I ride in what I sell, and only sell what I've ridden in. I represent Timberline Flex Panel custom Saddles, and Specialized Saddles with 3D adjustable fit. I use pressure mapping along with a host of methods to help horses ride out of pain. I believe in "holistic" horse care, that meaning a "team" that considers all aspects of the horse health. I support getting to the source, not treating the symptoms. To be specific, I work with the farrier, the chiro, the vet, the massage therapist, the trainer, the rider, the driver, the saddler. Saddle/tack fit is about many things besides the saddle. Read about it on your left, click EQUI Mapping. I offer private evaluations and groups as well as clinics.
Being a life long rider (currently competing in Mounted Orienteering, see USNETO on the web) and Combined Driving Driver, I've landed on a collection of what I refer to as "working tack"...the real deal stuff that you will get sick of before replacing it. Real shearling, not synthetic. Amish leather, not Indian. USA beta/biothane tack, flashing, reflective, waterproof and no bounce gear that functions and keeps you safe.
SADDLES FOR HORSES, MULES, PONIES, ELEPHANTS......
SPECIALIZED SADDLES Spend a little more now and never have to buy another saddle again! It can be shimmed to accommodate almost any equine including mules. There have been many distance sport champions including owner Dave Kaden and his wife Tracy. You can adjust the flare, the rock, the width. Specialized got it's start in the endurance field and has succeeded due to it's numerous "best of condition" finishes. Distance riding challenges the horse, the rider, and the tack in miles and hours hundreds past the typical pleasure rider. Therefore, it's a proven track record.
TIMBERLINE SADDLES: a beautifully constructed high quality totally custom saddle line for western, english and endurance riders. Timberline uses a FLEX-PANEL SYSTEM designed by engineers, to make a saddle that distributes weight over a larger area than traditional treed saddles, reducing your horse’s back fatigue. These flex-panels self-adjust to accommodate a wider variety of back conformations. Also, the flex-panels allow the shoulder and back muscles to move freely making your horse more comfortable when being ridden. There is a variety of gullet and panel sizes, shapes and lengths. I have personally pressure scanned these saddles and the contact surface is very complete, large, and allows the psi to therefore read in the lowest of the range.
HENRY MILLER"S DOUBLE CREEK SADDLERY: this is a well known generational Amish line of beautiful saddlery. Since Eli Miller has gotten away from mass producing saddles, Henry Miller has taken up the bulk of his business. I work directly with Mr Miller designing beautiful custom Buena Vista/Plantation and western trail saddles and matching tack.
BETA/BIOTHANE TACK by TAYLORED TACK: take the horse and tack to the wash rack and stop cleaning, oiling, cleaning, oiling. I am the southereastern US rep for Taylored Tack, beautiful custom line of headstalls, halter bridles, hacamores, reins breastcollars and more in colors colors colors and beautiful overlays. There is also a western category that includes hardware by Jerimiah Wyatt. Interchangable browbands and lost of decorative options that make your tack very custom and your's only!
Proper fit has brought many amazing moments for me. I've had the pleasure of seeing many horses take a lead for the first time, ever, the rider sit up straight for the first time, ever, the elimination of back pain, the saddle stop falling into a lesser shoulder, regular long term relationships with massage and chiros cease, farriers comment on the change in the horses way of going via the hoof wear. Very rewarding. I've been privy to a lot of "firsts" so to speak. Without the pain, the horse, and the rider, are a better team and can make huge strides in their partnership no matter what the discipline. Typically problems start in the feet, or in the back, and it can go both ways. Balance is key.
As my customer, I first thoroughly teach you the truth about saddle fit. Most of my customers have a host of saddles and stories, and most of them are the same problems. So, I demonstrate and bust many saddle myths such as gaited trees, flared fronts, wither tracing fallacies, why sweat marks are unreliable, the saddle pad mystery, why your saddle slips to one side, why you can't sit up straight, and more.
Call me: Shelby Friml 336-267-0276 Eastern Standard Time 8:30 to 4:00 pm.
I am not a tack store brick and motor building. I am a mobile tack unit and work from my home location or at events. Check my calendar for live events. With permission you can often trailer in.
We are just off Interstate 73/74, a beautiful scenic drive from just about everywhere in central NC. Map quest will get you right to my mailbox: 542 W College Street Star, NC 27356
PLEASE CALL FIRST ! ! ! 336-267-0276 .