A Great Year, A Great Saddle
A year ago I wrote an article about a new saddle by the Simco Leather Company
of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Rusty Taylor Gaited Horse Trail Saddle was new
then and although I had tested it on several rides, it had not stood the test
of time. Well, I can say that this saddle has performed to my fullest expectations.
It has held up well, it is comfortable for my horse and for me.
Every person who has ridden my saddle has liked it. Robert Baker who lives in
Missouri and rides Fox-Trotters enjoys his saddle. His words are "good seat,
good fit". I have had some experienced trail riders try this saddle and I
have yet to hear a negative comment.
This summer Simco came out with another version of my saddle. They call it the
Rusty Taylor All-Around. It is built on the same tree, but has a rounded squirt.
The seat was designed by James Kesler and not only looks good but also sits good.
This saddle was developed to be used with gaited mules as well as gaited horses.
I have been using it on Sugar, my Tennessee Walking Mule. It is a great looking
saddle and there is a picture of it on the Simco web page.
I can't emphasize enough how good these saddles work. I have ridden both of my
saddles on some long, demanding rides. I am amazed at how good I feel after a
day of riding. My knees and ankles don't hurt, and it is obviously comfortable
for my horses and my mule. Sugar is only two years old and I am very careful about
how I treat her, and I can say without question she doesn't mind carrying me on
my All-Around. I rode her yesterday after church and she does better every time
out. The biggest difference that I have found between horses and mules is that
you can usually coax a horse into doing what you want. I have found that with
Sugar I am trying to get her to cooperate with me, because if she doesn't want
too, she won't. I have raised this mule and I am learning as I go, but sure is
fun.
If you are needing a good trail saddle I whole heartedly recommend the Rusty Taylor
Gaited Horse or the Rusty Taylor All-Around. I hope all who read this are well
and happy, and getting to ride. If you have any questions about these saddles
e-mail me at rustytaylor@bellsouth.net.
Sincerely,
Rusty Taylor
A Trail Rider