Rider Testimonials

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!!

I just purchased your book [Suffering in Silence] and am very impressed with both the information you have presented as well as the clarity in which it is written.

I teach both instructor and rider clinics in both North America and Europe and saddle fit is a huge issue everywhere I teach. The lack of understanding of equine and human biomechanics among so called saddle fit experts is astounding. Within our Centered Riding Instructor Courses we include a little about the importance of correctly fitted saddles for both horse and rider so that they will be able to recognize when saddles do not fit and the consequences for the horse.

With your permission, I would like to use some of your illustrations (especially anatomical) in my clinics. I always tell people where the information comes from. I am adding also you to my recommended reading list that I give out at all my clinics.

When people ask me what kind of saddle i think is best my reply is always the one that fits your horse and you the best.

Thanks for writing such an informative book and such a critical subject for all horses!
Best regards,
Sue

Sue Leffler
www.sue-leffler.com
Teaching Clinics Internationally
Centered Riding Level IV Clinician
Balimo Equestrian Seat Clinician

Sharon Cooper helped me find a HK and then it to my horse. My horse is known for having difficult changes, he leaps around and is late behind. Not in his new saddle, perfect, crisp, clean changes first time I asked. I have worked with many trainers on these changes, we should have just started with the right saddle. Words cannot express my glee.

“My horse General is a 13-year old Andalusian cross with a history of early training in an over-collected frame. Although he achieved some success in training level tests, it was difficult to get him to stretch out or generate impulsion from behind. Since obtaining his Schleese Obrigado saddle he has blossomed. His back swings more freely and his hind legs reach far underneath his body. His shoulders move much more freely in both trot and canter. The rhythm of his gaits is much improved. Within a month, his certified massage therapist noted a marked improvement in his muscles. In two recognized dressage shows in 2013, General and his rider/trainer Debbie Welch qualified for the GAIG Region 1 Finals in the Training Level Open Division”

I bought my first Schleese saddle in 2005 after I tried my coach’s Wave on my horse… and instantly was able to get leg yields that I had been fighting for. Though I didn’t buy the Wave (I got a JES Elite) I was pretty much hooked! After that, my saddle got tried on a LOT of horses in our barn, and every owner in the barn ended up buying a Schleese because of how much they liked mine.

I now am collecting Schleese saddles, having just bought my 2nd JES Elite. I love the way it’s adjustable to so many horses, especially those tricky-to-fit thoroughbreds!!

A couple of years ago I was desperate for a new dressage saddle. I had done absolutely everything else for my very difficult Holsteiner mare, GG, and a new saddle was the very last thing to try to make a difference. I happened upon Jochen and his amazing saddles completely by accident. I would move Heaven and Earth to get one for my mare. I purchased a Wave for GG, and had it fitted. I knew after a few rides that we were on the right track. After a couple of years and many saddle adjustments, GG was becoming the horse I always dreamed about. I was ready to start jumping her. I knew that only a Schleese saddle would be good enough for GG. After an exhaustive search, we located a close contact Ventura saddle. It needed a bit of work before it would be suitable for GG. I shipped the saddle to Canada from Texas so it could be customized. I waited patiently for my saddle to arrive back. I am so very happy to say that GG likes it! She loves the air panels and is cantering and jumping like the hunter I knew she could be. Her wonderful Wave saddle has now been fitted to my TB gelding and he is moving better than he ever has before. Without Schleese, my horses were ok. With Schleese my horses are rock stars. Thanks to everyone at Schleese for helping I realize my dreams with two very challenging horses.

Since I’ve been riding in the HK dressage saddle the noticeable difference in Amistad’s movement has been incredible. It allowed so much more shoulder movement for his medium and extended trot but also the freedom to reach across in the half pass and our eight and ten metre circles were not restricted anymore!
Thank you Schleese Saddlery for opening my eyes to what a saddle should look and feel like cause not only is it comfortable for my horse but for me also and that’s a big plus for any rider!

Cheers, Michele

My horse is short-backed with a laid-back shoulder. As she progresses in her work she gets even shorter!
My Schleese saddle fitter suggested either modifications to my Triumph, or the Obrigado, since I couldn’t face three weeks without a saddle, I ordered the Obrigado. Even though my Triumph had been recently refitted, I noticed an immediate improvement in my horse’s way of going, and I noticed that I no longer had to “squiggle around” to get in the right spot. I was there from the moment I sat on the saddle.