Victoria Hilton Saddle Fitting

Victoria Hilton Saddle Fitting Qualified Saddle Fitter -Certified Equine Infrared Imaging - Qualified Instructor
(9)

12/08/2024

✨NEW✨ Listed Equine Fitter

NEW MEMBER:

Victoria is an Independent level 4 Saddle Fitter with IASF and Lantra providing current saddle checks, flocking, on site adjustments and when required a variety of new & second-hand saddles.

Based in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Victoria is also experienced in equine rehabilitation, horse / rider biomechanics, Certified Equine Infrared Imager and Qualified Instructor.

Find out more about Victoria here: https://www.equinefittersdirectory.org/directory/victoria-hilton/


Victoria Hilton Saddle Fitting

11/08/2024

✨️ Saddle Fitter Feature – Victoria Hilton ✨️ Find out more about the fabulous fitters we work with across the UK Today we are getting to know Victoria Hilton – Victoria Hilton Saddle Fitting 🤩

🐴 When did you start fitting? And why did you get into fitting?

I started professionally fitting as a qualified fitter 12 months ago
I got into saddle fitting as I have always had a passion for it and wanted to help make a positive difference to the ridden horses that I work with. Having worked with performance horses and in retraining/rehabilitation, I had witnessed how valuable a correctly fitting saddle was to the equine ability to perform/return to work. I trained as a BHS riding instructor over 20 years ago and always had a keen interest in biomechanics. This led me to investigate the partnership between the horse, saddle and rider in unison and how poor fit could affect the equine's physical and emotional state. This led me to become a certified veterinary equine thermographer, which allowed me to investigate the physical detrimental effects of a poorly fitting saddle on a horse.

🐴 What fitting qualifications do you have?

I gained my professional saddle fitters, level 4 Advanced Fitters Qualification with the International Academy of Saddle Fitters. I had previously gained many years of fitting experience working in the equine industry, always working with the fitters and physios when they were on site.

🐴 About you- riding history /discipline, general info.

I have owned horses from a young age, and growing up, I regularly competed in showjumping, dressage and eventing. Over the last 20 years, I have had experience working in a variety of fields within the equine industry, including rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, racing, showjumping and equine thermography. I have worked as an instructor for over 20 years, and during that time, I have worked with a wide range of clients, which I feel brings additional qualities to my ability to fit saddles as it gives me a good understanding of the correct balance and position of a rider in the saddle.

🐴 Do you currently own a horse? What do you do with them? Tell us a bit about them.

We currently have 6 horses in the family, as my husband and son also ride. We have 2 Welsh Sec D's, a Highland Pony, an Arab, a Dun SHP and a Miniature Shetland 24 years old. We have had most of our horses from youngsters; some are in their veteran years now. Over the years, we have enjoyed showing all of the horses both in their hands and under their saddles.

🐴 What area do you cover?

North West of the UK covering the Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Lancaster, Bolton and Wigan area.

🐴 Favourite brand to fit and why?

I enjoy fitting a wide range of saddles and like to keep up to date in my professional development so that I can provide clients with a wide range of options when purchasing a saddle for their equine partner.

To book in with Victoria, simply fill in our saddle fitting form on the link below 💻️ thesaddlebank.com/saddle-fitting/saddle-fitters-near-me/ 💻️

First call this morning. This centre brings back memories, of over 20 years ago, when I was doing my BHS Exams 😊
07/08/2024

First call this morning. This centre brings back memories, of over 20 years ago, when I was doing my BHS Exams 😊

Back out fitting today and the first call was the georgeous Ralph who was needing a new saddle. He is such a gentle gian...
06/08/2024

Back out fitting today and the first call was the georgeous Ralph who was needing a new saddle. He is such a gentle giant and a true gentleman 🥰. All fitted with a new saddle so he can continue with his ridden adventures.

05/08/2024
05/08/2024

The Saddle Bank Partners with the International Academy of Saddle Fitters: What This Means for You

The International Academy of Saddle Fitters (IASF) is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking partnership with The Saddle Bank, a collaboration set to revolutionise the world of saddle fitting.

This alliance combines The Saddle Bank's dedication to providing high-quality new and used saddles with the IASF's esteemed educational programs, enhancing the expertise of saddle fitters worldwide. This partnership not only promises to elevate saddle fitting standards but also underscores our commitment to equine welfare and rider comfort. Full Blog Post Here….. https://www.saddle-academy.com/post/the-saddle-bank-partners-with-the-international-academy-of-saddle-fitters-what-this-means-for-you

The Saddle Bank





Got to love a before and after. A correctly fitting saddle combined with a good exercise / rehab  regime can make all th...
04/08/2024

Got to love a before and after. A correctly fitting saddle combined with a good exercise / rehab regime can make all the difference in a few short weeks.

01/08/2024

Are you passionate about horses and looking to transform that passion into a fulfilling career? The demand for qualified saddle fitters is growing rapidly. At the International Academy of Saddle Fitters, we provide you with comprehensive training that equips you with the skills needed to enhance equine welfare and meet this rising demand. Ready to unlock your career potential? Learn more today by visiting our website. Comment below if you have any questions about our courses.

20/07/2024

Back at work on Monday.
Having a mini break to recharge for the weekend. Work messages etc will be replied to on Monday, many thanks Victoria xx

We are back in business 😎 shes been missed but shes back and she's even got some new treads on 😍 now to start catching u...
16/07/2024

We are back in business 😎 shes been missed but shes back and she's even got some new treads on 😍 now to start catching up with re arranged appointments 🏇

11/07/2024

Thankyou to those clients that have been so understanding and had to rearrange their appointments over the last couple of days. Yesterday an injured husband and this afternoon car issues. Luckly my mechanic knows what im like with cars and answered on the 3rd ring 😂. Who knew having too much oil in your car could make it poorly 🤷‍♀️. It's been a manic couple of days 🫤. The cars booked in Tuesday to be fixed but can only do short journeys until then so I will catch up with appointments that are further afield asap. Many thanks Victoria xx

** Did you know??? That all clients can request Infrared Images of their horses back at their fitting appointment ** Rea...
10/07/2024

** Did you know??? That all clients can request Infrared Images of their horses back at their fitting appointment **
Read on for details.....
Recently I have been extremely busy with complex saddle fitting cases that have come to me following recommendations. Behaviour concerns and poor performance under saddle can be a worrying time for owners and I always look at the horse as a whole when approaching saddle fitting. This has lead me to reach for my trusty Infrared Imaging camera a few times and it has assisted in either identifying or eliminating contributing factors to poor performance. With that in mind I feel this should be available as part of the fitting for those that wish to utilise it. For those on the Equigate App the Images will be uploaded on your report, like the example below. For those not on Equigate the Infrared Images will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp. To add it onto your fitting appointment simply request it at the time of booking. Simply message for details on 07935447831, find me on Facebook or contact me through the Equigate App with code X26653

I had a quiet day yesterday on the phone (very unusual 😂) and it was only later on when I finished fitting for the day (...
06/07/2024

I had a quiet day yesterday on the phone (very unusual 😂) and it was only later on when I finished fitting for the day (when I got home to the wifi and my phone went crazy ) that I realised my phone had decided to disconnect itself from the network 🙄 slight technical problem but all fixed now. You can still contact me on Messenger, WhatsApp, by phone on 07935447831 and on the website contact form .victoriahiltonsaddlefitting.com

Please can I ask existing and new clients to connect to the online diary through the app, it only takes 2 minutes and sa...
05/07/2024

Please can I ask existing and new clients to connect to the online diary through the app, it only takes 2 minutes and saves me so much admin time, many thanks Victoria x

For Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.equigate.client

For iPhone
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/equigate/id1661330034

Sign up as a client and then follow the instructions below

1️⃣Click “Practitioners” button on home screen
2️⃣Click the “connect” button in the top right corner
3️⃣Type code X26653 into the box and click "connect"
4️⃣Victoria will appear in your practitioners list
5️⃣Click on “Send message” to send them a message and book your first appointment

04/07/2024

So far everyone is finding it very easy connecting through Equigate and they are getting those appointments booked in immediately. The first digital reports have gone out and look fab. Please can I remind everyone to enter their horses details in when registering with me, it saves me time having to do it at the appointment 😊 I will put a step by step post up later how to connect

02/07/2024

Thankyou for everyone's patience over the last few days, my poor old phone has been struggling to keep up as it was a little tired and messages just weren't getting through. So it was time for a new phone that can handle the business needs. I will be back to answering messages in the morning as everything is being swopped over from the old phone, thankyou Vic x

01/07/2024

Exciting times - but - please bear with me while I am transferring to the new diary and system.
I have been trialling the Equigate App for a couple of weeks now and it is fantastic. All future reports will be digital with phenomenal diagrams sent directly to you phone, this means they are easy for you to access and it also saves the planet 🌳 ( I will still carry the original paper ones for those that prefer them )
For those of you already using the App you can connect with me, fill in your horses details and get your appointments booked in swiftly and directly through the App. For those that dont currently have the Equigate App it is so easy to set up and connects to me instantly to get your appointments, many thanks Victoria.

Are you sitting comfortably? - I often have this discussion with clients (due to my obsession on biomechanics) and I've ...
27/06/2024

Are you sitting comfortably? - I often have this discussion with clients (due to my obsession on biomechanics) and I've had it endlessly with my physio every time I go and have to have my pelvis realigned. How many of us spend hours in our cars each week ( or at a desk) and are impacting how straight we are in the saddle. Especially when your jumping in and out of the car opening gates etc. Next time you get in your car to drive, have a look at your posture before you set off, think about your seat bones and pelvic tilt. I have a tendency to drive with right hip drop and this correlates to my riding position, which can then affect balance and saddle fit. It's something that I've been working on and is improving but I have to be strict with myself every time I drive. So next time you get in your car take a minute ( before you switch it on) and check if you sit evenly balanced before you set off, you may be surprised with the results

Had a lovely day at Cheshire Show yesterday and have really enjoyed having a couple of days off. I will try and respond ...
19/06/2024

Had a lovely day at Cheshire Show yesterday and have really enjoyed having a couple of days off. I will try and respond back to everyone's messages today, thankyou Victoria xx

Apologies for the early morning and late evening messages. It is the only time I get chance to open the diary to reply, ...
12/06/2024

Apologies for the early morning and late evening messages. It is the only time I get chance to open the diary to reply, as once the day starts I'm hitting the ground running 🏃‍♀️

Maintaining your horse at a healthy body weight not only helps with the fit of their saddle but is also a lot healthier ...
28/05/2024

Maintaining your horse at a healthy body weight not only helps with the fit of their saddle but is also a lot healthier for them as well. Here's a couple of things I do with my own horses in-between their fittings.
1️⃣ take a photo of your horse when it's saddle is newly fitted, this will give you a visual of their condition.
2️⃣ use a weigh tape and record the results weekly, weigh tapes aren't as accurate as the bridges but they can help you to keep an eye on your horses waistline, especially at this time of year ☀️🌧🍀.
3️⃣ learn to condition score your horse, you can do this at the same time as weighing your horse and you can look back at the photo you took to highlight any changes.
Luckily the soaked nets are helping with Hamishs waistline with this crazy flush of grass we have got at the moment. He could even see the results for himself 😂.

Finished fitting early yesterday to get home before 7pm for some Cpd. Absolutely amazing 2hr Webinar on TreeClix last ni...
24/05/2024

Finished fitting early yesterday to get home before 7pm for some Cpd. Absolutely amazing 2hr Webinar on TreeClix last night.

If your horse has been on a diet, maybe due to EMS or Laminitis, and is returning to work please remember to get their s...
17/05/2024

If your horse has been on a diet, maybe due to EMS or Laminitis, and is returning to work please remember to get their saddle checked. I have been to a few horses this week who's owners are doing a fantastic job with with their rehabilitation and have adjusted their saddles and flocking to accommodate for their new fitter physiques. Laminitis does not just affect the feet, it can change the horses posture entirely.

11/05/2024

⚫️ Please can I remind people to book their regular saddle checks in advance. The diary is extremely busy so it's better to book in sooner rather than later.
⚫️ To save time please use the online contact form, it takes a couple of minutes to fill in and makes booking you in much quicker
Thanks Victoria x

It's been another extremely busy week and I've been travelling all over for fittings. Your all keeping me very busy thro...
04/05/2024

It's been another extremely busy week and I've been travelling all over for fittings. Your all keeping me very busy through recommendations, thankyou for all of your kind words 😊. I am however having the bank holiday off to recharge. I will be back out from Tuesday. Fingers crossed for some fine weather so we can all get out and enjoy some time in the saddle in the sunshine for a change ☀️

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Blackburn

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