If five stars is as good as it gets, a Jim Milbrath saddle deserves 10 stars!
I just got my new saddle and have only had three short rides in it, but it seems great for the horse and me. Since it's new it does need a little time to break in from the inherent stiffness of new leather.
This experience was great! I met with Jim a couple of times to discuss design and style of the saddle; then he fitted the horses and when the tree came, made a necessary adjustment and made the saddle.
IT'S GORGEOUS!!
I have never seen such incredible dimension and richness in leather carving before.
In 2007 he won the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Art of the Saddle Maker Competition in Colorado Springs, CO, in the novice division - a fairly spectacular way to launch a career!
I chose Jim because of the exceptional beauty of his art and his location in the Bay Area for getting the horse fitted properly.
I'd researched a number of other makers, but their lead time was longer, they were too far for an actual fit on the horse (I'd have to send back facsimiles which I didn't trust as much as actual fitting with professional input), and they were more expensive.
This is the best thing I've ever done for my horse and myself.
I feel like ROYALTY riding in this bit of beauty!
Don't think a second longer - get a saddle from Jim before he's too booked up to deliver in your lifetime - he's a definite standout! read more