Testimonials
Thank you for the work you do to create such beautiful saddles. I love mine, and as a matter of fact, my horse does too! I had the saddle professionally fitted, so my horse actually "told" me which one was his favorite. Fortunately we agreed.
Lisa DiMarco - IL USA
I Love my new Omni Saddle. Thank you so much for the great service and craftsmanship
Bob Garcia - CA USA
I absolutely love this saddle!!! The quality and workmanship exceeded my expectations. The saddle is so comfortable and fits my hard to fit Arabian mare beautifully. I am completely sold on Frank Baines Saddles and I will highly recommend them to everyone I know.
Nina Reilly - USA
I Just wanted you all to know that i recieved Jazzs saddle this morning. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! Thank you
Amanda - (Balance Saddle)
Your saddle really has made a big difference to my riding. For the first time since Ive been riding dressage, I actually feel like I can sit properly into the horse. The design of it also means I feel like I can get my leg in very close contact with my horses. Any other saddle Ive sat in since feels disconnecting and like theres too much between me and the horse. Both my horses have been going really well in the new saddle. It has certainly helped me ride better not just in training but at competition as well.
Anya Durling - New Zealand
I Love it very much!, My Trainer worked endlessly on my position (in different highly recommended brand name saddles) and once i began using the Elegance Dressage my position was no longer an issue! She commented on what a quality saddle it is. You have found a loyal customer!
Julie - USA
Please let Frank know that it is really fantastic, not only is it beautiful and really comfortable, but most importantly, it fits my horse well. Am so pleased with it - such a pleasure to own.
Emma Baverstock - Spain
LOVE THE SADDLE!!!! (Enduro LDR) You were wonderful to work with through the whole process. I have never purchased a custom made saddle and i was a bit nervous about the process but you made it very painless! Thank you again and when i win my next endurance competition i will let you know!
Devereaux Raskauskas - USA
What an incredible saddle (The Omni Dressage), the fit to my horse, along with my own body. The seat is more comfortable than any other saddle ive ridden in. You are the creator of a wonderful piece of art. Thank you again for such a wonderful saddle, i must say Frank Baines makes one of the nicest custom saddles, love the wide soft panels and so does my horse.
Jim Orlowski - FL
We are getting great feedback on the Omni. Riders (professionals and amateurs) are loving the postion it puts them in and it is fitting different horses very well.
Mary - M & M Tack Shop USA
I just thought I would let you know the outcome of an Endurance run/ride “Man Against Horse” held here on the 6th of October 07. In the 50 mile, the first place winner was riding in a Frank Baines Reflex (we sold her) -- The 2nd place winner was riding in a Frank Baines Enduro ( also from us)—This woman also got best condition too, The 7th place was a 5 yr old gelding in his first 50—one of the lady’s I ride with, also in a Frank Baines Reflex, and the 8th place was also in a Frank Baines Enduro (we sold her) --- All top 10--- not bad—They absolutely love their saddles. I am going to get some pictures of them. As it happens, they are on the Renegade Boots Website too as they were all barefoot endurance horses—which made big news too—
Shawna Eagle River Saddles and Tack
http://www.EagleRiverTack.com
Shawna - Eagle River Saddles & Tack
"The best saddle Ive ever sat in."
Polly Stockton (Eventing)
"I must say, What a surprise! In my extensive search to find the perfect fitting saddle for my 6yr. old TB gelding, I thought I had exhausted all of my options. Hes a big boy, tending to look more like a Warmblood, with wide shoulders but with high withers. I was having a hard time finding a fit that would not pinch or sit uncomfortably on his withers. After many trials, I came across the Reflex at my local retailer, Franklin Saddler in Michigan. It was safe to say just in looking at the Reflex, I felt it would be incredibly comfortable and secure. But, the true test was the fit on my horse. I was amazed, FINALLY, a perfect fit! I have been riding in my new Reflex for a few weeks now and can not believe the improvement in my own position. I must thank you for making my riding experience more enjoyable."
Jennifer Petersen
"I have just brought your Reflex Dressage saddle and absolutely love it, I have had so much problem in finding a saddle for my horse but now all the problems are gone, thank you!"
Jannica Krafft
"Thank you so much for making my saddle, I love it and it fits great. It is truly Elegant, now I am ready to get a jumping saddle, I have already put my order in"
Nancy Yap
"Great Saddles"
Sonny Tang
"I brought a Working Hunter saddle. I have just loved it and I wanted you to know that. It is so comfortable and it fits my horse so well. I spent two years looking for the right saddle and the search was really worth it. You should know too that the ladies at Trumbull Mountain Tack (VT) do a wonderful job. I will be going back to Trumbull at some future date to order another Frank Baines Working Hunter for my new horse."
Dr Katherine McQueen
"A safe and thoroughly well designed piece of equipment."
Gary Parsonage (Eventing)
"Enables the rider to maintain perfect balance and control"
Lee Williams (Show Jumping)
"Outstanding craftsmanship, a real pleasure to ride in"
Andrew Davies (Show Jumping)
"Retains the most important features, close contact but still allowing complete freedom of movement."
Stephen Clarke (Dressage)
"An exceptional quality saddle that offers the rider both balance and comfort"
Clive Halsall (Dressage)
My Horse and I absolutely love this Saddle, Thanks (Enduro)
Terry Hutchins (USA)
Just wanted to say I’m thrilled to have finally found a saddle my TB is comfortable/happy with. After trying over 16 saddles and at the point of giving up, I tried your Capriole and it was an instant success with my horse – and that speaks volumes with him. THANK YOU for putting the time and thought into designing a saddle that provides a level of comfort that I couldn’t find in many other saddles.
Johna Compton (Alabama USA)
This is exactly why I am the biggest Frank Baines fan...he really does create a masterpiece!
Nancy (Trumbull Mountain Stables VT USA)
It has arrived!!!!! Oh, the smell!! I will let you know what Tim thinks as soon as it stops raining. I love everything about it. Perfection. I can tell that it is going to fit him like a glove. I could go on and on…..There is nothing you could do to make this masterpiece of a saddle , fit any better. I am so blown away. How did Frank do this? With every saddle I tried, there was always a issue of Tims that it did not accommodate. Frank managed to cover Tims muttenwithered, downhill, wide spine bone, tables topped, huge shouldered, body. I was told by a saddle fitter that I was wasting my money. That all the saddle maker was going to do was look at one of the seven tracings and send me the closest fitting tree. I was discouraged by that. Man!!! Were they wrong. This took a genius and a miracle to have it so perfect. I cant believe he did this without my horse. Im so happy….I dont have to tell you that I will be your "biggest" advertisement.....I wanted to share our experience so far, in our Elegance saddle. My 4 year old Spotted Draft was scoring in the high 60s this season. I have endless compliments on how my horse is going and how my position has improved dramatically. I just sink into my Elegance and Timber is right there as comfy as I am. I am quick to give the credit to the saddle. One look at my draft and it is obvious that he is NOT an easy fit. I am so, so greatfull. I cant wait for next season when we will turn heads at a higher level. This is living!!!
Cori Oehley (USA)
That Capriole is the most beautiful saddle I have ever laid my eyes on. I rode in it this morning for a few minutes, it was the BEST. I have never seen such beautiful leather and so comfortable.
Wendy Duhaime (USA)
Thanks for making such a wonderful saddle. My horse is happy to work and moves wonderful, really gives his back to me.
Irene Terp-Nielson (Denmark)
I have to say I have never experienced a saddle so AWESOME before (ELAN CC). I am a customer for life!!!!. It is not only like riding on a pillow but it is so balanced and it puts you in the perfect position. I am proud to say I have a Frank Baines saddle and I will tell everyone how great they are. Thanks for making such a beautiful saddle.
Laura Shipman (WA)
LOVE your saddles, am in the processing of buying an Elegance, it’s for my husband..its the only saddle that puts his leg in the correct position naturally he LOVES IT! The horse he rides has had a history of a sore back..he rounds up instantly in this saddle..we LOVE IT.
Pip Sumsion (Canada)
My horse moves so well now with his new saddle. It is a beautiful piece of workmanship
Jamie Citti (WA)
Received my saddle and I’m very pleased with the fit and comfort….its beautiful. It fits like a glove to me and my horse….thank you
Lynn Iwamoto (HI)
I received my Baines Saddle last month and have been enjoying its fit and comfort. It is the first saddle that I have owned which had fit both myself and my horse completely, thank you
Kathleen Burle
I have had the pleasure of using a saddle designed by you. Heidi Paul, a wonderful riding instructor in my area, has a few of your sensational saddles (Enduro LDR). They have regained my desire to ride and especially endurance, My Arabian mare is like a different horse with your saddle, not only does she like the fit, but I love the feel of riding her in comfort and confidence.
Jean Collins (CA)
Frank Baines you’re a GOD! I am absolutely thrilled with my new Capriole Saddle...it’s the best saddle ever. Not only does my back NOT hurt anymore and my position a lot better but my horse loves it. He’s not cranky and no more swishing of his tail. He relaxes like a cream puff. When riding in it I totally forget I have a saddle under me. All of my friends at the barn love and want one too. My friend said it all ‘I think this is the most comfortable saddle I ever rode in
Gail Shand (USA)
My trainer was out yesterday and she KNOWS saddles, She went wild over Bears’s saddle (Capriole) and wants to recommend it to some clients. Helping me is quite the endorsement since no one else could and I have looked for a decent saddle that we both like for 4 years. I had tried everything imaginable and nothing seamed to work on his flat wide back. Not only is my horse happy now with this saddle but this is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden in. The leather is absolutely beautiful, top quality. I just want to thank you and tell you that you really know how to build a quality saddle that fits and really works.
Wendy Duhaime (USA)
The Enduro Panel has excellent bearing surface offering good freedom of movement through the shoulder. A very comfortable seat offering close contact with the horse and putting the rider in a good position. This is a nice saddle, it puts the rider in a good position and sat very well on all four horses. It is well balanced and stable in all paces. All the riders liked the knee block on the flap, the comfortable seat and the wide bearing surface on the panel which allowed all the horses to move more freely through their backs. The wider front area of the panel appears to allow a closer fit without in any way restricting the shoulder movement and also allows the riders leg to be closer to the horse. I liked the way the last girth strap comes off a V web, it appears to add to the stability of the saddle without restriction.
Her customer’s comments were:
‘I could ride in this all day’
‘he is moving much more freely through the shoulder’
‘I feel as though I am sitting closer to him’
‘Lovely comfortable seat’
Sue Slade (UK Saddle Fitter)
The Reflex Dressage , this is a very nice dressage saddle well balanced, putting the rider in an excellent position allowing them to sit into the saddle with a very close feel of the horse enabling them to place the horse correctly for the different movements. The girthing system allows greater stability without hindering freedom of movement of the horse. The panel offers a wide bearing surface and allows freedom of movement through the back and sits off the shoulder allowing greater freedom of movement through the shoulder. Her rider’s comments were:
‘It’s like riding bear back’
‘He moves so much better in this, I can just place him where I want him’
‘It doesn’t stretch me and I seem to be able to ride deeper’
‘My horse really moves in this its amazing, I feel I am sitting in the right place’
‘I could canter all day in this’
Sue Slade (UK Saddle Fitter)
I have had my saddle for about 2 years and its still awsome. We tried hundreds of saddles on my horse and nothing fit. The reflex close contact was the best fit for him and me. It has fit every horse I have put it on, and all my friends like to steal it and ride in it. Awsome for doing anything
Sonja Beale
I cant believe the difference in how my horse use to move and how she moves now. After 40 years of riding horses, I never realized the criticality of a proper fitting saddle. This has made my horse far more comfortable which makes both of us happier. Thanks for thinking about the horse!
Carolyn Orem
I absolutely love the saddle!!! (Enduro LDR)
I got it home and took it out right away for a ride.
My horse loved it!!! He has never moved so free and easy in his gait.
I also had the most comfortable ride I have had on him ever since we bought him his first saddle.
I am hooked on Frank Baines. Can you get my message back to the manufacturer? I am going only ride in their saddles from now on!
Jeff Bergstrom (USA)
Hi.. I just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I truly love my custom made Reflex Dressage Saddle. It fits us both like a fine leather glove and Ive only been riding in it a week!! Nancy and her staff at Trumbull Mtn. Tack were just wonderful to deal with! Many Thanks for a job well done.
Cheryl Donovan Hinckley Ohio USA
I just got my new Frank Baines (Elan CC)saddle and it is without question the best saddle i have ever sat in! My horse is a very hard fit and this saddle is perfect. He is already starting to jump better. This saddle puts me in the perfect position that my trainer has been trying to get me in for the Hunt Seat medals. I love it. I will recomend it to everyone i know! Best of all is getting rid of the lolli-pop riser pad i had to use because of my horses HUGE withers. i cant thank you enough!
THANK YOU! perfect job! I REALLY LOVE My saddle!
Emily Merlo Clarkston MI USA
I have the dressage-Elegance. I really love it. I had some other saddles from good brands before but is the best of all. I like it, my horse likes it. He has a bump on his back. The vet says it will never go away. But now its started to get smaller. His back is really nice now
Anja
Im still very happy with my Frank Baines saddle. I brought it 7 years ago and it still looks new. It fits on almost every horse, so its super.
Tamara Jagers - The Netherlands
I searched for 8 months for a saddle that would fit my 5 year old 17.1 Thoroughbred Trak mix with high withers. I finally had the equine chiropractor, trainer, saddle fitter and vet all agree on the Frank Baines Reflex close contact. My horse is moving freely without an attitude. A wonderful bonus is that it fits me like a glove as well. Thank you for designing a terrific saddle!
Rebecca Larson
i have just purchased my new horse, who came with her saddle.. a Frank Baines eventing model, and boy!! do I love it?? I have ordered two more for my other two horses.. and my only critisism is i would love for my pony to have one too.. and I cant find a small enough size!! Thank you though for helping me find the perfect saddles for my perfect horses!
Ingrid
Dear Sir, I would like to let you know how much I like my new saddle. Even though my horse is quite wide, it fits my horse and me very well. Chris at the Gift Horse did an excellent job of measuring my horse. The Enduro LDR is quite well made and is a delight to ride in. Thank you for designing such a superb saddle. Sincerely, Darlene Wing
Darlene Wing - WA USA
Here Anja and Yvonne again, We made our first ride over the beach at Noordwijk (Netherlands) this year. Zarion (the 26 years old black horse) wears the dressage saddle "Elegance". Utile (the 6 years old brown horse) wears the endurance saddle "Enduro".
This saddles are still our favorites
Anja
WHEN I FIRST RODE MY HORSE IN MY NEW REFLEX DRESSAGE MY FIRST QUESTION WASWHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THIS FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND POWER THAT MY HORSE IS NOW ABLE TO PRODUCE, IT HAS TAKEN THE HORSES TRAINING UP TO ANOTHER DIMENSION
ROBIN LLOYD-JONES
I LOVE my saddle! Thank you so much for making such a superior product...my horse has never been so happy!
Cindy Flood - WA USA
WOW!!!! After a serious operation I managed to get back on and start riding again, but was really uncomfortable. My best saddle was gathering dust, my daily saddle no longer suited me, so I tried my Capriole Dressage, and I dont know why Id kept it under covers for so long! It fits me and Charley perfectly, I am totally central and balanced, sitting really deep, and most of all secure and comfortable.
After the operation, my upper legs will never be as supple as before, but the saddle is really helping to get back on with it
Thank you Frank Baines, this has made a whole world of difference to me, enabling me to continue with my equestrian pursuits.
TRACY GEERING - HAMPSHIRE UK
I am the happy owner of a new Elegance dressage saddle. During the last 43 years I have owned most of the german saddlebrands, but with this nice piece of handcrafted art I have finally reached my goal.
Kim Toft, Denmark
I have an endurance saddle that I purchased from your company 12-15 years ago and it is still my favourite saddle!
Tina McCord (CA USA)
I love my saddle! I brought it used from my instructor. I lease and pick up rides on different horses and it has fit well on almost every horse.
Marily R Grotz - CA USA
And just to let you know.. we sold another Baines dressage to a lady in Maine this week, and when she called to inform us that she was keeping the saddle, she was telling me how thrilled she was and how the Elegance is the most comfortable saddle shes ever sat in, and that it was like "riding a cloud." :-) Also, the Enduro has earned a nickname of "the couch" around the shop, because its so comfortable.. and our customers usually agree! One even asked us where the cup-holder was... ;-)
Janie - Pelham Saddlery USA
I just wanted to say how happy I am with my new Elegance dressage saddle. I had terrible trouble finding a saddle in Australia that would fit my mare. She is very broad and flat across the wither, and most saddles were too tight across the wither, and not flat enough in the panels for her to be comfortable. I expected to need to have one made up especially for her, but my local saddler (and Frank Baines distributor) had an XW Elegance in stock for me to try. And it fitted - with room to spare, which is great as my mare is still developing and may fill out a little more. Ive been very impressed with my new saddle - as well as my mare being comfortable, so am I. I have trouble find saddles that will accommodate my hip stiffness, and this saddle is such a relief on my body. I am no longer sore when I finish riding. It has also improved my balance, making me a more effective and more confident rider. Victoria from Frank Baines has been such a help in my saddle hunt, answering all of my many questions. Thank you, Victoria. And thank you, Frank Baines! May I have many happy riding years ahead in my Frank Baines Elegance.
Kerryn Dunlop
I can not thank you enough!! I took my daughter to find a new saddle for her horse,and of course as she was trying them I also sat in them,with no intention of purchasing a new saddle for myself until I sat in this saddle! I must tell you it is the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat in... needless to say I brought it home to try on my mare,not only did it fit her perfectly but I can not believe how it helped me to be more balanced with a better overall position,have a deeper seat,and the ability to use my aids more independently!! I am absolutley thrilled with this saddle. My trainer can not get over the improvement in my riding since purchaseing this saddle! I can not get over what it has done for me to ride in such a well designed piece of tack,Thank You Frank Baines,I was beginning to think I would never find the position I was searching for til I found this sadddle!
Tracey Bartucca
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all of your extra efforts with the Reflex that I got from you. Its been a little difficult, but you made it so much easier with your communication, and being so patient about my persistent calls.
As ALWAYS you ladies (Trumbull Mtn) are a joy to deal with and I pass along your name at least once a week, I do hope that some of my friends will call you when they are purchasing a saddle.
The Reflex is simply amazing. Reigns stride really opened up and I am still trying to relearn this new giant movement. My trainer loves the balance of it for both horse and rider (Finally-she announced that this one is perfect for us). I cannot tell you how pleased I am with this saddle.....and the fit is perfect. If the Reflex ever needs a "referral"...just send them to me!
It has been well worth the wait.
Many thanks!
Lea Ann Rogers
Lea Ann Rogers - USA
Many, many thanks to Mr. Frank Baines for the wonderful saddle! I absolutely love it...as does my horse. Its balance is wonderful for me,(Ive never ridden in anything quite like it) and my horses stride has gotten so much bigger...I have had to re-learn to ride a VERY BIG stride now. Hes happy, my trainer is very impressed with the balance for horse/rider. We are expecting great things to happen in the show ring this year with our new saddle! It truly is the best investment I have ever made. Again, thank you for all your time and the extra effort that was made on "our" behalf! Lea Ann & Reign
Lea Ann Rogers - USA
I have ridden in my new Reflex close contact saddle about 10 times now, and cant even tell you how happy I am with it. The moment I got it out of the box, it was love! The color, the quality of leather, the stitching, everything is so gorgeous and well done. It is truly the realization of a dream, being able to ride in a saddle so lovely. It is so easy to balance with the horses in this saddle. My leg is right where it needs to be both in two point and sitting. You all are doing a fabulous thing over there! Thanks for the experience.
Alex Liss (from Atlanta Saddlery)
p.s. the horses seem to love the saddle as well!