Specialized Saddles

06/15/2026

DeAnn recently shared this photo of her beautiful half-Arab mare, who has a shorter back and can be challenging to fit. After working with rep Heidi Helly to fine-tune the fit and shimming, she headed out to put her new Aussie Ultralight to the test!

The challenge? A ride up Stoddard Mountain featuring a 1,200-foot climb... and the same 1,200-foot descent back down.

The result? The saddle stayed right where it belonged.!

"This saddle is a dream & so was the process getting here."

We're grateful to DeAnn for trusting us with her saddle fit, every horse is built differently, and that's exactly why our adjustable fit system allows us to customize the fit to the individual horse—not force the horse to fit the saddle.

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, DeAnn! We wish you and your mare many more comfortable miles together. ❤️

True Grit Endurance Outfitters

06/12/2026

Feel Good Friday 💙

Julie Tougas spent years riding in treeless saddles before trying a friend's Specialized Eurolight during a 25-mile LD ride.

"I have been hooked ever since."

One of Julie's favorite things about her Eurolight was being able to use the same saddle on both of her Standardbred mares—a larger 15.3-hand mare and petite 14.3-hand Mariah—with just simple shim and panel adjustments.

She later fitted that same saddle to a friend's difficult-to-fit horse with only two small wither shims.

"Her horse loves the Eurolight and is now moving out better, relaxed and comfortable. My friend has never seen her horse so relaxed under saddle."

The experience was such a success that Julie added a second Eurolight to her tack room!

Nothing makes us happier than hearing stories of horses moving comfortably, riders gaining confidence, and friendships being built through a shared love of horses. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Julie!

06/11/2026

Throwback Thursday 🇸🇪

We're throwing it back to 2003 and the Colfax Coal Rush Region 8 IAHA Championship Ride!

Pictured is Swedish rider Maria Hagman aboard FLF Lonestar PJ, competing in the 55-mile ride and crossing the finish line in 11th Place with a ride time of 7:34!

Maria and Lonestar PJ were riding in a Specialized Eurolight, proving that lightweight comfort and adjustability have been helping endurance riders cover the miles for decades. From rugged trails to championship rides, the Eurolight has long been a favorite for riders looking to keep both themselves and their horses comfortable over the long haul.

We love looking back at the horses, riders, and miles that helped build the Specialized Saddles story. ❤️

.maria

06/10/2026

We often get questions about which saddle works best for shorter-backed horses, and here's what Stacy Tierman had to say about her experience:

"I had quite a few questions on the saddle I got him. This is from Specialized Saddles and I got the Ultralight model. These saddles are perfect for shorter-backed horses. It was a lesson learned to just buy what you want in the first place. 😉"

At just 9 pounds, the Specialized Saddles Ultralight combines an incredibly lightweight design with a comfortable padded seat, narrow twist, and our patented 3-D Adjustable Fit System, making it a favorite among trail and endurance riders alike.

Sometimes the best decision is the one you wanted from the start! ❤️

Specialized Saddles was created to solve the problem of getting good saddle fit on any horse. And to create a saddle that is really comfortable for the rider.

06/09/2026

Lisa Schneider and her Rocky Mountain horse, Paco, in 2022 crossed the San Lorenzo River at the Fireworks Ride, riding in their Specialized Eurolight.

After struggling to find a saddle that fit Paco comfortably, especially on hills, Lisa made the switch to a Specialized Saddle—and the difference has been remarkable.

Since then, Paco has become more comfortable in his gait, built up his endurance, and successfully completed seven Limited Distance rides. As his fitness has improved and his back shape has changed, Lisa has been able to adjust her saddle along the way, helping keep Paco comfortable without the expense and downtime of replacing equipment.

In fact, she's been so pleased with the results that she purchased a second Specialized Saddle for her new four-year-old horse!

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your journey with us!

📸 Photo by Gore/Baylor Photography

06/08/2026

🎉 Welcome to the Team, Jeanne Broveak! 🎉

We’re excited to welcomenJeanne Broveak to both Specialized Saddles and TW Saddlery as our newest representative in Billings, Montana.

Jeanne is an independent saddle fitter with 5+ years of experience and earned her certification as an equine ergonomist in 2024, evaluating saddle fit across all disciplines. A lifelong equestrian with 40+ years of horse experience, she also owns
Sunrise Arts Saddlery, a boutique English tack shop known for thoughtfully selected horse and rider gear.

We’re thrilled to have Jeanne’s knowledge, artistry, and passion for equine comfort on the team. Welcome aboard, Jeanne!

06/05/2026

🏆 2026 Specialized Saddles Rookie Award Update! 🏆

The race for the 2026 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Specialized Saddles Rookie of the Year Award is heating up! Congratulations to all of this year's rookie riders who are out there putting in the miles and building experience one ride at a time. As of May 4, 2026, here are the current standings:

Endurance Division
🥇 Stephanie Richter (NW) – 250 miles (3 long completions)
🥈 Kaylie Johnston (MT) – 250 miles
🥉 Katie Clayton (SW) – 200 miles
🥉 Andrea Milazzo (MT) – 200 miles

Limited Distance Division
🥇 Jonathan Paul Taylor (SE) – 155 miles
🥈 Arianna Bryn Spinuzzi (CT) – 105 miles
🥉 Macaelyn Ava Carter (SE) – 80 miles

A huge thank you to the American Endurance Ride Conference and all of the rookie riders who are making their mark on the sport this season. We can't wait to see how the standings change as the miles continue to add up!

06/04/2026

Throwback Thursday all the way back to August 2004! ✨

At the 100-mile Arabian Nights ride, Tracy Webb and FLF Tof Corona put in an incredible performance, completing the ride in a blazing 8:25 ride time and earning a 4th place finish.

Moments like these are part of the foundation of Specialized Saddles—built by riders who were out there putting real miles under their horses and learning firsthand what both horse and rider need to stay comfortable over the long haul.

Over 20 years later, we're still driven by the same passion: helping horses and riders go the distance in comfort!

06/03/2026

🏔️ Trail check complete! ✅

Tenney Blouin and her horse, Butters, recently headed out to check conditions on portions of the SoCo Endurance trail system and found beautiful scenery and plenty of clear miles ahead.

After a winter in Florida, Tenney is getting back into mountain-riding form in her Specialized Saddles Aussie Light. The Aussie-style poleys provide extra security and support on steep climbs and descents, helping riders stay balanced and confident when the terrain gets a little more challenging.

Here's to great trails, good horses, and another season of adventure!

🔗https://specializedsaddles.com/product/australian-lightweight-saddle/