TESTIMONIALS

Hi John,

Well I have had a few weekends to fully test my saddle and I have to tell you I am extremely impressed.

Thankyou so much for what you have made – a real classy saddle and I love it.  Fits like a glove I have to say.

Thanks John for your expert assistance during the construction phase and for the final product.  I and my horses love it.

You are a master.

Regards Vicki White

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When I first met John and he gave me the saddle forms and explained how to use them I knew that he was the one to make my saddle.
 From that point until I picked up my saddle everything went flawlessly, his communication with me during the build was great and as this was my first custom saddle I was a bit nervous but there was no need to be and with him keeping in touch put my mind at ease.
When I picked up my saddle I could not have been happier it was perfect and once I got it home and tried it on my horse, again perfect, the only complaint I have is that after my first ride in it I had to get out of it.
It was that comfortable I could swear it was an old saddle that I had ridden in for years.
Thanks again John for a great saddle and being a great bloke. 

Clem Murnane.

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Late last year I took delivery of my new Wade western saddle, ‘The Kootenay’ hand crafted by John Allington.
It’s an exciting time waiting for delivery of something you’ve spent months planning and saving for, and when it finally arrives, you find it’s been worth the wait. I am extremely pleased with the attention to detail and the beauty of the saddle. It is just as I imagined it would be.
The whole process was very easy. From first contact with John, to him sending the fit form templates down to South Australia so we would get the best fit for my short-backed, mutton withered Morgan mare. Then deciding on the right colour, finish, style, shape and tooling was completed with ease because John is an easy man to work with, and any suggestions I had were worked out without any fuss.
The end result was just what I imagined. In hindsight I might have made a different decision about the seat leather. If I had my time again, I would have chosen a suede or rough-out finish instead of the smoother leather on the seat, but thankfully sticky bum jeans have helped out there, so that problem isn’t really a problem.
I also had a matching rear cinch assembly, breastplate and bridle made to complete the set.
The saddle and I are still getting used to each other as I haven’t really had that many opportunities to ride in it, but every time it gets more comfortable to ride in, and I know it will become my best ride-out saddle before much longer.
Thank you John, for making my saddle purchasing experience so enjoyable, and for your wonderful attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship.
To anyone thinking of purchasing a western saddle, I would highly recommend John Allington. You can’t go wrong.

Thank you
Vicki Kirss

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Dear John

I am writing to you today to thank you from the bottom of my heart for my beautiful saddle that you designed and built for Max and me for Cowboy Dressage.
You have gone above and beyond in assisting and supporting me on this saddle building journey. I am sure that my incessant questions must have driven you nuts on occasion, although you never showed it.
You are a true gentleman indeed! Your service and kindness are like no other and you even managed to put me at ease and that says a lot considering my past experiences.

Hi John,

Just a quick note to let you know I am enjoying the saddle.  The horses and I are getting our communication sorted as it's a little different for them too.  But the saddle puts me in a nicely balance position which is great.

I had a win and some placings on the weekend in a western dressage comp at Caboolture and we plan go to Maryborough for the state championships at the end of September.

I'm very glad you made the saddle so light as I had 6 gear changes on Saturday as I took two horses who were in the same classes.  

Thanks again for doing such a nice job and getting it to me so quickly.  I wouldn't have had the chance to ride the qualifiers for the state champs otherwise.

Cheers

Lyndie

Good morning John,
  I received my saddle. WOW it's absolutely beautiful and lovely to ride in, of course I wouldn't expect anything less from the master of saddle making.
 Thanks again for another great saddle and being a pleasure to do deal with.
 Cheers
Paula Logan

Dear John

Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful, one of a kind saddle for me and my filly.
The craftsmanship in this saddle is truly amazing, not a stitch out of place, and those thoughtful extra touches really put it in a different league.
You can tell when someone loves what they do by the quality of their work.
It's obvious you take great pride in what you do and I couldn't be happier with the end result.
My saddle, The Eibhlin in allrounders

Eileen Dover,
Sydney

Dear John, 
 
Thank you for making me the most beautiful saddle. When you sent me the finished photo 
I was emotional to say the least. It was a big decision for me to have a custom made 
Wade saddle. I rode in one of your saddles the "Nektosha" a few years ago and I knew 
that you were the saddler I was going to ask to make mine. 
 
I came across a few hurdles when deciding exactly what tooling I wanted and what extras 
I wanted fitted on my saddle. But with your knowledge and your patience we got there in 
the end. 
 
I had my first ride in my Wade today and I am amazed at how much more I can feel my 
horse underneath me. 
 
I chased some cows, I rode some flat work and I went for a 2 hour trail ride. My saddle 
fits me like a glove, I was not sore and it sits very well on my QH. What I am most 
looking forward to is the next Western Dressage competition riding in my new "Yanesha" 
saddle. Thank you for being honest and approachable when I couldn't make up my mind a 
few times during the making. Also, thank you for welcoming me to your home when I came 
to visit, and when I picked up my saddle. I felt like an old friend. I will be 
recommending your outstanding saddlery skills to anyone who will listen. 
 
Stay well. Thank you. 
Mel from Stanthorpe QLD. 

Dear John

I cannot thank you enough for this amazing saddle that you have made for me, when it arrived after a much anticipated wait I was over the moon and then to ride in it for the first time was amazing.
The craftsmanship is second to none and I always get complements on the how beautiful it looks everywhere we go, the biggest plus for me is how is fits my horse, I have had trouble getting a saddle to fit him correctly and this fits like nothing else ever has.
It is more than I could ever have asked for and the proof is in the pudding, my horse is so happy and you can see it when we ride.

Thank you again for this amazing saddle and I will be passing it down for generations to come and will be a beautiful family heirloom.

Melinda Windle.

Hi All,
Over a year ago I was at my farriers place and I saw an amazing saddle. He told me that John Allington had made it and as I was looking for a quality custom made saddle I asked for his details.
 Well just over a year later I brought this baby home today. The first time I met John I took my horse Spider out there so he could fit both my horse and myself.
I was so impressed with John from that day I had the utmost respect and confidence that he would make me a saddle that would last a lifetime. I also got a beautiful bit-less lightness bridle. free.
During the making of the saddle I spoke with John and went to his place several times to ensure I was getting exactly what I wanted, No real need, John had it all under control.
 Trust me this photo does not do this saddle justice.
I am sitting next to her right now and I just can't wait to put her on Spider and have a ride. Wolves "n" Wings.

Tracey Hanna

Hi John
I have been looking for a saddle for my Australian Stock Horse for awhile, and after seeing your website I decided to give you a call.
Well was I a lucky girl, even when I gave you an impossible time frame to make it in, you said yes. I was not too sure what I wanted,
but after your suggestion that I look at the saddles on your site and choose a style I liked, I chose the Wade tree. What a good choice,
and luckily for me, John had a tree the right size in stock. Then of course I have to plan what it would look like, i.e. bling and carvings.
John was a very great help and suggested the silver with cutaway skirt, and it looks like a million dollars. I too  it to a Sandi Simons clinic,
Sandi rode in it, and was most impressed. So John if you get a phone call from Sandi, blame me. It fits me and the horse perfectly, and I
look forward to many happy hours of riding. I do Western Dressage so it will look outstanding in the ring. Many, many thanks John, for
my gorgeous saddle, and may you continue to provide us with many more in the future. Thank you also John for being the person that you are
truly one of life's true gentlemen.

Pam - Perth WA

Hi John

I'm writing in regards to the new saddle I recently purchased off John Allington.  I had been having loads of trouble finding a well fitting western saddle for my QH x gelding.  After buying a handful of 2nd hand saddles and spending too much money and just having nothing sit on him nicely/correctly and comfortably.  I began researching into custom saddles.  I had heard a few good comments about John's work through friends of friends and found his website on the internet.  I looked at them a thousand times and couldn't stop thinking about Johns work and his saddles!  In the end after about 2 months of debating I rang John and I was so relieved after the first call!!  He knew everything that I wanted and more.  He had brilliant ideas and suggestions that I didn't even know you could get!!  He was overly patient with me and my in decisive decisions!!  I went ahead and made the order and said to John  I really couldn't be with out a saddle for too long as I had a short list of little events a that i had wanted to attend. This was no problem.  Even in the middle of the order of the saddle John had his hip replaced and still managed to get the saddle done merely 2-3 weeks after his operation.. I'm so grateful to have met and dealt with John.  He is  a real talent and LOVES what he does, he takes pride in his work and ensures that you are happy all along the way!!  Honestly I cannot speak more highly of him.

My horse no longer pig roots when first being ridden into the canter and he has also been a lot more responsive under saddle!!  There seems to be no pain what so ever!!!!!!!!

Thanks John

Kind regards Natalie Klotz

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Hi John,
I've finally got around to getting some photo's of me in the beautiful saddle you made. I just LOVE it. Your a very talented man, it fits both myself and Zac perfectly ( as you said it would).
Thanks again, for not only making me the perfect saddle, but for making the whole experience an enjoyable one, it was always a pleasure when talking to you. I never felt like a customer, felt
more like a friend.

Take care and may life be good to you and Sue,

Cheers
Paula

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Dear John
I have to tell you that I absolutely love my new saddle!!  I have only
started using it last month due to all the wet weather and I didn't want to
get it wet!!!  I know it is leather and ok to get wet however don't want it
to get old and damaged looking.

I have been using it on my Arab mare  more than my Fjord gelding.  It fits
her beautifully and for the first time since I have owned her she is forward
moving - soooooo forward moving it is unbelievable.  She has gone from a
horse that has to constantly be asked to move, always having her ears back
and cranky to a horse that is looking to go at any ask with ears up and
expression happy.  The change is absolutely amazing.  I have to do some
gallop and flying change work with her, until now it was only a dream
however now with this new saddle a reality.  I haven't ridden my Fjord horse
much because I am enjoying my Arab mare more than ever.  She has the most
amazing "power steering"  so we are having a lot of fun together.

I hope this email find you well.

Thanks again for an awesome saddle.

Cheers
Belinda

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Hi John

Well what can I say, a very very BIG THANK YOU to you for making me such a beautiful saddle, bridle and breastplate.

I looked around and emailed and browsed a number of different saddle makers before I chose John.  Some who did not even reply back..  John on the other hand replied to all emails straight away and seemed like a real honest down to earth person.

This was the first time I have done anything like this and like so many others was a little anxious of getting a saddle made and making sure it was what I wanted and to fit my horse and the cost involved.

I told John what I was going to use it for and what I would like and while we both sat on either end of the phone and browsed his webpage together and discussed things he then pointed me in the direction of the SANDALWOOD ROSE!  I was taken straight away and the decision was pretty much made there and then for that to be my new saddle.

John took the time and went through everything with me,  size, colours, silver you name it, everything. I really enjoyed talking with him as he is such a really nice helpful guy.

He kept me updated on the progress of the saddle and was a real help.

I then went and picked up my new pride and joy and was absolutely thrilled with it!!!!! not to mention meeting John in person. It was a pleasure. And as far as the saddle goes it’s so comfy and looks great and fits well.  (My boy is the best dressed kid in the street) thanks John!

I would like to thank John again for the time he took, courtesy phone calls and emails to let me know where he was at throughout the process.

He’s such a lovely guy & very talented man I would not hesitate in going back to get a saddle or any leather work done by him, if you are looking for a saddle and still umming and arghing over who to choose and where to go, please consider John as you WON’T be disappointed he truly is a great bloke and his craftsmanship is second to none and he will help u anyway he can. I feel I have made a friend with John not just someone who’s made me a saddle and then forgotten about you.

John, thank you again for such great saddle & the conversations we’ve had, I look forward to catching up again soon and trying to get to some of your clinics with Jasper in the near future

All the best

Kim and Jasper

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Let me start with a couple of facts. I am an ex Jockey of 18 years who had not ridden a horse in 9 years and decided when my partner and I left the mining town we were living in and purchased 7 acres in Gidgegannup, WA, it was about time I got back into doing what I love, having a horse again. After watching many video’s I was convinced Western was what I wanted to learn. After hanging on for dear life on a Thoroughbred I was so impressed that Western riding was about, using legs, not pulling desperately on reins trying to stop a 600kg horse that most of the time didn’t know anything else but to run. After purchasing a cheap western saddle and a half breed I started to get serious about buying a good Western saddle. Well one day at work I found on the net a man called John Allington who made to order Western saddles in Queensland. Our first phone call I assumed would be quick and over in a few minutes so I didn’t get anyone to cover my job as a Pit Controller, bad move. I’m not sure if John knew I had no idea what I wanted, but he never gave me any indication of that and was the most helpful, knowledgeable man I have ever not met and since this first time we speak often when I need advice on anything related to my journey of getting back into horses and particularly Western. I guess the best way to explain John for me is to say, after we had spoken initially I felt comfortable immediately. After many discussions John made me the most beautiful Western saddle called the Gidgegan Rose. You can certainly see the hours that were put into this saddle and the workmanship is second to none.

Anyone wanting a saddle made I thoroughly recommend have a chat with John, once you’ve spoken to him your decision will be easy.

Lisa Harris

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Hi John
 
I would just like to say “thank you, for my wonderful saddle”!
 
The service you provide when deciding what sort of saddle & size would be best suited to me,  you listened to what & how I ride, also what I want to do & made the choice so easy..!  Nothing was a problem, even answering some of my “silly” questions..!
 
Not long after getting my saddle we went on a week long trail ride, & tho I only rode for three days my 5yr olds back was perfect. What a way to “break in” a new saddle! There was one day where we got saturated, not happy, but the saddle looks as good as the day I unwrapped it.
 
Had lots of comments about my beautiful saddle, those people now know all about you & your great service...as they could see the quality of the saddle..!
 
Cheers
 
Denita

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Gidday John,
 
Just a quick note to say thanks and to provide some feedback on my experience on buying
a saddle from yourself.
 
I have purchased saddles from so called "custom saddlers" before, and as long as you
buy a saddle type that they make you can have any type you want. This is not the case
with Mr John Allington.
 
From the get go, John emphasizes that your custom saddle will be just that, a saddle
that you truly want made to the specifications that you exactly require.
 
My wade saddle is perfect, built to spec, on price, on time and with such quality and
workmanship that is almost lost in today's throw-away society.
 
But the icing on the cake is John, he is a true gentleman in every way. His integrity
and honesty is above reproach and he is never too busy just to have a chat or to
discuss any ideas you might have or last minute changes, I am a lifelong convert to
Allington saddles, this won't be the last I buy, and I hope in John I have found a mate
who one day I can share a quiet one with after a long day riding in my magnificent
saddle.
 
Kind Regards
 
David Applegate
 
Boorowa

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When it came to looking for a suitable saddle to meet my requirements for Western pleasure, Trail, Reining, Cutting and Show I started looking around as to what was available. The problem was everything I saw was not what I had in mind. When I found the Western Saddler website and called John Allington as to potentially customizing a design to meet my needs he was most obliging. After establishing the design John started on not just the saddle but the show halter, br
I searched pretty much everywhere for a western pleasure saddle that suited Henry and myself, and that had all the features I was after. I could see when I found John Allington's website that his saddles were just what I was looking for. John's reply to my email confirmed my choice, as he was so helpful and easy to talk to. He managed to interpret the image I had in my mind, combining the features of the Rosie Association and the Ellie Rose, and build a saddle that is exactly what I imagined. The result is beautiful, so well put-together and with amazing attention to detail. Obviously a saddle that is built to last, but also to look fantastic at the same time. It is easy to sit in the correct position, and the cut-away skirts give a brilliant feel when riding. With the pre-turned stirrups, there is no new-saddle discomfort to cope with - everything is ready to go. Both Henry and I have never found another saddle so comfortable.
Thanks John, for your beautiful product, billiant prompt service, and for being so understanding and pleasant to deal with.

Kathryn Rogers   
Western Australia

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When it came to looking for a suitable saddle to meet my requirements for Western pleasure, Trail, Reining, Cutting and Show I started looking around as to what was available. The problem was everything I saw was not what I had in mind. When I found the Western Saddler website and called John Allington as to potentially customizing a design to meet my needs he was most obliging. After establishing the design John started on not just the saddle but the show halter, bridle, breast plate, rear cinch and saddle bags. The end result was very pleasing with the colour, engraving and silver work exhibiting quality which continues to receive many admiring enquiries. The saddle fits my beautiful buckskin quarter horse Shiloh to perfection, providing both him and I with comfort. Even after the sale John continues to provide assistance with, minor adjustments to saddle and tack to ensure long lasting well fitting products and valuable training advice. I cannot thank John enough for the support and assistance he continues to provide, it has been and continues to be a real pleasure and I have made a new friend.

Deb Worth

Western Australia provide, it has been and continues to be a real pleasure and I have made a new friend.

 It was with great anticipation that I awaited the arrival of my new saddle, now at age 41 this was to be the first brand new saddle that I had purchased, my saddle arrived and once unpacked I could not wipe the smile off my face while admiring it , all that was left to do now was to wait for day break so I could try it out.
My saddle did not disappoint, I have now ridden all of my 3 riding horses in it and found it to fit all of them, I like that it is light weight and extremely comfortable to ride in, also like the position it seats me in.  John is a true craftsman and I will treasure my saddle for the rest of my riding days.
Thanks
John
 

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Dear John,
 
How can I thank you enough?  From our very first phone conversation you made me feel at ease with ordering my new saddle over the phone.  Being very new to western riding and this being my first western saddle, you explained everything in great detail to make sure I understood exactly what I would be getting.  From our many conversations I knew my new saddle would be exactly what I pictured and John it was this and much more.  When you sent me the photo I was in awe, you said it would look so much better in real life but I was extremely happy with how it looked on paper. When it arrived and I opened the box you were right, it was just beautiful.  When I rang to tell you how happy I was, I said the “Golden Lily” had taken pride of place in the lounge room.  From the first ride I felt so comfortable and we haven’t looked back since.  I have attended several clinics where we rode all day and I could have kept riding.  I love the design, the colour, the silver work and the fantastic hand carved lilies.
 
I cannot recommend you highly enough John, you are never too busy to answer many many questions and I appreciate all your advice. I am the happiest lady in Melbourne and really looking forward to the show season in my new saddle. Thanks for my “Golden Lily”, your attention to detail is superb.
 
Best Wishes,
Sharyn Kennedy

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Dear John,
 
As a beginner rider and very new to this industry, it was very pleasing to find such an honest and easy going person.  You talked to me for quite sometime to find out what I was going to be doing with my horse and in what direction I would like to go with my riding.  You took the time to come out and see my horse and worked out what tree was best suited to my baby and me.
 
From the first moment I sat in one of your saddle I fell in love, this was the most comfortable chair I had ever sat in. It’s been a couple years since you made that first saddle (which I still own, love and use daily) and now I’m purchasing my second one…and I can’t wait.
 
I wish to thank you for all your time, effort and patience.
 
Vicki McNamara

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Dear John,

I remember the first time I went into your website I got Goosebumps, 

Your work was so beautiful.

It was pretty scary ordering a saddle over the phone and internet.
You were so helpful and made me feel very comfortable.
And everything was spot on from the start to the end.
WOW
Thankyou so much for making me a beautiful saddle!  Your craftsmanship and
attention to detail is quiet incredible. I'm very pleased with it and can't
wait to show it off.
Thanks for great service and advise and your friendship.

From one very happy customer.

Tracy Patterson
Wodonga
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h & breastplate. Kr

Dear John,
 
It is certainly refreshing to be able to purchase an expensive item over the phone/internet and have it arrive in good time and in perfect condition.
 
It has been a pleasure doing business with you and the saddle looks great. I will send photo when I get a chance to do so.
 
I have only ridden in the saddle for a short while and it is a perfect fit for the smaller horse. The saddle is still a little tight behind the shoulders (where the skirt begins beneath the swell) on the big horse. It is the best fit so far however and I know it will soften and become more allowing over the next few rides. I will keep in touch.
 
Your name is on the saddle for those who want the same! I know the ex national reining champion, Ian Bruce will be interested in a local saddle maker who can produce a saddle of better quality than circle Y.
 
Regards
 
Cate

Dear John, - Thank you, you delivered every thing you promised!

My sincerest apology in my delay in writing to you, and all the folks out there who may be reading this and are considering purchasing a saddle from you.

I first came across John Allington Saddles via the Internet, and whilst I was currently riding in a stock saddle, a western saddle was always my dream, and my ideal saddle

Follow your heart and trust your inner feelings, I did, and was not disappointed.

First I guess you need to understand that from my prospective this was saddle fitting for dummies 101.

I have had my first horse “Charm” a quarter cross appy for four years now and this has been a learning process for me. I can tell you is that my mare is extremely stocky and round and short backed as well. To find a saddle to fit her that would not end up in me riding side-saddle, leaning or hurting her, was impossible! (Or so I thought, but I was wrong).

At first I was nervous, as a friend had recently, had saddle made locally and fitted which ended in disaster, - I have had no experience and knew nothing of fitting saddles and was un sure after this friends experience and my lack of knowledge how I could possibly end up with the perfect fitting saddle, via the internet and telephone.

That’s right, - “THE PERFECT FITTING SADDLE”. Once you have begun speaking with this gentleman Mr John Allington,  you will understand the care and attention to detail to each individual person needs that I am talking about. Nothing is standardised, John will take all the pain and hard guess work out to provide a finished product to exacting standards, with good old fashioned courteous care and attention to detail based on years of experience which is evidently and apparently sadly lacking with in this industry.

All of my questions and concerns were welcomed and satisfied and John worked with me and my Charms needs to produce the perfect saddle for us both, which is practical, functional, extremely comfortable for both of us and looks fantastic!!!!!!-

 (Rosie Association- Please check it out as I am extremely proud of it!!!!!)

You owe it to yourself to at least consider speaking with Mr John Allington about your prospective new investment, Which face it folks – we are not just trying to do ourselves justice by investing in a piece of equipment which will not only look great, and last us a lifetime,-

With sincerest thanks and gratitude for all of your patience, hard work, care attention John, -You are a true gentleman true to his word and thanks to you, we can now look forward to many long comfortable rides together!! Happy Trails My friend!

Two very Happy and satisfied customers!

Janet Principe & Charm

Melbourne Victoria. (0414 976326)   

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Hello John,
 
We would just like to thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into making our daughters first saddle , the Sharni Maree. It is just beautiful and the detail in the carving is amazing. The first time Sharni saw the saddle she said that it looked exactly how she had pictured it, and of course could not wait to have her first ride in it. My husband and daughter both ride in it and find this saddle extremely comfortable. We just can’t believe how well it fits the horse’s back, given that you only had a few photos and cardboard templates to go on. Everyone that has seen this saddle absolutely loves it just like we do, I think you will be getting a lot of phone calls in the future. After purchasing this saddle we know that our next one will also have to be a John Allinghton. Sharni would like to say thank you very much and she said to tell you that she adores her new saddle.
 
Thanking you
Donna & Mal Pearse
Moranbah
QLD

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Hi John,

Just letting you know that I have received my lovely saddle and rode in it twice and love it, it is such a pleasure to ride in a saddle that does not hurt my back and it looks great on Jim. Someone else rode in it yesterday and could not get how comfortable it was. I have been telling everyone if they want a really good saddle to speak to you. I will be doing my first show on Tuesday after not showing for about eight years and will be using the saddle and bridle. I am sure it will bring me good luck. Once again I cannot thank you enough for the great saddle and keep up the excellent work.

Bye for now a very happy person Brenda.

Brenda Renison

Victoria

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I wish to thank you for your wonderful saddle.  It is a great saddle to ride in and very comfortable for both myself and my horse. The care you took with the workmanship is second to none and to be able to explain to you what I wanted.  

That is what I got and is just first class.  I would recommend that anyone looking for a good  saddle to contact you    

Elaine Toy  

Hervey Bay 

Queensland                              

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Hi John,

 I would like to thank you for making my reigning saddle. 

I must say that my research paid off and I am glad that you were the one I picked to make my saddle. As you know, my reason for getting a new saddle was due to the pressure points at the bottom of my horses wither, caused by my old western pleasure saddle. Well, I must say that during my first ride I've realised that there was more things wrong with my old saddle than I thought and when I dismounted it was good to see sweat all over. I am absolutely delighted with my new saddle. The seat puts me in the correct position and makes my riding easier and more comfortable. I love the workmanship. John you have done everything as you promised and I will be more then happy to promote your work up here in the Northern Territory. Thank you.

 Iveta.

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HI John,

Here are some photos Melissa is over the moon I think she will sleep with it tonight there are a couple of things I will talk to you about Melissa loves your choice of all the silver and the carvings. We had her horse saddled up and Ron was riding her up and down the fence waiting for her.

You are a man of your word a rare person these days and I surly appreciate all you have done for us

Dave  

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I am having a really great time in my saddle, can't believe it's so comfortable.  It's almost a crime to have to go to work instead of going for a ride.  I'm afraid I've made a few people envious.  I haven’t taken any photos of it on the digital camera yet but when I do I will be sure to send you one.  I have recommended you to everyone that has seen my saddle, so hopefully you will get a few sales. Well that’s all for now, hope all is well. Regards Joanne

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 Hi John, Sorry to take so long to get back to you. I rode in the saddle on the weekend, comfort wise its everything I could ask for and the horse that has a soreness problem in his shoulder and hesitates when picking up his nearside lead, went straight into a relaxed lope with no hesitation each time I asked, he normally only does that in an English saddle. I would be happy to let anyone look at the saddle if need be or talk to them

thanks again, Marilyn    

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   Hi John
>
> Sorry for taking so long to contact you, but as is the case with all of us
> these days I've been pretty busy.  The saddle is great.  So both the horse and I are comfortable and happy.  I really put it to the test Saturday week ago, when we did a 30km, 5hour ride
>The horse had no problems at all (I did, but that was due to too much time
> in the saddle when I wasn't used to it - and being a glutton for punishment
> I did another 3 hours the next day).  Also, if you ever have a customer
> wanting a reference I'd be happy to speak to them, and be brutally honest
> and tell them about the great service and my wonderful saddle.
>
> How are things with you?  I really enjoy all the emails you send, they are
> always inspiring. 
>
> Keep well, regards
>
> Jenny

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Hi John,

I

I kept the saddle in the lounge for a couple of weeks because it was such a fine piece of work; even non-horsy people admired it. I had to take it to the tack room when hubby complained of the sweaty horse smell, honestly! I love the finish and colour of my saddle its a very classy looking bit of gear.

I only had three weeks to get used to it before I went on a five day horsemanship clinic with Ken Faulkner, so based on past experience with other western saddles I took my old half breed with me as well, just in case. Needless to say the half-breed stayed in the truck, we rode for up to six hours a day and the horse has never had a moments soreness. I found the saddle very comfy and wasn't any stiffer than I would have been in any saddle (I don’t normally ride for that long five days in a row). The pre-trained stirrups are wonderful, takes all the strain out of my knees.

So there you have it, universal acclaim from all who have seen it including my very fussy hubby (who also said it should do me until I am ready to ride a gopher! - motorized wheelchair for oldies!)

Merry Christmas and a happy new year

Regards

 Sharon Pisconeri  

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There are only two words to describe my John Allington Saddle and they are “absolutely fantastic”. 

My previous saddle was a very old, very heavy, calf roping saddle.  I nearly fell over trying to saddle my horse because of the weight of the saddle plus it was like sitting on a plank of wood.  Coming from a dressage background this was most distressing and uncomfortable!

After speaking with John and seeing his expertise first hand I was greatly reassured and confident that John would be able to make a saddle that was best suited for my horse and myself.  John’s knowledge in horsemanship and saddlery is unbelievable but most importantly he listened to exactly what I was looking for in my saddle.  I was after a deeper seat and more contact with my horse than most western saddles allowed and of course not a back breaker to lift – all this and still be comfortable for my horse too.  John understood what I wanted and the outcome is just wonderful.  John knows how to please both horse and rider.  Also John’s patience in answering my many questions was most appreciated!

  I now am the very proud owner of a lightweight but extremely strong/hardy saddle that is comfortable (for both myself and my horse) to ride in for 2 hours, all day, a weekend away or at a competition. 

The quality in the workmanship and finishing touches on my saddle are wonderful and are not unique to just my saddle either but to every saddle John makes.  John takes great pride in his work and his vast knowledge will ensure that each person will receive a saddle that works best for the individual person and their horse.

Thanks John.

Lynn

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