A few thoughts from a long time client, and now friend, Allison Schultz, MA, EECF Co-founder Reboot.io Author of The Art of Being Human at Work
A Perfect Fit is a Perennial Essential For All the Horses, Every Year
McKinley has been helping me find the perfect fit and the right saddles for my growing horses since 2018, and her expertise and growing line of saddle (and accessory!) options has been invaluable. (I joke to my husband that McKinley is my dealer in all things Italian Leather.)
Having young horses means that I'm committed to their growth and what they need to train at their best. No pinching, digging, or unnecessary looseness allowed. We have a healthy backs only policy at my barn. This means, I am evaluating my equipment every year (if not multiple times a year) to make sure that my horses' have the right saddle, pads, and girths.
Every back and barrel is different, so each horse needs their own things to fit perfectly. McKinley comes out for fit checks a couple times a year to make sure we're not only riding in style, but that everyone is comfortable in their saddle-outfits.
We've navigated 3 young, growing and developing horses over the years. This has meant a documentation of the way their backs and shoulders have changed over the years as well due to natural development, training and rehab moments. We always check for fit of the saddle itself, as well as any temporary adjustments that can or need to be made via pads or shims. Since I have young horses (who are now maturing - thank heavens!) I had budgeted the cost of a new saddle annually, because it's non-negotiable when it comes to their health and happiness.
What got us started, was changing into an older model Equipe Viktoria in 2018. I remember I was riding in the saddle in the indoor arena at the barn I was boarding at, and other barn friends were in the arena as well. As my horse Prince and I moved through our paces, the ride was easeful and a marked positive difference from our other rides in the saddle I was moving away from. It was such a difference, that my friend Maggie said, "He's moving so well. You HAVE to get that saddle!" The horse liked it, the fitter liked it, onlookers could see a difference, and I loved the ride. The verdict was in: Sold!
That led me to a few different Equipe models over the years for my 3 horses. I have loved each and every one, and usually have been a bit sad when I needed to get a new model for a new fit.
Last year, we tried the Aviars on the horses as they were up for a new model. The flexible fit was a great solution for the herd's maturing but still developing backs, and the ride was phenomenal. The Aviar put me in the perfect position, with no struggle at all. It made riding easeful for both me and the horse since they were not fighting any imbalances from my position; it gave them a chance to shine. One of my horses went from crabby under saddle to pleasant and forward again just from changing to a better fit. I am a believer and a fan of the Aviars. If you get a chance to ride in one (if it fits your horse of course!), do!
Allison Schultz