"I
have had my little mare, Honey, for one year and during that time I have really
struggled to find a saddle to fit us both. She has slightly asymmetric scapulae and such huge shoulder movement that I wanted a saddle that I
could rely on not to restrict her in any way. When I got her, she could only be described as a ‘hat rack’; she continues to change shape all the time and
can also be a very ‘spirited’ ride.
I
tried all the well-known saddle brands, but always hated the thought of a saddle
tree containing and restricting her movement, never mind it not being able to adapt to fit as she developed muscle and changed shape through training. I also needed a saddle that could really support my position in
all three disciplines, which I truly didn’t think I would be able to find in one
single saddle - but with the SMART Eventer, I have!
The close-contact feel of the SMART Eventer saddle is phenomenal for flat work; without even having to think about it, my pelvis is in a perfect neutral position, this has brought our canter work (as well as everything else) on in leaps and bounds in an incredibly short space of time as I am finally in the right place to allow her to really move through from behind.
When
it comes to jumping, the SMART Eventer saddle is second to none; I did our
first ever cross-country today and you can see from the pictures how amazing the saddle
was for both of us! The adjustable knee blocks are just perfect as I can move
them around for the different disciplines of eventing; I prefer to use large
blocks for extra support when riding cross-country and none for dressage.
I
have been really impressed by the service provided by Solution Saddles. They couldn’t
have been more helpful; advising on the correct size for me as well as giving
remote feedback from videos of me riding. The extended trial period via the rental
service was invaluable and really gave me confidence that I was investing in
something special.
I’m
so excited about the eventing season ahead. I know that both Honey and I can go
out there, give it our best and continue to grow our partnership, together with
our SMART Eventer saddle, over the coming years.
Thank
you Solution Saddles for an amazing product!”
Pip
Bell
March 2019
