Background
“When I purchased a new horse in November 2020, I had no idea that it would take almost a year to find a saddle I was happy with, despite having an excellent saddle fitter who went above and beyond to help me. My little show jumping mare was naturally lordotic with huge shoulders, the left slightly bigger than the right.
Despite our best efforts, eliminating pressure from the stirrup bars was not easy and the back of the saddle consistently slipped to the right. She then became short striding when walking downhill immediately after being mounted.
A full veterinary assessment showed no lameness or pain, yet this occurred with all 3 of her saddles - a frustrating mystery until I hopped onto her bareback and she walked freely downhill every time.
Trying a SMART saddle
It was at this stage I made the decision to try a SMART™ saddle and met with a SMART™ Advisor, who was also a holistic saddle fitter and biomechanics coach. I liked her immediately as she was clearly very knowledgeable but also listened to what I had to say.
I trialled the SMART™ Elite Event and SMART™ Elite Jump saddles and after an extended rental period selected the jump saddle. Initially the back of the saddle sat a fraction to the right, but after a few weeks of working comfortably the saddle sat centrally, and right from the start she walked freely downhill. Choice of girth was important for this mare too, and I was provided with several to try.
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. I am very happy with the saddle and so is Scarlett.”
Sue Devereux, BA BVSc MRCVS
