Testimonials

Meleta,

I had to write to thank you for the freedom ride barrel saddle. I had been searching for more than 3 years for a saddle with a more innovative fit than regular western trees were able to provide. I have a mustang with a pretty typical back, (some good withers but a drop behind the shoulders), so I was surprised and frustrated to not be able to find anything satisfactory to ride him in.

I was fortunate enough to be able to try one of your saddles on him at a recent clinic with Kathleen Lindley and once I dropped it into the pocket of his back, I was sold! The rock in the saddle conformed perfectly to his natural shape and the flare at the shoulders allowed me to set the saddle where it is meant to sit but without any of the pinching so common to so many other types of saddles.

I have literally tried twenty well-made saddles and a multitude of standard forms on him in the past. None of these came close to working. What’s more, this saddle rides well on my barrel backed Appaloosa as well as our 4 year old reining-bred Quarter Horse.

The headstall my sister conspired with you to surprise me with for my birthday is just the icing on the cake!

I’m going to be grateful for a very long time for the peace of mind that comes from knowing I’m not causing my horse any discomfort. The saddle is already allowing him to do his job better and with a calmer frame of mind. This is a horse who bears the scars of ill-fitting saddles that came before I owned him. To be so totally sure that I’m not adding to them is a relief beyond compare. I’ve already set about recommending you locally!

Thank you for all of your help – I know you went above and beyond to supply this saddle and I deeply appreciate it.

Warm Regards,

Louise Bailey (and Peantu!) – HTTP://WWW.UODIBARKENNEL.COM

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Elsie Eleeson from Beresford, SD

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I’m very pleased with my saddle because it fits Romero perfect =))  Here are some pics of Romero and his freedom saddle.

Charlotte and Romero, from Sweden!

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Hi Meleta!
I struggled for almost three year’s trying to find something that would fit my mare, River. So, I attended one of your saddle fitting clinics in Ionia, Michigan in May of 2010.  After trying several name brand saddles yours was the only one that fit her.  Everything out there was either too narrow in the shoulder area or it bridged on her created pressure points.
I ordered one of your saddles right after the clinic and it took almost 5 months to get my saddle.  Well, it was definitely worth the wait!!!  Your saddle design has freed up River’ shoulder’s letting her stride out between barrels and she is now comfortable enough to snap around in her turns.  This summer has been my first summer using the saddle and my little mare LOVES it.  She is shutting off the clock a lot faster!  Not only is placing in the 1-D at NBHA shows but I also WON my 1st rodeo on her. None of that would have been possible without a saddle that fit!
I wanted to send you this special note and thank you for creating a saddle that truly fits a horses back.  I also wanted to thank you for putting on the clinic’s that help educate horse people on saddle fit.  You have a thirst to help people and it shows!
I attached a pic from one of our runs.  Enjoy your summer!  I will be enjoying mine in my Freedom Saddle!
Chris Bjork and River

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When I bought Kirby (Lightning Starsnbars) he had a VERY sore back.  He would bite at me when saddled.  I called Meleta right away and she met me to try different saddles on him.  The Meleta Brown Freedom saddle was the best fit.  Meleta even gave me her personal saddle to use until mine shipped.  What a difference!  Kirby has a very strange back, and the new saddle fits him like a glove.  No more soreness and no more biting when getting saddled.  His performance has improved and he has been running amazingly well.   He has had several major wins over the last two seasons, the biggest of which was the AQHA Senior Pole Bending Champion in 2011!  Thank you Meleta!!!
~~ Kristine Nagy