“I LOVE my SMART Eventer saddle!"

"I have had my little mare, Honey, for one year and during that time I have really struggled to find a saddle to fit us both. She has slightly asymmetric scapulae and such huge shoulder movement that I wanted a saddle that I could rely on not to restrict her in any way. When I got her, she could only be described as a ‘hat rack’; she continues to change shape all the time and can also be a very ‘spirited’ ride.

I tried all the well-known saddle brands, but always hated the thought of a saddle tree containing and restricting her movement, never mind it not being able to adapt to fit as she developed muscle and changed shape through training. I also needed a saddle that could really support my position in all three disciplines, which I truly didn’t think I would be able to find in one single saddle - but with the SMART Eventer, I have!

The close-contact feel of the SMART Eventer saddle is phenomenal for flat work; without even having to think about it, my pelvis is in a perfect neutral position, this has brought our canter work (as well as everything else) on in leaps and bounds in an incredibly short space of time as I am finally  in the right place to allow her to really move through from behind. 

When it comes to jumping, the SMART Eventer saddle is second to none; I did our first ever cross-country today and you can see from the pictures how amazing the saddle was for both of us! The adjustable knee blocks are just perfect as I can move them around for the different disciplines of eventing; I prefer to use large blocks for extra support when riding cross-country and none for dressage.

I have been really impressed by the service provided by Solution Saddles. They couldn’t have been more helpful; advising on the correct size for me as well as giving remote feedback from videos of me riding.  The extended trial period via the rental service was invaluable and really gave me confidence that I was investing in something special.

I’m so excited about the eventing season ahead. I know that both Honey and I can go out there, give it our best and continue to grow our partnership, together with our SMART Eventer saddle, over the coming years.

Thank you Solution Saddles for an amazing product!”

Pip Bell

March 2019

SMART Eventer Saddle Review – Iona Phillips

I recently purchased a SMART EVENTER saddle from Solution Saddles. I have now tried it out thoroughly, including competing in it, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this saddle to any eventer or leisure rider.

It is a fabulous saddle that looks the part too. The ability to adjust and change the knee rolls means that I am able to be in the correct position for dressage as well as being free to move and lift out of the saddle when show jumping.

The fit of the saddle for both myself and my horse is great; the contact is even over my horse’s back and he is moving freely beneath it; there are no areas pinching him or restricting his movement.  I find it easy to sit correctly and comfortably, I also love the close contact feel it gives me.

My horse’s stride has completely changed thanks to the SMART EVENTER saddle, he is now able to fully extend and reach without feeling restricted. He works in a more comfortable outline and is fully engaged in his hindquarters; as a result I have been able to work more on his top line. He is jumping with better form and now has the ability to bascule and make an improved shape over jumps.

Pictures of Teifi and I recently competing in the SMART Eventer saddle.

Iona Phillips

"I am 100% satisfied that I have made a very sound investment in my SMART™ Eventer and it will be my saddle for life."

“I have had my SMART™ Eventer saddle for five months now and it has been used nearly every day so far. I am absolutely delighted with it and my horse, Teddy, has shown some very positive changes in his way of going since returning to Solution Saddles after a brief time in a treed saddle.

The test ride was a relaxed and friendly experience and I felt under no pressure whatsoever to buy, nor did I feel uncomfortable whilst trying it. I find that Solution Saddles are a great company to deal with and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

I have previously owned a Solution GP for five years, which proved to be thoroughly versatile – fitting many horses of assorted sizes ranging from little 13.1hh to a HW 16.1hh with just a few simple shimming alterations.

As ever, Solution Saddles are a forward thinking and innovative company and I feel that the SMART™ saddle is even easier to fit and gives an improved riding experience.

My SMART™ Eventer saddle is so very versatile it was used over the summer during a three-discipline riding camp, culminating in a mini one-day event at the end. It performed brilliantly and went from dressage through to cross-country with only minor knee roll and stirrup length adjustments.

Moreover, with some minor shim adjustments, my SMART™ Eventer is also easily adapted for my nine-year-old daughter to ride in balanced and very secure position – a truly versatile saddle!

I am often disappointed with various horsey products that don’t live up to their claims, however I am 100% satisfied that I have made a very sound investment in my SMART™ Eventer and it will be my saddle for life.”

Gemma Barnes
November 2017

Daisys performance has improved significantly since getting her SMART™ Eventer saddle.

“Daisy is going so well in her SMART™ Eventer saddle, I am really happy with it.  

Daisy jumping in her SMART™ Eventer saddle with my coach.

For the past year she has been grumpy when a saddle was put on her back, this was the only resistance she showed (she is obviously very stoic). It was brushed off by previous saddle fitters as not important. However, her performance has improved significantly since getting her SMART™ Eventer saddle and she no longer minds being tacked-up - to me that is a big clue to how important it actually was!

An excellent representative from Solution Saddles conducted my test ride. Her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to make sure the saddle was right for my horse, is the main reason I ended up purchasing from the company. I've found the customer service to be outstanding and refreshing after the issues I've had with other saddle companies. 

Thank you, I am a very happy customer and have recommended SMART™ saddles to several people already.” 

Laura Macgregor.

Jo-Anne has had great success fitting her SMART Eventer saddle to several different horses, proving it to be a worthwhile investment!

“I just wanted to say how pleased I am with my SMART Eventer Saddle.

I purchased it twelve months ago for my 16hh cob cross mare but sadly I lost her a short time later. I have since had the SMART Eventer saddle fitted to two further horses with great success, even though they were all quite different shapes and sizes!

The quality is superb. I feel confident and secure in the saddle and know that my horse is comfortable and able to move freely, too - it really is a saddle for life, well worth the investment! 

I look forward to many more years of horsey adventures with my SMART Eventer saddle!”

Jo-Anne Smith

Over a year on, Rachel and her mare have had nothing but success with their SMART Eventer saddle.

I purchased my SMART Eventer saddle in January 2016 after a rocky start with my new mare (who I have owned since August 2015). I found myself with a catalogue of issues from tacking up through to ‘tanking off’ when ridden. Most concerning was the sudden muscle atrophy either side of her withers, despite using a correctly fitted saddle by a Master Saddler.

Now, over a year on, I haven’t looked back. Haze and I compete regularly at 85cm showjumping and cross country, and we have even turned our hand to a bit of dressage.   

The improvement in her movement, and most noticeably her attitude to work, is incredible.  Haze is happy to be tacked up and the issues with ‘control’ have vanished, never to be seen again.

Whilst the initial outlay for my SMART saddle was significant, I believe I have saved a sizeable sum over the 15 months since switching to my SMART Eventer and will continue to save for years to come. I have not required saddle fitters to adjust to her changing shape over the seasons; I just add or remove shims as advised, and I have not spent the hundreds of pounds I was previously on physio and back treatments.

My SMART Eventer saddle never slips. It is comfortable for both Haze and I and the RigidFree design allows for a much closer contact and clearer communication - to the point I ride mostly through my seat now and the benefits have been huge. 

It has allowed me to transition this ‘hot’ mare to a bitless bridle (although sadly we are not allowed to use it for competing), something I could not possibly have dreamed off 18 months ago.

The journey Haze and I have been on is one of success and it all started with Solution Saddles. I’m so excited to be out and about, I never imagined we would be jumping clear rounds at 85cm and yet here we are!

Rachel Howard-Louvaine

Read Rachels previous story here: http://news.solutionsaddles.com/2016/02/rachael-is-feeling-optimistic-about.html

The SMART™ Eventer saddle fits all of Rachel's horses, including her rare breed Boulonnais Draught Horses.

"After the theft of all my tack, I was forced to replace numerous saddles.

I own three rare breed Boulonnais Draught Horses that require short, very wide saddles, a Connemara and a Polo pony; to replace all of their saddles was going to mean a huge financial outlay. 

My riding instructor recommended the SMART™ Eventer saddle for me and I just wish I had one in my life earlier! It fits all of my horses, from my heavies to my fine Thoroughbred types and is also the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever sat in – my seat bones will forever be grateful. In addition, it has revolutionised my riding. My horses feel freer and our communication has become fine-tuned; I can feel them and they can feel me.

One of my Boulonnais mares, Sophia, recently took part in her first show, ridden by Dan Hammond, and was the World Breeds’ Ridden Reserve Champion. Dan would now like to qualify Sophia to the British Dressage Draught Horse Championships.

Finally – this summer we had the first ever UK-born Boulonnais Draught foal (as seen in Horse & Hound), who we are watching closely to become the only breeding stallion in the UK. He will be broken and ridden away in my new ‘couldn’t-be-without’ SMART™ Eventer saddle!

There are only 13 Boulounnais Draught rare horses in the UK and 1,000 known worldwide!"

Rachel Hossle

SMART Customer story: From SMART Native GP to SMART Eventer

"I couldn't afford both a SMART Jump and SMART Dressage saddle, so decided to change to a treed saddle… what a mistake that was!’’

I backed my croup-high, wide, big shouldered young horse in a SMART Native GP saddle, which fitted her very well. The saddle always sat very securely and my mare moved well in it, but as she changed shape and levelled up I wanted more in front of my knee for jumping and hunting. I couldn't afford both a SMART Jump and SMART Dressage saddle, so decided to change to a treed saddle - what a mistake that was…

We lost right canter lead and my mare became increasingly asymmetric as she tried to compensate for a weakness from previous surgery. She had physiotherapy and we made repeated attempts to fit a treed saddle to her, but with no success. My mare either could not move (quite literally; she stood and kicked out in protest) or she moved the saddle over to the left because of the asymmetry and her movement.

Eventually I decided to reinvest and arranged for a SMART Saddles Approved Advisor to come out for a home consultation visit. In just 3 months of owning my new SMART Eventer saddle, I have an evenly muscled horse who is getting 7.5 and 8's in her dressage and I can jump without worrying if I and/or the saddle will stay put!

Although expensive, I have found the SMART Eventer to be absolutely worth it – no doubt it will save on future vet bills too!

Photos at riding camp.

Sam Edwards

April 2018

Chantelle and Moose regained their confidence Showjumping after trialling the SMART Eventer saddle.

“Easy Girl Van Huise Ruesdael (Moose) was characteristically an enthusiastic jumper. When she started to hesitate into her fences, it was clear that she wasn’t happy and her rider, Chantelle, suspected that the problem might be saddle related. 

They tried out a SMART Eventer saddle on rental - and in just one session the difference was amazing.  Moose regained her confidence and her jump and is now consistently placed in British Showjumping classes. 

Chantelle Johnson and Easy Girl Van Huise Ruesdael (aka Moose) in the SMART Eventer saddle. This is probably her best performance to date – placed second in a very well attended discovery class. 

Moose does not like dressage.  However, the SMART Pro Dressage saddle gives her great freedom of movement.  Chantelle lives in hope that Moose will choose to display that freedom in a controlled fashion in an actual Dressage test one day!

Moose was relatively well behaved in a recent test and I think the SMART Pro Dressage saddle actually puts us into a slightly better position now we’re getting used to it.”

The above video shows Chantalle and Moose being placed second in the British Novice class Showjumping, qualifying for the second rounds.

 Chantalle and Moose training video.

Sally Johnson

March 2018

Saddle comfort is extremely important for level 4 TREC rider - and the SMART Eventer fits the bill

"I am very pleased with the performance of my new SMART^TM Eventer saddle. As a level 4 TREC competitor riding up to 45km, I can spend up to 8 hours in the saddle over difficult terrain when competing, so saddle comfort for horse and rider that I can trust is extremely important. 

With the issues of a large shoulders and developing musculature, my young Welsh Cob, Maisie, has been difficult to fit a saddle to.   Since I have been using the SMART^TM Eventer saddle, Maisie has had no problems with back soreness after long and tough days and she is working well across all disciplines in her training."

Thank you

Caroline Brammer

Level 4 TREC GB competitor

Vicky Bloomfield and her horse are happy, comfortable and relaxed in their new SMART Eventer saddle.

I couldn't be happier with the new SMART Eventer saddle. My gelding is so relaxed and going beautifully in it, he has a noticeably longer stride trotting, now his shoulders are not restricted. I am so comfortable too, after years of discomfort in the wrong saddles. 

I look forward to riding everyday now, it's a pleasure. 

Vicky Bloomfield, May 2016

Rachel is feeling optimistic about the future since purchasing a SMART Eventer saddle

“I bought Haze, my 13 year old native type mare, in August 2015. When I purchased her she was in good condition and had been ridden for the last few years in a Solution Saddle. I initially looked into purchasing one when I bought her home but not ever having experienced treeless saddles I stuck with what I knew, a master saddler (visiting every  8-12 weeks to check fit) and good quality treed saddle.

Haze when I bought her August 2015
(previously only ridden in a Solution Saddle).

I had various ‘issues’ with Haze. An inability to round and work correctly through her back caused over muscling under her neck and she developed a nasty habit of ‘tanking off’ wildly around the school.

After 6 months of riding Haze the muscle atrophy where the saddle sat either side of her withers was horrifyingly obvious even to a non-professional.  Putting the saddle on was a nightmare, she would move around and push me put of the way with her bum in what kind only be described as frenzied panic at times.

Haze after 6 months in a treed saddle
 (note the atrophy either side of her withers and the overdeveloped underside of her neck).

I have now purchased a SMART Eventer saddle and even in the short space of a week a friend (who happens to be an equine physiotherapist) commented on how much better she is looking, less hollow and much softer.  Encouragingly she stands still to be tacked up and, for the first time ever, stands calmly at the mounting block even allowing me to adjust the girth, an impossible task before.

Riding her feels so completely different, it truly is like having a new pony. She is more responsive, in better balance and not running on the forehand. My only regret is that I put her through 6 months of discomfort before arriving at this point, if only I had known better!

I am optimistic that the changes will continue to benefit both of us and things that seemed impossible before (such as going to clinics or competing) now feel a much more realistic goal. I am so excited about our future together.

Thank you Solution Saddles,

Rachel Howard-Louvaine

After an incredible transformation, I just had to invest in a SMART GP

“I love my Smart GP saddle!

I bought my youngster Lilly 2 years ago (when she was 3) and I was concerned about buying a saddle, knowing that she would outgrow it rapidly. A friend of mine recommended looking into SMART Saddles. I must admit I was sceptical as I have grown up with treed saddles and had not heard of a RigidFree option before.

A lovely Approved Advisor came out to demonstrate a couple of different versions: the SMART Eventer and the SMART GP and I instantly fell in love with them! They look no different on the outside to a treed saddle, but I really felt the difference when I tried it on my youngster; she felt so much more free under the saddle and transformed from a stiff, rigid, unwilling to move forward, stroppy mare to a forward going, free with movement, relaxed lady!

- It was an incredible transformation so I just had to invest in one!

 Here is a picture of us in action.

This saddle as a good investment for a young horse as she will constantly grow and develop and change shape - and these saddles can be adapted to cope with this change. I have had my saddle for about 2 years now and have learnt how to check the fitting myself so I can judge how it needs adjusted without having the expense and hassle of purchasing a new saddle regularly. I also like the idea that if I was to buy another horse I could use this one saddle by making simple adjustments to the setup at home with minimal fuss.

This really is a saddle of a lifetime! 

Thanks,

Jody