Running a yard where there are multiple different horses and/or multiple different riders doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on saddle fit. Not only can a SMART Saddle be tailored to each individual horse/rider combination, but it can be refitted and rebalanced to accommodate a wide range of horses and/or riders.
Benefits include:
SMART Saddles in situ:
Learn how these yards use their SMART Saddles to accommodate each and every horse and rider that passes through their gates. From rehabilitation to training and competition, the flexible SMART Saddle can be a cost-effective saddle solution for larger yards who refuse to compromise on their horse’s comfort, welfare and performance.
HAPPA (Horse and Pony Protection Association)
“Over the past two years, SMART Saddles have become an integral part of our operations at HAPPA. Initially introduced by Mark Fuller as a solution to our saddle fitting challenges, these saddles have proven to be invaluable. The large number of horses and ponies at our centre, each with unique shapes and sizes, made finding well-fitted saddles a daunting task. Traditional saddles were not only costly but often ill-fitting, leading to a range of issues, particularly for horses with poor conformation.
SMART Saddles, funded by grants, have revolutionised our approach. These versatile saddles can be used across a variety of ponies, adapting as the horses grow, mature, and develop. For instance, our school master, Fergus, previously required monthly physio sessions due to back soreness caused by his old saddle. Upon switching to a SMART Saddle, we were astonished by the immediate improvement in his mobility. Fergus now only needs physio check-ups every three to four months, showcasing the profound impact of these saddles.
This positive experience is echoed across all our horses at HAPPA. The well-balanced design of SMART Saddles provides great comfort for our staff, allowing them to maintain a secure and balanced position on young, unbalanced horses and ponies. With five SMART Saddles now in our possession, we have significantly reduced costs while markedly improving the welfare of our equines.”
Penny Lawn, Event rider
“I am happy to say that I have now used SMART Saddles on numerous horses over the last 10 years from their initial start age 3 right through to competing in BD, BS and eventing at International level. From small Thoroughbreds through to large warmbloods with the occasional Native cross thrown in, the SMART saddle ensures that I have the close contact, comfort and security that I need, whilst allowing all the horses to have the freedom to move and develop as they grow and change throughout their training and competitive years.”
Tim Downes FBHS, Ingestre Stables
“I have used my SMART saddle on every conceivable shape and type of horse, and all have quickly discovered greater freedom of movement and elasticity, rapidly followed by more willingness to work towards self-carriage.
At home we have tested the durability of the SMART saddle to excess. We own two, and both are used daily on at least four horses each. It is fortunate for me that many of my clients now ride with their own SMART saddle, as I am no longer allowed to remove my own from the yard for more than about half an hour. To do so would cause too much distress amongst those left at home, as they would have to fight over the one remaining saddle!
As a rider, a trainer of horses, and a teacher of riders, the SMART saddle has made my daily life easier, saved me hours of time trying to find saddles that ”fit” and enabled me to develop the training of many individual horses and riders way beyond their expectations.”
Brendán Callan-Bergin, Bergin Equine
“One of the major focuses we have is our horses’ comfort. With the best will in the world a non-flexible saddle cannot achieve this. The deformable design facilitates the flexibility to fit horses as they develop and change. We use both our SMART Dressage and Jump saddles on a range of horses from cobs to thoroughbred and sport horses. An invaluable component and investment in our riding school.”
Eat Sleep Ride CIC
“Eat, Sleep, Ride CIC is a community led riding school operating from a solar powered site in South East Scotland skills since 2017, and for the first two years, we used traditional tree saddles. However, for the last four years, we switched to SMART Saddles and couldn't be happier with the decision.
The knowledge we've gained from the SMART team has been invaluable. They have taught us how to set up the saddles properly and what to look for, ensuring our horses' comfort and our own. Understanding the importance of balance, rider size, and the role of adequate padding has significantly enhanced our riding experience.
In summary, SMART Saddles have improved our riding and horse care. The expertise, combined with the design of the saddles, has made them an irreplaceable part of our equestrian journey. I couldn't imagine riding in anything else.”
Keep your eyes peeled for part 2 of this series where we’ll explore more yards across the globe who are taking advantage of the flexible SMART Saddle system to keep all of their horses and riders at their best.
In the meantime, if you have a number of horses and/or riders to keep comfortable and safe under saddle, don’t hesitate to reach out to find out more. Simply call: +44 (0)1909 807 870 or email smart@smartsaddles.com
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