A Thousand Miles in a Barefoot Saddle

I used the Barefoot Cherokee on a thousand mile ride around the hill tracks of Scotland. Some of the time I rode in it, and some of the time it carried packs and panniers. The saddle survived some very tough handling: being constantly wet due to poor weather and river crossings, as well as going up hill and down dale, scraped against gateposts and trees, but still looks as good as new. Even better, Doogs, my Highland pony, survived the whole trip without so much as a mark on him: the saddle was obviously comfortable for him and he was always eager to be tacked up. It stayed in place well, even with panniers which is a tough test for a saddle, as it means carrying dead weight and it is easy for a saddle to slip in these conditions. It was immensely comfortable to ride in, too.  Some days he had it on for about twelve hours, with just a short break for unsaddling at lunchtime. He never once indicated that he was not happy to be saddled up again. This is a very robust saddle which suited my broad Highland with no withers admirably. The horses' backs were checked by Catriona Goulding, equine physio, who was heard murmuring "I wish all the backs I looked like were in as good shape as this!" I also wholeheartedly recommend the fenders which came with the saddle - so comfortable and I experienced no rubbing or pinching on my legs, even after riding for many hours - I didn't wear chaps.

Kate Godfrey