Friday 14 May 2021

SMART Advisor: Julie Knaggs - Hampshire, New Forest, Oxfordshire, Surrey, W. Sussex


 

 “As a saddle fitter with 12 years’ experience and a biomechanics geek, having worked with many saddle brands over the years, I have always been looking for optimum horse comfort and movement.

Specialising in rehabilitation and performance, (working alongside other professions) to help horses with injuries, kissing spine, asymmetry and lameness, I have experience with numerous types of horse; from rescue natives to top level dressage horses.

 


 

Making the change to fitting SMART™ saddles was, for me, an easy transition. However, I was unprepared for just how much horse movement could be improved; riders would be realigned, and horses rehabilitated. The superior fit and flexibility provided by SMART™ saddles has enabled clients the leverage to achieve their potential. It has been interesting to watch the progress in many horse and rider combinations; best of all, due to the SMART™ flexibility, horses could make these changes with just one saddle!



I regularly compare treed and SMART™ Saddles on the same horse, which can be an added value for clients wanting to compare their own refitted saddle with the dynamic SMART™ saddle.

Based near Reading, I can travel to most surrounding counties, with quick access to the M3, M4, M25, and southern areas of the M1, M40.

 


My other interest is Matrix riding off the horse. This arose from a session with a fellow instructor, looking at ways to develop symmetry and correct riding, even before learning to ride, as well as changing muscle memory and mindset for established riders."




Friday 7 May 2021

SMART Advisor: Kerry Tunnell, Wiltshire



Wiltshire based SMART Advisor, Kerry Tunnell,  began her saddle fitting journey with a Solution Energist saddle that came with a horse she bought. Her passion for saddle fitting has grown from there. Having owned several horses that were difficult to fit in traditional saddles, Kerry decided to train as a saddle fitter in order to better help her own horses and eventually making it her full-time career.

Kerry is particularly interested in rehab/remedial fittings and training for the sound happy horse. 

 

"The SMART saddles have come such a long way since my first Solution Energist saddle. Providing both the freedom for the horse and the exact support the rider needs."

 

Kerry travels throughout Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, South Wales and Gloucestershire and Devon & Cornwall by special arrangement.