SMART Ambassador Natalie Brougham

“Based on the Isle of Wight, I juggle working full time as a radiographer with my love of horses and training my cobs to dance like Valegro. 

Being in complete heart block in December 2021, and undergoing a permanent cardiac pacemaker, my motto is "one life, live it"!  

I dream one day to be trotting down the centre line in a tailcoat - we're a long way off but heading in the right direction. 

 

Rod the Cob (Abbotswood Avatar), 9 year old, silver dapple bay. 

 I met Rodney when he was a month old, but at the time I was purchasing a coloured cob from the stud. It didn't occur to me that 10 months later, circumstances might change and he would come back into my life. Rodney has a heart of gold, he's super sensitive, has a need for speed and loves his food, especially apples! He's currently competing at Elementary, working towards Medium. His signature move is medium trot. 

 

6-year-old Shelby (Abbotswood Peaky Blinder).  

Shelby hasn't been the easiest to train. In March 2023, Shelby was diagnosed with polysacchoride storage myopathyor (PSSM1), which is an inherited disease that results in an abnormal accumulation of sugars in the muscles. We adjusted his stable management, feeding and supplements, and he has since become the most rewarding, trainable cob.  

Shelby is the most loving; he enjoys a good groom with cuddles. He's just started his affiliated journey, qualifying for Petplan Areas at Prelim on his first outing. I'm looking forward to progressing with him during 2024. 

 

Finally, we have James Bond (Infield Casino Royale), a 2-year-old Welsh section C.  

He will be joining the ridden team in a couple of years.  

  

 I've been using the SMART Native Dressage saddle for 3 years. After having had multiple issues of saddles slipping, sliding and not fitting my super wide cobs, my eyes were opened when trying a SMART Saddle for the first time. The SMART saddle gives me peace of mind that there's no pinching as my young cobs develop and grow. With having a cob with PSSM1, my priority is Shelby being comfortable whilst under saddle. 

 

Six months ago, I upgraded to the SMART Elite Dressage saddle, it gives me more security in my seat for working at Medium & Advanced Medium level. 

In all the years I have owned and trained cobs, I have finally found a saddle which suits them, it's secure, comfortable and affordable.”