Pletch Eventing and Saddle Fitting

10/17/2025

Both these saddles were fitted for the same XXW pony. One is a Bliss brand fitted by me, an SMS trained fitter, the other by a French brand. One saddle, the pony is much happier in. The other, the rider’s hips are happier in. One has a choice, the other doesn’t. Be your horse’s advocate, like this lovely person did. All you can do is your best and trust the professionals you listen to. A vet prompted a look into this pony’s saddle fit. Choose wisely who you put in your corner so you don’t have to worry.
Edited to add: this pony is not grossly overweight. He is well managed by a professional, thoughtful owner, barn, and vet. I will not post photos becuase the internet can be a difficult place for people. While words may not seem harmful, they can certainly be taken that way. I want awareness, but not at the expense of anyone’s mental and emotional health. Please be kind.

10/17/2025

Late last year, I agreed to take a saddle client’s horse in for some training. Somehow, for 10 months now, that has turned into having various other saddle client’s horses in for training. This has never been a part of my business, but I am really enjoying the work we are doing. Horses come for anywhere from 1 month to a few months. Sometimes for week long “tune ups” to see a body worker and get a few rides or lessons. After an initial assessment, they are put into a program to receive anything they need. Because I am in an area and position to have access to so many amazing equine professionals, this is a wholistic approach and could include anything: chiropractor, massage, masterson method, PEMF, saddle fit, vet, or acupuncture. As we figure out what they need in their body, they receive an individualized training program based on the owner’s goals, horse’s strength and ability, as well as what tools I can provide the horse that the owner may not be able to. Long lining, XC lunging, flatwork, jump work, hacking…again, I am so fortunate to have it all. Once we get going in the program, I assess tack and other management practices if needed . Do they want a half pad, a change in bit or noseband, a supplement or diet change. I try very hard to get the horse dialed into a program so I can send the owner home with a plan. Next, we incorporate lessons with the owner before the horse heads home. It can be intimidating to go home with a different feeling animal under you! When all is said and done, I now have some awesome lesson clients added to my program- virtual and in person. To those who have trusted me to “overhaul” your horses (training horses and my full time clients), THANK YOU!! I absolutely love seeing these horses happy and confident in their bodies and work. Snapshot of current training horse, Lily, having both her saddles adjusted after her PEMF. Next to her is long time resident, Geordi, about to get her monthly PEMF. ❤️

09/17/2025

Last weekend was a busy one for quite a few saddle clients! Congratulations to everyone from USDF region champs to Flying Cross Farm HT, and the rings at H&H! Congrats extended to anyone I missed!!

09/14/2025

2 days at the factory. Watching, touching,learning. Seeing each aspect of how our saddles are made, being able to ask questions in person and have visual answers from our generous, skilled saddlers. Finally, being able to look over and sit in the newly acquired and saddles being made for BETA international at the end of the month. What a trip!

09/12/2025

Congratulations to Laura Himes-Wolfe, owners Patrick Wolfe and Eric and Vanessa Moore on a great start to regional championships!

08/27/2025

Every year gets busier!
Annie helped me get my scores at first level towards bronze with distinction.
Lottie is successfully growing what we hope is a filly and is prepping for a couple fall HT’s. She is dropped off with for some dressage boot camp while I am away!
DJ and I are off to Ireland and England for some saddle work and a lot of vacation. I am working very minimally Aug 27-Sept 8. Please refrain from contacting me via anything besides email. When I return, Saddle fitting appts will be booking for Oct. If you need me, please use the request form linked below! Thank you for understanding I am burnt out and giving me time to find some patience again! https://pletchequine.com/saddle-fitting

08/22/2025

Tuck it away elsewhere!

𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧

While on a clinic some time ago, and again at a competition yesterday, I noticed a rider carrying their phone in their rear (right) pocket while riding.

This should be avoided at all levels.

Placing a phone in the rear pocket is likely too:

1) Significantly affect the function of the rider’s seat
2) Compromise the effectiveness of the rider’s seat aid
3) Induce/create rider asymmetry
4) Lead to uneven loading of the saddle and horse
5) Compromise rider-horse interaction

Although carrying a phone while riding can be useful for safety and other purposes (apps), alternative locations should be considered.

Image of a rider sitting on a pressure mat with their phone in their right back pocket.

Note: sharing as an observation. We have not shown this experimentally (yet).

08/05/2025

✨ What saddle are YOU riding in right now?
We want to see your ride! 📸🐎

Post a photo of your saddle setup and tag us — or share in the comments:
🔹 What saddle are you using?
🔹 Why do you love it?
🔹 What makes the perfect saddle for you?

Tag a friend who’s saddle shopping or might need a fitting soon! 👇
Let’s help each other find the perfect seat.

07/08/2025

One responsibility of being an independent fitter: sourcing and stocking any flocking material you might need. Natural and synthetic. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a count on my stock, I’m up to 9 😳! Why is it important to always put in the appropriate material?

06/25/2025

Erreplus is coming to IN and surrounding states! Over the last couple years, I have been working to bring on one more brand. As my clients know, I am picky picky when it comes to horse welfare. I wanted to find something that brings a different feel for the rider to the table without sacrificing anything for the horses. As I go on appts and see different brands, how healthy their backs are, and hear what the riders have to say; Erreplus became a top contender. When I began speaking with the US agents, I was even more intrigued. This week I did some brand training on the saddles and here I am making this announcement. The fitting options, ethics of the company, the quality and attention to detail all align with who and what I want to work with. Stay tuned, demo saddles will be ordered this week, but won’t be fully available until September. If you would like to get on my schedule, go to https://pletchequine.com/saddle-fitting and fill out an appointment request form. First up.. ME! Cannot wait to put myself and Lottie in an Elevation Extra dressage❤️

06/22/2025

Clinic weekend with Lesley Grant-Law felt like stepping back 8 years. Another weekend with my ride or die, Annie, to keep Lottie from over cooking her baby. So much extremely useful instruction and the proper accountability we all needed. I appreciate fresh eyes and insight into helping make all my people better. I am forever grateful for the time, effort, and knowledge she has always been so generous with. She has been helping me for years and is one of the biggest influences in helping me be the coach and rider I am. Now, Lesley and I are both at the airport as I head back with her to get in some saddle training!

06/19/2025

My dream team. Nothing would be possible without these two. They run the show at home. They keep the horses thriving and me on the road saddle fitting. We all better hope they never leave! They work so hard managing the farm, teaching lessons, riding horses, and improving their own riding. They deserve so much praise and appreciation, so when you see them, they love hugs 😂😂😂, or a thank you is probably enough.