Hopkins Horsecare - Master Saddle Fitting Consultant

21/12/2024

👩‍🎓CPD Morning for me ✍️

Always seeking new knowledge and keeping up to date.

Great way to spend a wet, windy morning!

05/12/2024

Did you know that to perform a full reflock the panels need to be removed from your saddle then hand stitched back on! 😲

Very time consuming but essential for the comfort of your horse, and a great opportunity to check the soundness of the tree 🌳

29/10/2024

😁 I'm very excited to announce that I have partnered with The Saddle Bank 😁

This means I will have access to lots more saddles much quicker

Huge thanks to those of you who have had patience while I have sourced your saddles before

If you're looking for a new saddle, or need your existing one checked, feel free to message me

22/10/2024

Please, please never be tempted by adverts like this!!!

Backing should be a positive and comfortable experience for your horse.

A saddle like this is highly likely to teach your younster that the saddle and being ridden is not something he ever wants to do again, and could cause physical harm!

To give your horse the best start to his ridden career, always consult a fully qualified saddle fitter.

15/10/2024

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself, Laura Hopkins, fully qualified saddle fitter and listed on Equine Fitters Directory

Having had many saddle issues with my own pony I became passionate about saddle fit and decided to become a qualified fitter so I could help other horses (and their people)

Always happy to work alongside other equine professionals - I fully believe in the "whole horse" approach

I work with any brand of saddle, the best saddle for your horse is the one that fits! and am also a SMART Saddles approved advisor.

If you would like to book an appointment feel free to message me or call on 07453304598

17/09/2024

Playing the long game has finally paid off!!

Today we went for our first drive out in the trailer 😁 I am so proud of Domino.

She loaded perfectly first time.

Travelled well.

Did not rush out when unloading.

And, loaded back in again immediately afterwards. 🤩🤩

Because I have spent so long practicing, making sure she's happy with every step and rewarding her. The only thing different today was that the trailer moved. Here's to an exciting future of exploration for both of us 😀

07/08/2024

When you buy a new horse make sure you book a saddle fitter, even if he/she comes with a saddle. Luckily for this boy his new owner did!

See just how much wider the gullet bar was compared to his tracing!! Ouch!

02/08/2024

First ride out with my partner on his electric bike today. Years of patience, understanding and building trust have led to this special moment! So proud of her 🤩

11/07/2024

Very pleased to announce I am now listed with the Equine Fitters Directory.

The directory was created by the Equine Fitters Council to ensure high standards and promote best practice across all aspects of equine fitting. By choosing a fitter from the directory you know they have been validated and meet the listing criteria. They must hold insurance, undertake a minimum amount of CPD and agree to abide by the EFC code of conduct.

24/03/2024

Check out this exciting new addition to the SMART Saddles range!

Because cobs can too 😁

To book a test ride contact me or head over to
https://www.smartsaddles.com/book-a-test-ride/home-consultation.php

17/03/2024

Being comfortable in her saddle means she can now deal better with the scary things!

Horses are naturally flighty creatures, but any kind of pain or discomfort, from saddle or other areas of the body, can increase this reaction.

09/03/2024

Spring is fast approaching and the ground is finally starting to dry up!

We are all looking forward to more riding time, maybe booking fun rides or shows

🐎Time to get those saddles checked 🐎

March availability:

Wednesday 20th afternoon
Wednesday 27th afternoon
Thursday 28th afternoon

Message me to book x

03/03/2024

Perfect example of how there is so much more than just correct angle when saddle fitting.

All these trees are the same brand and angle but VERY different!

A really interesting picture for anyone out there looking for a new saddle…all of these trees are Albion MW trees all for different models. Meaning a greater variety to fit different horse shapes but does also mean that if you buy a second hand saddle privately it may not always fit how you would like.

We are more than happy to discuss the best tree shape and model for your horse and are also happy to fit second hand saddles.

17/01/2024

Check the condition of your girth straps
Are they stretched and uneven? Cracking?

Replaced these stretched ones yesterday for nice new ones 😀

Short straps £10 each
Long straps £15 each

Message me to book yours in x