SMART Saddles: Keeping you in the saddle! 

‘’If you have physical or age-related issues, or old injuries, please try one of these - I honestly couldn’t ride in anything else!’’ 

Although we often hear of horses undergoing rehab, it is not unusual for riders themselves to also be rehabilitating from injury or overcoming physical issues; we love to hear the genuine difference that a SMART Saddle has made for riders with pre-existing issues or injuries, or who had previously been facing the end of their riding career.  

 

‘’Riding in the SMART Elite Dressage has been a game changer for us both.  I’m feeling confident with the improved rider feel, comfort and position it gives me - which helps my horse. It is amazing when you can make progress with your skills and ability, when both horse and rider fit into the veteran category. My Fitter has been amazing, perceptive and knowledgeable, and gets my saddle in perfect balance every check. 

If you have physical or age-related issues, or old injuries, please try one of these saddles, I honestly couldn’t ride in anything else!’’  ~ A. Pollock (UK), riding in the SMART Elite Dressage saddle 

 

Thanks to the flexible design, SMART Saddles engage with the horse’s back differently and therefore afford greater synchrony between horse, saddle and rider; rather than being displaced by the movement, the SMART Saddle will flex with it, allowing the rider to maintain a more linear alignment with both the horse and their saddle. In combination with the lightweight, shock absorbing materials, the SMART Saddle helps to reduce stresses on the riders’ joints. 

 

An EMAS graph representation of vertical misalignment of horse, saddle and rider over three strides. 

 Here you can see that The SMART™ saddle synchronised better with horse and rider movement than a rigid saddle with a conventional tree thus improving the symmetry of the interaction. The health and wellbeing of the rider, particularly the rider’s back, may be compromised by asymmetry.

The seat balance can also be fine-tuned using SMART Easy-fit Shims without affecting the fit for the horse, allowing tailored support for each rider. For example, shims can be used at the front or rear, or even asymmetrically,  assisting the rider to a comfortable ‘pelvic neutral’ position for more effective riding. In addition to this, the knee blocks can be adjusted to ensure that they are helping and not hindering, so that every rider’s unique shape and riding style can be accommodated.  

 

‘’I had a lower back spinal fusion and am finding the SMART Elite Hunter/Jump saddle super comfortable to ride in and haven’t been in any pain after riding, even after 3+ hour treks. The saddle puts me in a great position and is beautifully made with top quality leather.‘’  – Hayley Christie (NZ), riding in her SMART Elite Hunter/Jump saddle 

 

If you have struggled with aches and pains during or after riding, or worse, have been considering stopping riding due to the discomfort it causes, simply get in touch and one of our SMART Advisors can help you regain your comfort and confidence in the saddle. On top of this, our rental service allows you to take your time to make sure that the SMART works for you over multiple rides, giving you the chance to feel for yourself just how much difference a flexible saddle can make! 

Wherever you are, enquire about trialling a SMART Saddle today:  https://www.smartsaddles.com/contact/