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_________________________________________
From: Kris Hafner
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 6:34 PM
Subject: Picture
Hi Gerri,
Here is my wonderful deluxe trail rider saddle
on my parade horse, Touche. We are getting ready
to ride in a Mardi Gras parade in this picture.
We rode in 7 parades an average of 5 hours in
the saddle per parade, and boy, was I glad I had
a Bob Marshall saddle!! It was great! We had a
blast and are ready to go again next year.
I also love my saddle for just riding around the
woods and we also compete in barrel racing and
gaming in it too!. So, needless to say,
I LOVE MY BOB MARSHALL!!!
Sincerely,
Kristin Hafner
_________________________________________
-----
Original Message -----
From: <Susannescheid@aol.com>
To: ""Infinet"" <grini@infinet.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2003 2:23 PM
Subject: Re: Treeless @ First Choice Sport Saddle
Hi
Gerri,
Here's a first photo of one of my horses (Sina)
with the new saddle.
She
looks rather dirty, I'm afraid as I took the photo
when we returned from our first outdoor ride since
Christmas. We had frozen ground most of the time
or just the upper layer thawd and everything was
too slippery. It was absolutely great today -
sunshine, fresh crisp air and Sina went along
so freely. And when we started to trot she did
a beautiful slow jog as she'd never done before.
Before we were doing a slow trot, close to jog.
But today it was just perfect and I felt as if
I was floating along weightlessly on top of my
horse. It's hard to believe what a difference
a saddle can make! The first time I tried it,
it was indoors and I'd never sat her trot so comfortably,
and a friend who watched was impressed how freely
and relaxed Sina was moving along. She did not
notice that I was using a new saddle. The second
time was today and it was absolutely perfect.
I think quite a few people in our stable will
want to try the saddle on their horses. I'll try
the saddle soon with my younger horse who I'm
only starting to ride and I'll send you nicer
pictures (taken before we set off and get dirty)
once I have the new pad.
Best regards from a happy Sports Saddle owner,
Susanne
_________________________________________
-----
Original Message -----
From: "Vanessa S Waters" <kovat@juno.com>
To: <grini@infinet.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 11:30 AM
Subject: Re: Web link
Hi
Gerri,
I am getting along great with the saddle. It was
truly a god sent when my new horse, Raku showed
up from Oregon. He is 16-1 and 1200 lbs. I even
had to buy this gorgeous custom bridle made by
A&M Tack for his big head.
The
saddle went from a 850lb Arab mare to a 1200 lb
NSH without a problem. Here is a picture of Raku
and I a few days ago.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Waters
_________________________________________
From:
Rocky111@aol.com
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2001 1:05 AM
Subject: Cindy Tarver....again :}
Just
thought I'd send you a picture of my 4 yr. old
guy. This was the 1st time I rode him here in
CA (last week)....I did ride him several times
in KY this summer. Notice he got the PLEASURE
of a treeless saddle for the 1st time! I tried
all my other saddles on him...Big Horn Cordura,
ortho flex, and a custom made saddle that was
for my other horse, Rocky. I got some REALLY dirty
backwards glances from this guy. Put on the treeless
& he didn't even look back, ears up...so I
said "Well, once again...THIS IS IT!!!!!"
I started with a Bob Marshall on my 1st horse
5 1/2 years ago. Somewhere along the line I thought
I needed "more" saddle. But everytime
one of the other ones started bothering Rocky
after a couple of months...we'd be back to the
treeless. So, I'm a "lifer" now!!! :)
. As you can see from the picture...these saddles
are not only close contact...they allow for a
good HUG too!!!!!!! So, here is Mr. Morgan....4
yr. old Rocky Mountain Horse.
Cindy
Tarver
_________________________________________
RideCamp@endurance.net
Re:
Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles w/ proper padding
To:
"Cliff Fenneman" <cfly@concentric.net>,
<ridecamp@endurance.net>
Subject: Re: Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles w/
proper padding
From: "Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 23:09:19 -0800
References: <ENDURANCEWWWRaqbC8w00000081@endurance.net>
<3BF017F0.8010906@concentric.net>
Lynda, I have ridden these for 9 years, successfully.
The reason they work (at least for my family)
is that they conform to the shape of the back
as it moves and changes shape. They are not entirely
TREELESS. There are two tree pieces, the pommel
and cantle, and are connected between the top
and bottom of the saddle by a V shaped rigging.
This helps distribute weight evenly. So, if you
are standing in the stirrups, the weight is spread
out...
Keep
in mind, a traditional tree can only distribute
weight evenly if it fits the back exactly, and
how can this happen when the back changes shape
as the horse raises and lowers his head and bends
his body?
Anyway,
I have 5 sport saddles, and use them on all my
5 horses.... I find them lightweight, extremely
well balanced and my horses travel better. I ride
with a loose group of 12 or so friends who all
have them, on a variety of horse colors and shapes.
I have NEVER seen any back sores, pressure marks
or white hairs caused by these saddles. I cannot
even begin to list the number of people I know
that used traditional treed saddles for YEARS,
only to find damage; that switched me to the sport
saddles.
It's
essential, I believe, to use a Skito pad with
Equalizer foam. This pad is shaped to the back
and has a small air channel down the spine.
I
check my horses backs after any rides; have not
found soreness, and at the few endurance rides
they do, they are A's on their backs.
Best
example of successful use is Karen Chaton, who
has THOUSANDS of AERC miles in Sport Saddles,
including Tevis and the summer XP rides, day after
day.
I
find that the normal stirrup position is too far
forward; my saddles have them moved back 2"
under me.
Karen
Sullivan
_________________________________________
From:
"Cliff Fenneman" <cfly@concentric.net>
To:
<guest@endurance.net>
Sent:
Monday, November 12, 2001 10:41 AM
Subject:
RC: Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles w/ proper padding
I
thought the point of a tree in a saddle was to
distribute weight evenly. So what is the point
of the "treeless" saddle. Besides being
funny looking... What are their recommendations?
Lynda
guest@endurance.net
wrote:
What
opinions do you have about the Bob Marshall Treeless
saddles?
Ridecamp
is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information,
Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp
_________________________________________
From:
Zunichk1@aol.com
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 6:04 PM
Subject: Sport Saddle
Good
evening Gerri,
I
just wanted to tell you thanks for all the help
with the saddle. I rode in it this weekend for
the first time on a 15 mile ride. To my surprise,
I had no aches and pains like I usually do in
a Western Saddle. Also, my horse had no back pain
at all. It was absolutely wonderful. I don't think
that I will ever ride in any other type saddle
for the rest of my riding years!!!
Once
again, THANK YOU!!!!!
_________________________________________
Betty
McDaniel
From:
"Maureen Radke"
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 12:41 PM
Subject: Re: saddle - its here!!!
Hi
Gerri - many thanks for your emails and updates
on the saddle-
It
came yesterday - just 2 days after your note -
finally!!!! I didn't have a chance to try it on
MY horse yesterday - but did try it on a similar
shaped and gaited Icelandic horse that I ride
frequently with a very good friend of mine. Fenja
(the icy) loved it!! No surprise to me.. I rode
a SS on a different Icelandic, a while ago, which
is what convinced me to go the SS route, because
I loved feeling the horse move freely underneath
me. We rode out on bush trails, hills and flat
last night, and the feeling and contact from her
was amazing - my friend tried it on the other
icy (different shape altogether) and both of them
loved it too.
Maybe
another sale - and many of my customers and people
I know, will get to try it Maybe, now I can sell
all of the other saddles I've tried (or most of
them). I'll be trying it on my 2 horses today
- with I'm sure wonderful results - especially
my soft gaited mare. I'll let you know how she
likes it, after a few rides and tests.
Thanks,
Maureen
_________________________________________
From:
Whitlow, Miriam L
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 2:31 PM
Subject: Bob Marshall saddles
I
ran across your website and found it very interesting
with a lot of good information. I have had a Bob
Marshall saddle for several years, it is a barrel
saddle and I love it. I originally got it for
an Arab that I was having trouble fitting but
found that it has worked on all the horses I have
ridden. A friend of mine in high school rodeo
used it for barrel racing. She is now in college
and wants to begin barrel racing again and is
trying to buy it off me, I don't want to part
with it. I am trying to convince my husband to
buy one. He bought another really "good"
brand a few years ago and has been having problems
with it making his horse sore.
Anyway,
I hope you are really still in the distribution
of selling these wonderful saddles, and I wanted
to ask about a rumor I just heard that "he",
meaning Bob Marshall, is no longer making the
saddles and it is changing and all that. I hope
the same saddle is still being made, as I said,
I would like my husband to try it and I would
kind of like to get the square skirted one if
I break down and sell mine. But I certainly won't
sell it if something has changed about them.
I
also want to add that I bought the saddle for
my horse's back but what I found was it was so
much more comfortable for me too. I have a hip
joint that gives me some trouble, one hour in
a conventional saddle is very painful, I can ride
many hours comfortably in the SS.
Thanks,
Maggie
Whitlow
(Maggie,
We are in touch with the saddlery almost daily,
and we have been assured that it is only a rumor
and there is nothing to be alarmed over. In fact,
Bob is currently in the process of designing and
has built one new Sport Saddle model for release
in late 2001 and he may come out with another
in 2002. - N. Rini, Webmaster)
_________________________________________
From:
Jennifer Judkins
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 4:41 PM
Subject: Sportsaddle Feedback
I
just wanted you to know how much I love my new
Endurance Sport Saddle. My leg has healed and
I'm back in the saddle. This past weekend, my
horse and I traveled to the Green Mountains for
some very challenging trail riding terrain. People
were stopping to adjust their sliding saddles,
but not me. No sliding, no hot spots, no sores
(for me or my horse). My horse just loves it too.
His attitude on the trail is so much more cooperative.
I think he's just more comfortable. Thanks again.
Jennifer.
_________________________________________
From:
Deborah Silverstone
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 9:01 PM
Subject: Re: trail saddle
Dear
Gerri,
Thanks
for your speedy reply. I ... have always ridden
in a 21 inch cut back saddle (on American Saddlebreds),
so this western business is new to me. ... My
husband is thinking of having my 2 year-old Saddlebred
filly started and trained for the trail (not really
what she was bred for) for himself. He has done
jumping in the past and prefers a horse he can
post on. Although he will be using her for trail
riding, he also prefers an English saddle. Do
you think your endurance saddle would be good
for this? It looks rather English to me! Please
advise. ...
Best
Regards,
Deborah
P.
S. You may be interested to know that I first
heard of your treeless saddle while in England.
A lady who rides with Prince Charles said she
had one and loved it - as did her horse!
_________________________________________
From:
Fjord1901
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2001 1:30 AM
Subject: Re: "I'm so proud of my treeless
saddle"
Hi there,
A
few months ago, my sweetie bought a treeless saddle
from you. It was one of your "Show"
models. I had no idea what a treeless was, and
was a little apprehensive about it. However, she
did a lot of research on the topic and against
my better judgment, purchased it. On her first
ride, she raved so much about the comfort, not
only for her horse (a Fjord), but her own. After
about a week, I could stand it no longer. She
saddled up my horse (also a Fjord) and off I went.
It wasn't far before I knew I had to have one
too.
Returning
to the ranch, I reluctantly gave her back her
beautiful saddle. I have not had a more comfortable
ride since. This story has a very happy ending.
Fortunately for me, her saddle was a little too
small for her and asked me if I wanted to buy
hers and she would look for another. Of course
I jumped (to say the least) at the opportunity.
She is now purchasing a Deluxe Trail saddle. You
can see both of these saddles at "Saddles
in Stock" Ever since my first day of sitting
in a treeless saddle, I have become a firm believer
in your product.
After
reading some of your e-mails, it would be difficult
to say it any better than what has already been
said. You have a wonderful product that saturates
both horse and rider with the ultimate riding
comfort that is hard to find or match anywhere.
Thank you. As soon as we receive the new saddle,
we want to send you pictures (as though you don't
have enough) of two very pleased customers, on
two beautiful horses, accented by two beautiful,
comfortable saddles.
Jack
Long
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
_________________________________________
From: Miller
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 1:14 PM
Subject: Deta Miller & Her saddle
Hi
Gerri !
Well,
I just wanted to let you know that since I picked
up my saddle from the Equine Affaire, I have ridden
in it just about every day on several different
horses & draft ponies. I LOVE IT. I don't
get sore & none of the animals have been sore
either. It's like riding on air. Many people have
asked me about it & ridden in it . I tell
them every time that I got it from you & it's
just wonderful !
THANK
YOU SO MUCH !
Sincerely,
Deta Miller
P.S. I bought the black 16" endurance saddle.
_________________________________________
From: APikalek
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 7:16 AM
Subject: Saddle Size
Hi,
I
recently got a Skito pad from you for my husband
and found that with it under his Bob Marshall
saddle I got one of my best rides ever. I'm planning
to get my own Bob Marshall saddle by next Spring
at the latest and I've been watching your in Saddles
In-Stock list. Would you give me some advice on
seat size? I'm 5'3" and weigh 132 (varies
up or down a little). My upper thigh is 20.5",
mid-thigh 19.5". I would probably be ordering
an Endurance model.
Thank
you,
Rob
/ Ann
_________________________________________
From: P waits
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2001 3:47 PM
Subject: Thank you and...
Hi Gerri,
Wanted to drop you a line to say Thanks to you
& the folks at Bob Marshall saddles! I received
my saddle last week & I just love it. It's
beautiful. The most important part is how my horse
moves in it, she is a sassy flat backed, wide
Arab & prior to ordering your saddle I had
tried 23 saddles & NONE of them fit, some
to the point where she didn't really want to move
with them on her. When I put this one on her she
was hesitant at first but after about half an
hour she was running free in her corral like there
was nothing on her back! Thanks Again!
P.S.
Can you make one with a 18 or 19" seat? If
so I may have another order for you. pwaits
_________________________________________
From:
Carrie Proper
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2001 6:18 PM
Subject: Sport saddles
Dear Gerri,
We just wanted to email and let you know how much
we are enjoying our Sport Saddles and Equalizer
pads. We have had the saddles for a year now,
and we got the pads as a Christmas present this
year. We have four horses in our barn, a 17.2
hand Belgian, a 16.3 hand warmblood, a 16 hand
Thoroughbred, and a 14.1 Morgan. All are very
different horses, with different backs and ways
of going, all seem quite happy being ridden in
the sport saddles.
We
love them too. We ride for hours in the sport
saddles and are never saddle sore. My father had
made up his mind before he ever sat in one that
he wouldn't like it, and as soon as he sat in
it he changed his mind. He borrows my mom's all
the time now. He would like to know when they
are going to come up with a cup holder to go on
it, he says it's like riding on a couch.
The
pads have been a great accessory. We never had
any problems with sore backs, even with my thoroughbred
dressage horse, but the contoured pads fit very
nicely, and the shock absorbing foam makes it
more comfortable for both horse and rider.
Thank
you very much,
Carrie and Linda Proper
_________________________________________
From:
SPindar
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2000 11:45 PM
Subject: sport saddle question
Hi,
I
own a Sport Saddle and LOVE it! I ride endurance
and have put more than 3000 race miles on my Sports
Saddle over the past 4 years. It is still in pretty
good shape, too.
In
addition to my endurance riding I have started
in dressage with both my horses and also ride
in hunter shows. I am at the point with my showing
that I need to buy an English saddle or a dressage
saddle. I know that Sport Saddle has western saddles
as well as endurance models and I was HOPING that
maybe there was some sort of English model too.
There aren't any on your website so I am assuming
that there are none available. Do you know if
anyone has attempted making one? Is the company
considering it?
I
like my sport saddle so much because I can use
in on a great variety of horses and the fit is
perfect every time. I hate the idea of buying
an English or dressage saddle that will only fit
one of my horses (each is built very differently).
If you have any information about this please
let me know. If the saddle maker has talked about
it or one is in the works, I'd be a perfect guinea
pig. Please write back.
Thank
you very much,
Suzanne
_________________________________________
From:
JProul
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2000 10:28 PM
Subject: 17" Deluxe Trail Saddle
I
was wondering if this particular saddle is available
at present time or if there are any other 17"
saddles available. I just came from my vet today
and she says my horse is very sore in his left
shoulder and I had been getting dry spots on both
sides for a little while now. My horse is getting
very agitated being asked to pick up the left
lead. My current saddle is a Reiner that I have
had only for about 1 year. So, I am financially
bummed at having to purchase something else, but
my vet highly recommended a Bob Marshall for him.
He is a very wide quarter horse with a short back,
stands about 15.1 and I am only comfortable in
a 17" seat.
Thank
you,
Joan
_________________________________________
From:
LCanaan
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 7:34 AM
Subject: Hello
Hi
Gerri,
I
got my saddle yesterday. Of course I rode last
night in it. So far, so good. I really like being
able to feel the horse so well. I really do like
the saddle. It is very comfortable and quite bouncy.
I love how light it is. It really fits both my
horses well. One horse is 15.3 and the other 15.1.
One is broad and the other narrow. I also find
the stirrups naturally turn in the right direction
for my feet. No strain there. Thanks for your
help.
Thanks,
Laura
_________________________________________
From:
SDeal
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 10:14 AM
Subject: Saddle
Gerri,
I'm
totally amazed at how well my daughter’s
horse moves in the sport saddle. He's almost a
different horse. We knew he had a big trot from
the way he moved about in the pasture but could
never get it under saddle. Now he really gets
amazing extension. We've also seen freer movement
at the walk and canter.
Niki likes being able to feel every little move
Prinz makes through the seat of the saddle. We
would like to purchase the saddle. I would also
like to purchase a Skito pad. I would like the
color black with 100% wool and the 3/4" thickness.
According to your web site, it should cost around
$148 plus shipping. I assume you can put all this
on my credit card.
Thanks,
Shelley
_________________________________________
From:
LEley
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 5:02 PM
Subject: My Dream Saddle
Dear
Gerri,
My
friend Mary, who owns the Sports Saddle, and I
were at a prize ride recently and I overheard
several people we didn't even know commenting
on how gorgeous it is. I have started using her
saddle for arena work with my horse. I can't get
over the difference. When I try and describe it
to people I sound like a raving lunatic but I
don't care!! I will NEVER ask my horse to wear
his old saddle again!
People
used to comment that if my horse walked any slower
he'd be going backwards, but with the treeless
saddle it's like his shoulders are free and he
walks out with hardly a cue. His trot is more
open and flowing. When I'm communicating to him
he can hear me!! My actions with my legs, feet
and seat are so subtle but his reactions are immediate.
I
guess the best analogy would be to compare my
old saddle with screaming at him through a brick
wall and hoping for an answer. With your saddle
its like whispering through a screen door. I'm
rambling but I can't get over it. And I KNOW he's
happier!! I'm saving my pennies and my old saddle
is getting very dusty!! If anyone wants to verify
that I'm not a paid nutcase and I'm sold on the
saddle they can call me!!
I
was wondering if you could help by giving me an
estimate on my dream saddle. My friend just got
hers and will never go back. I'm not as rich as
she is but I want one soooo bad!! I would like
a Deluxe Trail Rider with floral tooling, with
matching fenders with a round skirt in light oil
with a toast suede seat. I need a 15 inch seat.
My
husband will kill me if he knew how much I want
to spend, but my horse is so much happier with
a treeless saddle. Thanks so much. Someday, I'm
going to make this happen!!!
Laine
_________________________________________
From:
DLeader
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2000 6:16 PM
Subject: Sport Saddle
Dear
Gerri,
Hi
-- I've been meaning to email you before now but
have been busy riding!!! I have had my sports
saddle for about 1 month now and I have to tell
you that I LOVE it!!!!! I feel as if the last
two years of riding in another type of endurance
saddle, with a tree -- have been such a waste!
My horse experienced soreness in his back, and
I was sore in my knees, and at times my feet would
go numb. After riding for hours even my joints
would ache!!! I used to think it was just "me",
getting a little older. Then I finally decided
to purchase a sports saddle.
Not
only am I pleased, but my horse, Beret, is also
very happy! No more soreness in his back, and
I have also noticed a lengthening in his stride,
with a more fluid movement, also his tendency
to shy has greatly reduced!!! Then for myself,
no more sore knees, I must say I did purchase
a pair of Cloud Stirrups to go on the sports saddle,
and no more numb feet!!! After riding lots of
miles I do not ache. It is absolutely amazing.
If anyone had told me how much I would love the
sports saddle, I don't know if I would have believed
them ---- but now I know!!!
I
also purchased a Skito pad for the sports saddle
-- and it is the best! With Beret's tendency to
get a little sore in his back -- I had purchased
a lot of other pads --- the Skito is definitely
tops!!!! I just wish that I had purchased my sports
saddle two years ago when I first started riding
endurance, but time and experience is a good teacher!!!!
Thank
you so much for all your assistance in helping
me decide exactly what style sports saddle and
options were best for me, and for your professional
handling of all aspects of this purchase. I will
hope to see you at the Equine Affaire.
Sincerely,
Debra & Beret
P.S.
Will try to get a photo to you showing me and
Beret and enjoying our new Sports Saddle! Thanks
again!!!
_________________________________________
From:
BLustig
To: Treeless@SportSaddle.com
Sent: Monday, June 29, 1998
Subject: Sportsaddle
Dear
Gerri,
I
just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying
my Sports Saddle and Equalizer pad. I've ridden
in many different saddles, cutting saddles to
English equitation saddles, and ranging in price
from $300 to $3,000. I want to tell you, I like
this saddle the best, and so does my horse.
As
you know, I bought a horse that had a bowed tendon
and I wanted something lightweight and comfortable
for him. You should have seen his reaction the
first time I rode him. His face kind of said,
"What, this is a saddle, but I can move,
and bend and breathe." Not only does he feel
good about this saddle, but I used to get the
worse back aches and knee pains when I rode. Not
now. A lot of people have tried this saddle since
I'm the only one in the area with one. They all
agree it's the most comfortable saddle they've
ever ridden in.
My
daughter is currently advertising her saddle,
and has taken several babysitting jobs so she
can get one too. Hopefully it won't be long and
we'll be contacting you to order one of the basic
trail saddles. If I didn't believe these are the
greatest saddles for both rider and horse, I'd
try to talk her out of getting one because her
saddle is only about a year old. Guess what. I'm
willing to help her out with her effort, that's
how much I believe in these saddles.
The
Equalizer pad you sold me with my saddle is a
marvel too. They are so easy to keep clean, stay
neatly in place under the saddle and my horse
has never, ever shown even the slightest tenderness
in his back. Of course we'll be ordering one of
those to go under my daughter's saddle too. Your
company has come up with a great combination for
both the comfort of the horse and the comfort
of the rider. My hat's off to your guys. Keep
up the good work.
Sincerely,
Becky
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