SMART Brand Ambassador: Rebecca Duke

Meet long-time SMART Saddle user, Rebecca Duke, and her horses ‘training for soundness’ in their SMART saddle.

My name is Rebecca (The Balanced Horse) I am a Classically Trained Dressage Rider, Trainer and Trainee BD Judge. I have ridden in most disciplines; I was a keen showjumper and loved cross-country as a child then went on to showing. I was horse-mad before I could walk and here I am 33 years later.

Dressage became my passion in my early 20s. Training for soundness is something I live by, after owning multiple horses with complex health issues I went deep into the depths of rehabilitation. My work now surrounds improving posture and biomechanics for a more synchronised, harmonious partnership between horse and rider whilst keeping longevity in mind.

I have owned all shapes and sizes of horses from warmbloods to hairies. I don't have a type as such I just follow the motto of " Dressage for Horses, not horses for dressage " and enjoy the challenge of unlocking the best out of each horse.

I currently own two horses: Finn and Moomin.

Mr Finn is an 11yo Welsh X Irish Cob, he was a surprise foal saved from slaughter. I bought him in 2014 when my mare needed a quieter life due to muscle disease and an old injury. Finn needed some TLC and time to physically and mentally mature, so he didn't start work until he was 5, shortly after at 7 he broke down. Investigations discovered he had PSSM Type 1, RER, Osteoarthritis of the stifles, hocks, elbows and boney changes in the spine. The dreaded PTS was mentioned - or he may make a happy hacker at the most - but by some miracle he went against all odds and rehabbed back to full competitive ridden work.

We went on to have two successful years competing in British Dressage, standing on the podium for our Petplan Area Festival Freestyle in the 2nd year and getting a wild card for the championship.

I have no desire to climb the levels with Finn in competition anymore because of his issues. My dreams can wait, he owes me absolutely nothing so we stay where we are and continue to "prehab". All we have achieved is a dream that once seemed impossible and I am so grateful - now we just have fun with no pressure.

Moomin (Mopes Mondtänzer) is my 18 month old Welsh Section D, his dam and sire are from Germany now residing in the UK at Mopes Stud.

Last year he went to his first in-hand show and took it all in his stride. I am looking forward to taking him out again this year and letting him see the world. I am excited for a future in Dressage with him and hope to climb the levels - I love the whole process with youngsters.

I am a long-standing user of SMART Saddles, I came across them after researching saddles after years and years of sore backs and saddle issues - especially with my natives and cobs. I booked a SMART saddle trial and haven't looked back. The connection, freedom of the shoulder and comfort they give you doesn't compare to any other saddle I have ridden in. I have since upgraded my SMART saddle through the latest designs and now ride in the SMART Elite Dressage saddle.

I haven't had a back issue in all the time using these saddles and even though I have had the dressage models, the movable knee blocks haven't stopped me jumping a decent sized fence too, they are just so versatile and can suit all types of horses.

Rebecca Duke, SMART Ambassador, 2025