Ultralight Saddle Success Story: Champion Achievements in 2023
Congratulations to the 2023 Distance Horse of the Year, Nchantedprincevaliant+ (Valiant)
A 13 year old gelding out of FSF Dakaros Enchanter X SHF South Comet and owned and ridden by Cynthia Mettes. Valiant started his distance career in 2016 with his breeder/owner, Pamela Burrows.
Valiant did 2 limited distance rides with Pam that year. In January 2017, Valiant was purchased by his current owner, Cynthia Mettes. Since Valliant’s career has blossomed, in between 2017 to 2022, Valiant completed several Endurance and Competitive Trail events.
In his first year he completed one limited distance ride and then moved up to 50-mile rides completing three 50 mile
rides that year, one at 55 miles. Valiant completed a tough 50-mile AERC endurance ride in August of 2018, the Spanish Peaks ride in Colorado, placing fourth. Valiant also placed first in the AHA Region 9 CTR Championship with a perfect score of 200, he turned around and did the same thing again the following year.
Valiant was also awarded his Legion of Honor in 2019 season. Cindy states “Valiant is a total blast to camp with. Whenever I come around the trailer to his pen, I call out his name and he calls back to me with great gusto. He is very “verbal”, and it puts a smile on my face every time.
For the 2023 competition year Valiant completed 11 NATRC Open competitive trail rides, placing first and Sweepstakes in 4 of those competitions. He earned his NATRC National Championship award along with placing third in the nation for the NATRC President’s Cup award.
Amongst all the NATRC competitions, he completed two AERC 50-mile rides, Valiant was Reserve Champion in the AHA Region 9 50-mile ride and fourth in the AERC Open ride. Valiant then went on to win the AHA Region 9 Championship CTR and placed first and Sweepstakes in the Open competition.
Photo Credit: John Nowell
Cindy states “Competitions are all about the food. I get up 4 hours before a competition starts and feed him an early breakfast. I hurry to get it to him as he won’t quit screaming until I get him his breakfast – just about wakes up the whole camp! It certainly gets all the other horses stirred up and wanting THEIR breakfast. Valiant has me trained when it comes to carrots. He “asks” for them in camp with lots of nickers, and I comply (those nickers just melt my heart). 
On the trail, he will stop and bend his head around for a carrot. I carry a LOT of carrots with me on the trail!! He always tries so hard to do what I ask. He is just a fun-fun-fun horse, no drama, just a joy to be with. And really, the best part is that after a competition I don’t feel like I have done anything. Valiant is a delight to ride and very easy on me since he has learned to carry himself so nicely.
In summary, Valiant is a horse that has continued to compete each year, placing well. He is a testament to the longevity and versatility of the Arabian horse.
The Ultralight Saddle in Distance Riding Communities
The Specialized Saddles Ultralight Saddle has earned a reputation among distance riders, competitive trail riders, and endurance competitors as one of the most reliable saddles for long hours on the trail. Designed specifically for performance, it balances durability with the kind of comfort horses need to excel through long events. Riders who compete in NATRC, AERC, and other distance riding associations consistently turn to the Ultralight because it helps keep their horses sound, even after thousands of competition miles.
Cynthia’s experience with Valiant is not an isolated story—it echoes what many riders have discovered when they transition to Specialized Saddles. Horses move more freely, toplines develop correctly, and riders notice a lighter, more responsive feel beneath them. Over time, this translates into higher scores, better recovery rates, and most importantly, happy horses who look forward to the job.
The Role of Saddle Fit in Endurance Success
One of the unique aspects of the Ultralight is how it applies principles of Ultralight saddle fit to the endurance and competitive trail disciplines. In both sports, the back is the engine. If the saddle pinches the shoulders, bridges across the back, or sits too heavily on the loins, the horse cannot perform to its full potential. By providing adjustable support, Specialized Saddles ensures that the Ultralight can be fine-tuned for Arabians like Valiant—who often have shorter backs, rounder ribcages, and powerful shoulders.
The Ultralight saddle emphasizes lightness, balance, and correct use of the horse’s body. Those same concepts, when carried into endurance, allow a horse to travel efficiently and without undue strain. This is why the Ultralight Saddle has become such a popular choice not only for distance riders but also for riders who cross-train their horses in multiple disciplines.
Rider Comfort on the Trail
While horse comfort is always the top priority, Specialized Saddles and TW Saddlery also recognizes that endurance riders spend hours in the saddle. A design that minimizes rider fatigue can make the difference between a tough ride and an enjoyable one. The Ultralight Saddle includes a carefully balanced seat that keeps the rider centered, preventing strain in the hips and lower back. Even after 50 or 100 miles, riders find they can dismount feeling fresher, which allows them to better care for their horses post-ride.
Cynthia often comments on how much easier it is to stay balanced during long competitions with Valiant thanks to the saddle. The reduced weight—without sacrificing durability—also means less bulk for the rider to manage when tacking up or making adjustments on the trail.
Specialized Saddles’ Legacy of Innovation
The Ultralight saddle is part of Specialized Saddles’ broader mission: to bring modern adjustability and customization to endurance saddles. Traditional western saddles are often built with fixed trees that can’t adapt to changing horse musculature, but Specialized Saddles introduced a solution that mirrors what high-end English saddles offer: adjustability and balance.
For distance horses like Valiant, whose topline and conditioning change throughout competition seasons, this adjustability is crucial. With shims and fine-tuning, the Ultralight evolves with the horse, ensuring that fit issues don’t derail progress. This innovation has made Specialized Saddles a trusted partner for competitive riders worldwide.
Testimonials Beyond Valiant
Valiant’s story is inspiring, but it’s only one among many. Riders across the U.S. and internationally report similar transformations when switching to the Ultralight Saddle. Horses that previously struggled with soreness or behavioral resistance often blossom once saddle fit is corrected. Competitive results improve, recovery times shorten, and the overall relationship between horse and rider strengthens.
These shared experiences reinforce the Specialized Saddles philosophy: every horse deserves a saddle that fits correctly and supports their long-term soundness. Whether in endurance or trail riding, the Ultralight delivers on that promise.
A Partnership for the Future
Cynthia and Valiant’s ongoing success shows what is possible when great horsemanship meets the right equipment. Their journey is proof that competitive distance horses can not only perform at high levels but also thrive when supported by proper saddle fit. Specialized Saddles takes pride in knowing that the Ultralight model played a role in Valiant’s comeback and championship titles.
Looking forward, Specialized Saddles remains committed to helping more riders experience these benefits. As awareness grows about the importance of proper fit—both in endurance and trail riding—more horse-and-rider teams will be able to reach their goals without compromise.
Training, Recovery, and the Role of the Ultralight Saddle
Distance horses like Valiant are asked to give their all in competition, and recovery between events is critical. The right saddle doesn’t just influence performance on competition day—it also determines how well the horse bounces back afterward. With a poorly fitting saddle, horses often show signs of soreness, stiffness, or even behavioral issues in the days following a ride. In contrast, Cynthia has consistently noticed that Valiant stays loose, comfortable, and eager to go back to work after riding in the Specialized Saddles Ultralight Saddle.
The lightweight design minimizes strain during long hours in the saddle, while the 3D Adjustable Fit System ensures that no single muscle group is overloaded. This balanced approach means Valiant’s topline has remained strong and filled out, even after years of demanding mileage. Many distance riders agree that the Ultralight supports a horse’s ability to recover quickly—helping extend careers and preserve long-term soundness.
Why Riders Trust Specialized Saddles
One of the reasons Specialized Saddles has developed such a strong following in the endurance and competitive trail community is because of their commitment to solving real-world saddle fit problems. Instead of creating one-size-fits-all designs, Specialized Saddles developed a system that allows riders to make adjustments over time. Horses change as they age, condition, or advance in training, and the Ultralight Saddle grows with them.
This philosophy of adaptable, horse-first design is what sets Specialized Saddles apart. For riders like Cynthia, it means peace of mind: no matter how much Valiant changes throughout the seasons, his saddle can be fine-tuned to meet his needs. That flexibility is invaluable for distance riders who rely on consistency, comfort, and reliability to succeed.
Valiant is a living example of how the right saddle can make all the difference in competitive longevity, comfort, and performance. His accomplishments in endurance and competitive trail events reflect his strength, heart, and the partnership he shares with Cynthia. But behind every mile is also the thoughtful choice of equipment that protects his back, allows him to carry himself correctly, and ensures he enjoys his job.
The Specialized Saddles Ultralight saddle is more than a tool—it’s an investment in the horse’s future. For distance riders, and for anyone who values both performance and horse welfare, it offers a proven solution that stands the test of time.