FAQs

How much do your saddles weigh?

The weight of each saddle is in the description. As a range, the lightest is 13 lbs. and the heaviest is 26 lbs.

How long will it take for my saddle to be built?

This is the number one question! It takes three weeks to build your tree, and Steele Saddle Tree Company ships your tree to the saddlers at which time, you basically get in line by the date of your order. Time varies throughout the year and we will keep you posted as time draws near. Carving, hard seats and special builds will add to your build time. We close for major holidays, and Steele Tree Company is closed twice a year for two weeks. It's not an exact science, and things happen like a certain color of hide is back ordered for example. Our saddles are not production machine cut and assembled, the hides are hand cut (because they are all built on different trees and custom designed) and they are hand built from the tree up one at a time by one of three brothers. The longest anyone has waited is four months so far in the history of Double Diamond Saddlery. Your equine will thank you, they are well worth the wait!

What is a suspended seat?

All saddles have a ground seat, that is what we sit on. 99% of saddles ground seats are either tin, fiberglass, or glued layers of leather. Hard, very hard, with a little foam or gel on top. Quickly the foam compresses and you’re back sitting on something hard. Also many treed saddles are quite wide in the twist: the part between your legs, due to the hard ground seat build up. A suspended ground seat is a historic way to build a seat and is made with webbing and then foam on top. It’s not bouncy, but there is no bottom to it. Therefore no searching for a comfy place for your seat bones, no need to shift around for a comfortable spot, no squishing the foam and hitting the hard seat. Naturally and by design, a suspended ground seat also has an ergonomically correct narrow twist, unlike many wide fat thick seats that are like sitting on top of a propane tank, the suspended seat allows the rider to drop their legs off at the hip, tip the toe and off you go. No torque on the hips, knees, ankles.

Can I build a western without a horn?

Yes, all but the D-D Wade which has a true wood post horn.

Can an Endurance model be built with a horn?

Only the Buena Vista.

Are your saddles all leather?

Yes, all leather. We use two USA made leather providers

How will I know it will fit my animal?

We go through a lengthy fitting process. Please read about our saddle fitting process. We have a perfect track record as we are also saddle fitters so we understand both static and dynamic fit knowledge is necessary to achieve fit.

Do you build gaited and mule saddles?

Yes, we build for all breeds of gaited and long eared animals. However we do not stick to the mule tree or gaited tree concept because within those two categories are as many variations as there are breeds.

Can I return my custom saddle?

These are custom treed, and you design your saddle. We do not accept returns. However we are happy to discuss consigning your saddle.

Will my saddle fit my animal forever?

No, animals change, but, you are a far closer to the actual shape of your animal with a choice of dozens of trees. We offer our expertise in fitting to help you through the many stages of changes from age, fitness, down time etc.

What if I am a trainer, or own several animals?

We choose the largest of the animals for the tree, and then without or expertise in fitting, offer help to build options within a saddle pad that will take your saddle from animal to animal. Within reason! For example to build a saddle that will fit both a Paso Fino and a draft cross is not a possibility most likely!

Do you build on quarter horse trees?

Yes, we have semi quarter, full quarter, and several variations including being able to change the gullet width.

Why don’t you sell by gullet width like I am used to?

Gullet width only speaks to one measurement: what is under the swell or fork. It does not speak to the angles at the shoulder and rear, or the rock (center of the back). We build on saddle trees that fit the angles, then if necessary we change the gullet width for a wider or narrower animal, or due to the saddle pads being chosen.

What is biothane and why do you use it instead of leather?

Biothane is actually stronger than leather. It’s a synthetic leather, is lighter, flatter, and more durable. It is part of why our saddles are so close contact, the fenders need no break in, it keeps the weight down, and you’ll never have to clean them besides wipe off the sweat.

Can I build a 5” cantle?

Yes, we can provide that as an “extra” on some of our models. We recommend a rider be able to safely swing their leg over a 5” cantle in case you need to dismount in a hurry.

Do you build a square skirt western?

Yes, just ask. It would be an upgrade on some models.

Do you build draft saddles?

Yes, in fact we have trees that are exclusive to our line of saddles for those really flat backs that exceed a traditional draft angle. We don’t sell draft saddles based on gullet width, we build draft saddles based on the angles needed and the gullet width.

Do you accept credit cards for payment?

In most cases we prefer cash, check, Pay Pal, wire, Venmo. We do have the ability to process a credit card if need be, please ask.

Do you accept payments?

We require a 60% down to put your order into process, and the balance is due before your saddle ships.

Where can I see your saddles, and do you have dealers?

Our showroom is located in central North Carolina and is by appointment. We also attend several events throughout the year, so check out calendar. We do not have any dealers at this time.

Do you offer saddle fitting the saddle I own already?

Yes, you can learn more and make an appointment.