Relief in the SMART Native GP saddle!

I recently had a SMART saddle on trial for two weeks along with a lovely green saddle pad, SMART Balance pads and the Royal Rider stirrups with Bates webbers.

I have sacroiliac joint arthritis as well as bursitis which means that my very wide cob ‘George’ makes this feel worse.  In the past I have tried treed saddles, which were so difficult to make comfortable for George but ok for me.  I have tried most treeless saddles, which just made George feel really wide, although they were comfortable for him.

I trialled a SMART Native GP saddle and it was such a relief to sit in.  I am not totally pain-free, but this makes riding much more comfortable and with physical therapy I am getting much better.  The beauty of the SMART saddle is that it doesn’t add to George’s width!

I had a fitting with a SMART Advisor to get the balance right, which was really useful.  I tried 2 different models but was wowed with the SMART Native GP. During the fitting session I had a bit of a ‘Oh!’ moment when George trotted and was much freer in his shoulders.  My legs also did not flap about, and my position was much better.

I decided to take the saddle on trial for two weeks to be sure it would be right for us. During the rental period I did school work, hacking and scent work – George is a search and rescue horse!  The saddle stayed put and I was able to ride longer than the usual 30 minutes.

By the end of the two weeks the saddle was definitely not going back - it’s mine now!  I also fell in love with the recommended stirrups which are so light and gave a wonderful position. 

Maria Andrea Hurley