With online fitting advice, and advice on which model would suit my pony best (all of which was very helpful), I received my saddle in June 2021 and I found initially, after only a couple of rides, that Skip was already much happier.
"Being a Ride With Your Mind biomechanics coach and a Masterson Method bodywork practitioner has given me a great insight into the relationships between rider and horse bodies. I’m really interested in posture (static & dynamic) to avoid injury…. And good rehabilitation when it is required.
"This saddle has been a real game changer for Rodney, he’s clearly so much more comfortable and is going better than he has for ages - we were afraid he would never come right after his kissing spines diagnosis, so it’s really great to see Ruby and Rodney enjoying their work again!”
We made the switch to the SMART Elite Dressage saddle; his whole front end came up and he was next level to ride. Long story short, I was mind blown!!!
I have been a practicing human and equine therapist for over 23 years. I initially noticed a marked improvement in the horse’s backs and bodies that were being ridden in SMART™ saddles and this observation became a recurring pattern.
I started to understand the cavity that the SMART™ saddle has the opportunity to fill. When you remove the rigid parts from most things you lose the support framework but with SMART™ FlexTech technology you start to create true synchrony and synergy between horse and rider.
It can be difficult to find the right saddle for the right horse under normal circumstances... Essentially, I kept an open mind and when I read a recommendation from a lameness specialist about ‘SMART Saddles’ I chose to take a closer look.
I live in Perth, Western Australia, and have a 12 year old short and flat-backed, very wide Connemara gelding and have struggled with saddles and saddle fitting for several years to the point where I was considering stopping riding all together.
I now have a SMART™ PRO VSD saddle and the fit is great both for Ebony and for me, especially with the adjustable knee and thigh blocks
"SMART™ Saddles are so easy to deal with, they are so helpful if you have any questions or queries. Having a decent trial time to try the saddle out properly was amazing and gave me confidence in both the saddle and the company."
I have been riding in SMART ™ saddles for many years now. I came to them after finding it almost impossible to find a saddle for my little Thoroughbred, the change in him with a SMART™ saddle was instant so I've never looked back.
Since changing to a SMART™ saddle our dressage scores are much better, we are constantly progressing in our training and he just finds everything easier because he can move without restriction.
"The SMART Elite Dressage Saddle is probably one of the most comfortable saddles I have ever sat in. I love that I can make little tweaks to help my position on the horse. Where it is flexible, I can get a really good feeling of what is going on underneath me, and it gives such a close feeling to the horse."
SMART™ Elite Dressage saddle has radically improved my Warmbloods movement through his back. We have now been selected to represent Scotland.
"SMART™ saddles are allowing us to improve the welfare of both the horses and the staff, as well as massively reducing costs..." Equine charity, HAPPA, SMART™ Saddle review.
"I effectively have a new pony. He’s forward going, ears pricked, loving both hacking and lessons. We are bouncing along, both happy. I feel close to him and can feel every movement. " Success for novice rider and her Cob with their SMART PRO GP saddle
"I love training him, he's such a happy chap, and I really appreciate the value of the best and most comfortable equipment for my horses." Watch this space to find out how 'Porridge' progresses in his SMART Native Dressage saddle! Competing Advanced Medium and aiming PSG.
As soon as I introduced her to the new SMART™ saddle I honestly felt there was more freedom of movement, especially from her shoulder area. She was relaxed and forward going and seemed so much happier.
SMART Saddles Customer Stories: Game-changer following kissing spines treatment for ex-racehorse
SMART Saddles Customer Stories: RWYM Biomechanics Coach chooses a SMART™ Elite Dressage saddle for effective the rider position, support and adaptability.
"It is such a relief to ride out with the knowledge that my new SMART™ saddle is not restricting my horse’s movement or causing her any discomfort."
SMART Saddles Customer Stories: SMART Elite Dressage upgrade transforms super-sensitive homebred.
Pamplona based Master Saddle Fitting Consultant, Caroline, has extensive experience as a professional dressage rider for over 17 years: from backing young horses in studs
For years I have struggled with saddle fit for my ever-changing Haflinger. Living in the USA, I was also a bit hesitant about the idea of importing a saddle from the UK, but with the level of competence and care with which I was treated, I decided to go ahead with the overseas transaction.
A rider and trainer with a background in studying Classical Horsemanship, focusing very specifically on the biomechanics of the horse’s movement and the rider’s seat, aids Zsuzsu’s knowledge and ability to understand saddle fit in motion.
"I can’t put into words how delighted I am that these saddles exist. I want everyone to know about them and understand that a saddle can be flexible and supportive for both you and your horse. My boys are a testament to that - as is my gradually increasing confidence!”
As an ambitious and competitive BE rider, I worked my way through many and varied saddle fittings, which proved to be unsuccessful
Buffy lives on the Isle of Seil, just south of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland. She has three horses and enjoys training her horses
Lindsey Partridge is dedicated to life-long learning and helping others connect with their horses.
Buffy lives on the Isle of Seil, just south of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland. She has three horses and enjoys training her horses
I have a 5-year-old part Dales x Clydesdale Gypsy cob gelding who I have had since a foal.
As an adult rider 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
SMART Saddle October Sale, Save £100's on ex-demo saddles.
SMART Blog-Star winner, Bethan, has had her fitting for her SMART Pro Jump saddle and is looking forward to receiving her brand new saddle.
