DairyQueen, I didn’t want this to get into a saddle-bashing thread, but I am getting a bit concerned about GOG’s customer service. They have responded to my emails and finally said they can get me a new fender – but they haven’t said when or if it will cost me any $$. 
I’m waiting for their response (again).
[QUOTE=DairyQueen2049;3347915]
When I called then initially they did not respond. When I posted the problem on their message board it was WIPED OUT and THEN I got a PM, not a call, about how my warrenty was over. :no: Their customer service is lacking, IMO.[/QUOTE]
A little OT, but they scare me. I tried hanging out a bit on their board, but it’s a bit like a cross between the Stepford Wives (everything is wonderful, everything is perfect) and Communist rule (you may not have an opinion that differs from the party line, and if you do – it and you will be erased).
I was interested in trying her bit, but ended up deciding on a Myler because I was afraid they’d slip me some coolaid during the purchase process. :lol:
Back on topic – I had a tough time finding something that worked well for my TWH. I started out with an assortment of dressage saddles, tried every friend’s western style saddle I could find, a few treeless saddles, then switched to a Circle Y Park and Trail (rounded skirts for minimal coverage). In the end, he and I were both happiest in a Tucker Plantation saddle. I agree with what others have said – every horse is different. You really need to look for the right fit, and not worry about “gaited” marketing.
My TWH looked like a narrow to medium TB – with big old shark withers. But he has huge shoulders, and while so many people (even a professional saddle fitter) told us he needed a medium tree, in the end, it turned out he needed a wide tree. Definately look for demo opportunities – because you really just never know.
Not a bash. 
I ride in the saddle for goodness sakes and so does hubby :yes:- just a public service message that the buyer needs to beware and there are issues with the customer service - as you yourself have noted.
And yes, the website is for those that have imbibed in the coolaid and all is sunny and rosey and brite!! :no:
Hey, Remember Tylenol and its recall and now we all still have the product on our shelves? Cuz they were HONEST and upfront with everyone. 'Ware the company that hides its complaints.
[QUOTE=katarine;3345594]
national bridle shop also has a generous trial program, too. www.nationalbridleshop.com[/QUOTE]
I used to ride my little bulldog paint horse in one of their saddles, and I really liked it.
He’s not a gaited horse, but he does have really wide shoulders and is too short-backed for most western saddles. IIRC, National Bridle uses the same tree as Crates, right?
I finally went with a treeless, though, because of budget concerns and the fact my horse was still changing shape. Which has, sadly, ended up resembling a barrel. The Trekker is a nice saddle if you can keep it from ending up under the horse’s belly! sigh
Some of the National Bridle saddles use the Steele Equi-fit tree (which is what is in many Crates saddles). I believe the Tennesean uses the Steele tree.
so far as GOG goes, Robart - Metalab designed a bit that was then copied by GOG - and manufactured overseas. (There was a lawsuit of patent infringement, GOG lost, but I don’t know what the final settlement was.)
google on Robart and you’ll find the jointed, extended mouth (what I call it), bit. It may be cheaper at Robart as well. Robart was one of the original Pinchless bits … just didn’t market them as well as Myler did. 
Some of the Myler comfort bits are take offs from barrel racing bits. :lol:
Nose bands with gag side pieces and various mouthpieces.
Sorry to digress…
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I didn’t read everyone’s posts. But of course each horse is shaped different, so one saddle won’t fit them all.
I have Saddlebreds, TWH and a Mountain horse. I bought a Big Horn saddle mainly for my Mountain horse.
http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/tennessee-walker-saddle.html
But this saddle fits all that I have tried it on. I do have one Saddlebred that is very round, with out much withers. So I doubt it will fit her. I haven’t put it in her.
Anyway, this saddle seems to fit a varity of horses. May be worth looking in to.
I really like the super padded seat! After several hours, my seat bones are not sore at all!
Also this saddle has spine clearance ALL the way down, like an english saddle. A big plus for me!
DairyQueen,
Now I want to rant about Gaits of Gold. Not helpful at all with getting a replacement fender for my hubby’s saddle. Here’s their reply to my request. I purchased this saddle from GOG BEFORE they sold to Big Horn:
“You have an Amish made saddle and since they are not in our area anymore we do not have a way of contacting them. You can go to an independent leather maker and ask them to replace the fender or you can contact Big Horn at 423-867-9901 and see if they will sell you just the fender(you may have to purchase 2 I’m not sure) and also the color may be off a little. Sorry to hear about this and I wish we could help you further. Have a great day!”
Have a great day my A$$!!!:no: Independent leather maker??? What the fruitbat??? I purchased the saddle from GOG and I expect them to stand behind their product and find/have/provide a replacement fender (I offered up front to pay for it). IT’S COMING APART FOR GOD’S SAKE!!! Less than two years of once or twice a week use. Jeesssh.
The only good news is Big Horn is really trying to help me, but I’ll have to purchase both fenders in order to have them come even close to matching. Sad. Really sad.
IMHO: avoid Brenda Imus and her 4-Beat products.
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I knew Brenda Imus before she was “Brenda Imus.” Never bought anything from her, nor paid any attention to her “gaited horse drivel.”
I’m sorry you got had. I don’t like to see that happen to anybody.
You’re probably best off to find an independant saddle make and let them make what you need. You can sent the bill to Brenda; I doubt she’ll pay it, though.
G.
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Big Horn Saddles has come through for me (no thanks to Brenda Imus or Gaits of Gold). They are sending me two new fenders for $150. I thought that was a fair price and the customer service was TONS better than GOG.
[QUOTE=CanterQueen;3364595]
Big Horn Saddles has come through for me (no thanks to Brenda Imus or Gaits of Gold). They are sending me two new fenders for $150. I thought that was a fair price and the customer service was TONS better than GOG.[/QUOTE]
Glad things worked out for you. I hope others take note and “vote with their dollars” for people who provide good service.
G.
