Safe to say I LOVE my SMART Saddle!

 

Ervalough Woodhaven Tim, SMART Elite Jump Saddle, Photo: www.topshots.org.uk

 

I have owned Woody (Ervalough Woodhaven Tim) a 15 HH, 15-year-old Sports Connemara since he was 4 years old.  He has changed shape a lot over the years but when I moved from Surrey to Wiltshire he changed again as was doing lots more hill work up on Salisbury Plain. This was when I really started to have issues with my own jump saddle constantly slipping off to the right and I was recommended a new saddle fitter. 

 

When she first came out, Woody was asymmetric in his withers and lacking muscle in his ribs, so she made adjustments. Within a matter of weeks, the rib area was much improved, but the saddle still kept slipping off to the right and it was making me crooked too.  On each visit she would tweak the fit however, regardless of what special numnahs or risers I used, the saddle slippage would re-occur shortly after.  I was banging around in the saddle and losing confidence in my ability to ride.  Worse still, I now hated my much-prized saddle!  As it was air-filled, the last resort was to flock it but even I could see we had reached the point of no return.  Despite the strategically placed pads, the saddle no longer fitted and I needed a new one. 

 

I had no idea this saddle fitter specialised in SMART Saddles until she pulled one out of the back of her van for me to try. I will freely admit, it was not love at first sight and I was quite rude about it!  That said, I do have the upmost respect for her judgement and knowledge and trust her implicitly, knowing she would not be representing a company and fitting their saddles unless she thought they were good.   As soon as I sat in the SMART saddle, I rapidly changed my mind – it was so comfortable and it just felt, right!

 

Ervalough Woodhaven Tim, SMART Elite Jump Saddle, Photo: www.topshots.org.uk

 

We set a date for a proper trial where she let me try all the jump range and I chose the SMART Elite Jump. I had it on trial for one month and was converted.  Within 2 months of the new SMART saddle, Woody’s withers became a pair and now he has just two thin shims to fit.  The difference is just amazing, and it is like I can ride again!  I feel so much more secure, I am now straighter and no longer tip forward.  Better still, it is like sitting in an armchair each time I ride! 

 

Ervalough Woodhaven Tim, SMART Elite Jump Saddle, Photo: www.topshots.org.uk

 

Safe to say I LOVE my SMART Saddle.

Catherine Heilbron