Rider Testimonials

Natalie:

I just wanted to let you know that MiMi had a chiropractic appointment with Andria Cogswell last night. The new saddle has made a HUGE difference- she had no soreness or trigger point at all anywhere in her back- wonderful! Andria even asked to see the saddle on her and deemed it perfect!

I am sorry for not having given you any news with my new saddle last week. I took the time to try it to make sure everything was okay.

I am very pleased to say that everything is perfect now. I have no pain when I ride and I’m very comfortable with this new saddle. Other riders we noticed the difference when they see me ride. My position is much more upright and stable. I no longer need to dig my back to compensate to be right when I ride. I adjust my stirrup leather for good comfortable length for my legs. My legs are straight and stable too. Milady moves better now and I’ll finally be able to start his training for our first show in early May. I will send you pictures.

I Thank you very much for your help and support. You never let me fall. Despite the time for my new saddle, you kept in touch with me and I greatly appreciate.

I would not hesitate in recommending the Schleese products to other riders. Thank you again for everything you and your team have done for me and Milady.

I write to extend my gratitude once again and express my pleasure in meeting Jochen Schleese and Christiane Noelting this last weekend (March 8) at the Schleese clinic at Los Lagos. I was thoroughly impressed by the personable yet professional manner in which they conducted the saddle evaluation and fitting process.

My beloved mare Greta and I have endured quite a journey from injury to recovery and have struggled to progress in training. I had suspected but am now thoroughly convinced that my current saddle is a major obstacle to that progression. Riding in the Obrigado was nothing short of liberating.

I now humbly acknowledge that I have been riding in a poorly suited saddle but I am also redeemed that we were able to demonstrate that we are capable of so much more in our riding (during the test ride).

It is quite evident that Jochen has a solid understanding of equine and human anatomy and biomechanics and that this serves as the foundation upon which this tremendous line of saddles is based. It was such a transformation between the two rides.

Christiane gave great care and attention to Greta and me in schooling us during the test ride and did so freely. I anticipate that this is not part of the standard process and so I wanted to ensure that you all knew how appreciative I was that she took the time to share her expertise.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and philosophy.

I want to commend you for dedicating your life to the welfare of the noblest conquest of man the horse. You never cease to amaze me!

In October I attended another one of your saddle fitting sessions. You graciously accommodated us and I rode in an Obrigado. It was quite clear from the beginning that my horse was moving out quite well and my friend was amazed. I am a VERY HAPPY customer! Jochen was so attentive to every detail and I am thrilled to finally have the perfect fit. My horse moves out so much more free that I have to learn to adjust to this new stride!  There is SUCH a need to alleviate the suffering of so many horses who endure disciplinary actions for daring to try to communicate that they hurt, – adding insult to injury.

Please convey my thanks to your excellent staff. Their customer service is exemplary and you are fortunate to have these ladies. I was a customer service manager for 18 years for a company which believed customer service to be the most important thing thus, I can recognize their excellence!

Many thanks to Julia Dixon and the wonderful people at Schleese! I have just received my new saddle and it is amazing. Julia was so patient and understanding when she came out to fit us, patiently explaining why Chiefs current saddle was interfering with his movement and why it was constantly thrusting me backwards. She didn’t hurry me and let me re-try saddles again and again until I was sure what felt right.

When my new saddle was ready, she again made sure everything was just right for Chief and me, offering advice on how the fit might change as Chief puts on more muscle and tips on how to deal with this.

I can without hesitation recommend Schleese to anyone who is searching for a saddle that is right for them and for their horse. Schleese saddle fitters are knowledgeable and professional, and provide excellent service with a positive and helpful attitude. And knowing that my horse is supported and comfortable while working is a great feeling!

Christine Cardwell, Windham Centre, ON
Secretary, Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada

Hi there just wanted to pass this little clip on http://vimeo.com/84405970 and to tell you how much my horse and I LOVE our saddle that Natalie fit for us. It was really hard to find a saddle that fit my Andalusian until we found yours!! Thank you!!

It is the MOST beautiful bridle I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Jochen to fit my 7-year old Andalusian with a Schleese Obrigado saddle. I believe that I am one of the first owners of this model of saddle in the USA, and I felt it might be of some help to you to have a brief testimonial on this saddle from an owner’s point of view.

I have been on my dressage journey for over 60 years as a rider, trainer and FEI competitor. I recently purchased an Obrigado saddle from Jochen directly, and, of course, he fitted it perfectly to my 4th level Andalusian gelding. Immediately after the fitting, I noticed a positive improvement in my horse’s movements and overall way of going. His gaits have improved dramatically and his vertical lift through the shoulder at all gaits has become quite extraordinary. A number of trainers and judges have commented favorably on my horse’s improved movement. I am well aware that Schleese Saddlery prides itself on anatomically suited saddles for women. As a man, I have found my new saddle to be comfortable for my horse and me from day one. I am not one to write a testimonial about any saddle, but in this case it is more than well deserved. I would strongly recommend the Obrigado to anyone whose horse will benefit from the saddle’s design and fit. It will definitely improve their dressage journey and help take it to a higher level.

I believe in miracles. My custom made saddle from Schleese Saddlery has transformed my ability to ride horses.

I am 55 years old. I was born with spastic cerebral palsy, which affects my entire body. My hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet are severely rotated due to muscle contractions. My spine is no longer straight, my pelvis is tilted and I am unable to sit on both seat bones. My head also tilts to the right.

Therapeutic riding is the only form of exercise I am capable of doing. I have ridden horses for 47 years. In 1988 I was told by three orthopedic surgeons that by 1990 I would no longer be walking or riding horses. They also said I would be in a wheelchair 24/7 requiring heavy duty pain killers on a daily basis.

Thanks to therapeutic riding none of these predictions came true.
In 2007 I began to notice changes in my body. I began experiencing pain while riding and could no longer maintain my balance on a horse. By 2012 I knew I needed professional assistance if I was to continue riding.

In an effort to find a solution I contacted Schleese Saddlery. Denise Lenz and Julia Dixon conducted a thorough evaluation of my riding ability. The process involved three horses.

My custom made saddle is affectionately known as MSR-Dream Flyer (my initials). It has given me unexpected benefits:
– I am able to sit equally on both seat bones
– I am able to sit upright in the centre of my saddle
– I can move my limbs independently or separately (which was impossible before because of the severity of the spasticity)
– I am able to shift my weight and body position when necessary with minimal movement
– I do not feel like I am going to fall off
– I am in less pain and much more relaxed when riding
– I am able to ride sitting trot, which I had not been able to do for eight years!

Perhaps the most striking realization is that for the first time in my life, I understand and know what it feels like to have a solid, secure, independent seat. The joy and freedom I feel when riding is not possible when I walk. My custom made MSR-Dream Flyer has given me a second chance to do what I love: ride horses and participate once again in para-dressage competition.

Thank you everyone at Schleese Saddlery for this most precious gift!

I just love Jochen’s articles, I find them so interesting and relevant. Everything he explains makes perfect sense. Glad to share with the world!

http://eliteequestrian.us/suffering-in-silence-by-jochen-schleese/

Noelle, Elite Equestrian Magazine
(Suffering in Silence Book by Jochen Schleese)

Natalie (Certified Saddle Fit Technician),

I just wanted to thank you again, and let you know that I feel truly balanced in my saddle!! Waikiki and I are enjoying not having to work so hard to balance ourselves, it is right there!! Thank you for your expert eye and skill in helping us to continually improve. And as always, it is always fun to chat and learn from you.

Denise Vujnovich, La Crosse, WI

I would wish for every horse and rider to be comfortable while doing our sport. The feeling after the saddle fittings, of the horse being able to move freely underneath you is truly a reminder that the saddle fittings are as important as buying the saddle and that horses do “suffer in silence”. If we are going to ask them to perform, it is our duty to make sure they can physically execute the movements and not be restricted by an ill-fitting saddle. I am always surprised at the improvement after very subtle adjustments. Many thanks for helping both my horse and me! Your saddle made my horse a different animal. He was so uncomfortable and with your saddle he became so rideable that we went on to get our Silver Medal.
Thank You!!