Saddle Connection

16/07/2025

Join Jade from The Saddle Bank for a rare look inside Ideal Saddles Tree at Crosby House — the factory where every single tree is designed, shaped, and stren...

16/07/2025

As we know with ourselves and our horses, recovering from an injury/surgery is not a linear process. For me, last week was a backwards week. I appreciated the patience of everyone that I needed to reschedule. So far, this week is a bit better. I've had two short rides on my mare Annabell and I'm loving our new Prestige Melody Dressage Saddle.

06/07/2025

06/07/2025

THE HAMSTER TEST 🐹 What a horse's stable size really means....

The British Horse Society recommends 12ft x 12ft (3.65m x 3.65m) minimum recommendation for an average horse. They also recommend larger sizes (e.g., 12ft x 14ft) for horses over 17 hands (hh) and smaller sizes for ponies.

It sounds reasonable, right?
But let's put that into perspective.
A hamster, averaging just 10cm (about 4 inches) in length, is recommended to have a spacious cage of 900 square inches with 6-8 inches of bedding allowing it to run, burrow, and play, reflecting its natural behaviours!

Now, let's consider our average horse with a total body length (nose to tail) of 9 feet (108 inches). If we apply a similar ratio of space to body length squared as that well-cared-for hamster, what would our horse truly need?

An average 9-foot horse, given the same proportional space as that hamster, would require a staggering 1,046,000 square inches of "stable" space!

To visualise that scale, it's equivalent to a square enclosure roughly 32.3 meters by 32.3 meters (or about 106ft x 106ft) which is only slightly smaller than an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Compare that to the standard 12ft x 12ft stable (approx. 144 sq ft or 13.4 sq m). The disparity is immense. While horses aren't hamsters, this striking comparison highlights how incredibly minimal a 12x12 stable truly is for an animal of their size, natural instincts, and fundamental need for movement.

Equines are intelligent, social animals designed to roam vast distances. Confining them to such small spaces, even for part of the day, can severely impact their well-being, potentially leading to...
😓 Boredom, frustration, and stress
The development of stereotypic behaviours (like weaving or crib-biting)
😓Joint and muscle issues from lack of movement
😓 Respiratory problems due to restricted air circulation
😓 Reduced opportunities for social interaction

As responsible carers we must advocate for more appropriate housing solutions.

Let's rethink what "adequate" space truly means for our horses. They deserve more than just enough room to stand up and lie down. They deserve space that genuinely supports their physical health, mental well-being, and innate desire to move. The answer may lie in natural boarding alternatives like track systems and Paddock Paradise. These offer the opportunity to create more species appropriate environments that encourage continuous movement with mental stimulation, and social interaction, promoting healthier and relaxed equine partners.

What are your thoughts on stable sizes and equine welfare? Share in the comments! 👇

18/06/2025

A great company with amazing saddles!!

09/01/2025

Some days the weather in Colorado is from two seasons. First photos is I-25 in Castle Rock and the second photo is I-25 near Lafayette. Both photos are from 9:20am today. Coming from Larkspur, south of Castle Rock, sometimes the weather in my area means I have to cancel appointments even when the weather is fine where you live. I'll do my best to get appointments rescheduled as soon as possible when this happens.

07/11/2024

What a crazy storm this week and it is still snowing!! Down near the Palmer Divide, we have over 14in of snow and blowing has created lots of deep drifts. I know parts of northern Colorado haven't seen any snow but this storm has really impacted us here in Larkspur. I appreciate eveyrone's patience as I have had to reschedule many appointments this week. I will try to fit everyone in as soon as possible. Stay warm and safe everyone.

29/09/2024

We are working to update our website and add to the Learning Center. More articles to come on a regular basis about saddles, tack, horsemanship, and riding.

I’m a trained saddle fitter, horseback riding instructor, dressage rider, life coach, and non-profit consultant. In each of these areas I’ve spent years studying, taking courses, training with experts, and I value each part for how they have combined in my knowledge base with a kind of synergy I...

20/09/2024

Need an appointment? Fill out this saddle appointment form. We are currently scheduling for the end of October.

08/07/2024

A good reminder for us all!

We all know how vital it is to have the right equipment, but what does it have to do with safety? Well, the truth is, you need to check your saddle regularly to ensure it's safe for both you and your horse. 🛡️

Our member BLISS OF LONDON - Saddle makers of distinction has shared an excellent graphic with crucial points that you need to be checking regularly!

You can help prevent accidents and ensure a comfortable ride for your horse. 🏇

Stay tuned for more top tips, the latest knowledge, and news about innovations introduced to the equestrian market by the companies participating in the campaign. Plus, we'll have fantastic prizes up for grabs in our social media competitions! 🏆

This year, our Summer of Safety also receives tremendous support from BETA members.
Remember, always SHOP WHERE YOU SEE THE BETA SIGN to get professional advice and service! 🏪

02/07/2024

The Bliss of London Paramour Eventer is an amazing close contact mono-panel jump saddle. What is a mono-panel design? It is even more close contact than a monoflap. Saddle Connection now has a beautiful cocoa Paramour Event saddle in stock. Who wants to try it?

Picture perfect!
The Bliss Paramour Eventer in nubuck.

20/05/2024

Please check your billets each time you ride and reach out if they are needing to be replaced.