Plateau Holistic Equine

20/05/2024

Come on over to our new website, here you can book in for one to one fitting advice and learn more about our comprehensive saddle fitting courses for equine care givers. We want you to be your horses hero!

Virtual saddle fitting, bit and bridle fitting and education ensuring comfort and performace for both rider and horse.

18/05/2024

Now we have the professional photos and videos courtesy of Jo-Jo Chipper and professional handling by Ondine Owen de Freitas

I am making my 8yr old APTO ANCCE approved 162cm stallion, Vitorio IV (Guardadamas, Armas Tarugo, Montes II, Roque VII) available. It is a super hard decision, but one I have had to make for a number of reasons, so serious enquiries ONLY and I will not entertain anyone who will not give him adequate turnout THROUGHOUT the year in a species appropriate environment.

Vitorio has a basic ridden education, but has not been ridden for some time. He is unique in that he has not been drilled in gymnastic exercises from a young age, and as such, does not exhibit such wear and tear on his skeletal structure or soft tissue. He has lived out 24/7 for much of the time, and stabled at night in winter. He is located in Granada, Spain at the moment, but has also lived in the uk too). He didn't mature until about the age of 7 when he generally filled out and developed stronger proprioception and balance in his body (horses cervical and thoracic spine do not stabilise until 6.5yrs).

His bloodlines need no introduction; he is sired by Functionality champion stallion (and uk overall ANCCE Champion stallion) Roque VII, and Great grandsire is the Spanish national ANCEE Grand Prix champion and Olympic reserve team stallion Guardadamas.

His dam Grand-sire is the Spanish national Functionality champion Armas Tarugo and he has many dressage improver and calificado status champions in his pedigree.

He is a brave, functionally sound, straight moving horse with three strong paces and a big personality.

Open independent vetting available and piro testing can be undertaken for export outside the EU.

Liberty and longe line videos available. Please contact me on the WhatsApp numbers below for those as I can't post them along with photos.

Price bracket, lower 5 figures.

Contact me on +44 7535 840321 or +34 658 565 524.

29/12/2023

A super rare opportunity to acquire a 16.5" Kitzbuhel Dressage saddle in Spain. Made available by our client. Contact us for more details. Only ever adjusted and maintained regularly by us. Can be adjusted prior to dispatch.

Una oportunidad súper única de adquirir una silla de doma Kitzbuhel de 16,5" en España. Disponible por nuestro cliente. Contáctenos para más detalles. Solo nosotros lo ajustamos y mantenemos regularmente. Se puede ajustar antes del envío.

+44 658 565 524 o email; [email protected]

12/12/2023

Thank you Rachel for your kind words. We really took pleasure in helping you with your saddle. Then signposting to a bitting professional to help your beautiful Fjord horses feel more comfortable.

10/12/2023

baroque style bridles with contrasting Havana and London tan leather. Brass hardware and to fit a standard warmblood size head. We have both single and double rein bridles ready for dispatch and reduced in price for the holiday season!

Single rein bridle plus reins @ €295 reduced from €340

Double rein bridle plus reins @ €395 reduced from €470

Contact us today for worldwide shipping options

Cabezadas de estilo barroco con contraste de cuero tostado Habana y Londres. Herrajes de latón y para adaptarse a una cabeza de tamaño estándar de sangre caliente. ¡Tenemos bridas de rienda simple y doble listas para su envío y a precio reducido para la temporada navideña!

Cabezada de rienda única más riendas @

295 € rebajada de 340 €

Cabezada doble más riendas @

395 € rebajada desde 470 €

Contáctenos hoy para opciones de envío a todo el mundo

Whatsapp +34 658 565 524 o [email protected]

29/11/2023

Today was truly about mixing things up. Working on integrating saddle practice, when appropriate work with saddles apply, and when it does not.

had his dressage saddle reflocked and rebalanced to accommodate his current body shape and top line. We adjusted the shape in the front and centre to provide more support and lift. This gives him the space to engage and stretch with the rider in better alignment for effortless ability to ask the right questions of the body.

Sani today was all about work on the ground in gentle flexion and body mobilisation. It is super useful to see them both in work in their new home

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28/11/2023

Today has been about making sure your friend and colleague's special horse is comfortable. Since their relocation in the summer from Southern to Northern Spain; .horsemanship has been busy creating a little pony paradise for the herd. We are here enjoying the fruits of their labour and making sure is happy in his from

19/11/2023

Ex demo AH Classic dressage saddle in 17.5 seat. (British wide saddle specialists). Located in the UK and worldwide shipping available (please ask for price to your postal / zip code) Can be adjusted prior to dispatch. This has been reduced for a quick sale so no further reductions.

Excellent for wider horses where the profile of the back needs a flatter rail / bar of the tree but the rider needs something less wide to accommodate limited range of lateral motion through the riders pelvis / femur.

Super option for baroque, Iberian, short, native, Morgan, cob, Arab and tricky shapes requiring a short panel footprint.

Generous spine channel, adjustable through 1-2 width fittings. Tree itself on this saddle has never been adjusted.

Remote fitting service via zoom and assessment of suitability prior to dispatch included in the price.

Trials available uk and Spain.

£1700 UK, or €1975

Cards accepted

Contact us;

[email protected]

Or whatsapp +44 7535 840321 & +34 658 565 524

28/10/2023

Hi all, this is the first in a series of very short, basic posts on initial and introductory (but really rather essential) information on choosing the right saddle for your horse.

We will also feature a series of basic posts focusing on the rider too.

Let's talk saddle trees. For most English, Western and Baroque / historical models of saddles; they will feature a rigid, semi rigid or flexible tree which provides structure, shape and stability to your saddle.

All manufacturers have their own mode of production. This means they can be made from a variety of materials, and in a number of different shapes. Traditional trees are usually produced by glueing Birch wood laminates together then steam bending into a mould and shaping by hand. Injection moulded trees are made from polyurethane and plastic composites tested to particular strength tolerances. There are other materials and constructions such as articulated and flex tree too. These can be strengthened with natural materials and/or spring steel rods which give thr overall structure its ability to flex slightly with the movement of the horse and/of the forces of motion between the horse and rider.

Assessment of the horse for a suitable tree prior to building a saddle is essential in both the static and dynamic planes. This means that the horse should be seen at rest and also moving. The back can change as much as 2 width fittings over the course of a short and targetted work session. I have made templates where on a fit and healthy horse, the wither has lifted more than 3-4cm and the thoracic trapezius profile has widened considerably.

Don't forget that when the movement also affects saddle fit, the area around vertebrae number T10-T14 also expands and becomes flatter. This means that from resting to moving, the angle of the bars or rails of a tree may need to be flatter for true and original movement.

Assessment of this and subsequent change an mean the difference of angle of between 4-6 degrees. This has huge implications then for how the saddle also affects the rider.

Understanding your saddle tree is one of the first aspects of empowering you as a rider to assess suitability.

25/09/2023

Are you ready to join us on ? First out of the blocks this Thursday is our online seminar "Holistic saddle fitting; What is it and why is it important?" As part of the physical aspect of the hosted by the wonderful .

This 90 minute overview of saddle fitting addresses some of the most important reasons why considering the whole horse should be front and centre of this process.

08/06/2023

🐎🐎NEW PAGE! You can now find us at our new page; this page no longer has admin access.

Please like and share us now on

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092288893758

Holistic & Scientific research in movement mechanics and structural integration for horses & riders

26/04/2023

An interesting point of discussion picked up today, there is a long held sentiment in saddle fitting for some people, that cut back heads on saddles are actually for high withered horses.

We know that traditional saddle seat horses were rode in dramatically cut back head saddles as the balance point of the seat is much further back, but does it truly aid in taking the strain off the wither as a result of riding in such close contact?

Hint; I've fitted horses with wither areas as high as 8 inches but never felt the need to use a cutback head.

Tell me your thoughts on this and if you know where this myth came from, including any historical references, I'd love to hear them (being the history geek that I also am).

Photo; Courtesy of Divine Horse Tack.

25/04/2023

The saddle by is totally adjustable on site. We never have to take the saddle to the workshop to undertake any maintenance. This is so important to provide continuity of riding and exercise. We are able to reflock, change girth straps, adjust the width, adjust the width of panels entirely whilst you wait. Book a trial today for North of England and North, Mid Wales. 07535 840321 or [email protected]

23/04/2023

🐎🐎🐎🐎Now REDUCED TO £1900 / €2150.🐎🐎🐎🐎

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A very rare consignment saddle available for trial. The DT Saddlery (Germany) Utta Graf Butterfly 17" dressage saddle. This saddle is superb for ultra short backed horses that require a wide and open profile around the thoracic trapezius area. The unique patented hinged tree opens its "wings" and allows for a freer and more uphill movement in the shoulders. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful ex demo condition example of these saddles. Avoid the usual long wait time on production with superb craftsmanship and adjustability in this saddle.

Very close contact and super short panels with extended cantle. Fully adjustable double V girthing. Panel contact area @ 16" on a 17" tree.

[email protected] or +34 658 565 524 +44 7535 840321

€2500 , £2195 , $2650 open to offers

15/04/2023

If you are making the trip over to this year! Don't forget to swing by the stand at to view and sit in the saddles by

Come and see us at this year! We'll be located in The World of The Horse tent with Stride Free Saddles and the Stride Free saddle fitters 🏇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Get in touch to book an appointment to find out more about Saddles! Julia Duffin from Saddle Kind will be with us with a pressure mapping system, alongside Stride Free Saddle fitters Sarah Stevens and Kerry Boyd
We'll also have Tony from Thinline with us on the stand to showcase this incredible product range and innovative brand.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Hope to see you there!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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13/04/2023

It's always lovely to see what you're clients are up to with their horses. Ruth has been sending regular updates on her journey with her lovely boy Homer.

We fitted a Barry Swain dressage saddle and a Kanga Jump saddle for them as they started out in their development. Regular checks and adjustments have meant they are loving life and their partnership.

It is so important to maintain consistency of fit for both horse and rider balance. Homer is a young horse and has changed shape dramatically as Ruth has taken his work slowly and steadily. They're now out competing and we agree they both look like they're having so much fun.

Thanks to Ruth Dickens and Homer for the photos.

11/04/2023

Thanks so much to everyone for being so understanding over the last few weeks.

I believe wholeheartedly in being honest with my clients. The last 10 months have been utterly horrendous. My father was told last June that the rare form of cancer he had was no longer operable (he had gone through 2 huge operations and dealt with it with courage, and quiet strength). His father, my grandfather was also going downhill with Dementia and we, as a family were having to care for him and my gran.

Granddad was admitted to hospital in December, and died middle of February 2023. My dad rapidly deteriorated in January and was admitted to hospital at the beginning of March. He died on the 11th March 2023.

To say trying to run a business through all of this has been tricky is the understatement of the year. I want to thank those who have stuck with us, waiting for saddles, appointments and advice. To those of you that have felt you needed to go elsewhere, I also hear you. The world does not stop for one person or their family.

As a neuro-divergent individual, hyperfocus on our skill area of expertise allows us to see things that not everyone does. It also means that when a stress situation presents itself, executive function is challenged.

We're working on bringing things up to date now and any outstanding appointments, order book or reimbursements will be settled in the next 7 days.

We're also looking to hire a much needed administrator to organise the diary, deal with saddle orders and suppliers. The focus of the business is going to shift more to educational content whilst still maintaining an aspect of in person and remote consultation saddle fitting for 3 brands only.

Once again, I would like to thank those of you whose patience and understanding have allowed me to carry on.

Writing such personal information in an open forum / online setting is something I never ever do, but this I felt was appropriate, given that we are all human and no-one is infallible.

All the best

Claire

04/04/2023

*Reduced price! 2 x Deuber & Partner soft feel baroque bridles. 1 x double and 1 x single rein. Both bridles come complete with matching rein sets. Single rein bridle WAS £255 NOW £220. Double bridle WAS £325 NOW £280. UK postage included. Worldwide shipping available. Whatsapp ×447535 840321 or +34 659 565 524.

04/04/2023

Sometimes, when a project comes up, you relish the opportunity to do something which integrates both of your worlds.

Some of you will know how history and archaeology underpins and influences to way we work here at Plateau HQ. As a research and field archaeologist turned equine professional, interdisciplinary work is always hugely valuable to draw upon.

Learning about the past informs our future; in all walks of life. The past is not just something to glance at, through a lense of detached nostalgia. It is a fundamental platform on which we can make sound decisions about the future. Take for example, recent discussions in archaeology about how it guides the work on climate change. A helping hand, steering decisions at the local level on aspects of agri-technology and environmental decision making.

The symbiotic relationship between humans and horses has been well documented; from Xenophon in the 5th Century BC, to Baucher in the 19th, via Dom Duarte and William Cavendish. These treaties served as a guide in how to care, train and maintain horses not just as tools of war, but how they have integrated into families, myth and art.

Using the past has also informed us in how we approach the equipment meant for horses; how to avoid the use of those tools and techniques that always brought the least optimum results.

We see this time, and time again in the study of a variety of equipment gleaned from archaeological records that the most effective equipment was often the simplest.

Today is a day for reconnecting with the past, to inform and remind us of how we should adopt a "less is more" approach.

11/03/2023

Please excuse me if I am absent in responding to work /friends messages for the next few days. I won't be on social media. Thanks

23/02/2023

Book your saddle trial now in North of England, North and Mid Wales and Spain and Portugal

https://fb.watch/iTfTwgSBZ8/

21/02/2023

Please be advised that I may be delayed in responding to messages for the next few days due to a death in the family and prioritising those closest to us. Thank you

19/02/2023

An exciting for lovers of saddles. In the month of March you can take 10% off the price of a new stock or custom Deuber saddle ordered. All models accross the ranges are covered in the deal!

Don't miss out on your chance to order a beatiful Deuber saddle!

Offer ends March 31st 2023.

Contact us for more info and availability accross the range!

[email protected]
WhatsApp +44 7535 840 321 or +34 658 565 524

13/02/2023

A lovely rare little Humphries and Swain 16" dressage saddle. Excellent condition, 15.5" footprint and semi deep seat. Velcro knee rolls and wool flocked serge panels. Small imperfection on the seat which is not damage but an imperfection in the leather. It does not compromise the integrity of the seat leather.

I can adjust / flock to fit on receipt of templates and photos.

A lovely saddle for a small adult rider with 16" flaps to accommodate adult rider on a small horse / pony.

Firm price £300 to sell and worldwide shipping available.

03/02/2023

https://wholehorse.ca/episode-97/

Is now up! If you want to geek out on saddle history, vexxed questions of saddle fitting and finding the 'perfect' balance then tune in to our conversation on with myself and .. we hope to develop and integrate more into the debate in the future

The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 97 | Understanding the history + finding the harmony in our relationship with saddle fit with Claire Marshall An archeologist turned saddle fitter? It’s the recipe for a completely fascinating conversation, as I found out recently in this episode with Claire Marsh...

29/01/2023

So excited to announce our upcoming episode with of The Whole Horse Podcast. In this hour long discussion, we approach the concept of saddle fitting through kindness and compassion.

We will cover some of the myths, overcomplications and emotive aspects of saddle fitting; in addition to making the process as simply and supportive as possible. We keep in mind the ethos of working holistically and consider long term equine health and welfare. This includes when "not" to fit a horse which respects the horse and implications of honesty in our craft.

Watch out for updates and forthcoming release of this wonderful conversation with Alexa, a passionate and compassionate advocate for the very best, cutting edge equine learning.

https://wholehorse.ca/

26/01/2023

Dan's work is transformational, and the results are nothing short of life changing for many horses.

15/01/2023

SOLD Consignment saddle, being sold on behalf of a client. Amerigo Pinerola Jump saddle, 175 seat in Medium +1 width (see serial number)

Beautiful chestnut brown and beautifully cared for. No blemishes and regularly cleaned and conditioned.

Checked by us for tree soundness and no loose stitching nor any issue with girth billets.

Priced in uk currency at £1650, but open to offers. USD approx $2050 plus shipping. We ship worldwide.

Saddle is currently with our client, but additional photos can also be sent on request.

Contact us on [email protected] or whatsapp +44 7535 840321 Saddle is located in the UK See less

29/12/2022

Thank you Isabel LeGrilliére for your lovely photo of Warmblood gelding LeNoir in his new Stride Free adjustable Elite saddle @ both loving their new saddle. If you would like to test ride a saddle in or .. please contact us on WhatsApp 658 565 524

Gracias Isabel LeGrilliére por tu hermosa foto de Warmblood se llama LeNoir en su nueva montura Elite ajustable Stride Free @ ambos amando su nueva silla. Si desea probar una montura en o ... póngase en contacto con nosotros en WhatsApp 658 565 524

13/12/2022

Are you going to ? 15th - 19th December

🐎 Why not trot along to the stand showcasing saddles by

🐎 Speak with the highly knowledgeable technical director Ellie and Ali about booking a trial and learning more about the range.

Stand