Dear April   I got my treeless saddle a couple weeks ago and have not been able to ride due to the rainy weather we were having. I rode in it today though and I have to tell you that at first just by looking at the saddle I thought no way is this saddle going to be as comfortable as my Orthoflex saddle. Well it wasn't. It was much more comfortable!!!  My seat was much different. I was just so much more comfortable and I realized how before with my old saddle (even though it has a flexible tree) I was sitting high off my horses back. This saddle was so awesome that I swear I didn't even need my stirrups. I have an awesome trail horse so I did put the saddle on him for the first time on a trail ride ( without a trial period) and I ended up riding for three and a half hours. I didn't even realize that I had ridden for so long! My horse loved it to. He could feel that I was relaxed so he was much more relaxed. I have had my horse for a little over 5 years and he is good on trails and not spooky but he has gradually started to do some of the things that your site says horses sometimes do with an ill fitting saddle. Today he was so relaxed and on the way back to the trailer (when he usually is hauling butt and walking sideways) he was so relaxed that I was able to rest the reins on the saddle and he walked all the way back so calm with his neck stretched out and relaxed. I would NOT have been able to do this before. If I would have dropped the reins before he would have tried to take advantage of that and start trotting if I let him then cantering, then galloping and I'm sure you know the rest. I really couldn't believe it!! You guys should really try to find a way to advertise so more people can get one of your saddles. They are wonderful!! I will definitely spread the word. I am also going to start saving so I can buy one of your saddles for my husband. I thank you and my horse thanks you. THANK YOU - Dorrie Miller (10/10/05)                                                                                                                                                                        

Hello April, I'm not sure of you can help me or if you can tell me who to contact. Dennis and I each bought a Sportsaddle from you a few years back and we love them. We use them on our seasoned endurance horses and our young ones we start love the saddle. Anyway not sure how much you pay attention to the international stuff but both Dennis and I have been named to the National Team with a third horse on the reserve list. This is to represent the US at the World Endurance Championships (Dubai, UAE). Our schedule now is to have horses in Florida Dec. 1st and to train there for 6 weeks for the final selection to fly to UAE in January 2005. My problem is I am a featherweight and have to ride my two World horses with a weighted saddle. I have figured out how to weight the saddle but it is quite a procedure to get it done with everything on centered and balanced. My problem is I then have other horses included young ones that I need my saddle for. So I'm wondering if the manufacturers have a demo or something they would be interested in donated to me so I can can keep it weighted for International riding? I feel Dennis and I are good spokespeople for the saddles and they would get lots of advertising at the high profile rides we go to. I rode my sportsaddle all season to qualify with about 15 pounds on it. I use a skito pad. I took bicycle tire innertubes and cut them into about 9 inch sections. I filled them with lead shot and had the ends sewn shut. I then attached 2 on the front of the saddle and two across the back using those plastic pull ties. It has worked great with never a sore back and they are very stable without moving. But it is a total pain to take them off and put back on not even taking into consideration how hard it is to saddle with that heavy of a saddle for my young or non FEI horses. I was in a hurry so these aren't the greatest pictures but should give you an idea. I use a Skito pad for Sportsaddles and a neopreme waffle type cinch.  --Sue & Dennis Summers - October 2004

Hi April, Bought a sportsaddle from you a couple of years ago. My happy testimonial is still on your web page. Just wanted to let you know this saddle is still fantastic for us. Last year Eddie went beyond 3000 aerc miles. Just this last weekend he won best condition at swanton pacific 75, Eddie is 18 years old, he was the oldest horse on the ride. I bought Eddie eleven years ago and for years I looked for just the right saddle, this sportsaddle is the ticket for us. I'll never sell this horse or this saddle, they are both fantastic. When the time comes and I start my next endurance horse I think I'll buy another sportsaddle as well, can't hurt to have two. My husband also rides in a sportsaddle now. He weighs 230 pounds and is 6 foot 2 inches tall. He rides an arab, a big one, and joins me on a lot of training rides. He also completed fireworks 25 without trouble. A lot of people told us he would be too heavy for this saddle. So far no problems at all and he's done some serious riding this summer. Hope all is well with you, thanks again, Gertrud. August 2004

Hi April, I'm just writing to let you know how much I LOVE this saddle. My horse had a problem with his old saddle digging in behind his withers. He was getting ots of white hairs there from the pressure. He always had dry spots...butnot NOW! NO more dry spots. NO more white hairs. His summer coat is coming in and the white hairs are GONE. When I remove the saddle and pad his back is uniformly moist, NO ruffled hairs. I do ride with a crupper. Today we were flying down the trail and his tail was up and he never stumbled. Took both of his leads (he never wanted to take the left one before). Actually seems to enjoy cantering. Before he would pin his ears and swish his tail when I asked for a lope. Thank You, Thank you, Thank you.   Deb Searle 04-24-04

Dear April,  My new saddle came today.  It stopped raining for an hour when I got home from work, so I got my Arab out for a test ride in the driveway.  I have NEVER sat in such a comfortable saddle!  The seat was very soft, yet totally supportive.  The pommel and cantle gently curved around me and cradled me in an incredibly secure seat.  I could feel every muscle in my horse's back.  In fact, I was a little jumpy because I was almost over stimulated by the information I got through the saddle.  I am sure this communication is both ways, as my horse was light and responsive. You talked me out of getting the taller barrel cantle, and I'm very happy that you did.  When I got it out of the box, I thought the seat looked much too large, even for my large derriere.  But with the pommel and cantle curving inward, that room is needed.  And I would not want the cantle any higher for trail riding as it's top comes very high on my sacrum.  I called my husband out to try it, and I think we'll have to get one for him eventually.  He was seriously impressed and said I had gotten my money's worth. I can barely wait to try this on the horse for whom it was intended-my sensitive paint colt with the bucking/saddle fit problem.  We tried 12 saddles on him with none fitting.  Number 13 is the charm, our new lucky number!Thank you so much for your personalized  attention and guidance.  I'll let you know how it goes with my paint colt, Jack. Sincerely, Donna Alpaugh 4/15/04 Dear April, I am enjoying my saddle so much -- and so is my horse! No sore spots for either of us, nice & light for me to pick up, stable even if he spooks at a deer jumping up, cleans up easy ....I know there will be many happy trails for both of us....Thanks, Adrienne Mason-Klamath Falls, Oregon [7/03]

April-OH MY GOD-THANK YOU!! I know you have enough 'happy client testimonials' but just had to let you 'know' how happy we are for listening to you about what would suit us best-after you [actuallylistening to me] about my concerns-designed the right saddle for my wants/needs!!!!! I've had my saddle for a few months now, and I can testify to it being the best saddle I have ever ridden in. My knees no longer ache after a ride, I can still walk when I get off. My back never bothers me any more. The best thing, My butt doesn't hurt when I sit after a long ride. It was one great investment. I believe my horse even likes the saddle. His walk seems springier. I also like the light weight of it. I'm not exhausted by the time I saddle the horse. I can also carry the saddle with one hand and the bridle and blanket in the other hand. Thank-you for all your help with it and getting it right to me. 6/17/03 C.J. Foreman

Subject: FINDING THE PERFECT HORSE! Hi All, I'm new to endurance riding, but finding a wonderful endurance horse has been a journey in itself. I joked to people that if I spent half as much time on the back of my new horse as I did driving the freeways, driving all over Southern California checking out endurance prospects and proven endurance horses, I'd have a high mileage riding year! I must have seen a dozen horses, and I had three vetted -- they all flunked! I spent alot of time and money in my search. I also had a horse at home I needed help with -- or shall I say a miracle? Also an Arab, Rio had a club foot, sidebone, had been abused and had such emotional problems that he was truly dangerous to ride, although he had a big heart. (Why did I buy him? His eyes...and I didn't have him vetted, like I should have...but, all things happen for a reason...) I couldn't sell him in good conscience, or even give him away! My husband thought I'd get killed on him, and my son thought I wanted to go into endurance riding because MAYBE Rio would calm down after going 50 miles! I learned how to get around on a computer solely so I could connect to the endurance community, and hopefully get some help. Endurance net was my saving grace! I began an e-mail relationship with a trainer whose ad I saw, April Battles, and she graciously gave me advice (for free!) for months before I decided to send Rio to her, which I did in March of this year. That is the beginning of my miracle. She discovered Rio was in severe pain! He had TMJ, causing him "horse-sized migraines," kidney pain, back pain and many other physical problems that were at the source of his dangerous behavior. She e-mailed me every day detailing what she was doing with him, sending pictures and progress reports. It was amazing!! He began to settle down and heal. She also told me about a five-year-old mare she had gotten, Rosie (aka "Softy") that she thought was a perfect fit for me. I flew up to meet her and April. My three days of training with April was the most intensive and comprehensive riding experience of my life. I learned more from her in those three days than I did from trainers I worked years with! I now ride in balance and harmony 'with' my horse and have 'quiet hands'. April really knows her stuff! She also is a nutritional expert, and taught me so much about horse nutrition. Her goal isn't just to sell horses, but sell lifetime partners who can compete year after year, just getting better and happier! Rosie is the horse of my dreams. She is the sweetest and sanest horse I've ever met -- sure-footed, smart, loving [and she's only 5] -- I could go on and on, and I'm sure over the years as I report our adventures, I will! I am so blessed, and I just had to tell this story. I am very grateful that both April and Rosie came into my life. I also purchased a Treeless Sportsaddle and Skito pad thru April and I LOVE MY SADDLE but most importantly so does my horse. It wasn't possible to get Rio sound, but April helped his mind heal. He went from a pain ridden, nervous, high strung-almost neurotic being to a calm, affectionate, easy going guy that would go out of his way to stick his nose in baby carriages to be petted. All the pain lines disapeared around his eyes and they got a soft-sleepy eyed look. I just donated him to a therapeutic riding academy in Vista, and they love him! He has always loved children, and now he spends his days with kids loving him back. He's also a success story. Thanks for listening. I am going to go hug my horse!

The saddle is great. I have used it on several rides now, including the three-day Cuyama ride and a few 100 milers. Robert Ribley 4/03

Hi April, I received my saddle last week [1/15/03] and the Skito pad you recommended a couple of days later. I had to wait very impatiently for the weather to warm up to try it. It was -20C to -30C all last week. Yuck. So finally it was warm yesterday and off I went. Beatle is a fidgeting machine when you're tacking up and yesterday was no exception. I hadn't ridden in about a month and a half so was expecting nothing else. I put the saddle on and he kept swinging around hoping to dump it off. It didn't work of course and once he was fully tacked up I led him around to settle him down a bit. I got on and he gave me none of his characteristic games! No spooking, no surging out his right shoulder. He dropped his head right away and only the lightest cues were required to get his full cooperation. I think he's normally tuning out a bunch of things because of the pain the old saddle was causing him. Now he has no problem listening to the lightest cues. I'm looking forward to lessons resuming so we can finally get the progression we should have had last summer. And another notable behavior...when I turn him out he normally bucks and runs off. This is regardless of if I even ride him, treats, you name it. Yesterday he hung around at the gate and needed more cuddles [probably saying thanks mom]. He's a very happy camper! I know this is the story you're used to hearing but I'm so relieved. I still had a worry that we'd be the one the saddle it didn't work for. I love how light and flexible it is. Thanks again, Jennifer and Beatle - Calgary, Canada

Hi there -- just spent 3 hours in my new saddle and I have to admit it was the best seat I've ever ridden in!!! My thighs got a little sore -- but I think that is me and being out of shape, not the saddle. I've had a terrible knot in my right shoulder blade the past couple of days - figured I'd be a little more sore when I finished -- damn-it the knot is almost completely gone! I can't believe it!!! No between the shoulder pain either - nothing! As for the saddle and the way we had it set up - I love it!!! It is plenty big enough even with the seat cover and me wearing sweats over my riding pants -- I felt really secure -- even trotted with no hands for about 1/2 mile -- I've never done that before! Today was the best ride I've had on PJ since last march! He still didn't really want to canter - but that was ok, today was just a nice slow walking day, with a little trot thrown in now and then and a canter once in awhile. I mainly just wanted to get use to the saddle and really not ask alot of PJ and he was great! He did very little back twisting and only scrunched his hind quarters down once and the best thing -- he didn't clip himself at all!! He's really out of shape since I haven't been riding him, so I'm sure he was quite grateful for the easy ride. And he really loves the idea of having mash before and after the ride! Did I say I love my new saddle? Man oh man -- I can't believe the difference! Right now where I have them [stirrups] is perfect for me -- which is a first too!!! Geez, I'm going to dread tomorrow when I have to ride in my old saddle -so hubby can try this one- I bet PJ won't be too happy either!! I just can't over how comfortable I felt!! Even with the saddle being brand new - it was GREAT!! I am so glad, thankful and grateful I bought this saddle! I won't ever use any other kind again! Right now I have it set up exactly the way I've always wanted a saddle to fit - even when PJ stumbled, I kept my seat, didn't clutch the reins, and I wasn't thrown off balance -- it was wonderful!! April, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!! Jacquie Ansell, Litchfield CA

Dear April, I had promised you a testimonial and here it is: Two years ago, I had a terrible accident while riding and my pelvis was broken in 5 places. I was determined to get back in the saddle and I did, but my seat bones were changed and riding gradually became so painful, I couldn't stand it for more than an hour. Then a friend let me borrow her Bob Marshall endurance saddle and I immediately rode for over 2 hours in blissful comfort. Injury? What injury? I promptly got my own Bob Marshall saddle. Six months later, I continue to love it more with each riding. My horse is clearly happier, too. He is so much more responsive to my leg. Two very satisfied customers! Many thanks, Susan Hoover

"I had given up trying to ride Rhea, as every saddle made her sore. My Bob Marshall saddle has brought us back in harmony! ''2 years later'' april, I can only say that RHEA has been pain free since we started using the Sport SADDLE !!!!! She really likes it."

"Hi April, I have been enjoying my sportsaddle, and it seems that my horse likes it as well. I have always ridden in english saddles, from dressage to all purpose to close contact, and none of them are comfortable for any length of time. The all purpose and the close contact put me too forward, with my legs positioned out in front. The dressage saddle allows for me to put my legs under me, and to sit up and not be forward, but the rise in the pommel is not comfortable for any trail riding. The smaller panels of the english saddle wasn't good for any horse's back, for long periods of time. A western saddle still puts my legs too far forward, and I hate the squeaky, hard, heavy saddle feel. Other endurance saddles might be ok, but once I sat in a sportsaddle, and could actually "feel" my horse's back move under my seat, I knew that it was the one for me. I wanted a comfortable ride for both my horse and I and I think that I have found it in the sportsaddle. Thanks for helping me to purchase one..." Laurie

"Over the many years of owning horses I have spent WAY too much money trying to find tack that fits all my horses properly. I met April Battles 8 years ago; and not only has she done various horse training services for me she has helped me to find the appropriate tack that works best for me/my inexperienced husband/children/horses. She introduced me to the Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles-we never have to worry about saddle fit again-something we could never figure out quite right anyway-our horses change shape winter/summer-our saddles now fit them no matter what shape they're in. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO REGULAR TREE'D SADDLES AGAIN! Sold our old used tack and have never looked back!!!!-6 yrs of riding in the treeless saddles-and still happy!" Michelle Stahl, Fall City WA

"In august of this year I bought a sportssaddle through you, I love love love this saddle. I have owned my horse Eddie for 9 years now and completed 2680 AERC miles with him. All these years on an English saddle that fit ok but started causing more and more trouble. I tried out a variety of saddles but none seem to be the right thing for him. A friend let me try her sportssaddle and I fell in love, after buying my own I wish I had done this years ago. My horse's back muscles are soft and relaxed now, I myself find the saddle really comfortable and it puts me in the right position for riding long hours, it's been so much fun riding him in this saddle. Well you already knew all this, that's why you sell these saddles. I just wanted to let you know how happy I am and I enjoy riding my horse even more than before."Gertrud Walker

"The saddle arrived and I rode in it today. The Skito still isn't here, but I HAD to ride my horse. I used a regular western pad and we only went 15 miles. But, she GAITED! And she seemed deliriously happy. I had a tough time saddling her and trying to get her stand for the mount, but once I was on and she realized it didn't hurt, she was just flying. I dismounted and remounted, and she stood quietly for the second mount because she wasn't dreading the pinch (I think, anyway). I am still glowing from the pleasure of having my horse back. Thank you April. "Rhonda Levinson, Tonganoxie Kansas

"The saddle is really great. I did as you suggested and cut off the keepers. It is much less bulky. I think I still need to cut off some of the length from the leathers. What I like most is the feeling of security the saddle give you. First of all, you are sitting in the correct posture and then it sort of "hugs" you. We've changed a number of things for Rocky lately, the saddle being one, and he has become a different horse. He still spooks but it doesn't have the same feeling of terror behind it and doesn't happen as often. When he does, I no longer feel like I'm going to loose him. Thanks again for all of your help. "Katrina

"April not only helped my find my new best friend in Joy, but she helped me get the Bob Marshall sport saddle that fits both Joy and myself. After I'd tried 3 other saddles with less than wonderful results, this saddle was like coming home. Joy behaves like a dream because she's comfortable, and I can ride all day without getting sore. I couldn't be happier with my new horse or saddle. Thanks, April! "

NOTE: April Battles has been an authorized sales representative for Sport Saddles for the past 9 years and personally has over 32,000 miles on her present Endurance Sport Saddle (with only 6 years of riding). April knows what will work for you! Get your Treeless Sport Saddle from someone that really rides in them and weighs in at 215 lbs with tack!  (Call, April Battles at 530-823-7321). She is usually out back with the horses with her phone head set on when she is not out on the trails training safe trail horses.