The SMART PRO Jump saddle suited both this ever-growing 13.3hh mare and adult rider perfectly.

 

“As an adult rider (5’5”) on a pony it was always going to be tricky to find saddles to suit us both, but to add insult to injury the pony also changed shape what seemed like every ten minutes in the first few years I had her. She outgrew saddles that were fitted to her and some saddles that were fitted she has just plain hated. 

She isn’t simple to fit, standing at 13.3hh, she is croup high and short backed. She is wonderfully brave, super sensitive and smart, but she is also one opinionated, contrary and strong willed lady. Be under no illusion if she doesn’t like something, you will know about it. 

After a thorough fitting with one of your super-knowledgeable (and patient) SMART Advisors and a two week trial period, I now have her in a SMART PRO Jump saddle which fits us both, puts me in a great position and as an added bonus it looks gorgeous.

The contact with the horses back is amazing, I feel closer to the horse than with any treed close contact saddle I have ridden in and was surprised by how secure I felt, less slipping and sliding than in other saddles. 

What I wasn’t expecting was how much better she would move; her walk has improved and she feels so much looser in her jump. She also now stands better to tack up and to mount and her occasional bucks are a thing of the past. I am positive “Miss Opinionated” approves of it and I was so grateful for the trial period as I just couldn’t get stuck with another saddle the pony didn’t like as has happened in the past.

As an extra plus point the saddle can also be used on any of my other horses. This is particularly handy for my 16hh 3 year old as he grows and changes shape and it suits him beautifully.

I see myself happily riding in this saddle for many years to come."

  

Many thanks,

Sarah Blackmore 

SMART Advisor: Katie Ebbage, Oregon USA

 Katie Ebbage owns and operates a horse welfare-based, multi-disciplinary training facility in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA. With 25 years as a professional, and 20 years in the saddle industry, Katie brings a broad range of experience to her work with Solution Saddles. 

Katie has spent decades studying biomechanically correct training for both horse and human, and firmly believes SMART Saddles are the best saddles available for both correct horse development and proper support of the rider. 

Across the board, all of the horses and riders Katie has introduced to SMART Saddles have improved in ways that would not be possible without these exceptional saddles. In sum, SMART Saddles are a key part of Katie’s program, and have been instrumental in the correct development of all pupils, equine and human alike!

Find out more about buying a SMART Saddle from outside the UK 

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."

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.

A fantastic start to the season with a double clear in the SMART Elite Jump saddle

 

Robbie has started the 2021 event season using his new SMART Elite jump saddle. He really likes the feel of the close contact and his balance over a fence has really improved. The horse is always looking really happy and jumping so well. 

They achieved a double clear in the novice section at Burnham Market and are looking forward to competing in their first 2*  in May.  

South of England

Having always been very tall, the SMART saddles have always allowed Robbie the leg room he needs as we were never restricted by saddle size.  I really do believe that the SMART saddles have contributed greatly to Robbie’s success as a rider. This new SMART Elite is just fantastic and we can’t recommend it enough.

Helen Bell

2021

A second SMART saddle purchase - ensured comfort for every horse!

 

 

 

“I have ridden in my SMART GP saddle for 6 years and it is as good today as the day I bought it. It has been used on everything from my number one horse, a 16.3hh chunky warmblood, to our little Highland my grand-daughter rode and a heavy Irish Draught cross. 

 

I am such a fan of SMART saddles; my horses move so freely, the saddles do not need reflocking or gullet bars changing and they adapt to fit different shapes of horses so are ideal for youngsters, or if like me, you have different horses of different shapes to ride. 

 

I have found SMART Advisors to be wonderful. The Advisor who came to me was patient and happy to give advice over the phone until I got the hang of the fitting - it is not difficult once you understand the principles. When I bought my first SMART saddle, I was taught how to fit it to my different horses and I was pleased to see the same fitter again when I decided to purchase a second SMART saddle. 

 

I recently decided to buy a second SMART PRO GP saddle for a finer 16.3hh KWPN warmblood because I wanted both horses to have the comfort of a SMART saddle whoever was riding out with me – with each of my riding friends commenting that they do not realise that they are riding in a treeless saddle! 

 

I meet quite a few ‘old-school’ riders who do not understand the principle of SMART saddles and it concerns me how closed their minds are. If nothing else they should consider the advantages: a flexible, soft, kind saddle which fits perfectly whichever horse you ride and the freedom from saddle fitters! 

 

I am not a competitive rider, more a happy hacker these days who may dabble in dressage occasionally.” 

 

Margie Haslop.