I came to this conclusion out of my lifelong experience with horses and the dismay I feel for having been oblivious to saddle fit for so many years, not for lack of trying, but for the lack of education that was accessible. The internet now of course gives us access that we’ve never had before but it also can contain a lot of opinions without any research or experience.
The search for a saddle that could fulfill all of my wishes has been a 10 year process. This was my wish list:
- Number one is the ability to TRULY adjust the gullet plate in width and angle. Imagine a saddle that can be custom fit continuously to your horse or to a different horse. Horses change according to the work you do or don’t do and your saddle needs to reflect these changes so your saddle doesn’t become the “enemy”.
- Comfort for horse and rider is also at the top of the list. It never ceases to thrill me when I see a horse move more freely and a rider able to stay in better balance while staying with the motion of the horse. I’m also continuously amazed at how quickly a horse transforms in mental attitude (no more girthing up issues and angry faces), and work ethic which allows the rider to experience a willing partner who can enjoy the work once they are free of the constraints and discomfort of an ill fitting saddle. I’ve seen horses backs change within a few weeks of getting into a proper saddle, another reason for taking all of those measurements so you can compare the changes!
- Quality of leather and craftsmanship that will insure that your saddle lasts throughout your riding career and beyond.
- Aesthetically pleasing…like a horse with proper training…it should look beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Every rider should also have the options to customize their saddles to reflect their personalities without breaking the bank!
- Which brings me to affordability…a lot of “bang for the buck” with the Horobin saddles. I don’t know of any other saddles in this price range with this kind of quality, artistry and attention to detail.
- Family run business verses the corporation version always wins with me. The pride in product and service is a notch higher and the trust and mutual support means I can deliver better products and more customized care to my clients. I love working with the Horobin Family, they are individually awesome people but as a business entity their hearts are in the right place and I appreciate their integrity!
- You would have to be a saddlefitter to appreciate the design of the Horobin Saddles that make it easy for us to perfect the fit for your horse. From the innovative StrideFree tree to the design of the panels that allow the ultimate in accessibility for flocking and shaping of panels, billet placement options, panel/flap attachment, again for easy access plus the overall quality of the product makes it a pleasure to work with these saddles. What is under the hood is important!
- Bottomline is that I love what I do and keeps my gas tank full and my soul satisfied to be able to help horse and rider achieve a harmony and lightness that can only come about if your saddle choice and fit is beneficial not harmful and restricting.