I even paid shipping. |
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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | justcruzin - 2014-02-21 9:18 AM Only saddle I ride and I too have tried many. Love Caldwells!
Ditto. Drove my husband crazy buying and selling saddles. Finally took a chance on a used Caldwell. Not sure I will ever ride in anything else other than my Vic Bennett reining saddle. I've got a pro racer for narrower cutting build and a pro max wider cutting build. I bought mine used but talked to Charon on fit. She is knowledgeable. There is a utube video with Charon describing the different trees. I'm on iPhone so can't link it right now. But if you google you should find it. I found so many saddles tipped me forward I sit where I need to be in my Caldwell. And quality is second to none. |
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Voice of Reason
Location: NOT at Wal Mart | achipintime - 2014-02-21 10:21 AM I was initially impressed then once I learned more about saddle trees & saddle construction I became less impressed. Really do your homework before you spend the kind of $ they are asking for them these days.
What dont you like about them? I have ridden in Caldwells since my first one in 2002. I have tried or owned many other brands to include a Coats that I had custom made. None of them ride like a Caldwell, or are built like a Caldwell. In 12 years I have not once has any problem with one of their saddles. I sold one to a BB that was almost 20 years old and still going strong! |
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 No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | I have a TG and while I like it, it hurts my seat bones to ride for any length of time. I like everything else about it. Don't know why this one is so hard. It fits my high withered horse great and I use it on my wide flat backed horse also but I really have to tighten it up or it rolls a little. I have been searching for a saddle to fit the wide one and am finally getting to try a Meleta Brown Freedom in the new wide width. Can't wait for it to come. |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker
If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything. |
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Expert
Posts: 4625
Location: Desert Land | Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
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Voice of Reason
Location: NOT at Wal Mart | Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
Aint that the truth! |
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 Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse.
Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell. |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I love my Caldwell. It doesn't fit my current horse but there is no way I would sell it as I know I could never replace it. It is the best riding saddle I have ever thrown my leg over and I've owned and ridden in many saddles. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | Kaycee - 2014-02-21 2:23 PM
barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse.
Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell.
I very well may take you up on that offer. I live in Huubard and it says you live between canton and Kaufman so it would only be like 2 hrs max. What seat size do you have? |
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Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:21 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 2:23 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse. Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell. I very well may take you up on that offer. I live in Huubard and it says you live between canton and Kaufman so it would only be like 2 hrs max. What seat size do you have?
I have 14.5 and 15's. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | Kaycee - 2014-02-21 4:28 PM
barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:21 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 2:23 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse. Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell. I very well may take you up on that offer. I live in Huubard and it says you live between canton and Kaufman so it would only be like 2 hrs max. What seat size do you have?
Awesome. I will get with you, right now both my hoses have been sick with the crud so I will need to wait a week or two till they are well over it. Would hate to get your horses sick. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | The one I tried left bruises all over my legs, and I felt like I was behind my horse when I ran in it. The horn was too high for me as well. There's your hater.  |
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Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:33 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 4:28 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:21 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 2:23 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse. Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell. I very well may take you up on that offer. I live in Huubard and it says you live between canton and Kaufman so it would only be like 2 hrs max. What seat size do you have? Awesome. I will get with you, right now both my hoses have been sick with the crud so I will need to wait a week or two till they are well over it. Would hate to get your horses sick.
That would actually work better for me because we are in the process of moving to our new house. It's only a mile and a half away from where we currently live but it is still a major pain to move! lol Send me a pm later when you want to come by. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | Kaycee - 2014-02-21 4:38 PM
barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:33 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 4:28 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 4:21 PM Kaycee - 2014-02-21 2:23 PM barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 10:00 AM I talked to her this morning And was very impressed on her knowledge of fit Based off of different horse confirmation. Unfortunately my two are very different in shape and size but that's ok my main problem is with my older horse. I have been riding Crown Cs and just feel like they could fit my kids better even with the shimming. I also have a Double J Pro and like it but the price on new ones are high and don't seem to hold their value. I wish I I SW someone in TX who had one that I could sit in to see seat size and which rise I liked better. Also hate the wait time , but am willing to wait for what will work best for me and my horse. Barrelbasher, I don't know where you are in Texas but if you are near north central Texas you are welcome to come by and try any of my Caldwells. I have 2 TG's, a Rocket and my new ProMax should be shipping within the week.
I have tried A LOT of saddles over the years and would not ride in anything but a Caldwell. I very well may take you up on that offer. I live in Huubard and it says you live between canton and Kaufman so it would only be like 2 hrs max. What seat size do you have? Awesome. I will get with you, right now both my hoses have been sick with the crud so I will need to wait a week or two till they are well over it. Would hate to get your horses sick.
I will thank you! |
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 Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
In my defense, I NEVER once said anything derogatory about the saddle quality, I NEVER once said NOT to buy one, and I NEVER once tried to steer people in different directions. I had come on here FIRST to ask advice on what more experienced people thought the problem was. One thing led to another led to another, and I simply shared the facts of my experience.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there. |
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Voice of Reason
Location: NOT at Wal Mart | missroselee - 2014-02-21 3:52 PM justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there.
I dont think you were being singled out here, I believe she was generalizing, saying that most folks have had a bad experience with many different products. So no matter what you ask about, you might/could get a bad review.  |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore. |
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Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | missroselee - 2014-02-21 5:52 PM
justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there.
I agree you never downed the saddle, just the service. Which in your case was understandable. may i ask which model did you have and how is your horse built? |
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Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| missroselee - 2014-02-21 5:52 PM
justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there.
You aren't the only one who has had customer service issues with Caldwell. I have read several people on here over the years who have had problems with them. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for.
If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it.
I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service. |
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Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | justcruzin - 2014-02-21 8:46 PM missroselee - 2014-02-21 3:52 PM justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there.
Yes, I was just generalizing. I had no idea who started a thread about Caldwell, or when. Just like some folks don't like Impressive, doesn't mean I won't buy one. It's still a free country, for now, so people can do whatever they please. This wasn't aimed at anyone. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | barrelbasher - 2014-02-21 9:14 PM missroselee - 2014-02-21 5:52 PM justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there. I agree you never downed the saddle, just the service. Which in your case was understandable. may i ask which model did you have and how is your horse built?
The caldwell that sored him up was a rocket tree. In all appearances it fit him like a glove and to this day is still the only saddle that never rolled on his back. Rode him in it for a few months, but then he bled really bad and had several months off. Came back in the Caldwell, and he started refusing to go in the arena really bad and started stopping behind his third and refusing to move forward. About a week after that his hair looked really funny on his shoulder, almost like a dried sweat pattern, but wouldn't scrub off no matter what I did. So I kept messing with it and a few days after that I pulled it off to reveal a very very deep tissue wound down to the muscle (not into the muscle but all the way through the skin). Vet confirmed it was a saddle sore that has started super deep and worked its way to the surface.
He went back to a treeless saddle not long after and almost instantly started having great runs again. I have now been able to fit him into a Meleta Brown by Crates with a shimmed corrector pad and he just ran 5th in the 1D yesterday :) |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Murphy - 2014-02-22 6:52 AM justcruzin - 2014-02-21 8:46 PM missroselee - 2014-02-21 3:52 PM justcruzin - 2014-02-21 2:21 PM Murphy - 2014-02-21 11:11 AM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 1:11 PM I remember one bb had bad customer service, she thought something was wrong with the tree, and Caldwell would not stand behind their product, they would not look at it. To me this is a deal breaker If I listened to one BB on this board who had bad customer service, I would never buy anything.
They are great saddles. Just make sure they fit your horse. Just like any other saddle out there.
I understand. I just wanted to clarify my position in case other people misinterpreted what you were trying to say. Trust me, I miss riding in my Caldwell. A lot. It was by far the best saddle for my back. But I'm much happier knowing my horse is healthier in the gear he is in now. I will add though, that this particular horse is that one in a million, that one horse that NO SADDLE on this planet will fit. So I do not want anybody thinking that just because this happened to me, means it will happen to them. I only ended up sharing my story because of the customer service issue, not the saddle issue. If people can afford them, I still recommend caldwell saddles to them. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2049
Location: Utah | I didn't mind my Caldwell.... but I only had one horse who would work in it, my others just were not happy with that saddle, and even at that I had to use my Corrector pad and shim it to get it to fit.... Plus it really threw me forward in my turns and I would loose my stirrups like crazy, which had never happened to me before. I didn't even have mine a year and took almost a $1,000 loss on it when the one horse I bought it for had a career ending injury. I thought it was a nice made saddle, I personally had good customer service. I do wonder if I would have had a different rise in the seat if it would have helped me I've also wondered about trying a different tree as well..... I didn't hate my saddle, just didn't work for what I had at the time, but I would go back and try one again if I needed to. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service.
That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 4:40 PM
cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service.
That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today.
Yup. Paid 800 bucks for a new circle y on ebay 10 years ago. Now they are all 2000+ and are lesser quality IMO. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | barrelracr131 - 2014-02-23 7:08 PM Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 4:40 PM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service. That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today. Yup. Paid 800 bucks for a new circle y on ebay 10 years ago. Now they are all 2000+ and are lesser quality IMO.
If I were going to spend mega bucks on a saddle, and I wanted good quality, I would start looking at Caldwells first (after my Meleta Brown of course since I'm head over heels in love with it). Just because Charon treated me like crap and refused to even look at the stupid saddle doesn't change that fact that the saddles are very well made. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | missroselee - 2014-02-23 7:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2014-02-23 7:08 PM Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 4:40 PM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service. That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today. Yup. Paid 800 bucks for a new circle y on ebay 10 years ago. Now they are all 2000+ and are lesser quality IMO.
The Meleta Brown is well worth the money. Mine was very well made and was worth every dime and it held it's value. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 7:34 PM missroselee - 2014-02-23 7:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2014-02-23 7:08 PM Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 4:40 PM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service. That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today. Yup. Paid 800 bucks for a new circle y on ebay 10 years ago. Now they are all 2000+ and are lesser quality IMO.
I so wish I hadn't sold my Meleta saddle just because it didn't fit that one horse I had bought it for. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 8:34 PM missroselee - 2014-02-23 7:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2014-02-23 7:08 PM Nevertooold - 2014-02-23 4:40 PM cheryl makofka - 2014-02-21 9:00 PM I can understand customer service problems with factory made items, as I do believe you get what you paid for. If I was dishing out 3k+ if I have a concern with the craftsmanship I want them to honor it. I paid 2300 for a crown c brand new and the saddle was so crooked, I sent it back and they fixed the problem no questions asked, no belittling, great customer service. That's not true as there is no way the Circle Y saddles of today are worth $2,000.00. I paid $2500.00 for my Caldwell almost 8 years ago and it still looks great and I can still get what I paid for it. There are other junk saddles commanding high prices on the market today. Yup. Paid 800 bucks for a new circle y on ebay 10 years ago. Now they are all 2000+ and are lesser quality IMO.
Jeanne Lindblom had met with me in Nebraska after Meleta hooked us up so I could try the saddle. It didn't fit my horse. It wasn't the worst fit, but wasn't his fit either. I then spent the next several months trying five different double J saddles and Crown C's on him and a few others and they fit worse.
I just out of the blue saw a Meleta Brown on facebook for 1100 bucks and bought it because I loved how it fit me and I was confident that it would work if I shimmed it just right (and the fact that Meleta offered to buy it for what it cost me to get and ship it if it didn't because she's awesome like that). It was by far one of the best investments ever and I see myself ordering a new one in the next five years.
You made a comment about how well the saddle fit me.....I have always ridden 14.5 inch seats. This one is only a 14 inch. I just couldn't turn down the price. Now that I have ridden in it I do think the smaller seat is helping me a lot as well. |
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 Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | So how did you shim it? Did you ever try her saddle with the new tree? |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:39 PM
So how did you shim it? Did you ever try her saddle with the new tree?
Are you asking me? If so I have a corrector pad ( used to have several) that I have used on this same horse for years with other saddles. You can use three shims on each side in the front, and 2 each side in the back. With the Meleta Brown I only use two shims on each side in the front. |
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Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | missroselee - 2014-02-23 8:50 PM Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:39 PM So how did you shim it? Did you ever try her saddle with the new tree? Are you asking me? If so I have a corrector pad ( used to have several ) that I have used on this same horse for years with other saddles. You can use three shims on each side in the front, and 2 each side in the back. With the Meleta Brown I only use two shims on each side in the front.
Yes, and thanks for the description. My MB is at the track with my husband but I love that saddle and I have a couple of horses I am having a hard time fitting, just interested in how you made it work for you. I really want to try her saddle with the new tree. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:57 PM missroselee - 2014-02-23 8:50 PM Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:39 PM So how did you shim it? Did you ever try her saddle with the new tree? Are you asking me? If so I have a corrector pad ( used to have several ) that I have used on this same horse for years with other saddles. You can use three shims on each side in the front, and 2 each side in the back. With the Meleta Brown I only use two shims on each side in the front. Yes, and thanks for the description. My MB is at the track with my husband but I love that saddle and I have a couple of horses I am having a hard time fitting, just interested in how you made it work for you. I really want to try her saddle with the new tree.
Me too but money is holding me back :) |
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Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | missroselee - 2014-02-23 9:02 PM Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:57 PM missroselee - 2014-02-23 8:50 PM Barnmom - 2014-02-23 9:39 PM So how did you shim it? Did you ever try her saddle with the new tree? Are you asking me? If so I have a corrector pad ( used to have several ) that I have used on this same horse for years with other saddles. You can use three shims on each side in the front, and 2 each side in the back. With the Meleta Brown I only use two shims on each side in the front. Yes, and thanks for the description. My MB is at the track with my husband but I love that saddle and I have a couple of horses I am having a hard time fitting, just interested in how you made it work for you. I really want to try her saddle with the new tree.
Me too, dang it! Ran a second and third today, really needed to win at least one, maybe next time. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | daisycake123 - 2014-02-21 7:52 PM A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore.
Then it was the wrong tree. Sounds like it was either too wide or too narrow. Hard to blame a company for not having the proper tree for a horses shape. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | SG. - 2014-02-24 12:21 AM daisycake123 - 2014-02-21 7:52 PM A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore. Then it was the wrong tree. Sounds like it was either too wide or too narrow. Hard to blame a company for not having the proper tree for a horses shape.
Ditto. My Caldwell saddle sored up my horse really bad and left a permanent scar on him. My issue with Caldwell was the fact that they refused to let me ship the saddle back to them for a simple inspection to make sure there wasn't a screw loose or something. But I certainly didn't blame the quality of saddle on the soreness. What we thought fit him just plain didn't. I'm just glad we caught it before it ruined his desire to compete. |
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | SG. - 2014-02-23 11:21 PM daisycake123 - 2014-02-21 7:52 PM A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore. Then it was the wrong tree. Sounds like it was either too wide or too narrow. Hard to blame a company for not having the proper tree for a horses shape.
I've never found Charon to be anything but completely helpful... I generally end up on the phone with her longer than I mean to! lol We talk saddles, cutting horses, and anything else that comes up. She's a super knowledgeable lady and provides a superior product.
I've seen too many people trying to fit a Caldwell to a horse that it's just not meant to fit....or simply just don't know how to place the saddle, or pad it. I've been able to ride my Pro Max on everything I own with just a pad change. None of them have ever gotten sore from it. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | rachellyn80 - 2014-02-24 7:51 AM
SG. - 2014-02-23 11:21 PM daisycake123 - 2014-02-21 7:52 PM A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore. Then it was the wrong tree. Sounds like it was either too wide or too narrow. Hard to blame a company for not having the proper tree for a horses shape.
I've seen too many people trying to fit a Caldwell to a horse that it's just not meant to fit....or simply just don't know how to place the saddle, or pad it. I've been able to ride my Pro Max on everything I own with just a pad change. None of them have ever gotten sore from it.
She was extremely nice to me over the phone. She talked with me for a really long time and I am pretty sure she knew I was not going to be able to afford to order a new one right now. She still spent a lot of time explaining everything and what not.
We did email back and forth and she usually sent one or two sentences. I guess maybe it could have been taken as being "short", but she wasn't intending it that way. I think some people, especially people who did not grow up using technology, are not as eloquent over email as some of the younger generations. Also, some people just don't like email. She asked me to call her, and when we spoke on the phone, she was very nice and helpful.
If anyone has questions for her, I definately recommend calling her. She was more than happy to talk to me at length. I'm not trying to say no one has ever had a bad experience with her or something, but mine was very positive and she was in no way pressuring me to buy from her (in fact, she told me just to buy something used in case it doesn't work out. LOL). |
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 Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | barrelracr131 - 2014-02-24 8:31 AM rachellyn80 - 2014-02-24 7:51 AM SG. - 2014-02-23 11:21 PM daisycake123 - 2014-02-21 7:52 PM A friend of mine sold there caldwell as she went to a saddle fitting by another saddle maker and found that the caldwell was making her horse wither sore. Then it was the wrong tree. Sounds like it was either too wide or too narrow. Hard to blame a company for not having the proper tree for a horses shape.
I've seen too many people trying to fit a Caldwell to a horse that it's just not meant to fit....or simply just don't know how to place the saddle, or pad it. I've been able to ride my Pro Max on everything I own with just a pad change. None of them have ever gotten sore from it. She was extremely nice to me over the phone. She talked with me for a really long time and I am pretty sure she knew I was not going to be able to afford to order a new one right now. She still spent a lot of time explaining everything and what not. We did email back and forth and she usually sent one or two sentences. I guess maybe it could have been taken as being "short", but she wasn't intending it that way. I think some people, especially people who did not grow up using technology, are not as eloquent over email as some of the younger generations. Also, some people just don't like email. She asked me to call her, and when we spoke on the phone, she was very nice and helpful. If anyone has questions for her, I definately recommend calling her. She was more than happy to talk to me at length. I'm not trying to say no one has ever had a bad experience with her or something, but mine was very positive and she was in no way pressuring me to buy from her (in fact, she told me just to buy something used in case it doesn't work out. LOL ).
Edited by LRQHS 2014-02-24 8:38 AM
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | HAHAHA, yes, I kind of was
it was very informative, and I love talking horses with someone like that to boot. |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | My personal experience with Charon has been great but I have not bought a new saddle from her. She has helped me with used ones and offered trade ins with what I had at the time.
I can say, she is very smart and confident and we know that some are offended by those kind of people. She knows what she offers and is firm in her beliefs.
But I do have a friend that ordered a $4500 new saddle and has bought over 6 in the last few years. She is 6' tall and this saddle had short fenders. When she asked to have them changed out- Charon told her that they would stretch. When they didnt, she told her that people were riding them shorted these days and to stick with it. Then when that didnt work, she wanted $150 more to swap them out. So that is maybe where I would have an issue.
I know on new ones, sometimes people dont get what they ordered- or so that have told me. So that is why I was told to buy used, you know what you are getting. But also because I didnt have the money to risk on new if it wasnt as ordered.
But I do believe they are unmatched in quality of the trees and the craftsmanship.
And alternative that I have been very impressed with is the H3 or PSC. Kari offers superior customer service and a comparable saddle. |
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Caldwell Saddles