RigidFree™ saddle myth #27: ‘’My saddle fitter has told me that horses go well in RigidFree™ saddles for 2 – 3 months but then start exhibiting problems. Is this true and if so, why?’’

RigidFree™ SMART™ saddles offer excellent performance both short and long-term. With carefully developed, patented technology and hard-wearing, high density materials, there is no reason why a SMART™ saddle cannot – and will not – continue to improve your horse’s comfort and performance under saddle longitudinally. So, why do some saddle fitters claim to have experienced horses developing issues 2 – 3 months after moving into a RigidFree™ SMART™ saddle? The answer is simple and will be obvious to any experienced saddle fitter: Horses change shape.

We all know that horses are constantly changing shape and, whilst a SMART™ saddle can flex to accommodate these changes in shape, that does not mean that the fit does not need to be reviewed. What’s more, it is no coincidence that peer-reviewed research* indicates that saddle fit should be checked every 3 months, as it is probable that the back shape will change sufficiently during this period to render a refit necessary. Adding that a fully flexible SMART™ saddle encourages healthy back muscle development and positive postural changes, it is no wonder that a SMART™ saddle may need rebalancing after 2 – 3 months of ridden work in a RigidFree™, flexible SMART™ saddle.

But, before you start panicking that you might need to invest in another saddle at this point in time, worry not! The flexible SMART™ saddle can simply be refitted using recommended shims and balance pads (if necessary) to ensure that you and your horse can continue to enjoy your SMART™ saddle without any interruption to your training schedule.

What our customers say:

“He’s now completely different to look at; his back is clearly stronger, the dips behind his withers are filling in, and each time he changes shape, a SMART™ Advisor has been available to assist us if needed.” - Sally Johnson, SMART Saddle Customer

‘’The SMART™ Advisor was so helpful, I had a concern about the fit and she offered solutions over the phone and arranged to come out to review the saddle. Pictures of his back had been taken at the initial visit so we could see the difference and how the horses back muscles had developed in 4 weeks. The saddle balance pads were tweaked and now the saddle fits his new shape perfectly.’’ - Gillian Kettles, SMART Customer

Before using a SMART saddle

After 4 weeks in a SMART saddle

If you think that your horse has changed shape and your SMART™ saddle fit needs reviewing, you can contact your local SMART™ Advisor or the team at SMART™ Saddles HQ for help and advice at any time:

smart@solutionsaddles.com

01909 720 259

*A longitudinal study of back dimension changes over 1 year in sports horses. Line Greve, Sue Dyson

April Newsletter 2022: A SMART Investment, The Perfect Saddle Solution

 

A SMART™ Investment The award-winning SMART™ saddle range, with its unique, flexible design and equally flexible trial and payment options, represents excellent long-term value, saving not only money but also time and worry: No need to buy a new saddle each time your horse changes shape Simple to adjust: Quickly and easily change the fit without changing the saddle Reduced ongoing costs of treatment and therapies Multiple horses? No problem! Hard-wearing materials for minimal maintenance Test Ride fee refunded when you buy  Try-before-you-buy rental service: Up to 2 weeks’ FREE 3 x 0% Payment Plans: Spread the cost over up to 12 months

Continue reading to find out more

''The SMART saddle has already proven its value many times over in the short time I've had it.'' ~ Rebekah Adshead, SMART saddle customer

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association)

''SMART™ saddles have offered us the perfect solution, allowing us to improve the welfare of both the horses and the staff, as well as massively reducing costs of saddle fitting, investing in new saddles and physiotherapy".   Continue reading here.

Find out more about HAPPA

Planning your SMART Test Ride

Due to increasing demand for the award-winning SMART saddle range, there is a wait list in operation where certain saddles are not immediately available. Although our typical lead is just 28 days for new saddles to be made, by planning ahead, you can help us to help you. Simply get in touch so that we can schedule saddles to be available at the right time for you: E-mail  smart@solutionsaddles.com or call  01909 720 259

Book your SMART Test Ride

**** Spring Competition ****

How has your horse improved since changing to a SMART saddle? Have you moved up the grades or are you gaining better marks? ********************************************************** Share your success for a chance to win a SMART Competition Saddle Cloth.

Submit your SMART story here

Order SMART Accessories  from our webshop

SMART™ Pad Cover £70.00 A neat and easy to use system where multiple pads are required for optimal saddle fit. View RoadSMART Reflector Strips £25.00 Be safe, be seen with our reflective saddle accessories in a choice of colours. View Custom SMART Cantle Design £50.00 Customise your the finish of your saddle with a SMART Cantle design. View

"As a rider, trainer and riding coach, the more the SMART saddles evolve, the easier life gets with regard to solving individual issues for both horse and rider." ~ Tim Downes FBHS