loomixguy said:
That isn't my pal Mike at Short Go Saddlery, is it Soap? I haven't seen Mike in a few years, but the gray hair and the stache are throwing me a bit.
Soap, did you ever own or lay your eyes on any saddles built by Wes Fuesner? I think I spelled the last name right. He had a saddle shop in Ogallala a long time ago. Sandhills Saddlery, I recall. For some reason I'm thinking he may have originated in Imperial, but I don't know why. My Dad always thought that Wes built a really good saddle, but he never owned one. I always liked my Ralph Shimon saddle real well,
No, this isn't Mike. This is Randy Gropper from Martin. Here is a link to his business: http://www.bennettcountyboostersd.com/news/2174-gropper-saddlery-rides-into-martin
I've heard of Wes Fuesner saddles, but have never seen any. They have a good reputation.
I have had three Ralph Shimon saddles since 1974, and my current saddle is one of them. They fit me fine; they fit a horse fine; and I like them very well. Even though in my older age, my mount of choice now is a Polaris Ranger, I have put on a lot of miles horseback through the years. A good share of these miles were spent in the seat of a Shimon saddle. Under the saddle, I always used a double Navajo blanket over the top of a pad. The Shimon saddles that I have used have never sored a horse. One day I rode a hundred miles, using five different horses. Even though I was stiff after this deal, the saddle didn't make me sore. The horses weren't sore either. Peach was along on that ride, and she was riding a Harry Adams saddle (which was made in Valentine, NE). It worked fine also.
I need to put in a good word for Ralph Shimon. He is a very interesting person and a legendary saddle maker. He advertised in The Western Horseman for 55 years, and has definitely left his mark on the American West.
http://nilevalleysaddlery.com/saddles/