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Member
Posts: 49
| I've never posted about anything before, but I do enjoy reading this forum. When I got ready to buy a new barrel saddle I did my best to research some of the brands out there, and I decided to order a Shiloh Contender saddle. From everything I read in the forums, etc. it sounded good. I'll have to say I'm kind of disappointed. I was excited about getting a custom saddle the way I wanted it, and it took 7 months to get it. They're busy and it takes time, I expected that. But I really thought it would be better made. The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was the flimsy, flexible, feel to the leather edge around the back of the cantle. I ordered mine without rawhide edging, just leather. Well, I've had all leather saddles before and they are stiff and sturdy feeling when you grab back there at the cantle to lift them up. Also, you could easily see these big, unfinished sloppy looking stitches underneath the cantle edge where the leather was cut (also rough looking) and wrapped over underneath the edge of the cantle. And I mean you could see it standing on the ground or even riding in back of me. One of these big stitches is already coming loose in the corner. I also got a leather horn, which I hope will hold up. I have doubts though that the stitching on it will last, the leather isn't hard and solid around the edges. It's two pieces of leather sewed together like a sandwich. The fenders are soft and flexible, which is a good thing there, but I got smooth leather not rough out, so it'd look good a long time. Well, the leather came with marks and scratches already in it, which to me is superficial, I was just surprised since it's a new saddle. I've had the saddle 4 months now, and decided to send it back and get rawhide around the cantle, to stiffen it up. It's just way too soft and flexible where it should be sturdy. I must say the saddle is comfortable, fits my horse fine, and rides good. I just don't think it will last me for years, even taking great care of it and keeping it in the house, I don't think it's going to be a durable saddle. Had I known, I would have ordered rawhide on the horn and cantle. It needs it! It will most likely take quite awhile to get the saddle back after being fixed too. Has anybody else had this experience with Shiloh saddles??? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 307
Location: Florida | Jeeze, I'm sorry you were disappointed! I have a Shiloh Saddle, its a Kim Thomas edition from YEARS ago and has been RIDDEN TO DEATH... (I don't think it even has "Thomas" on it; I think it has her maiden name). I don't have the rawhide either, its BASIC and it ain't pretty- just a chunk of leather but man I love it and the leather on the horn it JUST NOW starting to wear. Long story short, I've had the opposite experience. Not sure if its the different saddle since you got the Contender or what... you wouldn't think that would make a difference in quality though.  |
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Member
Posts: 49
| I had heard mostly good things about Shiloh saddles, that's why I ordered it. I wouldn't do it again though. It costed me $1500 plus shipping. So, to me that's not cheap. Maybe, the older one's were made better like everything else. |
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 Quiet Riot
Posts: 2568
 
Location: North Dakota | I ordered a new Shiloh saddle and recv'd it in Feb of this year and I love mine. The leather is great and looks great! It is very well made. I have had others in the past that were older and they all were great saddles! |
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 Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| I've ridden Shilohs since before they were Shilohs … never had an issue. I don't ride one now because my horse prefers a treeless. Always got what I wanted … although it took a long time, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Mine is great. It gets stuck on lots of different horses and tossed around the tack room. It's very well made. |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | I've owned several and one of the nicest things about them is the quality of leather and craftsmanship for the price. I've owned one going on 7 years now and its in excellent condition.
Have you called and talked to Stacy about your concerns?? |
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 Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| I have one I bought barely used. I'm happy with it. There are little things that aren't as nicely done as a saddle that cost 3 times as much, but I cannot complain about the stitching, quality of leather or construction.
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Member
Posts: 49
| Yep, I called Stacy and talked to him. I sent the saddle back to get rawhide put around the cantle to stiffen it up. I figure it will be a while before I get my saddle back, since they're real busy. I called to make sure my saddle arrived okay and Stacy was gone, so I talked to Cody. He did say he could tell what I meant about the edge of the cantle being flimsy. I asked about the horn too. He said it looked like the guy who built it could have used too thin a leather in those places. I'll just be happy to get the saddle back with the cantle fixed. I hope this saddle lasts, because I do like how it rides. |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | I love the way my Shiloh rides. I have had several Cecil Phillips and about 10 Shilohs. I dont think they have any great fitting trees IMO but I dont think there are many makers that do- seems they all get them made the same place except for Caldwell and Martin- but I know I am generalizing.
Anyhow- I just have not had a good experience with them from a custom order standpoint. I think they are so busy because they dont manage time well. They over promise and under deliver. I think it is often that way with any craftsman- like a bit or spur maker, ect. But again- JMO. |
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Member
Posts: 49
| I think they tell everybody that the saddle will take about 4 months, but it will really take 7-8 months from the time you order. Their business must being doing good. But I'd order elsewhere if I had it to do over. |
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