SMART Saddles: From little to large

"I was first introduced to SMART™ saddles, whilst trying to find a solution to the problem of my shire cross, Oscar, regularly changing shape and leading to me spending too much time and money having saddles adjusted to fit properly.

Oscar is 17.3hh and, at the time was 4 years old and just coming into proper work. As he was constantly changing shape, I was becoming increasingly frustrated at the amount of time we were spending out of work; waiting for saddle fitters, waiting for saddle adjustments and arranging to drop-off or collect saddles before and after adjustments.  Not to mention the money I was spending for every adjustment. 

I decided to invest in the SMART™ PRO Jump saddle and have never looked back. The easy-to-adjust fitting and balance system means that we are now four years on and have not missed a single training session or competition due to saddle issues.  

Our training has come on leaps and bounds and we are now regularly competing - getting some good results including double clears, wins and finishing on our dressage score. We are looking forward to moving on to more advanced work including our first BE.

Dorothy, a completely gorgeous, but very barrel shaped Fell Pony, was purchased for my daughter to learn to ride on.

I had difficulties finding a traditional saddle to stay in position, so invested in a SMART Native saddle for her - and what a difference! Both Dorothy and my daughter have come on leaps and bounds in just the three months since we bought it.  With Dorothy winning her first one day event with a 28.7 dressage score, after only seeing cross country jumps twice before in her life!"

Dotty winning her first mini one day event

Helen

2021 Update: Norah and Dorothy making light work of her first 65cm class in her SMART Native saddle.

A flexible SMART™ saddle can be of benefit to a young horse as they mature:

“I’ve always loved riding in a dressage saddle and when I bought my narrow four year old, I didn’t think it would be worth buying one for him until he’d fully developed.

SMART™ Saddles were recommended to me as they were fully flexible and could adjust with him as he grew. I was a little sceptical at first - but that quickly changed after the design and concept was explained to me.

Following a through fitting session I started on our flat work; I couldn’t believe the difference; the sensitivity was highly increased and the SMART™ PRO Dressage saddle felt SO comfortable. I kept the saddle on trial and took it to a dressage lesson where my instructor was impressed with the increased movement my horse had in his shoulders.

Safe to say I bought the saddle!.”

Cerys 

The SMART PRO Dressage saddle: highly recommended for a difficult to fit mare.

“I am very pleased with my SMART™ PRO dressage saddle.

With large shoulders and a round back, finding a saddle to fit my mare has been problematic. The SMART™ saddle flexes with the movement of her back; it doesn’t lift, sway or slip even with the girth not overly tight. It feels comfortable and secure for both of us and allows full range of movement.

It’s a bonus that I can use the SMART™ saddle on other horses too. I would highly recommend”.

Tina

SMART Ambassador, Ella, gets the season off to a winning start with her SMART PRO saddles

"I love both of my SMART Saddles, they keep me in balance and fit all my ponies".

The talented, 11 year old young eventer and SMART Saddles Ambassador, Ella, has been riding her ponies in the SMART PRO Dressage and SMART PRO Jump saddles since 2018. 

Ella competes in Pony club and school teams and is training in preparation for BE, once she is old enough, next year.

She has got off to a great start with her SMART PRO saddles, winning, amongst other things, Arena 100 Eventing and PC100. She has qualified for NSEA (National School Equestrian Association) Eventers Challenge 95 & 105.

Ella said: "Not only are my SMART PRO Saddles comfortable but they’re really helping with my balance too!"

Look out for Ellas updates on the Solution Saddles Facebook page or follow Step Up Eventing here:

Below are links to a few of the fantastic videos that Ella has shared throughout the season, showing both of her SMART PRO saddles in action.

Pre Season:

https://www.facebook.com/StepUpEventing/videos/1688430834797391/

Poplar Park:

https://www.facebook.com/StepUpEventing/videos/328173267833813/

XC schooling:

https://www.facebook.com/StepUpEventing/videos/802951680082381/

“I LOVE my SMART Eventer saddle!"

"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

The SMART PRO Jump saddle has played a huge part in getting ‘Eric’ back up the grades.

“I have owned Eric since he was 10 years old. Now 14, this was our first 1.20m class together which, despite a few faults, he jumped round with a super rhythm - I was very pleased with him. I only started competing in affiliated classes when I got Eric and, in that time, I have had a now 2-year old son.

   

Before I owned Eric, he was ridden in a treed saddle. When I saw his previous owner at Hickstead, she told me that although he had competed up to 1.30m, he was struggling at 90cm when he was sold. 

Since having our SMART PRO Jump saddle he feels more adjustable and flexible in his jumping and most importantly he is happier; his SMART PRO Jump saddle has played a huge part in getting his confidence back.”

Katie King

2018

Read Katies previous story, from 2015, when Katie first discovered the benefits of a SMART Dressage saddle here: https://news.solutionsaddles.com/2015/02/solution-of-month-story-february-2015.html

The flexible SMART Native VSD saddle was the perfect choice for an awkward to fit, young New Forest pony.

I needed a saddle for my young New Forest pony, William, who is an awkward shape to fit; wide with a very short, flat back.

I decided to try a SMART Native VSD saddle because they are flexible and can adapt to the shape of the horse. As William still has a bit of growing to do, a SMART saddle gives me more flexibility in terms of adjusting the fit as he changes shape. The SMART Native VSD saddle looks very high quality and no different to a traditional treed saddle - it is also very lightweight.

I decided to rent the SMART Native VSD saddle for a few weeks initially, so I could really test it out before buying. During this period, Solution Saddles were very supportive and were able to give me lots of advice from the photos and videos I sent in when I had questions. I am enjoying the saddle & my youngster is coming on nicely.

Sheri Pinkney