How I Meet Most of My Clients (And Why It Breaks My Heart)
Here's what I've noticed:
The majority of people who come to me with WOW saddles haven't chosen them from the start.
They've found me AFTER years of frustration.
After multiple saddle purchases that didn't work.
After spending thousands of pounds.
After being told "your horse is just difficult to fit."
And honestly? It breaks my heart a little bit.
This is the pattern I see:
- Someone buys a lovely horse. Maybe a cob with a flat back and no withers. Maybe an Iberian with massive shoulders. Maybe a young draft that's still changing shape.
- They try a traditional saddle. It doesn't fit the horse.
- The horse becomes uncomfortable, resistant, or develops behaviour problems.
- They try another saddle. And another. And another.
- Eventually, they find ONE that actually fits the horse. Relief! Finally!
- But then... it's not ideal for THEM. The seat is too deep or too shallow. The flaps don't match their leg length. The balance doesn't suit their discipline. It's a compromise - at least the HORSE is comfortable.
- Thousands of pounds later, they're exhausted. The horse is finally okay. But the rider is uncomfortable, frustrated, or just tolerating it.
- Someone mentions WOW. They come to me as a last resort, often apologetic, often expecting disappointment.
- We assess. We customize for BOTH horse AND rider. We create a saddle that actually works for everyone.
And the relief in their face? It's incredible.
What I hear most often:
"Why didn't anyone tell me about this before?"
"I can't believe it actually FITS my horse."
"And it's comfortable for ME too!"
"My horse is like a different animal."
"I wish I'd known years ago."
The heartbreaking part:
These are lovely, dedicated people who did EVERYTHING right.
They bought quality saddles.
They invested in their horses.
They tried to solve problems.
But traditional saddles couldn't accommodate their horse's conformation AND suit the rider's needs.
And they were made to feel like THEY were the problem. Like their horse was "difficult." Like they weren't trying hard enough.
Even worse - the compromise:
Some people DO manage to find a saddle that fits their difficult horse. But it's not ideal for them as a rider.
The seat is too deep (perfect for the flat-backed cob, not great for jumping).
The flaps are too long (horse fits perfectly, but your leg is all wrong).
The balance is forward (works for the Iberian's shape, but you're a dressage rider).
The depth doesn't suit your discipline.
So they settle.
The horse is comfortable.
The rider is... tolerating.
That's not right either.
It's not their fault. It's the limitation of traditional saddles.
Here's why WOW works where others don't:
For the flat backed Cob:
Traditional saddles slip. They bridge. They don't stay secure. If you find one that fits the horse, it often doesn't suit the rider's needs.
WOW's adjustable components mean:
- We customise for the horse's flat back (security, no bridging, even panels)
- We ALSO customise for the RIDER (seat depth, flap length, pommel height for discipline)
- Both horse and rider get what they need
- No compromise - both are properly catered to
For the Iberian with huge shoulders:
Traditional saddles restrict those shoulders or don't accommodate the width. When you DO find one that fits, it's often not ideal for a dressage rider or jumper.
WOW's flexibility means:
- We customise for those big shoulders (width, pommel, panels)
- We ALSO customise for the rider's discipline and comfort (seat position, balance, flap configuration)
- The horse moves freely AND the rider is positioned correctly
For the young draft growing weekly:
Traditional saddles are wrong the moment they're right.
When you find one that fits, it rarely suits the rider's style.
WOW's modularity means:
- Grows with your horse through development
- Can be adjusted to suit YOUR discipline and preferences
- ONE saddle works for both needs long-term
The relief when it finally works for BOTH:
I've had people cry when they realise they can BOTH be comfortable.
When the owner says "my horse is happy AND I'm finally in the right position."
Because that's the goal.
Not compromise.
Not "good enough for the horse while I tolerate it."
Both comfortable. Both properly fitted. Both working together.
What breaks my heart:
All those wasted pounds.
All those years of struggle.
All those horses uncomfortable because the only saddle that fit them didn't suit the rider.
All those riders uncomfortable because they found a saddle that worked for their horse.
What gives me hope:
When someone comes to me and we get it RIGHT for both horse and rider.
When that horse relaxes.
When the rider realises they can finally sit properly.
When both are happy.
If you're struggling:
Don't give up.
Don't assume your horse is impossible to fit or that you have to compromise on your own comfort.
Come and talk to me.
Bring your flat-backed cob.
Bring your Iberian with the huge shoulders.
Bring your young draft.
Bring whatever "difficult to fit" horse you have.
Let's create a saddle that works for BOTH of you.
We'll create a saddle that matches their conformation AND suits you
Your horse isn't difficult. And you shouldn't have to compromise either.