“My SMART saddle journey started a few years ago, after seeing them being used by Porridge the Long-Haired Lipizzaner & Finn who I follow on social media. I was struggling to find Oliver a saddle that really fit him well due to his conformation.
He’s had so many saddles over the years that I’ve lost count - including one that was made to measure!
Every single one slipped and twisted and he never seemed comfortable in them. I was having saddle fitters every month trying to make something work, but nothing did. Every time the physio came out, it was always the same comments of tightness in his back. When I decided to give SMART saddles a try, I was dubious but am honestly so glad I did - the difference was incredible.
The SMART Elite Dressage saddle fits Oliver so well and it doesn’t move. We only hack these days, but the saddle never moves and despite the changes in his weight it has continued to fit him. The physio also noted the changes in his back and he no longer gets the same tightness he was suffering with.
Once I’d seen the difference in Oliver, I knew I would be backing my youngster in a SMART saddle. Jack is a very different shape to Oliver, having a much flatter back with no wither. My SMART Advisor suggested a Native style would be more suited to him and I decided to get the Native Event – again, it’s a wonderful comfy saddle!
Jack has been backed in his SMART saddle and even with him growing and changing shape I’ve not had to change the saddle like I probably would have done with a treed saddle. Again, even with his weight gain, it still fits! I’m really looking forwards to getting him out and about more in the coming years and to be able show off our wonderful saddle.
I always recommend SMART saddles to anyone that asks. To anyone that is unsure please give them a try - you won’t be disappointed! I don’t think I will be able to go back to treed saddles ever again!
Jo Skinner
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