Folks, I just have to brag.
I took delivery of my new Marciante trail endurance saddle on April 5. I
rode it for a half an hour that night, for two hours on the following Saturday,
then took it on a two-day 40-mile NATRC competitive trail ride this past
weekend. It was fabulous!
This saddle is made by Frank Marciante in Arizona. It is leather with
independent stirrups and fully adjustable rigging (stirrup straps and girth are
nylon). I'm used to riding a close-contact English saddle, and this saddle
gives me that feeling but with an endurance-type pommel and western
cantle. The leather is so soft that there's no break-in time. The
leg contact is phenomenal. The independent stirrups make it very easy to
rise from the seat during uphills and to position myself well for downhills.
I have the easy-cinch system, so I can tighten/loosen the girth from the saddle
(what a blessing!). The panels are rough-out leather, so there is no
saddle slip. I don't use a breast collar or a crupper, but I do use
Frank's saddle pads (removable inserts, washable covers). Despite the
hills at Big Lake, KS, my saddle never moved.
Frank made the saddle for me from photos of my horse and telephone
conversations. The fit is superb, both for me and for my horse.
Neither I nor my horse had any soreness or tenderness at all after the two-day
ride.
I'm so happy with the quality of workmanship, the fit and finish, and the
excellent service I got from Frank, and the price is wonderful, too!
If anyone wants more information, email me privately. And no, I'm not a
rep, nor do I get any $$$ for this. The saddle is so great for me and my
horse, I hope others can benefit, too.
Elizabeth B.
I want to thank you for the amazingly comfortable saddle.
When it first arrived I thought I was going to be disappointed. Then I took a
ride. The last several years I've been working with a famous local saddle
maker who makes hand fitted and beautiful looking saddles, but I've had a very
difficult time getting a good fit for my horse. This Marciante saddle was
meant to be my 'go-between' saddle while work was done on my expensive saddle
which required constant readjusting. After one fluid ride on my horse I knew
this was going to become my #1 choice for the trails. I think my decision to
go with the distance model was a wise one. My horse not only moves freely, but
I find myself moving freely with him due to the close contact and comfortable
seat. Thank you for a great product.
Maureen P.
