An opportunity to study other riders experiences with The Solution saddle.
We often receive ‘thank you’ notes from clients that are delighted with their new saddles and have found the quirky problems that have stopped their horses progressing in the past have been solved when they have changed to The Solution.
Some horses have had more extreme problems when they have come to us and riders have found they are able to overcome these and continue riding when they may not have be able to previously...
Just send us your story, for your chance for you and your horse to feature on our home page!
Whether you are hacking along lanes and over hills at home or competing regularly around the country, we would love to hear how you and your horses have been getting on since using The Solution treeless saddle.
Please write to us by email and let us know what your experience has been with The Solution.
Send us your testimonial, diary or before & after story along with a picture for your chance to receive your choice of Bee Natural Saddle Cleaner, a Solution Saddles high wither saddle cloth or fleece Solution saddle cover.
Click here to send your story |
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Solution Saddles assists Landmarks charity
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About Landmarks
Since 1995 Landmarks, a registered charity, has provided vocational education and training for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. It has become the foremost independent provider of non-residential education, training and day care facilities for people with special needs.
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The charity provides a caring and stimulating environment where people with disabilities can discover their potential and develop personal skills which will equip them for a positive role in the wider community.
The facilities are based at a 20-acre working farm and an adjacent farm of 220 acres, both in Creswell.
A range of courses in animal care and practical land-based activities related to the running of a farm, conservation and horticulture are offered.
There is an extensive Skills for Life programme covering literacy, numeracy and e-learning, with extended work experience options.
All of the courses, normally designed for three years, are accredited with City & Guilds, Essential Skills (MENCAP), NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) or OCN (Open College Network).
Through practical activities students develop their basic skills, self-awareness and confidence to prepare them to achieve their goals and to move on to another college or into employment.
Landmarks is funded through the Learning and Skills Council, Chesterfield and North Nottinghamshire Colleges, Social Services, parents and other charities.
About 80 students attend each week. There is great demand for places which are restricted in order to maintain the high standards of quality. |
Solution Saddles assists Landmarks charity
When Solution Saddles discovered that a local charity had all their tack stolen in a burglary, the company stepped in to help. Landmarks College in Derbyshire helps young people with special needs gain work experience in land based courses. Horses are being used very successfully at the Cresswell centre to encourage those with a broad spectrum of learning and behavioural disorders to build confidence and communication skills. Learners are able to choose their own programmes and riding is the most popular selection.
The Solution saddle has a unique RigidFree™ design that allows it to be fitted to different horses’ back shapes. This made it an ideal choice where funds were limited and the centre was unable to replace all the saddles that were stolen.
But what the staff and students at Landmarks did not expect, was the huge impact their new saddle would have. |
Landmarks college with Billy |
Anne Bondi, Solution Saddles Managing Director, took a saddle along to the stables to demonstrate its usefulness to Rebecca, a member of the Learning Support staff.
Billy the elderly Dales cob was the guinea pig for the occasion, but he had not been ridden since his saddle “disappeared” and the lack of exercise had unfortunately contributed to serious weight gain.
Billy suffers from a metabolic disorder that makes his weight very difficult to manage and can result in bouts of the painful condition, laminitis, which in turn leads to more time off work.
The naturally broad shoulders and wide back shape of the native Dales breed makes it extremely difficult to fit the rigid frame of a conventional saddle to; combined with his tendency to carry excessive fat, Billy was a real challenge to saddle fitters.
Rebecca explained that Billy’s old saddle had been holding back ridden activities because its poor fit caused it to roll around on his back, causing lack of stability and loss of security for riders.
As this was unsafe, it was deemed necessary to have two assistants hold the saddle in place while students were trying to learn balance skills for riding – a most unsatisfactory arrangement, particularly when many of the learners were quite capable of balancing unaided and would have clearly benefited from the opportunity of greater independence to build confidence and self-esteem.
Rebecca was not only impressed by how quickly and easily the flexible Solution saddle was fitted to Billy, but was amazed at the transformation in the cob’s ability to move more freely. She felt him able to turn more easily: “not like a plank”. His trot steps were less choppy and he stopped slipping and stumbling.
Since receiving their Solution saddle, Landmarks has been able to give very positive feedback on its use and have supplied case studies to help raise awareness of the benefits for other special needs groups.
Landmarks Case Studies: (Please note names have been changed in these case studies)
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Landmarks Case Study 1
Andrew, age 18 |
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Like many learners at the centre, Andrew suffers from a complex spectrum of learning difficulties including Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and emotional/behavioural problems.
He is always on the go, finds it hard to settle, has a very short attention span and is very easily bored. Especially in a classroom situation, learning difficulties mean that he has always found it hard to concentrate. Emotionally, he can be very moody, and his mood fluctuates. He generally looks for trouble and gets himself into mischief as he is very easily led.
When he started Landmarks in September 2008, Andrew was terrified of horses. His first introduction to riding was on The Solution saddle, when he enjoyed it so much he did not want to dismount! |
He has found the saddle light and easy to handle. As it is so soft, he has not been worried about hurting the horse, and therefore he is confident the horse won’t try to hurt him. The saddle has allowed him to sit up in a balanced, comfortable position, with confidence, while walking round.
Andrew says it feels very comfortable, and he was therefore able to relax and think about his riding position.
Missy, one of our horses, has been clearly more calm and comfortable in The Solution saddle. Her old saddle slipped round quite badly, causing the learners to lose balance and make contact with her sides when they didn’t mean to. The mixed messages of the learner in the saddle prodding her on and the leader asking her to walk used to confuse her. Now the rider is much more secure and stable, she is able to listen to a single set of commands, her behaviour is naturally much calmer and the leaders feel more in control of her. |
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Landmarks Case Study 2
Kieran, age 17. |
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Kieran suffers from severe behavioural and social problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties. As a result of these disorders, he has a minute attention span and is very easily bored. He is unable to settle to activities and will abscond or just wander off. Kieran is very conscious of what he sees as his ‘failings’ and has no self confidence or self esteem. He also expresses a dislike and contempt for women.
Kieran has never had the confidence to attempt to get on a horse before, but he has been very interested in all the attention created by the new Solution saddle and was keen to ‘have a go on it’.
This positive attitude was quickly harnessed and Kieran was encouraged to get on Billy, the Landmarks cob. To everyone’s delight, Kieran absolutely loved it and said he felt very safe and secure in the saddle.
Over a period of years Landmarks have tried to find a saddle that fits Billy’s wide shoulders, but everything, including the learner on his back, has always slipped round. |
Billy the cob is now showing much freer movement in his shoulders as he is no longer constricted by an ill-fitting tree. He is clearly much more comfortable and relaxed in his work.
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Landmarks Case Study 3
Malcolm, age 18
Malcolm suffers from a spectrum of disorders including mild autism, muscle weakness leading to restricted mobility, epilepsy and mild learning difficulties. Greatly lacking in confidence, he is often unwilling to join in activities and can become very emotional and easily upset. Matthew has very little self confidence or self respect.
Matthew has never ridden, but is training for a City and Guilds NPTC Horse Care Award.
When he first came to Landmarks, he was too terrified of horses to attempt to get on, but has been enjoying his Horse Care course and has been gaining in confidence working around horses.
As part of his course, Malcolm has to saddle and bridle a horse, but he is physically very weak and was previously unable to lift the old saddle.
Because The Solution saddle is so light, Malcolm has been able to lift it without help and place it on the horse’s back.
This has given him a great sense of pride and real achievement as he is now able to do the same as everyone else in his group. He is so pleased with himself, he seems to have forgotten about his fear of being close to the horse. |
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Landmarks Case Study 4
Roderick, age 18
Roderick has a wide range of needs including mild autism, learning difficulties and social, emotional and behavioural problems.
Whilst he is physically able, he has a very limited concentration span, tending to be fidgety and hard to settle.
He mimics what he hears and struggles with anything other than very basic literacy and numeracy.
He is extremely argumentative and very easily upset. He complains about most things and can get involved in disrupting others.
Roderick has never before had the opportunity to sit on a horse but he was absolutely beaming after his first ride and couldn’t wait to do it again. |
The Solution saddle has enabled Roderick to sit confidently on Billy the cob. Initially, Roderick had no idea of balance and was literally all over the place, but the saddle stayed securely in place. With our previous saddle, I think he would have slipped over the side and been put off riding for ever.
Roderick was frequently off college, but has now said he won’t miss any more Horse Care sessions as he doesn’t want to miss another chance to ride.
Billy has also been amazing in this new saddle. The learners are all lacking in confidence and balance, but the saddle stays where it is meant to, allowing Billy to get on with his job of giving the learners experience, without the feeling of discomfort or panic because his rider is slipping off. |
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Featured stories include:
Last updated 15th Jan 2010
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Gemma Wilson & her welsh cob Saracen
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I own a 6-year-old Welsh Section D, purchased in April 2006. During this time I have struggled to get a treed saddle to fit him.
Every saddle I have owned has moved sideways and made me tip forwards, resulting in endless back pain and trips to the osteopath.
Jumping has always been difficult as I constantly get pinged out of the saddle, resulting in us both losing our confidence.
I decided the best way forward was to have a made to measure saddle for him, as it should fit him like a glove and would be the end to our saddle nightmare. When the saddle arrived I was so happy and excited, but very soon I became disappointed when I discovered I was not one bit better off.
The saddle was perched, moved around and all he did was buck and canter on the wrong lead.
I persevered with the saddle and decided to do some jumping. My horse hated jumping in it and as a result he put in a very dirty refusal, the saddle tipped and I went flying off, hitting myself quite badly on the wing.
My horse loves to jump and this was the first time he had ever refused.
After a battle with the saddle fitter, I arranged for the saddle to be sent back , leaving me with no saddle and the only option of riding bareback. |
My horse suddenly became a happy horse. He loved being ridden bareback; he lifted his back and moved in the most incredible outline. There was no more bucking and I didn’t have any back pains.
I knew this was not ideal long term, as we both love to jump and we couldn’t do that bare back!
All I wanted was a saddle, that made my horse move the same way he moved when ridden bare back, but offered me the security to do everything I would do in a treed saddle.
That is when I decided to try a treeless saddle and came across the Solution Saddles website.
My initial thoughts were “how much??!” but to be honest, I had gotten to the stage that I didn’t care how much a saddle was going to cost, so long as it stayed put, my horse was happy and we were both pain free.
The moment I sat in the saddle I thought ‘wow!!’’ It was so comfortable and I knew in time, my horse would realise it was no different to being ridden bareback.
I attach a picture show jumping in the saddle one week later.
He got a double clear, I didn’t get pinged out of the saddle, which made me stop thinking about the saddle and get that clear round.
I love the saddle and just wish I found it sooner.
It is now time to move forwards, build up our confidence and enjoy a lovely summer together and hopefully we will be in the ribbons soon.
I would just like to thank Jo Dunnett, the Solution Saddles Technical Advisor, who came to see me on a boiling hot Saturday afternoon. Jo did a fabulous job and provided a fabulous aftercare service.
I would also like to thank Amanda in the office for answering my 101 questions by email.
Thanks again,
Gemma Wilson
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Sheril Leich & her Arab Zippy
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“I thought our story might be helpful for others to read, as our problem I don't think is that uncommon, especially with Arabs and Arab crosses - and one friend of mine at least has bought a Solution saddle for her young Arab gelding after seeing the success I had with my saddle.
Lots of people are like me and just love to get out and enjoy their horses without necessarily competing.
I was at the end of my tether with saddle fitting, as nothing seemed to provide a satisfactory “solution” for my horse or me.
We had gone through four different saddle designs in the space of as many years, and tried countless other designs in trials in-between times, in the quest to find something that worked.
Like many Arabs, Zippy is very short-backed, has a wide rib cage, narrow shoulders and a forwards-placed girth groove; I soon discovered this body shape catapults almost every saddle forwards.
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With our first saddle, it shot up her neck – she lost her balance and bucked – I had a nasty fall and was unable to ride again for a few months.
A custom-made combined western/endurance style saddle design followed – but again would slip forwards and left me feeling perched and unstable.
We called in a master saddler, a GP English saddle with point straps was prescribed which stayed in place – but soon white hairs began to appear either side of her withers and following a longer-distance ride one day, the same area came up in horrible pressure weals.
The next saddle was adjustable and better for her back, but we had to resort to a crupper to keep it in place. She absolutely hated the crupper from day one, and never became used to it - and in this saddle even a simple canter was an extreme challenge. I would have to get up on my knees to manage at all and it was bumpy, uncoordinated and uncontrolled. Zippy would slow down to a trot as soon as she could, and I would sigh with relief.
We began to stick to walk and trot only and I resigned myself that the situation may not be ideal, but at least I could still get out and ride my horse.
I began to investigate treeless saddle designs. One seemed to stand out among the rest, in my view – and I arranged a trial.
When Anne Bondi, the Solution Saddles Advisor arrived, I prepared her for disappointment, explaining that nothing worked on my horse and I certainly wouldn’t be able to canter.
Yet from the moment I got on Zippy in The Solution saddle, she felt like a different horse. She felt lighter in front, lighter in my hand, freer and more forward-going. The biggest surprise and delight was when asking her for a slightly faster trot – in a heartbeat she offered a gentle transition into a light, rocking horse canter that I had never experienced on her before.
I’ll always remember Anne’s voice across the arena: ‘So what’s wrong with that then? It looks perfectly normal!’
I listened to my horse and ordered my new saddle then and there. We have not been disappointed since that first trial. Zippy’s back is in excellent shape, she shows no signs of discomfort, and she is a pleasure to take out. I’ve found the lateral stability to be excellent too; on the occasions of those famous Arab spooks and spins.
We have enjoyed participating in a number of sponsored and pleasure rides of 15 to 20 miles, indoor Le Trec trial, games days, and various training clinics.
…. But above all, I can say we now truly are happy hackers.
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Police trainer - Ruth Dickens
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Charlie competed in BE affiliated Novice eventing, but he became cagey with his jumping, and had difficulty making distances between fences and spreads. I decided that at the age of 9 he did not like the sport I loved, so retired him and he became a pet and escort for my other competition horse.
Charlie had a very short stride generally, not just in his jumping, and I had put that down to him being built a bit upright. He also had a HUGE wither, and was not very muscular on his top line or neck.
I did not actually buy Charlie a Solution saddle; I bought it for my other competing eventer, who did indeed go better.
But Charlie got to wear it as it was like an armchair to me, and it is for Charlie that I am most pleased.
Charlie, from the first time in the saddle, started to stretch, he is SO EXPRESSIVE that I felt almost moved to tears as gradually he dared to stretch his topline and then his stride as he dared to really move his shoulder. (And yes, I had always had regular back and saddle checks, and the previous tack was always passed as good.)
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There is no dramatic end to the story, Charlie is still just a pet, but as you can see from the photo we take playing to a new level! I feel so comfortable in the Solution and so secure that we have let our imagination guide our play, and the photo shows us skipping for joy. Charlie is also teaching people to ride, and especially with novice riders I know that he will always be comfortable. One rider that Charlie has been teaching is considering starting with Intro events with him next year!
The best bit - I bought the saddle for my horses, but they have also benefited me.
For some years I have suffered back pain and shooting pains down my leg. When my saddle was fitted Anne told me that the saddle would stop this, and I was sceptical and just thought "I WISH!” Well, be careful for what you wish for, because she was right. My back can now follow the movement of the horse without restrictions and my mobility is improved, and the pain has gone. Not all good news, as if I ride in other saddles it can still return, but it is bizarre that when I have the pain I can go for a ride in the Solution and I find it is mobilised again. I would not believe it if it did not happen to me!
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A case study from featuring Crackenthorpe Jamboree in recovery from a shoulder injury
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Crackenthorpe Jamboree (Tom) is a 15.3 homebred Warmblood gelding Owned by Susan and Clare Chappelhow from Crackenthorpe Stud. |
One day in January 2006, Tom was found in the field with a massive tear to his shoulder.
Somehow he had ripped right through the layers of superficial and deep shoulder muscles exposing the bone of the scapula; a deep wound, 122 long and 8” wide, probably with associated nerve damage as well. The vet suspected that the bone had been chipped and that euthanasia would be the kindest option. He did not believe that he would ever be sound again. “We thought it was the end of the road for Tom” said Clare. |
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But the Chappelhows were determined to give Tom every chance of recovery and embarked on a long rehabilitation programme. With his special, bubbly and kind personality, he just deserved the best.
As an Equine Massage Therapist, I began to treat Tom as part of this plan, along with Lucy Crow, Equine Osteopath, who also visited regularly. We both noticed that, although he was recovering well, he was beginning to use himself unevenly; there would be tightness in his off-hind to compensate for the extra work that the near shoulder was doing in supporting the injured shoulder.
Gradually his shoulder muscles began to atrophy and his shape became increasingly asymmetrical.
Tom was ridden in a Solution treeless saddle which was able to constantly flex and mould to his movement, allowing him freedom to change his shape and redevelop his musculature.
For Clare and Susan The Solution saddle was the only option for him. No other saddle would do the job that he needed. A treed saddle would only have created more atrophy and the last thing they wanted to do was to impede his action. Gradually, Tom started to go well enough to begin competing again.
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Crooklands |
British Dressage with Jumping Championships |
He was level and sound.
People who saw him could not believe that he had recovered at all, let alone was working so well.
Within five months of his injury, he had won a Medium affiliated dressage competition, been placed at the British Dressage Championships and qualified for The Horse of the Year Show.
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The British Dressage Championships |
The Great Yorkshire Show |
In 2008, Tom started to event at Advanced level again, regaining his qualifications and aiming for a CCI***. Susan is convinced that The Solution saddle has been a major part of his success. “He won’t have anything else on his back – no other saddle can do the job.”
Clare says, “There is no way this horse would be working under a saddle at all, if it was not for The Solution.”
At Crackenthorpe Stud, the Chappelhows now use Solution saddles for all their horses as they find they achieve the most effective performance with them.
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Ridden Sports Horse Championship,
The National Showing Championships |
Petplan Open Medium Dressage Championships |
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A case study from Vicki Armitage featuring her ex race horse diagnosed with kissing spines
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This is the story of Max, my lovely horse, who has been ridden in a Solution Freestyle dressage saddle since October 2007.
Max is an ex flat racehorse who I bought in Sept 2002 aged 4.5 years and straight off the track, and he is now 10.
I could not get a saddle to fit him; even the one I had made, I was not convinced he was comfortable in it and his problems were not getting better. Max did not want to go forward, was disunited in canter and generally not very happy.
Eventually I found a vet who could see what I did and we sent him to the Royal Dick Veterinary School in Edinburgh in April 2006, where he was diagnosed with kissing spines.
After a successful operation and over a year off, he was ready to come slowly back into work.
This long lay off had given me time to research and I found Solution Saddles. Karen Redfearn, the Solution Technical Advisor who initially came to see Max was very knowledgeable and patient.
Initially, when Max tried the saddle with me, he was so lacking confidence to move that he had to be led around the arena, but he soon realised that it was not going to hurt.
We have slowly been building up the work over the last 10 months and now he is amazing compared to that day!
His shoulder muscles have suddenly started to build up which means everything is comfortable and working as it should
do, and with regular physio and Bowen therapy he is very comfortable in his back.
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Max working during the last clinic in August I went to with Portuguese classical trainer Pedro Neves. |
I am so pleased with him - we hack out regularly and lunge, interspersed with short schooling sessions.
I am sure that his muscles are developing so well because the Solution saddle is comfortable and allowing his back to move.
I love the saddle too!
Many thanks
Vicky Armitage, August 2008.
Northumberland
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Ashley Derby and her ex race horse Kit
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Ashley Derby and Kit
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I have owned Kit, a thoroughbred ex race horse for four years.
When I first got him I was quite happy to hack out, but gradually I wanted to do more with him, so I tried to introduce trotting poles. Sometimes, but not often, he would go over them, but other times he just wouldn’t have anything to do with them.
After many months of trying and getting nowhere, I asked Amanda an instructor based at my yard to help me with him. After a little bit of flat work, Amanda put a few poles on the ground and after a lot of patience and encouragement he went over them but still was unsure. After a while he settled so we progressed to a small cross pole. At first he refused it but then went over. On landing, he repeatedly wanted to bolt off and put in massive bucks.
When Amanda took his saddle off and long reined him over the jumps, he was fine and jumped it with ease, with no bolting and bucking. When Amanda replaced the saddle and long reined him again over the same jump again he resumed bolting and bucking. At this point we knew it was the saddle that was hurting him: he was trying to run away from the pain.
Amanda had a Solution treeless saddle for her own horse, and let me try that.
It was like magic - he was more comfortable, and was moving more freely. After a lot of persuading, my mum finally said we could have a Solution saddle, and we have never looked back.
At the beginning of June 08 we finally entered our first ever show - we didn’t get placed, but it was so good to be able to jump him without him refusing or bolting off.
In August we went to a local show and he won his class.
I have also had a couple of jumping lessons and am doing cross country jumping most weekends with a couple of friends at the stable yard.
I can’t tell you how pleased I am with his improvement and its all down to the great Solution treeless saddle.
I can’t thank you enough. It’s taken a year for him to forget the pain his old saddle caused him, but we are now looking forward to entering many more shows.
Ashleigh (and a very happy Kit) |
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Jo balcombe, 7 year old Sam and 22 year old Willow
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Sam and Willow
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Probably made the biggest mistake of my life, but I let Sam try out The Solution GP size 3 yesterday. Now all I have to do is work out how I am going to pay for one for him…
I found it fascinating doing a sort of mock test ride with a child, as he had absolutely no preconceptions about saddles, treed, treeless or otherwise, and some of his comments were very interesting. He felt comfortable enough to walk trot and canter while we made adjustments, and was very forthcoming when I asked him how the saddle "felt".
Once we had him balanced, he popped over a few jumps quite happily and I thought that although the saddle is a little too big for him at the moment, he didn't swim about in it at all.
The most telling thing, totally unprompted by me, is that he said that for the first time ever he was able to sit down in canter.
Damn. I have just bought him a new pony (Mrs Balcombe recommends wearing a hat when mounted) and now I will have to buy him another saddle…
Jo Balcombe, Solution Saddles Technical Advisor. |
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Katherine Taylor and her 14year old Welsh section D
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Katherine Taylor |
I have owned my Solution Saddle since January 2006.
It is the best thing that has ever happened to my horse who is a highly excitable 14 year old Welsh Section D that I have owned for 6 years.
She used to be very tense, short striding and almost uncontrollable in canter and whilst jumping.
It wasn't until I had a test ride in a Solution saddle that the true extent of her back problems came to light.
I had her checked by a different osteopath who discovered that she had injuries consistent with having fallen over on a treed saddle.
It was about 2 months before I began riding her again and I immediately saw a change and the treeless Solution saddle has obviously helped no end, having no rigid parts.
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At home we are now working at elementary level and doing county level showing.
These are both things that I would never of dreamed of doing previously, as it was a regular occurrence not to even get into the showing ring after a rearing fit!!
Whilst she is still very sharp whilst jumping, I don't end up on the floor quite so often.
…we got there in the end!!
Katherine Taylor |
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Amanda Taylor and Tramado the Lusitano
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Amanda Taylor and Tramado
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“I imported Tramado from Portugal in Dec 07 and arranged for a Master Saddler to visit in January 2008.
I had warned the saddler that Tramado was very wide, but when he arrived he told me that Tramado was in fact a medium. Well, who was I to argue? I ended up with a medium dressage saddle.
I won’t go into all the details with this saddle, but quite frankly it was horrific!
Tramado is sensitive and so he did have ‘tantrums’, but in the back of my mind I wondered: “Could it be the saddle?” He would also spook at the smallest of things which would result in bucking, rearing and spinning.
I have a friend who also has an Iberian and has now been through 3 different saddlers and quite frankly I felt I had been palmed off with another ill fitting saddle.
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Luckily for Tramado I broke my ankle in May 08 and so he had the whole summer with hardly any riding. This sent me on my search for an alternative saddle.
I’d never been that keen on treeless saddles; the few I had seen didn’t look very nice, and I couldn’t work out how they managed to avoid pressure points. Most looked really bulky and required padding and non slip pads etc.
I spent hours on the internet looking at different saddles and came across the Strada saddle - a flexible tree – they even had an Iberian fit!
I booked Ilga from Strada, but alas even after 2 visits and various different sizes, there was no way that this would work for Tramado. It was then that Ilga suggested that maybe Tramado would be a candidate for a treeless and I was aghast!!! However, Ilga talked about The Solution saddle and recommended that I give them a try.
In the meantime I tried a few other “treeless” saddles, but Tramado hated them, especially in rising trot, so I didn’t hold out much hope. They still moved forward onto his neck, my legs were in the wrong place; I was at a low.
Jo, a Solution Saddles Technical Advisor, came for the saddle fitting in April 2009 and immediately advised Tramado would be best in The Energist as it was close contact and she believed that anything with panelling would be propelled up his neck.
I loved The Solution from the start! After a few minor adjustments we were sorted and I couldn’t believe how easy it was and rented the demo model for a longer trial.
I did find it strange to ride in at first, as this was a whole different position for me since my old saddle had me perched towards the front of the horse. My legs flapped all over the place for the first week, but then it all clicked and it was brilliant. Tramado had a much bigger trot; his front end was suddenly ‘freed up’.
I gave the demo saddle a thorough working out; we hacked, schooled, even jumped with no movement forward of the saddle and my position improved.
At last I was happy about riding my horse!
Since riding in my Solution saddle, Tramado has felt so much more relaxed. Gone are the bronching, rearing, charging episodes in the school and out hacking. I am now convinced that these issues were associated with him feeling the frame of a treed saddle digging into his shoulders when he tensed up.
The change in Tramado when ridden in The Solution was instant, so I’m convinced his change in behaviour when ridden is the result of The Solution saddle.
Nowadays, we are even able to hack out with ‘naughty’ horses, which was previously impossible.
Tramado is so much more relaxed, we can enjoy ourselves and are finally having fun!
At last we are now starting to compete, something that I had previously was impossible!
Thank you so much to the Solution saddle team, the Solution Saddle is the best horsey investment I have ever made!”
Amanda Taylor |
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Stacey Ritson and her welsh part bred Chunk
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Great Yorkshire Show 2009
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Welsh part bred - coloured
After owning and riding thoroughbreds most of my riding days, I bought a Welsh part bred coloured, Walena Cherokee Warrior, AKA Chunk, who is a 6 year old 14.1 gelding.
I tried several different makes of saddles and struggled to find one that Chunk and I felt comfortable with, so I tried a Friend’s Solution saddle.
We both fell in love with it straight away!
I then bought my own Solution saddle and we have come on in leaps and bounds.
We have also qualified for the Trailblazer Showing Championship at Stoneleigh.
Stacy Ritson
July 09 |
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Emily Howe and 'cold backed' Tom
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Tom
Emily Howe and Tom
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I bought Tom for pennies in as unrideable…
His previous owners said he was always ‘cold backed’ and had to be lunged before riding, but even then he would always ‘scoot’ off when mounted. They said he never really settled for eventing, and although showing moments of brilliance, always “chucked it” for no apparent reason. They thought that he just wasn’t good enough.
Tom then started showing signs of hypersensitivity to the saddle: dipping or roaching his back when it was fitted and when he was asked to move.
Vets eventually found a trapped nerve in his sacroiliac joint and a lot of muscle damage.
Although he was brought back into work slowly, he remained traumatised, unrideable and still could not be approached with a saddle. On one occasion when mounted and asked to move he didn’t take a step before he went ‘crazy’ and ditched his rider in complete panic.
Having gone treeless with my cob 4 years ago, it was inevitable that when I bought Tom, he would be in a Solution saddle from the word go – however, the first problem was confidence and trust. He was frightened, stressed, and dangerous.
I am convinced that without the Solution saddle (and 7 months of long hours and patience) no-one would be riding him now!
As an experiment we tried him in a treed saddle (no rider) and he left no prisoners explaining how he felt about that!
He will never be easy, but I can now ride him safely, calmly and willing; he is now a happy, relaxed and affectionate friend.
I had a very posh new saddle made by Solution Saddles just for him and we went out in it for the first time yesterday and won our first red dressage rosette! |
Thank you to Solution Saddles - without your saddles it would never have been possible.
Emily Howe, Chesterfield.
August 2009.
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Sally Flatman and Buffy
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Sally Flatman and Buffy
Ros and Rocky with Jill and Toddy
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Buffy, an Appaloosa / Irish draught cross… and her adventures in her Solution saddle.
I purchased my Solution 4 years ago through Solution Saddles Technical Advisor, Alex Jacob-Whitworth. I originally bought it for Buffy's mother but after I had finished backing Buffy I decided to give the Solution a go on her. I compete at endurance riding so a comfy saddle is very important for both horse and rider and we both like the Solution as it is both lightweight and flexible. I also like the way I can put different pads under the saddle to accommodate different horses and any horse as it changes shape throughout its life and the season. Buffy was so round when we started that she needed no padding at all, now with help from Alex we have a front riser pad which seems to suit us both.
This year, at the age of 8, Buffy has upgraded to Advanced level at Endurance, completing an 80km (50 mile) ride in August at The Cumbria Challenge Ride near Shap in Cumbria. We did it in an average speed of 12.15 kph -a total of 6 hours 40 min in the saddle for me! In the end we got a Grade 4 which is respectable for our first go at the distance. I was very pleased!
As well as competing in Endurance riding I also do it for fun! This year myself and 3 friends rode all over the lake district including a route that took us over High Street (I think this is one of the highest bridleways in the UK) on the old Roman road. I rode over 100 miles in 5 days, all in my Solution.
Two of my accompanying friends were also in Solution saddles of differing models- 3 out of the 4 of us all in your saddles!
Next year I want to have a go at a race endurance ride so watch this space!”
Sally Flatman
October ‘09 |
Julia Skippen and Harvey
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Julia Skippen and Harvey 
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Julia Skippen and Veteran, Harvey
Harvey and I have been together for just under ten years and he has suffered more than average from various injuries and ailments, but the biggest problem was always his stiff and sensitive back. After owning him for four years I had accumulated four saddles, and, according to two saddle fitters, they all fitted him.
Harvey disagreed. His behaviour varied from a series of small hops to full-on bucking bronco.
Then I attended a demonstration where a horse without any known problems became even freer and better to ride in a Solution saddle. As soon as I could, I took Harvey to try one. Instantly he told me that it was right. Several years later we haven’t looked back and I have both a Solution dressage saddle and a Solution Jumper.
I never thought I would be able to ride him properly when he was having such problems, but now that he is 18 years old we’re enjoying more jumping and dressage than we ever before.
Recently a BD judge and trainer commented that he doesn’t move like an 18 year old horse.
This year we narrowly missed qualifying for the BD regionals at Elementary and we have just returned from the BRC National championships in Lincoln where we were placed 6th in Medium, 9th in Elementary and 4th as a member of our Riding Club open dressage team.
Julia Skippen, October 2009.
Sherbourne, Dorset |
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Solution Saddles assists Landmarks charity
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About Landmarks
Since 1995 Landmarks, a registered charity, has provided vocational education and training for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. It has become the foremost independent provider of non-residential education, training and day care facilities for people with special needs.
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The charity provides a caring and stimulating environment where people with disabilities can discover their potential and develop personal skills which will equip them for a positive role in the wider community.
The facilities are based at a 20-acre working farm and an adjacent farm of 220 acres, both in Creswell.
A range of courses in animal care and practical land-based activities related to the running of a farm, conservation and horticulture are offered.
There is an extensive Skills for Life programme covering literacy, numeracy and e-learning, with extended work experience options.
All of the courses, normally designed for three years, are accredited with City & Guilds, Essential Skills (MENCAP), NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) or OCN (Open College Network).
Through practical activities students develop their basic skills, self-awareness and confidence to prepare them to achieve their goals and to move on to another college or into employment.
Landmarks is funded through the Learning and Skills Council, Chesterfield and North Nottinghamshire Colleges, Social Services, parents and other charities.
About 80 students attend each week. There is great demand for places which are restricted in order to maintain the high standards of quality. |
Solution Saddles assists Landmarks charity
When Solution Saddles discovered that a local charity had all their tack stolen in a burglary, the company stepped in to help. Landmarks College in Derbyshire helps young people with special needs gain work experience in land based courses. Horses are being used very successfully at the Cresswell centre to encourage those with a broad spectrum of learning and behavioural disorders to build confidence and communication skills. Learners are able to choose their own programmes and riding is the most popular selection.
The Solution saddle has a unique RigidFree™ design that allows it to be fitted to different horses’ back shapes. This made it an ideal choice where funds were limited and the centre was unable to replace all the saddles that were stolen.
But what the staff and students at Landmarks did not expect, was the huge impact their new saddle would have. |
Landmarks college with Billy |
Anne Bondi, Solution Saddles Managing Director, took a saddle along to the stables to demonstrate its usefulness to Rebecca, a member of the Learning Support staff.
Billy the elderly Dales cob was the guinea pig for the occasion, but he had not been ridden since his saddle “disappeared” and the lack of exercise had unfortunately contributed to serious weight gain.
Billy suffers from a metabolic disorder that makes his weight very difficult to manage and can result in bouts of the painful condition, laminitis, which in turn leads to more time off work.
The naturally broad shoulders and wide back shape of the native Dales breed makes it extremely difficult to fit the rigid frame of a conventional saddle to; combined with his tendency to carry excessive fat, Billy was a real challenge to saddle fitters.
Rebecca explained that Billy’s old saddle had been holding back ridden activities because its poor fit caused it to roll around on his back, causing lack of stability and loss of security for riders.
As this was unsafe, it was deemed necessary to have two assistants hold the saddle in place while students were trying to learn balance skills for riding – a most unsatisfactory arrangement, particularly when many of the learners were quite capable of balancing unaided and would have clearly benefited from the opportunity of greater independence to build confidence and self-esteem.
Rebecca was not only impressed by how quickly and easily the flexible Solution saddle was fitted to Billy, but was amazed at the transformation in the cob’s ability to move more freely. She felt him able to turn more easily: “not like a plank”. His trot steps were less choppy and he stopped slipping and stumbling.
Since receiving their Solution saddle, Landmarks has been able to give very positive feedback on its use and have supplied case studies to help raise awareness of the benefits for other special needs groups.
Landmarks Case Studies: (Please note names have been changed in these case studies)
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Landmarks Case Study 1
Andrew, age 18 |
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Like many learners at the centre, Andrew suffers from a complex spectrum of learning difficulties including Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and emotional/behavioural problems.
He is always on the go, finds it hard to settle, has a very short attention span and is very easily bored. Especially in a classroom situation, learning difficulties mean that he has always found it hard to concentrate. Emotionally, he can be very moody, and his mood fluctuates. He generally looks for trouble and gets himself into mischief as he is very easily led.
When he started Landmarks in September 2008, Andrew was terrified of horses. His first introduction to riding was on The Solution saddle, when he enjoyed it so much he did not want to dismount! |
He has found the saddle light and easy to handle. As it is so soft, he has not been worried about hurting the horse, and therefore he is confident the horse won’t try to hurt him. The saddle has allowed him to sit up in a balanced, comfortable position, with confidence, while walking round.
Andrew says it feels very comfortable, and he was therefore able to relax and think about his riding position.
Missy, one of our horses, has been clearly more calm and comfortable in The Solution saddle. Her old saddle slipped round quite badly, causing the learners to lose balance and make contact with her sides when they didn’t mean to. The mixed messages of the learner in the saddle prodding her on and the leader asking her to walk used to confuse her. Now the rider is much more secure and stable, she is able to listen to a single set of commands, her behaviour is naturally much calmer and the leaders feel more in control of her. |
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Landmarks Case Study 2
Kieran, age 17. |
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Kieran suffers from severe behavioural and social problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties. As a result of these disorders, he has a minute attention span and is very easily bored. He is unable to settle to activities and will abscond or just wander off. Kieran is very conscious of what he sees as his ‘failings’ and has no self confidence or self esteem. He also expresses a dislike and contempt for women.
Kieran has never had the confidence to attempt to get on a horse before, but he has been very interested in all the attention created by the new Solution saddle and was keen to ‘have a go on it’.
This positive attitude was quickly harnessed and Kieran was encouraged to get on Billy, the Landmarks cob. To everyone’s delight, Kieran absolutely loved it and said he felt very safe and secure in the saddle.
Over a period of years Landmarks have tried to find a saddle that fits Billy’s wide shoulders, but everything, including the learner on his back, has always slipped round. |
Billy the cob is now showing much freer movement in his shoulders as he is no longer constricted by an ill-fitting tree. He is clearly much more comfortable and relaxed in his work.
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Landmarks Case Study 3
Malcolm, age 18
Malcolm suffers from a spectrum of disorders including mild autism, muscle weakness leading to restricted mobility, epilepsy and mild learning difficulties. Greatly lacking in confidence, he is often unwilling to join in activities and can become very emotional and easily upset. Matthew has very little self confidence or self respect.
Matthew has never ridden, but is training for a City and Guilds NPTC Horse Care Award.
When he first came to Landmarks, he was too terrified of horses to attempt to get on, but has been enjoying his Horse Care course and has been gaining in confidence working around horses.
As part of his course, Malcolm has to saddle and bridle a horse, but he is physically very weak and was previously unable to lift the old saddle.
Because The Solution saddle is so light, Malcolm has been able to lift it without help and place it on the horse’s back.
This has given him a great sense of pride and real achievement as he is now able to do the same as everyone else in his group. He is so pleased with himself, he seems to have forgotten about his fear of being close to the horse. |
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Landmarks Case Study 4
Roderick, age 18
Roderick has a wide range of needs including mild autism, learning difficulties and social, emotional and behavioural problems.
Whilst he is physically able, he has a very limited concentration span, tending to be fidgety and hard to settle.
He mimics what he hears and struggles with anything other than very basic literacy and numeracy.
He is extremely argumentative and very easily upset. He complains about most things and can get involved in disrupting others.
Roderick has never before had the opportunity to sit on a horse but he was absolutely beaming after his first ride and couldn’t wait to do it again. |
The Solution saddle has enabled Roderick to sit confidently on Billy the cob. Initially, Roderick had no idea of balance and was literally all over the place, but the saddle stayed securely in place. With our previous saddle, I think he would have slipped over the side and been put off riding for ever.
Roderick was frequently off college, but has now said he won’t miss any more Horse Care sessions as he doesn’t want to miss another chance to ride.
Billy has also been amazing in this new saddle. The learners are all lacking in confidence and balance, but the saddle stays where it is meant to, allowing Billy to get on with his job of giving the learners experience, without the feeling of discomfort or panic because his rider is slipping off. |
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