Performance Saddlefits SSA

17/08/2024

The old girls back on the road 😍😍 it's been a cold two days delivering saddles but it's still my favourite part of the job!

Work resumes to normal the week after next ❤️

04/08/2024

How many Erreplus did you spot in the Olympics 😍 I can spot these stunning saddles from a mile away. Even spied a few in the eventing!

03/08/2024

I've been waiting until this was returned to post this one 😍

This older loxley on an adjustable tree was in for a full reflock and widening the channel to make it suit a completely different horse shape. Whilst it was with me, I got permission to see if I could restore the colour!
I don't think it's owner even dreamed I could get it looking this good 😍😍

No dyes or paints, just some good old oil and elbow grease!

30/07/2024

Just a little update as I know I've been MIA on socials.
July has been a mentally challenging month with two cars completely biting the dust 🫣 unfortunately, one of those was my saddlefitting van!!
With August being a little quiet on the saddle fitting front and now not having a van to work from, I've decided to pick up some extra vet shifts to pay my rather large mechanical bills.
So for the month of August, I won't be offering any routine fitting. I'm happy to see urgent appointments locally on the weekends. This may mean coming to me if you need some desperate fixes.

I will hopefully be offering up extra availability in September as I predict there will be a spring rush.

So if you need a fitting, don't be afraid to send me a message and we can work together to make a time.
Thank you all for your patience ❤️

01/07/2024

Why do I have so many stirrup leathers 🫣
So let's have a sale!!! In stock items and for this week only.
Erreplus Mono Leathers $100each (RRP $140
Brown L x 1
Brown M x 4
Brown S x 1
Black L x SOLD
Black M x 1
Black S x 1

Total Saddle Fit Slim Stability Leathers. Normally $259, now $180 😵
Black M x 1 (54")
Black L x SOLD (60")
Brown M x 1 (54")

Ovation T Bar Webber's, normally $110, now $85
Brown 28" x 2
Brown 24" x 1

Cavaletti Leathers, normally $100, now $60!!
Brown 36" x 1
Brown 48" x 3
Brown (cream stitch) 36" x 1
Black 48" x 1
Black 54" x 2
Black 60" x SOLD

21/06/2024

An early start for me tomorrow - on the road at 4:30am for two big days of fitting down the South East. No midday naps for me, it'll be flat out until I'm back on Monday so I won't be available to respond to messages over the weekend.

Hang tight, I'll be with you Monday.

18/06/2024

I'm officially set up with all your Bates fitting accessories ❤️
From gullets to girth points to replacement saddle covers, I can help fine tune the fit of your Wintecs, Arena and Bates saddles on the spot without sending you shopping for the parts!

10/06/2024

On the road again!
I will be at the club grounds all day Sunday but am available to do a trip down to Gambier and surrounds on Saturday and/or Monday (pending numbers).

29/05/2024

Perfect morning to do some girth points by the window, listening to the glorious rain 🌧 🙌

Did you know that long girth points on GP and jump saddles is a very Australian thing. In the UK they prefer short points, easier to tighten when on the horse!

22/05/2024

I had the pleasure of staying with this beautiful human on my Riverland trip! If you're wanting a dedicated and passionate horse professional to help unlock the potential of your horse then jump in on this trip 🙌
All mine are booked in 😃

Due to last minute cancellations I have two spots available this Saturday for Sports Massage in the following regions:

🐎 Mannum
🐎 Murray Bridge
🐎 Sanderston

Please get in touch if you would like to be seen 😃

www.rivaleequine.com.au

12/05/2024

We've had a giant weekend with Performance Saddlefits NSA travelling to the Riverland and Mildura to help horses of all shapes and sizes!

I'm in the office today and tomorrow morning with 5 reflocks, 12 girth points and a bunch of orders to process. I'll get back to all messages as soon as I can!

Schedule for May still has some availabilities and June is quite open so if you're thinking of booking an appointment, wait times are not too long at the moment.

Now to find some time to work my horse before this weekends ODE through Onkaparinga Pony Club 🫣

Thankyou Performance Saddlefits SSA for an awesome weekend. Travelling the Riverland and beyond, meeting some absolutely incredible horses and people.
2 fitters on the road, venturing into all areas of SA.

05/05/2024

Appointments available for this Sunday the 12th of May!
We have an indoor arena available for the day, otherwise please enquire if you need us to come to you. Could also stop back in to Renmark on our way home so reach out if you're on that side.

16/04/2024

Wow, I feel like this year's been a blur already! How is it already April?!? Thought I'd post a little update of upcoming trips and things.

Thanks to those who have been patient while I have been shocking at getting back to messages this week. Things got a bit hectic playing catchup last week but I think we're back on track. If I've missed you, please poke me!

My laptops also determined to make my life difficult and is now convinced it can't Wi-Fi... super helpful when I do most my work from there! So I'm working from my phone for now which has its challenges however I can't invoice from here. So if you're expecting one, it may be a little delayed.

I also have some new saddles and will introduce the Wembley Dressage and GP in the coming weeks. These are going to be an awsome adjustable gullet range for a wide variety of horses, and gives us another option under $3k!

Steph and I are planning a trip to the Riverland and Mildura on the 11th and 12th of May, we've already started taking some names down but if you're wanting to be on this trip, send either one of us a shout out! We will have saddles to try, second hand saddles for sale and be fitting your existing saddles!

My availability for May is looking pretty good at the moment and I will be looking at working at some indoors throughout winter.

Thanks all for being awesome and so supportive, this year has had some of my most enjoyable times saddle fitting and I hope that will continue throughout 2024 ❤️

Now I am currently enjoying some time off to spend with my partner as he supports this adventure of mine so so well. Without him in the backround looking after my own ponies, I don't think I could do this! I'll still be responding to messages and taking bookings for May, but you won't see me on this road until then.
Photos of my beautiful pony at dressage last weekend and the adorable kitten I found saddlefitting 😅

26/03/2024

Unfortunately due to a traumatic loss, I won't be contactable for the next 48 hours. I have contacted all booked appointments and will get back to everyone as soon as I can.

I appreciate everyone's patience as I say goodbye to another treasured horse.

20/03/2024

Second Hand and Ex Demo Saddle Sale 🥰

1. 18" Dark Brown Erreplus Vittoria (Wide*) - only had light use from new and then fully reflocked ready for its new home. $4,500 ( RRP $6695)

2. 18" Black Erreplus Vittoria (Extra Wide*) - some wrinkling to flaps otherwise in excellent condition $4,500

3. 17" Black Erreplus Adelinde (Wide*) - ex demo, hardly used! $4500 (RRP $6695)

4. 17" Black Erreplus Impulse (Medium Wide*) - in excellent condition with stunning patent detail. The impulse is on the same tree as the connect but provides a medium twist for the rider. $5,800 (RRP $7195)

5. 17.5" Dark Brown Black Country GP Event (Medium Wide) with silver details. Practically brand new, its been ridden in half a dozen times. Set up for a medium withered thoroughbred. $4,000 (was over $5,200 new!)

6. 17" Brown Cavaletti VSD (Wide*) - another practically new saddle. $1800

*Indicates gullets can be changed, message to see if it can go to your size.

All saddles come fitted or where fitting isn't available, postage will be included instead.

09/03/2024

With the horrendous weather of this weekend, when was the last time you looked after your saddle?

To restore this beautiful Black Country saddle to its former glory, I used warm saddle oil, applied in copious amounts (just not to the girth points) and then sealed it with a balm.

Super pleased with how it come out! 🫶

03/02/2024

My partner must think I'm mad... I get home from two big days saddlefitting in the South East and dive straight into an online Webinar 😅

The joys of having my veterinary degree is that I get access to loads of extra CPD...plus I'm a bit addicted to knowledge.

I'm often getting called out to see "problem horses" to rule out saddlefit and we often need a multi-pronged approach to get to the bottom of the issue. So I continue to educate myself so that I can help you!
Today's webinar is focusing on back pain with a focus on lumbosacroilliac pain.

My job is not just about saddle fitting - it's advocating for the horse and ensuring they are comfortable!

21/01/2024

Still looking for a few more horses for this trip to go ahead.
Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of February!
Happy to see anyone between Keith and Mt Gambier.
Available to fit your existing saddle or for trialing new saddles. Working with all brands and styles.

06/01/2024

Looking for extra numbers for a few upcoming rural trips. For Clare and Kadina, this will be MY last trip up there to introduce Steph and hand over the reins for the North.

For the South East, I am potentially thinking a day at Naracoorte and a day at Gambier but will depend on numbers.

Message now to secure your appointment!

29/12/2023

Trying to contact me?
I'm slowly working through my Facebook messages and Emails and just wanted to make everyone aware that the mobile phone is currently out of action.
Turns out, phones and horses don't mix well and trying to answer calls and texts on the road just doesn't happen!

To streamline my work, I will be dropping the mobile and filtering all my messages through messenger and email. We're pretty much all online these days anyway!

If you have a friend who's trying to call me and they're in the dark ages and literally CANT contact me any other way - send me their number and I'll try get in touch.

Keep an eye on your messages for booking dates and if you haven't heard from me, you're welcome to send me a "poke" 😉

14/12/2023

I've had a few giant days (and tiny patients) to finish up for the year!
I'll be spending the next few days getting back to everyone and making plans for 2024 where we will welcome a new fitter and some better availability 😬 🤞

I want to thank you all for your ongoing support and wish everyone a happy Christmas with plenty of time for riding!

Apart from delivering a few saddles before Christmas, I will be off from fitting from now until Jan to give my body a break. Those who have already enquired about an appointment will be notified first, then I'll announce any remaining free spaces.

22/11/2023

I'm on the move!
My life is in boxes and my floats no longer used for horses.

I'll be unavailable for general enquiries for the next two weeks while I settle into my new surrounds. Please be patient, I'll be back on my feet soon 😊 I just need to find what box they're in....

If you're looking for an appointment I am fully booked for December 😱 I am open to having another Saturday at Meadows available but appointments will need to be pre paid! If you're interested in an appointment, comment below.

01/11/2023

Bad news - I'm fully booked for November already!

With plans to move house in three weeks, I have limited availability for November. I will have two weeks available in December but then we approach Christmas and New Years and boy am I looking forward to a break!

So, I'm aware there are still quite a few of you wanting appointments this month. I am still trying to arrange some rural visits, so express your interest (if you haven't already) if you're in the Mildura, Naracoorte or Kadina regions and keep an eye out on the socials.

To help all my locals out, I have hired the arena at Brosten Meadows for Saturday the 18th of November. If you're still waiting for me to find you an appointment time, and you are able to come to me, please let me know and you will take first priority.

If this is successful, I will open another day for December as well!

Appointments will be $165 each which covers your arena hire, onsite flocking top ups and on site gullet alterations. For anyone who hasn't been there before, there is plenty of room for parking and no need for reversing ;) It is a quiet area and I am more than happy to take our time with young and green horses.

If you don't require a fitting but would like to come test ride some of the saddles on offer, please reach out.

25/10/2023

OK needing all of your input!

We need to find a way for me to be able to fit more horses in per week...because quite frankly, there's ALOT of you, and one little old me 😉

I've had suggestions from some to hire a local arena and get people to come to me rather than travelling so much. Is this something people would be happy to do if it guarantees them a spot? Or would you rather just wait a few weeks until I can come to you?

Thoughts? I can hire an indoor with lights so we are independent of weather.

Previous attempts to do this have been hit and miss so would love some feedback!

P.s. only 10 weeks until our northern fitter comes on board 😱 I'm not counting AT ALL.

22/10/2023

Sorry for the delay in getting back to messages this weekend, been a bit too much happening.
I'm dealing with a very sad, ulcery mare 🥺 and some news we didn't want this weekend.

The joys of horses - just when you think you've got it all under control, they'll throw you a curve ball.

So here's a photo of my beautiful foster babies - who are slightly easier to manage...but just as time consuming 😅

I'll be back on board soon 🫶

21/10/2023

Lightly ridden in but in as new condition as unfortunately not suited to the horse it was made for.

17.5" Black Country Eloquence (black leather) made on the classic tree with a Wide gullet angle. Set up to provide an elegant finish with no badge, no stirrup loop and a stitched in knee block, this saddle is suited to both dressage and showing riders.

Full front and back gussets make it suitable for a flatter backed horse with a medium wither. Suited to a modern warmblood or well muscled thoroughbred.

Current RRP $5395, asking $4500.
Save money and avoid the wait times!

07/10/2023

Guilty 🫣
Will get back to messages tomorrow, I have been trying to prioritise some "time off" lately, whatever that is 🤣

08/09/2023

Well it's been a crazy month already... and we're 8 days in!
25 horses helped in the Riverland and Mildura over 3 days and over 800km travelled!

Thankyou for everyone who has been patient while I work my way through messages and emails... it's a never ending task and just when I think I'm up to date, it explodes again 🫣 Not to mention the 6 re-flocks, 2 girth point changes and all the other work that comes with the territory.

I know it's been challenging for everyone dealing with wait times and poor communication (I'm sorry!) but I will HOPEFULLY be able to announce our new Northern SA fitter in the next few months. As long as we don't scare her off - we're anticipating getting her going just before New Years. This should help free up my schedule so I can actually ALLOCATE time to respond to everyone.

Did you know that at this current time, I'm a registered and practicing veterinarian whilst trying to cover the entire state as a saddle fitter... it's mental. I am only one person and my partner is SOOO patient and forgiving. I spend my evenings responding to messages, I don't ever take a day off and my own horses go untouched and wild. I know I'm hard to get in touch with, I know the wait times are annoying, but I do need to make sure this career is sustainable for the long term because I do love BOTH of my jobs.

And unfortunately.. to add to the ridiculous wait times at the moment, I have a mare due to foal in mid October and I will also be moving house in late October. So for next month, I will only be doing a few local appointments until bubs hits the ground alive and well and we are settled into our new house.

It's not all bad though... there's something in it for you guys 😛 I will be having a sale on all my excess stock so that I don't have to move it! This will include Mattes girths and half pads, some saddles and stirrup leathers and other bits and bobs, so keep an eye out for that!

So a big THANKYOU to everyone for all your business and support. I never anticipated how big the client base would grow and I'm super thankful to finally get a new fitter on board.

01/09/2023

Early start for me - left the cold and wet Hills for the sunny Riverland today!

I have a crazy number of horses crammed in over the next two days so I won't be available to respond to messages or calls (sorry! 🫣)
I'll be back at the computer Wednesday.