Montague Saddles - Julie Knaggs

Montague Saddles - Julie Knaggs Based in South East England, I am an independent holistic saddle fitter, SMART saddles technical advisor, trained bridle fitter and equine performance analyst.
(15)

SMART Benefits ๐Ÿ‘Œ for the Rider  Youโ€™ve often heard me rave about how fabulous SMART Saddles are for horses, but what abo...
21/08/2024

SMART Benefits ๐Ÿ‘Œ for the Rider

Youโ€™ve often heard me rave about how fabulous SMART Saddles are for horses, but what about the rider? ๐Ÿค”

SMART Saddle rider benefits include:
๐Ÿ’š Optimal Rider Balance: The stirrup bars are positioned for balance, not restricted by tree points. This enhances comfort and security, allowing for a correct position and easier self-correction.
๐Ÿ’š Zero Concussion: No push from a rigid frame means itโ€™s excellent for ridersโ€™ backs.
๐Ÿ’š Subtle Aids: Horses respond more easily to subtle cues because they can clearly feel the riderโ€™s slightest position changes. This also means the rider can feel the horseโ€™s back, improving aid precision.
๐Ÿ’š Comfortable Seat: The flexible seat allows extended periods in the saddle without seat bone discomfort.
๐Ÿ’š Lightweight: Easy to carry and lift, even onto large horses.
๐Ÿ’š Economical: A major advantage is the ability to monitor and adjust the fit and balance as needed throughout the year. This offers an economical solution โ€“ simply replace or adjust low-cost shims instead of the entire saddle! SMARTโ€™s high-tech, maintenance-free panels eliminate the need for flocking adjustments.
๐Ÿ’š Versatile: SMART Saddles are initially sized for the rider, then fitted and balanced to the horse, allowing you to use the same saddle on multiple horses.

With a wide range of knee and thigh block options, rider support can be tailored by selecting the size, shape, and placement of each block. For example, a taller rider might prefer a slimline knee block to increase space for a long hip-to-knee length, while a shorter rider may benefit from a larger block that supports the knee further back. The Velcro system makes it easy for multiple riders to use the same saddle, simply by moving or changing blocks and shims as needed.

๐Ÿ“ท Nim Hollingshead riding in her SMART Dressage saddle

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด

I need your ๐Ÿซต help! I am good at many things โ€ฆ photography is not one of those things! ๐Ÿ™ƒ๐Ÿ˜‚In fact, I am absolutely USELES...
12/08/2024

I need your ๐Ÿซต help!

I am good at many things โ€ฆ photography is not one of those things! ๐Ÿ™ƒ๐Ÿ˜‚

In fact, I am absolutely USELESS at taking photos during appointments to share on social media. I just get all caught up and lost in the moment during SMART Saddle Test Rides and forget to take any at all! ๐Ÿคญ

Do any of my lovely clients please ๐Ÿ™ have any photos ๐Ÿ“ธ of themselves riding in their SMART Saddles that EquiEdge Marketing could use in future posts, here on my Montague Saddles page?

You can send them direct to Tori at EquiEdge, pop them on this post or message my business page with them.

ANY photos would be very gratefully received. Thank you.

In the meantime, here for the โ€˜Facebook algorithms taxโ€™ is a photo I did actually take ๐Ÿ“ธ recently of my Highlandssoaking their rock solid feet in an attempt to soften them, pre hoof trim!! ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ˜‚

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

SMART Saddles: What's in it for the horse?In my humble opinion ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ as an experienced holistic saddle fitter working wi...
05/08/2024

SMART Saddles: What's in it for the horse?

In my humble opinion ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ as an experienced holistic saddle fitter working with a wide array of treed, part-treed and tree-less saddles, SMART Saddles offer unparalleled โœ‹ freedom of movement. Without exception, every horse and pony I work with in these saddles, has improved.

We all know theyโ€™re THE most comfortable saddles on the market to park your backside ๐Ÿ‘ in, but whatโ€™s in it for the horse ๐Ÿค” :

๐Ÿ’š Fully flexible lateral base panels - engage with the horseโ€™s long back muscle either side of the spine. Fitted with a close contact, the panels flex independently with the movement of the horse to enable freedom of the shoulder, back and trunk, whilst supporting the rider in the saddle.
๐Ÿ’š Responsive gullet - lifts and flexes with the horses' back action, both laterally and longitudinally, to avoid pinching
๐Ÿ’š Self-tensioning girthing system - provides freedom of movement and stability throughout the stride cycle of the horse.
๐Ÿ’š Lightweight - reduces the overall load for the horse to carry (see webinar for research on rider: horse weight ratios.
๐Ÿ’š Changes in back shape, posture and muscle dimension can be accommodated dynamically, promoting long-term good back health without the restrictions of a rigid saddle tree.

Positive improvements commonly seen when using the SMARTโ„ข saddle include:
๐Ÿ’š Without restriction, the forehand frees up and horses can more readily find their natural balance, moving more uphill and straighter.
๐Ÿ’š Young horses improve confidence and older horse become happier.
๐Ÿ’š A change and improvement in ridden work with a more forward approach; more forward thinking, confident, calm, willing, able to concentrate, and less spooky, resistant, defensive, evasive, naughty etc.
๐Ÿ’š Physical changes as a result of this: improved musculature and more power, elasticity and expression.

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด
SMART Saddles

What can you do in a SMART Saddle? ๐Ÿค” Find me something you CANโ€™T do in a SMART Saddle! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Hereโ€™s Caroline Benham do...
29/07/2024

What can you do in a SMART Saddle? ๐Ÿค” Find me something you CANโ€™T do in a SMART Saddle! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ธ Hereโ€™s Caroline Benham doing Working Equitation in hers.

The advanced SMARTโ„ข saddle design has been developed to meet the requirements of the modern equestrian. Extensive scientific testing throughout development ensures SMART FLEXTechโ„ข Technology allows for the highest level of performance and horse:saddle:rider synchrony.

All SMART Saddles feature:
๐Ÿ’š Flexible base panels and gullet - for a healthy, mobile back
๐Ÿ’š Self-tensioning Y-girthing โ€“ provides freedom of movement and saddle stability
๐Ÿ’š SMARTโ„ข Elite seat โ€“ superior balance; close-contact with a narrow twist for comfortable and effective riding
๐Ÿ’š Customisable knee & thigh blocks- for tailored, adjustable support
๐Ÿ’š Premium materials - classical meets contemporary; customise to your taste, including patent leather keepers and SMARTโ„ข Cantle design.
๐Ÿ’š Easy-fit system โ€“ adjust the fit with external balance pads, eliminating the need to buy a new saddle each time your horse changes shape.
๐Ÿ’š Unique deformable design โ€“ unrivalled safety for horse and rider in the event of a fall

๐Ÿ‘‰ Do you fancy a โ€˜Test Rideโ€™ in a SMART Saddle a to see what difference it could make to you and your horse? ๐Ÿค”

Drop me a message ๐Ÿ“ฅ and letโ€™s book you in to try one for yourself!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

26/07/2024

๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐œ๐ฅ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐Ž๐๐„๐ ๐๐Ž๐–! ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŽ

Help us spread the word ๐Ÿ“ข by sharing this post. โ†ฉ๏ธ

At Jackson Equine ๐—œ๐—ก๐——๐—˜๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ก๐——๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง Veterinary Practice, we pride ourselves on being different. Led by the highly respected vet Adam A. J. Jackson, MRCVS, with over 20 years of clinical experience, we are committed to delivering personalised, compassionate care. ๐Ÿค

From preventative medicine ๐Ÿ’‰ to advanced diagnostics ๐Ÿฆด and cutting-edge treatments ๐Ÿงฌ , we provide all services at your horse's home yard. This ensures they feel comfortable and secure, making vet visits less stressful and more successful.

๐ŸŒŸ Honesty and integrity are the core of our practice. We openly discuss costs and maintain complete transparency with our clients. ๐ŸŒŸ

Located in ๐Ÿ“ Farnham, Surrey, we offer exceptional care to clients in the Waverley, Woking, Guildford, Cobham, Chobham, and East Hampshire areas.

๐“๐จ ๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐š๐ฌ ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐œ๐ฅ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ, ๐œ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐ค ๐‡๐„๐‘๐„ ๐Ÿ‘‡
bit.ly/jacksonequinenewclientform

๐ŸŽ

JacksonEquine
๐Ÿด

22/07/2024

โ€œJulie Knaggs, the wicked witch ๐Ÿง™ of good saddlingโ€ - said Jo Szegota, HerdLeader Riding Coach + Simulator.

Well, Iโ€™ve been called worse I suppose! ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ ๐Ÿ˜‚

Itโ€™s always such a pleasure to catch up with Jo and her horses. She was kind enough to write me this lovely review after our recent appointment that I just had to share!

โ€œJulie blows my tiny mind every time we have a โ€˜play dateโ€™. She has just popped round for a quick quarterly saddle check and all done in under 5 hoursโ€ฆ.!!!

Thatโ€™s because Julie offers so much more to horse and rider. I just love our collaborative sessions looking at rider balance, saddle interaction and the movement of the horses. Loads learnt, and loads more to experiment before our next session.โ€œ

Appointments are so much more than just saddle fitting. I love to get my geek on ๐Ÿค“ and visits to Jo are the perfect opportunity for this! During our most recent session, I also gave Jo - who normally rides in a SMART Saddles PRO Dressage - the opportunity to try out the new SMART Saddles Elite Hunter Jump which personally I am loving at the moment!

I find this model lends itself so well to a variety of rider conformations as an alternative to the standard GP. It offers a different alignment which just seems to work so well for all those I have tried it on so far, most of whom have zero intention of โ€˜huntingโ€™ or โ€˜jumpingโ€™! ๐Ÿคญ

See what Jo felt in the video below. ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ’š

If your horseโ€™s tack needs a tune up, then please get in touch! Based in South East England, I am an independent holistic saddle fitter, SMART saddles technical advisor, trained bridle fitter and equine performance analyst.

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด
SMART Saddles

Look at this beauty! ๐Ÿ˜ This is the Native Show Saddle from SMART Saddles. A traditional look, low-profile saddle that wi...
12/07/2024

Look at this beauty! ๐Ÿ˜

This is the Native Show Saddle from SMART Saddles. A traditional look, low-profile saddle that will flex and fit throughout the seasons!โ˜€๏ธ ๐Ÿ‚ โ„๏ธ ๐ŸŒฑ

If you fancy a sit in one, then pop along to the Malvern Highland ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ Pony Show this weekend! Look out for the SMART Saddles banner ๐Ÿณ๏ธ where youโ€™ll find me along with some gorgeous Native friendly saddles (including this one ๐Ÿ‘‡ ) for you to see and try!

Pop in for a chat ๐Ÿ’ฌ or to have a sit on a SMART Saddle to feel for yourself how unbelievably comfortable they are. ๐Ÿ˜

๐Ÿ“Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW
๐Ÿ“† 13th & 14th July

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด


Whoโ€™s visiting the Malvern Highland ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ Pony Show next weekend? ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ ๐Ÿ“Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW๐Ÿ“†...
07/07/2024

Whoโ€™s visiting the Malvern Highland ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ Pony Show next weekend? ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

๐Ÿ“Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW
๐Ÿ“† 13th & 14th July

Look out for the SMART Saddles banner ๐Ÿณ๏ธ where youโ€™ll find me along with some gorgeous Native friendly saddles for you to see and try! Pop in for a chat ๐Ÿ’ฌ or a sit on a SMART Saddle to feel for yourself how unbelievably comfortable they are. ๐Ÿ˜

It would be lovely to catch up with lots of fellow Highland pony fans!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด


How much do I love it when SMART Saddles publish pics and the story of one of my clients journey! Totally love this gorg...
03/07/2024

How much do I love it when SMART Saddles publish pics and the story of one of my clients journey!
Totally love this gorgeous Connemara and Catherine Heilbron ###
Looking forwards to your onwards and upwards travels!

What actually are SMART Saddles? ๐Ÿง If youโ€™re an existing client or have been following me for awhile, then you will undo...
30/06/2024

What actually are SMART Saddles? ๐Ÿง

If youโ€™re an existing client or have been following me for awhile, then you will undoubtedly have heard me banging on about SMART Saddles before! ๐Ÿคญ

But what actually are they? ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

Weโ€™ll only an award-winning ๐Ÿ† range of fully flexible saddles like no other!!

SMART Saddles have been carefully developed over years of R&D to eliminate the issues we see created by a rigid saddle tree; improving horse and rider comfort, welfare and performance, both short and long-term. ๐Ÿ‘Œ

Theyโ€™re made using SMARTโ€™s FlexTech technology - a very sophisticated, patented, fully flexible, impact absorbing system that ensures changes in horse back shape, posture and muscle dimension can be accommodated dynamically without the restrictions of a rigid saddle tree. ๐Ÿ‘ŒThey are without a doubt, the most intelligent saddle on the market!

And crucially ๐Ÿ‘‰ the design enables the horse to adopt a healthy posture encouraging functional biomechanics and correct back muscle development for long-term results. ๐Ÿ™Œ

How? Because it flexes with the horsesโ€™ movement

The base panels flex and lift to allow the shoulder to slide underneath it, without affecting the position of the saddle, which makes it a very stable saddle. Where a treed saddle might be pushed out of the way and rock from side to side, lift at the back or sit unevenly to one side with the movement of the horse, a SMARTโ„ข saddle will flex around the trunk of the horse and move with the back.

In short: ๐™›๐™ก๐™š๐™ญ๐™ž๐™—๐™ž๐™ก๐™ž๐™ฉ๐™ฎ = ๐™จ๐™ฉ๐™–๐™—๐™ž๐™ก๐™ž๐™ฉ๐™ฎ!

๐Ÿ’š

๐Ÿ“† If you would be interested in booking a consultation, then please WhatsApp ๐Ÿ“ž me by clicking the button at the top of my page ๐Ÿ‘† or comment below. ๐Ÿ’ฌ

๐Ÿš™ I cover Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Surrey, as well as further afield on request.


๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

23/06/2024

As those of you who have worked with me in the past will know, I am a HUGE advocate for womenโ€™s health ๐Ÿ’ช and Iโ€™m not afraid to talk about the important issues affecting female riders.

Things like .. B**B BOUNCE! ๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿˆ

So I was really pleased to meet the lovely Mari from MAAREE sports bras when I was at the National Equine show with SMART saddles in March.

MAAREE offer 50+ different sizes ๐Ÿ“ up to an H cup and are committed to:
โ€œProviding support for women so that we are empowered to achieve our potential!โ€

Definitely check them out!

๐Ÿ’š

Julie Knaggs, SMART Saddles Technical Advisor, independent holistic saddle fitter, equine performance analyst and all round professional horse and rider biomechanics geek based in South East England. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด

Try-Before-You-Buy ๐Ÿ‡ Did you knowโ“Following your SMART Test Ride, you can keep any saddle you like INCLUDING all necessa...
16/06/2024

Try-Before-You-Buy ๐Ÿ‡

Did you knowโ“Following your SMART Test Ride, you can keep any saddle you like INCLUDING all necessary accessories, on trial?

Whether you want to test the SMART saddle hacking out over different terrain ๐Ÿ”๏ธ, have a lesson with your instructor ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ or go out competing ๐Ÿฅ‡ , thereโ€™s no rush to make a decision when trying a SMART saddle!

You can also rent any SMART Saddle for a specific purpose too. Perhaps youโ€™re going away to camp and need a different style of saddle like another of my clients did recently? No problem!

Ride in the saddle as many times as you like for a set weekly rental fee of ยฃ75, plus a small security deposit. Thereโ€™s no maximum hire period either. But if youโ€™re testing own out with a view to buy and you decide to keep any saddle you trial within the first two weeks, then those 2 weeksโ€™ hire are ๐Ÿ†“ when you proceed to purchase a saddle. ๐Ÿฅณ

All the more reason to book an appointment to try one with me ๐—ง๐—ข๐——๐—”๐—ฌ!

๐Ÿ“ธ โ€œThe best most comfortable saddle ever!!โ€ ~ Lesley Cooper, pictured below enjoying a splash ๐Ÿ’ฆ in hers

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

"Thank God you're not skinny!" - Not for the first time, this is how I was greeted by a new client recently!!! ๐Ÿ˜‚Whilst s...
13/06/2024

"Thank God you're not skinny!" - Not for the first time, this is how I was greeted by a new client recently!!! ๐Ÿ˜‚

Whilst some might have been offended by this comment, I knew it was actually intended as a compliment. I also know how hard it is when you feel judged by others, particularly as an *ahem* โ€˜larger ladyโ€™. (By todayโ€™s ideals, anyway. ๐Ÿ™„)

But know that whether you are blessed with a slim and athletic ๐Ÿƒ physique, were built more for cuddles ๐Ÿฅฐ than sport, or are somewhere in between - I'm here ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ to help without judgement during your appointment.

And for those of you who are a bit broken, thatโ€™s okay - because Iโ€™m a bit broken too and I get it! I have had a knee replacement, shoulder surgery, back surgery, and torn various ligaments, as well as having weight issues. I have also managed childbirth, menopause ๐—”๐—ก๐—— lived to tell the tale. ๐Ÿ˜‰

I am a huge advocate for womenโ€™s health. Whatever your physical challenges, I am here to help with a sympathetic approach to support you in finding a solution. ๐Ÿฉท Wherever thereโ€™s a will, there ๐—œ๐—ฆ a way!

Book a no pressure, non-judgemental assessment with me and I will help you to find it.

Drop me a WhatsApp ๐Ÿ“ž 07879 644211 or a PM to the page for a chat. ๐Ÿ’Œ

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด

03/06/2024

How do you bring your Dales pony back into work after time off being a broodmare? In a SMART Saddle of course! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธโฃ
โฃ
Hereโ€™s my client, riding and leading her Dales ponies. Both fitted in SMART Saddles by me. ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ โฃ
โฃ
And thatโ€™s the beauty of these saddles - theyโ€™re one saddle for all seasons; of the year โ˜€๏ธ ๐ŸŒง๏ธ โ„๏ธ and of your horseโ€™s life. SMART Saddles flex-to-fit and are a saddle fit for life! โ™ฅ๏ธโฃ
โฃ
๐Ÿ’šโฃ
โฃ
EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด โฃ
โฃ

Did you know I am also a Quantum bridle fitter! You can try a bridle during your saddle fitting, no obligation as you th...
29/05/2024

Did you know I am also a Quantum bridle fitter! You can try a bridle during your saddle fitting, no obligation as you then order direct.
All for ยฃ25 with your saddle refit!

Just ask when booking so I can add extra time!

The Quantum Bridle is the only bridle on the market which has been scientifically proven to be the most comfortable option for your horse.

If you would like to read more about the research behind the bridle the click here -https://quantumbridle.com/pages/research

More glorious Highland ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ ponies in SMART Saddles, fitted by meee! ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ I have known Christine, online, for many y...
26/05/2024

More glorious Highland ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ ponies in SMART Saddles, fitted by meee! ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

I have known Christine, online, for many years through being involved with the Highland Pony Enthusiasts in the South East group but we didnโ€™t actually meet in person until fairly recently.
She has two handsome Highland boys - โ€˜Ximenโ€™ (right) who is around 15hhs and is ridden by her tall husband and her son. And โ€˜Rockyโ€™ (left) who is much smaller at around 13.3hh.

I had the pleasure of fitting both ponies and whilst Christine got on well with the saddles, she felt during her two week trial that she would prefer a lower ๐Ÿค cantle to help make mounting easier as it is something she can struggle with. SMART Saddles being the lovely accommodating people that they are, this was of course no problem and Christine kept the Test Ride saddle whilst she waited. Except in the meantime, they all fell in love with the original saddle so now, these lucky Highland ponies have a brand new SMART Saddle each!! ๐Ÿ˜

What was so lovely for me to see during my second visit, was how much confidence the security of the SMART Saddle has given Christine on Xiamen. SO much so that she also felt able to have her first ever sit on Rocky, which was lovely to be a part of. Christineโ€™s riding has really improved since the change of saddle too and sheโ€™s now doing things she never thought sheโ€™d do again ๐Ÿ˜ฒ which is absolutely brilliant!

Now with two saddles but only one with a specially adapted cantle for her, I spent the time to give Christine a dismounting technique lesson on our next appointment. We practiced it together over and over again to really help drill it into Christineโ€™s muscle memory, and I felt like I could see her confidence growing bigger every time. ๐Ÿ’“

Watch this space โ€“ there will be no stopping her now!! ๐Ÿ˜‰

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด

Client spotlight ๐Ÿ”ฆ Meet 10 year old AES gelding, San Moritz or โ€˜Moโ€™ to his friends. ๐Ÿด Owned by BHS Accredited Profession...
20/05/2024

Client spotlight ๐Ÿ”ฆ

Meet 10 year old AES gelding, San Moritz or โ€˜Moโ€™ to his friends. ๐Ÿด Owned by BHS Accredited Professional Coach Louise Dyett, Mo was bred for dressage and is by sire San Riant (San Amour) out of Davina, a Donnerblitz mare. Louise has owned Mo for two and a half years and says she seems to 'find' horses who need help! โค๏ธ

โ€œMy daughter introduced me to SMART Saddles and I brought the dressage to use on my previous horse who was being rehabbed following a stifle fracture and surgery.

Mo was very backward in his training and thinking and very weak with a lack of topline. He had a very definite NO!
It's been a long road with alot of work to improve the horse physically and get him comfortable. He was very tight in the shoulders and had a very restricted movement behind.โ€

With the help of their SMART Saddle, Louise has been able to rehabilitate Mo through
a combination of hacking, groundwork and poles under saddle. Now comfortable under saddle, the pair are starting to take part in some riding club shows and clinics.

The is the beauty of using a SMART saddle especially for rehab or โ€˜problemโ€™ horses - the saddle flexes-to-fit and adapts with the ever changing shape of the improving horse and you can train with confidence, that whatever his or her issue, saddling isnโ€™t one of them!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

To all my followers who are also small business owners ๐Ÿ‘‡I can highly recommend Tori at EquiEdge who has completely rebui...
14/05/2024

To all my followers who are also small business owners ๐Ÿ‘‡

I can highly recommend Tori at EquiEdge who has completely rebuilt my marketing strategies and increased my reach. Really pleased with her work. Not everyone can talk horse and know the equestrian market like Tori!

Plus she also works with non horsey businesses too! Check out her page EquiEdge Marketing

~ Julie x

๐Ÿ’š

Anyone who knows me, should know by now that I am absolutely DOTTY about Highland ponies! ๐Ÿ˜ I have owned Highlands for n...
28/04/2024

Anyone who knows me, should know by now that I am absolutely DOTTY about Highland ponies! ๐Ÿ˜

I have owned Highlands for nearly 30 years. As well as owning 9 myself, I used to run a Highland pony livery yard, not to mention the Highland pony enthusiast group for the South East of England! So I speak from experience when I say that historically they all seem to wear the same old saddles, that they've always done ๐Ÿซฃ โ€ฆ why is that?

Whilst I work with horse and ponies of all types, working across all disciplines, I seem to have built myself a bit of a reputation as a native pony saddling expert ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ, which I must say that I love because Iโ€™m so passionate about our Native breeds. But sadly with that, I see a lot of horses and ponies with big, beautiful shoulders and handsome great big flat backs, shuffling along in restrictive saddles. So Iโ€™m here to shout ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ from the rooftops to all owners of hairy horses โ€“ YOUโ€™RE MISSING A TRICK!

Specialising in native breeds means I also come across a lot of adults riding ponies, just like I do. Quite often, thatโ€™s adults squished into saddles that donโ€™t even fit the rider, never mind their ponies! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ Theyโ€™re squashed in small seats that tip their pelvis, have nowhere for their knee and are just perched on top like a pea balanced on a drum. ๐Ÿ˜ณ

But it doesnโ€™t have to be like that and there is another way! ๐Ÿ‘‡

SMART saddles work so, so brilliantly on Highland ponies. The accommodate their broad frames like no other and allow them to freely move in a way that's completely different under saddle. ๐Ÿคฉ The rigid-free design of the SMART Saddle allows the horseโ€™s shoulder to freely slide beneath it which opens up a whole new world of saddle fitting options, allowing riders to choose the style that best works for THEIR conformation, on top of the Native base that works for their pony. ๐Ÿฅณ They are not longer limited to VSD and show saddle cuts! I canโ€™t tell you how liberating (not to mention comfortable!) it is for me as a rider of hairy ponies to be able to park my bottom in a forward cut jump saddle that allows my pelvis to sit in the position that it needs. โ˜บ๏ธ

Help me spread the word ๐Ÿ“ฃ
โญ๏ธ tag a Native pony owner below who needs to know! โญ๏ธ

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing๐Ÿด

22/04/2024

This is a video you really need to watch with the SOUND ON! ๐Ÿ”Š

Jo is a lovely endurance rider who was referred to me by Joanne Archer, a fab chiro I work with regularly. She felt Jo would benefit from a different saddle as issues were not being resolved as well as she would expect following bodywork.

Initially, I refitted their existing saddle to allow for some muscle development and we booked a SMART Saddle Test Ride to coincide with an endurance ride a few weeks later. Joโ€™s joy from the first minute of riding in the new saddle I felt should be captured and shared, which she very kindly agreed to! ๐ŸŽฅ

Fran the horse, started moving so very differently from the very begining but you can see as the video progresses, how much more she starts stretching and lifting into the back.

But donโ€™t just take my word for it - watch Fran for yourself and listen to what Jo has to say! ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

The sun ๐ŸŒž is shining, winter coats are shedding, and dare I say it, the ground ๐ŸŒฑ even looks like it might be starting to...
14/04/2024

The sun ๐ŸŒž is shining, winter coats are shedding, and dare I say it, the ground ๐ŸŒฑ even looks like it might be starting to firm up - I think it's about time I started this Highland pony youngster of mine! ๐Ÿ‡

For anyone who hasnโ€™t already met my gorgeous ball of fluff, this is Molly. ๐Ÿ’— She was a little bit of a lockdown impulse-buy ๐Ÿคญ when I bought her unseen as a 2 year old from a fabulous breeder in Scotland!
Having enjoyed a very relaxed introduction to groundwork whilst she matured, at rising 6, I feel she's now ready to start.

So earlier this week, I decided to pop a saddle on Molly. With gorgeous big shoulders like those and a flat back almost as wide as Scotland itself - it had to be a SMART Saddle! Did she care? Of course she didnโ€™t! ๐Ÿ˜‡

๐Ÿ“ธ Hereโ€™s Molly sporting a forward cut Native SMART saddle.

In my experience, young horses always take exceptionally well to the SMART Saddle from the very beginning. With no tree points to tighten back into the baby horse, we just donโ€™t see the adverse freezing or bucking reactions that you often have in a treed saddle, no matter how well fitting. Instead the SMART Saddle, gently wraps around the barrel, more like a supportive hug. ๐Ÿฅฐ

The other huge bonus of having a SMART Saddle on a youngster, aside from the fact that it will flex-to-fit as they continue to grow, and develop throughout the seasons of their career, is that the owner can try it on another ridden horse first! This is always a huge bonus with clients who are buying their first SMART Saddle for an unbacked horse - we can pop it on a ridden horse for the rider to try if their young horse isnโ€™t at that stage yet.

Are you starting a young horse of your own this Spring? Get them off to the best start in a SMART Saddle!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

Did you know, you could have a new SMART  Saddle from as little as just ยฃ180 a month? ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ  Hereโ€™s how it works:๐Ÿ“† Book a...
07/04/2024

Did you know, you could have a new SMART Saddle from as little as just ยฃ180 a month? ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ

Hereโ€™s how it works:

๐Ÿ“† Book a Test Ride with me and if you like any saddle you try, then just pay a deposit by card ๐Ÿ’ณ and I can leave it with you there and then, for you to trial for 2 weeks.

๐Ÿฉท Love it after 2 weeks?
If you decide to go ahead and purchase any saddle you trial, you can have that 2 week rental period (usually ยฃ75 per week) for ๐Ÿ†“ on us!

โœ”๏ธ Next, knock that ยฃ475 deposit you paid by credit/debit card ๐Ÿ’ณ off the balance of your saddle and choose how youโ€™d like to purchase your saddle. In full or โ€ข s p r e a d โ€ข the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months.

โŒ No 3rd party finance โŒ no interest to pay
โœ”๏ธ Just a payment plan between you and SMART

๐Ÿ‘‰ And the best bit?
SMART Saddles are a saddle โ€˜FITโ€™ for life.

They will continue to flex-to-fit your horse or pony throughout all seasons across his or her riding career and they are made to LAST offering outstanding value for money. Even if you change your horse ๐ŸŽ, youโ€™ll likely never need a new saddle again!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

How does a SMARTโ„ข Saddle work? ๐Ÿค” With no rigid parts like a tree, pommel arch or cantle, the SMARTโ„ข Saddle is able to fu...
31/03/2024

How does a SMARTโ„ข Saddle work? ๐Ÿค”

With no rigid parts like a tree, pommel arch or cantle, the SMARTโ„ข Saddle is able to fully flex ใ€ฐ๏ธ with the movement of the horse, allowing the him or her to move freely without being impeded by the rigidity of the saddle frame and tree points. โค๏ธ I canโ€™t imagine riding my horses in anything else these days!

As the shoulder blade rotates, it is free to slide under the flexible base panel, resulting in increased stability of the saddle. Where a traditional saddle might rock from side-to-side, lift at the back or sit unevenly to one side with the movement of the horse, SMARTโ„ข Saddles flex around the barrel of the horse. When weight is applied, the flexible construction conforms to the back contours and does not โŒ bridge.

The saddle gullet can expand โฌ…๏ธโžก๏ธ or contract โžก๏ธโฌ…๏ธ to however wide or narrow the shape of the horseโ€™s back, without pinching. The flexible nature of SMARTโ„ข Saddles, means they can accommodate a horse though any changes in shape throughout its lifetime. With no head plate to adjust or flocking to alter, SMARTโ„ข Saddles simply flex around the horse, whatever shape he/she is. Balance pads (shims) can also be used as and when needed to maintain optimum fit.

This makes SMARTโ„ข Saddles especially perfect when looking for a saddle for a young horse because you can be confident of its continued fit throughout their ridden life. ๐Ÿ‘Œ

Do you fancy trying a SMARTโ„ข Saddle? Get in touch ๐Ÿ“ฉ to book a Test Ride with me today!

๐Ÿ’š

EquiEdge Marketing ๐Ÿด

Address

Sherfield On Loddon
Hook
RG27OFD

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Montague Saddles - Julie Knaggs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Montague Saddles - Julie Knaggs:

Videos

Share


Other Equestrian Centers in Hook

Show All