GSR Versatility Saddles
Background
I wanted a saddle that would fit my horses . . . and me. I wanted a saddle that would be usable for everything I do from Mountain Trail Competitions, to Versatility Competitions, to Cowboy Dressage to chasing cows to Pleasure Trail riding. I wanted a saddle that I could lift onto my horse, into my trailer and carry to the tack room . . . without needing chiropractic work afterwards. It turned out to be a big “want”. Although the search started years before, the project resulting in the current saddle options began in 2011. What started as a gaited saddle project, rapidly turned into a broader project, when folks on mules and stock horses started seeing the benefits of the saddle style to them and their horses.
My priorities:
So I kept pursuing my saddle dream through unbelieving tree makers and misunderstanding saddle makers. And, on Prototype #5, it all came together. It took three more years of testing and tweaking to get it ready to sell. But that's not the end . . . we keep making little changes . . .
What's in a GSR Versatility Saddle?
I believe the best test of the fit of a saddle to both rider and horse is in the actual use of the saddle. There is more truth to be told in the movement and attitude of your horse than the most “sophisticated” saddle fitting method. And with even the best fit on the horse, the saddle must also provide comfort and freedom of movement to the rider to allow him/her to ride in the best balance and with the best ability to communicate with the horse.
Trial Period: To that end, I offer a 30-day Trial Period for you to use a demo saddle. I will have you send some pictures and dimensions to determine which of the tree styles is the best match for your horse. You will be responsible for shipping costs including insurance on the demo and there is a $1,000 deposit. Any time during the 30 days, you can decide to order your own saddle. Upon receipt of the balance of $2,300 plus shipping/insurance, your saddle will be ordered. If you order a saddle, you may continue to use the demo unless there is another customer request. If you decide to try a different demo, it will be shipped upon the return of the first saddle and the 30-day trial will restart on that new shipment date. If you do not order a saddle, I must receive the trial saddle within 10 days of the end of the period.
Direct Purchase: I have to say that for the cost of shipping, I encourage you to try the Trial Period, but if you already know (maybe you tried a friend’s saddle for a time) that you want to purchase, I’m sure not going to tell you “no” but, there’s no return if you don’t like it.
Warranty: Materials and construction are guaranteed for three years from the date of purchase. Any defect that keeps you from using the saddle, and not due to miss-use, will be honored by the return of the prorated purchase price at the time the saddle is returned.
How to Pay: The price is $3,300 plus shipping/insurance through UPS. Pay with personal check, or Credit Card/Paypal (3% Fee Added). Saddle orders are paid $1,500 up front and the remainder near when your saddle is complete. Send checks to Golden Sunset Ranch, 15031 Profitt Loop, Baker City, OR 97814 or click below for credit card payment options.
Think You're Ready to Order?
I wanted a saddle that would fit my horses . . . and me. I wanted a saddle that would be usable for everything I do from Mountain Trail Competitions, to Versatility Competitions, to Cowboy Dressage to chasing cows to Pleasure Trail riding. I wanted a saddle that I could lift onto my horse, into my trailer and carry to the tack room . . . without needing chiropractic work afterwards. It turned out to be a big “want”. Although the search started years before, the project resulting in the current saddle options began in 2011. What started as a gaited saddle project, rapidly turned into a broader project, when folks on mules and stock horses started seeing the benefits of the saddle style to them and their horses.
My priorities:
- Fit to the horse and human
- Balanced fit on the horse standing and in motion
- Seat designed for rider’s comfort and balance in heavy demand (cow-work and mountain trail, for example) to lighter demand (arena show, Cowboy Dressage, pleasure trail) situations
- Tree that would stand up to the rigors; bars with large surface area for weight distribution, but still light weight
- Natural materials—leather and real wool. I just didn’t like the feel of synthetics.
- Lightweight, but able to stand up to daily use for an acceptable life span.
So I kept pursuing my saddle dream through unbelieving tree makers and misunderstanding saddle makers. And, on Prototype #5, it all came together. It took three more years of testing and tweaking to get it ready to sell. But that's not the end . . . we keep making little changes . . .
What's in a GSR Versatility Saddle?
- Two tree styles are available for gaited and two styles for non-gaited horses. One of the tree styles will fit most horses and mules.
- Custom designed wood tree: fiberglass coated Southern Yellow Pine. The overall tree length is shorter than standard, and has spread, rock, twist and bar angle that provides stability and balance on most horses. The bars are wide and strong for maximum weight distribution.
- A special weight Herman Oak leather is used for the seat, skirt, jockey, pommel, cantle and fenders with heavier weight used for the stirrup leathers to help prevent stretching. Wool fleece under the saddle.
- “Versatility” is the important word in this saddle design. If you want to rope and hold 500 pound steers, this isn’t the saddle for that. But roping calves once in a while or pulling objects in a trail competition are no problem.
- The Saddle Basics:
- Medium slope swells on a fairly straight up fork for maximum thigh room with good hold for rough country.
- A 3” tall all-around style metal horn with a 2 ½” cap to allow for dallying, pommel bag, and grabbing without being in the way.
- The ground seat is handmade in each saddle providing close contact and a comfortable mid-seat width for almost every woman and most men.
- The cantle height, width and dish are designed for maximum thigh room, while maintaining allowance for position adjustments for each riding situation and providing stability for balance.
- The skirt and jockey size and position were designed for light weight in the finished product while providing stability. The length of the saddle is shorter than standard to support the weight of the rider over the strongest part of the horse’s back and avoid pressure on the weaker lumbar area.
- Finished weight with included gear is under 25 pounds.
- Standard Inclusions:
- Medium Dark Oil Leather (will darken with age)
- Medium Brown, Dark Brown or Black Padded Seat
- Leather Latigo and Billet
- Aluminum Stirrups
- Leather Rosettes with basic Conchos
- Girth and Cinch Keepers
- Stirrup Leather Hobbles
- Choice of Pencil Roll or 1" or 2" Cheyanne Roll Cantle Style
- Choice of Seat Sizes with Recommendations Based on Thigh Measurement
- Choice of Tree Style (see “How to Purchase”)
- Other Important Information:
- Due to the leather weight, tooling is on the rear lower edge of the fender and the housing corners only.
- Strings are on D rings and can be added to the Rear, Center and Middle screws (where the Rosettes are).
- You can request the back-cinch slots, but try the Prototype without the back cinch to see if you really need one. If the saddle fit is correct, there probably isn't much need for the back cinch. This is personal preference.
- Other than the choices listed above, I won’t be offering any customization. I designed these saddles for specific needs--not to go into the saddle making business. In other words, you get what I like. If that fits your needs, great.
I believe the best test of the fit of a saddle to both rider and horse is in the actual use of the saddle. There is more truth to be told in the movement and attitude of your horse than the most “sophisticated” saddle fitting method. And with even the best fit on the horse, the saddle must also provide comfort and freedom of movement to the rider to allow him/her to ride in the best balance and with the best ability to communicate with the horse.
Trial Period: To that end, I offer a 30-day Trial Period for you to use a demo saddle. I will have you send some pictures and dimensions to determine which of the tree styles is the best match for your horse. You will be responsible for shipping costs including insurance on the demo and there is a $1,000 deposit. Any time during the 30 days, you can decide to order your own saddle. Upon receipt of the balance of $2,300 plus shipping/insurance, your saddle will be ordered. If you order a saddle, you may continue to use the demo unless there is another customer request. If you decide to try a different demo, it will be shipped upon the return of the first saddle and the 30-day trial will restart on that new shipment date. If you do not order a saddle, I must receive the trial saddle within 10 days of the end of the period.
Direct Purchase: I have to say that for the cost of shipping, I encourage you to try the Trial Period, but if you already know (maybe you tried a friend’s saddle for a time) that you want to purchase, I’m sure not going to tell you “no” but, there’s no return if you don’t like it.
Warranty: Materials and construction are guaranteed for three years from the date of purchase. Any defect that keeps you from using the saddle, and not due to miss-use, will be honored by the return of the prorated purchase price at the time the saddle is returned.
How to Pay: The price is $3,300 plus shipping/insurance through UPS. Pay with personal check, or Credit Card/Paypal (3% Fee Added). Saddle orders are paid $1,500 up front and the remainder near when your saddle is complete. Send checks to Golden Sunset Ranch, 15031 Profitt Loop, Baker City, OR 97814 or click below for credit card payment options.
Think You're Ready to Order?
- Refer to the Saddle Options Sheet and then fill out the Saddle Order Form and give me a call at 541-519-2036 or send an email.
Contact Information:
[email protected] ~ 541-519-2036
Dee Myers ~ Golden Sunset Ranch
15031 Profitt Loop ~ Baker City, OR 97814
[email protected] ~ 541-519-2036
Dee Myers ~ Golden Sunset Ranch
15031 Profitt Loop ~ Baker City, OR 97814