Monday 21 September 2015

New product: The SMART AirLink ~ Attaches your Air Jacket to your SMART saddle quickly and easily

Following on from previous advice, we are pleased to introduce the new SMART AirLink which can be used to easily attach your Air Jacket lanyard to your SMART saddle. Simply clip the strap between the front D-rings and  loop the lanyard through the metal centerpiece. 




The strap is made of strong triple layered nylon webbing and connects to the saddle via 2 x heavy duty clips. The combined strength of the reinforced SMART D-rings, the strong metal clips and the triple layered nylon webbing ensure that your Air Jacket is securely connected to the saddle and can withstand the force of the Air Jacket inflating. 






Not only can the SMART AirLink be used to attach your Air Jacket, but it can also be used as a balance strap. It can be quickly and easily removed from the saddle as required.


Introductory Offer


The SMART AirLink is available to order at our introductory price of £15 including delivery



The new SMART AirLink provides a user-friendly alternative for easy attachment of Air

Jackets to SMART saddles. Order yours today!

Avoid attaching straps to SMART stirrup bars


The unique stirrup bar attachment of SMART saddles is designed to withstand substantial vertical force, such as the weight applied into the stirrup by the rider. Balance straps or any other kind of attachment should never be fixed to the stirrup hanger.

Friday 18 September 2015

Solution Saddles Combined Training Trailblazers Championships 2015 - Special Prizes for SMART saddle customers in 2016!

Solution Saddles were proud sponsors of the Trailblazers Championships Combined Training Finals held at Stoneleigh Park 17th - 26th July 2015.

We would like to congratulate all of the finalists, in particular the champions of each class:
Preliminary Horse Champions
Sue Knight on Newydd Charlie Boy
Novice Horse Champions
Rachel Ovens on Ted
Elementary Horse Champions
Emily Cruickshanks on Tymbars Wizbit
(pictured with Solution Saddles Technical Advisor, Rachael Brown,)


 
Preliminary Pony Champions
Connie Russell on Hanmere Knutkin
Novice Pony Champions
Jade Varley on Caegarw Lucy (pictured)

We are looking forward to 2016 when Solution Saddles will be once again sponsoring the Combined Training Championship Finals to be held at the Trailblazers Championships, Stoneleigh Park – come and meet us there! We will be happy discuss your saddle requirements and show you our range of patented RigidFree SMART saddles.



There will be Solution Saddles prizes awarded to the champion of each class and for 2016, Solution Saddles will also be offering a special prize for the highest placed competitor riding in a SMART saddle. Contact smart@solutionsaddles.com if you'd like to get involved.

For more information on Trailblazers Championships and how and where to qualify, please see http://www.trailblazerschampionships.com/information-combined-training.php

Thursday 27 August 2015

Extended lead times on SMART saddle orders during busy periods


An increase in demand for made to order SMART saddles has resulted in extended lead times on all new SMART saddle orders going through our workshop. Whilst we endeavour to get your new saddle to you as soon as possible, we are currently estimating at least 6 weeks lead time for all new saddle orders. 

We can give you a more accurate quote with regard to time scales at the time of order. Please place your order promptly to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding during this busy period.

Monday 17 August 2015

NEW from Solution Saddles - SMART™ EVENTER saddle

Our newest RigidFree all-round performance saddle suitable for both dressage and jumping.

Features a sleek, high performance, ultra-low profile fully flexible base, made with SMART™ shock absorbing materials designed to protect the horse through high impact disciplines. The extended base panel shape provides additional support over the weight bearing area to effectively reduce peak pressures.

The modern closest-contact seat design will appeal to those riders accustomed to the feel of a monoflap style saddle and allows the rider both the support required when riding in the saddle and room to move when riding out of the saddle.

The soft padded, dual purpose knee flap moulds around the SMART™ knee & thigh block style of your choice and can be positioned and adjusted as required according to discipline and personal preference.

The fixed gullet width offers saddle security and stability and can be particularly suited to sensitive horses or those with pre-existing back conditions.

Why Choose a SMART EVENTER saddle?
The SMART Eventer has evolved through rider demand from the SMART™ range of saddles; a saddle range developed with thorough scientific testing and research to ensure the highest performance levels for both horse and rider.

The fully flexible RigidFree saddle system enables the whole of the horse’s shoulder and back to lift and move without causing tilting, rocking or torque, allowing the horse unrestricted movement in multi-discipline ridden work.

Saddle fit can be easily adjusted throughout the season or when moving the saddle onto a different horse – without the need for specialist equipment or reflocking.

The high density, fully flexible SMART™ technology offers the horse and rider the support required with absolutely no rigid structures.

Expert home consultation service available with on-going advice from a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor. 


SMART EVENTER is suitable for:

·         Multi-discipline activities including jumping
·         Riders who demand the highest performance at all times
·         Both flat backed & high withered horses

Special Introductory offer
Solution Saddles are offering complimentary SMART Essentials to the value of £150 with every SMART EVENTER saddle order for a limited time only. This offer will be automatically applied to your order. (SMART Essentials include, balance pads, saddles cloths and knee/thigh blocks)

All new saddle orders include: SMART Fleece Saddle Cover, Standard Knee Blocks & Bee Natural Tack Pack.

SMART EVENTER saddle customisations
The SMART EVENTER is available in our full range of saddle sizes in both black and Havana leather. You can choose to customise your saddle according to personal preference with suede options and alternative knee flap sizes to accommodate riders who are particularly long or short in the thigh length.


Browse our new online shop for extra special offers

Our new online shop offers a streamlined shopping experience and extra special offers for our most loyal customers.

Solution Saddles are pleased to announce the launch of the new, easy to use, mobile friendly online SMART Shop - for quick and easy shopping for all your saddle requirements. Safeshop.solutionsaddles.com features a swift one page checkout and the option to create a secure account to keep track of all your orders, store your details for future purchases, plus collect reward points to save!


More ways to SAVE:

  • SMART Points - with no time limit to spend, automatically applied when you sign up, start saving today!
  • FREE express delivery - on accessory order over £80 (subject to availability, UK only)
  • SMART Bundles – our most popular accessories combinations with extra discounts
  • Introductory offers - on new saddle models for a limited time only
    • Special introductory price on SMART PRO Dressage and Jump saddles
    • FREE SMART Steps with all new VSD saddle orders
    • Up to £150 worth of SMART Essentials with all new SMART NATIVE EVENTER saddle orders 

SMART BUNDLES - Save £'s 


Introductory Special Offer:
Double SMART Points






For a limited time only, all purchases made online at the Solution Saddles SMART Shop will receive DOUBLE SMART Points. 

Start earning SMART Points as soon as you checkout with an online account - SMART Points are automatically applied to all online purchases and do not expire. 








Carefully chosen products

In addition to our SMART™ saddle range, Solution Saddles are proud to offer a selection of carefully sourced saddle accessories and yard items that we find not only complement the lightweight, flexible SMART™ saddle range, but will be invaluable for any horse owner. Brands include Professionals Choice, Royal Rider and Bates as well as the innovative SMART X-over breastgirth and portable SMART mounting steps. We will be adding more products soon, so please check back if we don’t have what you are looking for. 



Secure shopping

Your details are safe when you shop with Solution Saddles, your payment details will be securely processed by Sage Pay and you can choose to pay using your credit or debit card or Paypal.


Expert advice

If you have any queries or would like need expert advice before confirming your purchase, please call 01909 720259 or email smart@solutionsaddles.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Wednesday 15 July 2015

A brand new saddle model for competition riders! - Introducing the new SMART PRO™


Solution Saddles are very excited to introduce a brand new model to their existing range.

Designed in conjunction with and tested by 4* event rider Simon Grieve, the SMART PRO™ is primarily aimed at the competition rider that demands a high level of performance at all times. This saddle model is ideal for riders who are accustomed to a traditional feel and prefer riding in a close contact monoflap style saddle. The new, streamlined low profile shape, whilst offering a traditional appearance, provides all the benefits of the fully flexible, SMART technology.


What’s new?

  • SMART PRO™ low profile extended weight bearing base panel - provides additional support over a wider surface area to effectively reduce peak pressures.
  • SMART PRO™ ultra-low profile seat - allows a very close contact feel for the rider.
  • SMART PRO™ fixed gullet design - offers security and stability and is easy to fit to a wide range of back shapes.

4* event rider Simon Grieve is pictured completing a double clear in a Novice section at Carlton aboard 6 year old event horse, Edison.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER - Pre-Order your SMART PRO™ now, offer for a limited time only.
SAVE up to £775!!
  • Introductory price only - £2,550 (£400 off)
  • Includes FREE knee block style of your choice (worth up to £70)
  • Plus FREE cotton quilt saddle cloth (worth £50)
  • Ask about additional special offer savings available at the time of purchase or choose our easy 0% payment plans - spread the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months.
The SMART PRO saddles rrp £2,950 inc VAT.

Availability
The SMART PRO™ Jump saddle is an excellent show jumping or cross country saddle - the flatter seat and graduated cantle offers the rider freedom to move, whilst providing complete support and security.
The SMART PRO™ Dressage combines close contact feel and rideability with support and security.

The SMART PRO™ saddles are available to order now! Our estimated lead time is approximately 28 days.

Fitting the SMART PRO™
The SMART PRO™ is based on the existing easy to use, adjustable SMART fitting system that allows optimum fit to a wide range of horses. Expert advice and home consultation service available from our trained Approved Advisors.

Contact Solution Saddles with your requirements today to book your SMART PRO™ test ride. 

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Would you like to become a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor?

Would you like to earn extra income in your spare time? Then why not become a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor?

Solution Saddles are always seeking motivated and passionate individuals to become trained and approved advisors. If you would like to make a difference to others by introducing them to the unique RigidFree SMART saddle system, then we'd love to hear from you!

Becoming an Approved Advisor is free, easy and requires no minimum commitment from the applicant. Simply submit your application form and attend a free induction training day to get started. 


Earn money by helping others

Agents can earn up to 12.5% commission on all Solution Saddles products that they sell, as well as receiving fees for their time and travel. Not only this, but the job is very rewarding and is completely flexible to suit you!

* No investment required
* Full support from Solution Saddles HQ
* Regular training dates for continued learning and skills development provided


Rewarding
 
Help to improve horse and rider performance and welfare by becoming a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor.


Contact us for more information:

smart@solutionsaddles.com

07738 711 099

Tuesday 23 June 2015

NEW from Solution Saddles - The SMART™ VSD saddle

Solution Saddles have introduced the brand new VSD saddle to their RigidFree™ saddle range. The flexible SMART™ VSD saddle is a versatile design, suited to all round riding including hacking, pleasure rides, schooling and lower level jumping. The VSD incorporates all SMART™ saddle features to ensure a professional performance with the comfort and security required for multi-discipline riding.

SMART™ VSD saddles are available with a choice of two distinct base types, SMART™ POPULAR & SMART™ NATIVE, to optimise fit for your horse’s back shape.


SMART™ VSD saddles feature:
  • A lower profile UltraContact™ seat, for ease of rider position when riding out of the saddle and jumping.
  • A straighter cut flap knee flap than our GP style to support the rider when riding with a long leg position.
  • A shortened knee flap to allow contact when riding with a shorter stirrup length.
  • Customised knee bock and thigh block options which can be positioned and adjusted as required by the rider.

Stud owner has impressive results when using her SMART™ VSD saddle

Owner of Islestone Stud, Jessie Johnston, has been using the saddle on a mix of her homebred horses with positive results. ‘’After lending my SMART™ saddle to a friend and returning to riding in a tree’d saddle for a short while, the improvement when putting the SMART™ SPORT saddle back on Spider was immediate. Both my Mum and a friend were watching at the time, remarking at how much better Spider was going before I told them that the SMART™ SPORT saddle had been put back on for the first time in a little while. They were all impressed!’’

Contact Solution Saddles to arrange a Home Consultation visit and try out a SMART™ VSD saddle with expert specialist advice from your local Solution Saddles Approved Advisor.

Find out more about SMART saddles:

smart@solutionsaddles.com

07738 711099

01909 720259

Thursday 16 April 2015

SMART prizes up for grabs. Updated - Congratulations to the SMART Survey 2015 prize draw winner!


Take our survey for a chance to win a SMART Travel set.

Simply follow this link and complete our short survey.

Open to all. Each entrant will automatically be entered into our prize draw.
The winner will be announced on 30th April 2015.


UPDATE MAY 2015 - 
Thank you to everybody who took part in the SMART Survey 2015. Congratulations to Suzannah Brooks, winner of the prize draw and a SMART Travel Set! 
You can read more about Suzannah and her horse, Troys Charlie, here: 
http://news.solutionsaddles.com/2014/10/solution-of-month-november-2014-smart.html


'Before & After' 
~ SMART Competition

If you already own a SMART saddle, enter your SMART story to be in with another chance of winning a SMART Travel set.

To be entered into the competition, simply submit your photos or videos that illustrate the improvements, along with a short history.Your 'before & after' story will be featured on the website.Here are some great examples that have been submitted in the past:

From lameness and muscle atrophy to a happier horse with the SMART SPORT Dressage & Jump saddles


Saddle nightmare solved for a sensitive Hanoverian mare - Video

Full Story here



The SMART Travel Set includes a set of lightweight, portable SMART MOUNTING STEPS and a handy SMART TACK PACK.


Tuesday 24 March 2015

Preferred products - our pick of the best SMART saddle accessories

SMART Products

Solution Saddles routinely trial new products to ensure that we offer the best possible range of complimentary accessories for use with SMART saddles. From girths to saddle cloths, see our current list of preferred products below:

 

Using the right girth is an important decision for correct saddle fit. The Professional's Choice VenTech girth features a ventilated waffle-patterned, the non-slip neoprene liner holds the saddle in place and conforms to your horse to allow heat and moisture to escape keeping your horse cool, comfortable and performing at its best. Strong, double elastic ends avoid over-tightening. Premium materials such as stainless steel buckles and heavy weight webbing, along with double stitching, ensure the long life of the girth. The detachable neoprene liner peels away from webbing for easy washing.

Lightweight, soft and flexible, Solution Saddles knee blocks are easily held in place and can be positioned anywhere on the Velcro panel, ensuring that you get the right support, right where you need it: The Wedge knee block promotes greater depth and security in the saddle by allowing a closer thigh contact behind it, promoting an effortless, classically aligned position. The wedge supports the knee and hip joints without the need to grip, particularly in quick or high impact movements.


We continue to recommend our high wither saddle cloths made exclusively for Solution Saddles by Nuumed. The shaped back and  low profile seams made from quality cotton quilt reduces the risk of rubbing by eliminating bulk and will not interfere with the fit or balance of the saddle. Our top quality cotton saddle cloth is suitable for everyday use on most horses. 

 
Keep your leather tack in peak condition and protect it from the elements. Bee Natural all-in-one leather cleaner & conditioner with a handy sponge, all in a neat pouch to keep everything together when you are at the yard or on the go. A no mess, no fuss, all in one leather cleaner that really works - Waterproof, Strengthen, Protect & Clean. Works by coating each leather fibre with a blend of the finest leather oils and waxes which also aid in resisting dirt. 

Lightweight, soft and flexible. All SMART™ DSP’s feature velcro panels on the underside, to easily secure it in place when used with a SMART™ saddle cloth. Each side can be positioned on the saddle cloth separately for accurate fitting for individual horses.  Supplied as a pair. The SMART Non-Slip DSP is shaped to optimise the fit of the SMART™ SPORT & SMART™ POPULAR saddle range where significant additional support is required along the length of the saddle. The Eco-friendly, non-slip mesh cover top side will grip onto the saddle leather for an extra secure fit.


To read full newsletter - click here

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Have you ever wondered if a fully flexible RigidFree™ SMART™ saddle would improve your horse’s performance and comfort?

The Solution Saddles range of scientifically researched designs is recommended whatever your chosen discipline.




Did you know that a healthy back will increase in size during work?
A recent study* conducted by Dr Sue Dyson, Dr Rachael Murray and Line Greve at the Animal Health Trust, presented at the Saddle Research Trust International Conference 2014, has confirmed that horses’ back dimensions do increase with exercise, illustrating that it is not only important that a horse’s saddle fits before work, but also during work.  The greatest changes in back dimension during exercise were seen in both sound horses and those ridden in a well fitting saddle, suggesting that it is a healthy back which increases in size during work.



The mean back-shape ratio immediately after ridden exercise was greater compared with before work for all sites. Mean changes in back-shape were greater in horses working correctly versus not working correctly, and in horses with correctly-fitting versus ill-fitting saddles at each site.” Greve L, Murray R & Dyson S. Exercise-induced changes in back dimensions: the influence of saddle fit, rider-skill and work-quality. Equine Vet J (2014) 44 (1) 4-14

How a correctly fitted SMART™ saddle will allow the change in shape - without manual adjustment
The fully flexible gullet and base panel design of the RigidFree™ SMART™ saddle range allows the saddle to flex and move with the horse, accommodating immediate changes in shape and muscle dimension, promoting long-term back health. The self tensioning ‘W’ girthing system enables the horse to breathe comfortably, without restriction. SMART™ saddles are completely adjustable; whenever your horse changes shape; every ride, all year round. 




Before & after
Solution Saddles customer, Sue Sandford, was delighted after changing to a RigidFree™ SMART™ saddle. Not only was her horse happier in his work, but the dramatic difference in his back development was obvious after only 2.5 months. Read her full story here.




Is it time you tried a flexible SMART™ saddle?
Contact Solution Saddles to arrange to arrange a Home Consultation visit and try out a SMART™ SPORT VT saddle of your choice with expert specialist advice from your local Solution Saddles Approved Advisor. Plus, receive a complimentary gift pack worth nearly £200 with your SMART™ SPORT VT saddle purchase with all test rides booked in February 2015.



Solution Saddles customer, Katie King, is looking forward to a season of affiliated dressage in her new SMART™ saddle
Although her horse ‘Eric’ did not have any obvious problems before they tried the SMART™ saddle, she commented that:
“Everything has changed now that we have a SMART™ saddle! He has a new desire to power forwards on his own in a relaxed and controlled manner and is much more willing to stretch. Contact is much more consistent and his length of stride improved dramatically.”




smart@solutionsaddles.com    07738711099     01909720259

Home Consultation Visits are charged at £50, which is refundable against the price of your saddle if you purchase.

*Exercise-induced changes in back dimensions: The influence of saddle-fit, rider-skill & work quality, Sue Dyson & Line Greve:  http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35283/exercises-effects-on-horses-back-dimensions-and-saddle-fit