Going the distance since 1976
Copyright 2008 Stonewall Saddles by Jackie Fenaroli. All rights reserved.
Jerry Stoner, shown at right, is the founder of the company and the the saddle's original designer. In the 70’s he was an avid competitor in the new sport of endurance riding and an Aerospace Engineer. Finding little comfort for his horse or himself in english or western roper saddles, commonly in use in those early days, he decided to engineer himself a better, purpose built saddle. Starting with the design of the tree, he collaborated with one of the oldest and most respected saddle tree manufacturers, Ritter ( now Bowden ), to develop a tree specifically for endurance riding. After some refinements, the Stonewall Saddle emerged.
Jerry made one for himself and one for a friend and soon had orders for 10 more and a company was born.
Jerry made one for himself and one for a friend and soon had orders for 10 more and a company was born.
After 30 years of saddle making and at the age of 70, Jerry decided to retire and focus on his second love - training his Briard Sheep dogs, judging and competing in sheep herding trials. It was at this time that my husband Don and I met him thru a series of fortunate events. I had been cycling thru saddles, like many of you have done, and purchased a used Stonewall on eBay. I was attracted by the minimalist design, lightweight, disregard for traditional styling, and curious about the conformal foam. “I bet this saddle was designed by an engineer”, I commented to my husband upon receiving the saddle. It took some pestering upon my part, but I finally got over to Jerry’s place and we hit it off. After spending the better part of a year apprenticing with Jerry, and when he deemed we were ready, he sold us the company.
Since 1976 the Stonewall Saddle Company has been a part of long distance horse and rider winning teams on four continents and the first to build a saddle specifically for the sport of endurance riding.
For all of you who have written, rest assured that Don and I are committed to continuing to hand build the classic Stonewall Saddle that we all know and love so well. In addition, being Aerospace and Orthopaedic engineers ourselves, we have some new and innovative products in development for use and enjoyment. Stay tuned and Happy Trails!