by Saddles | Nov 4, 2020 | Saddle Blog
…..and the good news is that Ideal will remain in production. Timescale for making is the usual 4 – 6 weeks although in these difficult times we feel we must say that this is a best estimate.
Most importantly, we specialise in fitting “remotely” as we have been doing for all our overseas and distant UK customers over the years. Our process is described on this web site and we support our service with a full money back guarantee. In these difficult times, no fitting visits are needed!
So, if you need a saddle, look no further!!!!
by Saddles | Oct 21, 2020 | Saddle Testimonials and Stories
Odysseus (or Ody) 15.3hh 13 yr old Freisan from USA
Part of the fun of what we do is “meeting” all the horses….and their owners!…from around the world. In recent months, the UK and USA have been our key countries. Sadly things have been a bit quiet from Australia and New Zealand, but the USA has made up for it….so far! France and Denmark have been good to us too.
Interesting are the trends that have emerged over the months. As ever, the range of types of horses is amazing and I attempt to give you some feel for that here. Another trend in recent months has been the predominance of dressage saddles (Suzannah Monoflap, Tonishia Supreme, Hayley WG and Styletta) going to USA and GP type saddles (Gazelle, Grandee, 1350, 1550 ) in the UK. It will probably be the other way round in the next few months!
In nearly every case we have used Ideal’s Designed to Order service quite extensively.to achieve the fit both for horse and rider and the appearance desired. The saddle made up in special leathers, patent rolls and/or welting and decorative stitching were all popular while the range of specifications for fit covered the choice of tree, depth of rear gussets, width of front gussets, length of panels, girthing arrangement and for the rider, depth of seat, flap shape and length and the choice of blocks.
We’ve had some great feedback….”its stunning”, “I’m really pleased”, “both love the saddle”, “absolutely love it, its beautiful” which adds to “the fun” for us!
So, lets see what the next few months bring!
“Meet” some more of “our” horses!………
Cash, 16.2hh 9 yr old Dutch Warmblood from UK
Alex, 15hh Haflinger from Denmark
Ziggy, 16.2hh 4 yr old KWPN from USA
Archie, 15hh 4 yr old Irish Cob from UK
Serenade, 16.2hh 5yr old Oldenburg mare from USA
by Saddles | Aug 18, 2020 | Saddle Blog
The full story is told in our “Saddle Stories”…..scroll down on the home page.
It is a very moving story. A big thank you if you can help us.
by Saddles | Aug 14, 2020 | Saddle Testimonials and Stories
Meet Sara and Alfie! Alfie was featured in publicity boards for Blossoms Rescue Centre in Suffolk when Sara was fund raising. Sara’s ill health and now incurable cancer meant the closure of Blossoms after 35 years. Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk came to the rescue and took Blossoms’ animals into their care. Here is a link to their site Hillside Animal Sanctuary They have nearly 2000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
We met Sara and Alfie when Sara wanted to try and find a saddle that would allow her, despite chronic pain, to enjoy some gentle outings on Alfie. It was also a present to Alfie for when “he ends up with someone on loan when I die”. We were able to help and indeed, they had a lovely FWB on a hooped tree in black with white piping and stitching, which happily we had in stock. It was an XXW which Ian then fitted to template……in 30 years, Alfie was the widest Ian has fitted!!!!! Sara has managed to enjoy some gentle outings with help from her family….and Alfie.
Here is Alfie now…..
This is a very moving story and in honour of Sara and Alfie we would like to try and raise a charitable donation for Hillside. We have set up a project on the Just Giving platform.
Here is the link https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saddles-worldwide
We will be making regular donations and hopefully collectively we may raise a meaningful sum. A big thank you to everyone who donates.
by Saddles | Jul 28, 2020 | Saddle Blog
Made for a customer in the UK, this Suzannah Monoflap is made up in Remi French Calf with grey patent piping and rear facings.
The standard Suzannah Monoflap has a moulded knee pad over a fixed block. This one has been made with a plain, soft pad so that it can mould to each of three sets of blocks on velcro.
The first block illustrated is the full Suzannah dressage block, the second is a Nyala style jump/GP block and the third is a shorter, Tonishia style, dressage block.
As you can imagine and as Ian says, “this saddle is incredibly versatile”.
Suzannah dressage block
Nyala Jump/GP block
Tonishia dressage block
