Rider Testimonials

I just wanted to thank you for the recent article you wrote on saddle fit and hyper-flexion. In fact, I want to thank you for ALL the publications and electronic clips you have created.  Your dedication to improving the welfare of horses through education is inspiring and a principle we try to live by here.

We work hard every day to make sure our horses are healthy and happy and that their needs as horses are always met, before ever considering what we need from them.

I am always eager to devour your articles and webinars because of the emphasis on the horse as a living being whose physical structures have specific functions, and how to tailor our own desires/wants to work WITH these structures instead of against them.

When I first learned principles of saddle fitting, I learned only about the line of the panel following the horse’s back to ensure there was full contact and no bridging, about 2-3 fingers of space between top of wither and bottom of pommel, and the classic idea (at the time) that the pommel and cantle should sit level if the saddle was in balance on the horse’s back.  Thinking back on that makes me sad that I may have made horses uncomfortable because of what I didn’t know…

Through my own education endeavors, and with a strong assist from your seminars, I now understand about the saddle support area, not having a saddle riding the scapula (or causing it to jam against it with every step), not having a saddle too far back, and the importance of aligning the seat of the saddle with the optimal carrying spot at the base of the horse’s withers.  I understand that a saddle can ‘fit’ but the horse may not like the feel of it, and to look first at fit and comfort when a horse starts developing ‘attitude’. I’ve learned that a saddle can ‘fit’ in the barn but you have to confirm the fit with a person in the tack- because weight in the saddle changes things.

Given we are all animal lovers, we want what’s best for the horses, even if that means they need a different job in order to be happy.  We are proud that our herd looks healthy and happy and that not one horse is ring sour.

Reading your recent article, I was struck with a need to express my gratitude for the horse person you have helped me to become.  I wanted you to know about the profound impact your words and philosophy has had, not just on me, but the horses, clients and trainers I have worked with, numbering collectively in the hundreds.

Thank you again, I look forward to future articles.

Ten years ago I purchased a lovely three yr. old Friesian cross to train for dressage, not realizing the size he would attain for my small frame.  He quickly outgrew my extra wide saddle and my other hoop tree saddle was so very painful for my hips that I actually was diagnosed with torn labral cartilage and subsequent further OA degeneration of both hip joints.  I then began to ride in my other trail saddle with panels that “sort of” fit the broad back/mutton withers but completely destroyed attempts at a effective dressage position and continued to be very painful for me.

Having spent a summer with a driving instructor and realizing that was not for me, my only choice seemed to be selling my now beautifully trained and well loved horse and finding a “skinny little one” I could perhaps ride after the recommended bilateral hip replacement surgeries.

By now you can probably see where this note is going; yes, I signed up for a Schleese evaluation last summer, rode in a loaner until my custom was made and now, after several weeks in my new Schleese, even the severe and chronic tendinitis has mostly healed and finally at age 74, I’m working with a Centered Riding instructor, attending clinics and riding better than I ever have on Mr. Propane Tank.

So, thank you for the extensive time and effort you have taken to develop saddles that enable us little older women to continue to enjoy what we have devoted so many years to attaining even with our imperfect joints, and in my case, to avoid drastic surgeries.

I rode that second level test last weekend (my bucket list).  No it was not the best test ever, but I did it and did not make a mistake one.  I could never have done it without the [Obrigado] saddle.  Made such a difference for both my horse and myself.  And gave me the confidence to try, which I would never have done.  I figure not too bad for an old lady such as I.

Thanks again,

I imported my Casanova from Germany 2 years ago.  He is a lovely mover, sound and bombproof.  But as time passed, I noticed he was not mentally and emotionally engaged.  He has a scar across his tongue, large spur marks, some arthritis on his neck and scar tissue on the sides of his mouth, which are gone now.  Took off my spurs, the double bridle and have done a lot of ground work. One of his problems was he would not stand still at the mounting block.  Changed saddles several times.  Everybody told me to swat him and make him stand still.  I did not. This lasted for almost a year, until I put my new Obrigado on him.  He stood still!!!!  And he stands still for me to mount every time!!!  He was speaking loud and clear until we found the answer.  Never a dull moment with our wonderful teachers and companions!

I just wanted to let you know that today was the first real ride I had in my new saddle on Q, my chestnut.  I could not be more amazed! I tend to do a lot of work in the walk before moving on to the trot and especially did that today to let him know how much different he would feel. My normally sluggish and slow to move ‘beastie’ was ready to rock and roll! He had the most relaxed and ground covering trot that I had feared I’d lost!

Most recently, I’ve been fighting major crookedness in both him and me. When making circles and turns to the right, he continually fell through the left shoulder and I’d struggle to stay on my right seat bone. NO MORE!!! We stayed balanced and relaxed equally in both directions.  I cannot even begin to tell you how extatic I am! We can finally begin to move forward in our training and I have you and Schleese to thank!

Hello!

I just wanted to write a note and say that I just purchased a used Schleese dressage saddle after having YEARS of trouble trying to find a good fit for my purebred Arabian gelding. He has needed massage, chiropractic work and pain medicine regularly….until now.

He now can move freely in his shoulder, his back is loosening up, and he generally has a much better work ethic and attitude (although he has always been stellar in this department).

So really I just wanted to say, thank you. Thank you for making such a great product. You will never know how much it means to me (and my horse) to have a saddle we are both happy with. I will forever buy Schleese saddles and will recommend them to any and all of my equestrian friends.

Thank you

SSG Katie Ferencik joined the U.S. Army in the summer of 2001, and has served two tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is currently assigned as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) with Alaskan Command. Katie is attempting to become the first Soldier to compete internationally since the 1952 Olympics. Her partner, Horatio, is a 2004 Trakehner, and together they plan to debut in the Spring of 2018 at Prix St. George. Check out what Katie had to say about her Obrigado.

“Congrats to Schleese Saddlery Service for 30 years (Jeeze, that’s almost as old as I am!!) of wonderful service to horses and their riders.

I’m proud to ride in Schleese, and can’t wait to get my new Obrigado! You are constantly taking Horatio and I to the next level, and I’m so thankful that you’re in my life. How weird is this?!? I’m pretty much expressing my love for a saddle maker/fitter(s?) in public.

“I am so happy with Siege’s progress and changes in condition. The two best decisions ever were #1 buying a Schleese saddle and #2 training with Chad [Basile]. I have never been happier. You and Chad have literally saved my relationship with my horse. I was SO CLOSE to selling him but now we are a team. Learning and getting in shape together. I can’t thank you enough!!!! Not only does Siege love his new saddle, my low back pain is GONE. I never feel uncomfortable.

Again. Thank you.”

I am a new Schleese customer and wanted to tell you how much I love my new saddle!  I have struggled for almost 5 years trying to find the right saddle for my horse.  New ones would work for a short time, but were never the right fit for myself and my horse together.  After watching all your videos, reading your book and the information on your website, I decided that I wanted to do the right thing for my horse and purchase one of your saddles.

Working with Denise Lenz was so educational and fun!  She was just super and explained everything she was doing.  I had several people there to watch me ride in 3 different saddles, but my horse Rex chose the Obrigado.  His movement was so different than anything I have ever felt before!  He has a very short back so it really suited him, and everyone watching agreed it was the one.  He was so happy and forward moving in that saddle, and I really just sat there and let him go.  Sitting the trot and canter was effortless for me for the first time!  Now I see why a “female” saddle makes such a difference.  I could never sit his canter easily before or keep my toes forward in my previous saddles.  The seat is so comfortable and I feel really supported as I ride.  It’s like I am one with him, and not just sitting on his back.  Every ride is a good ride and I’m excited to keep progressing with his training now that he can really move his body and not be uncomfortable or restricted.

I am also very grateful to Denise for selling me that demo saddle so I didn’t have to wait for one to be made.  She said she could leave us knowing it fit perfectly, and that gave her peace of mind.  I slept really well that night knowing I had purchased not only a lovely piece of equipment, but also feeling relieved that my horse will never suffer pain from an ill-fitting saddle ever again.  I am a Schleese customer for life now and look forward to working with Denise for years to come.

“Obrigado” [Thank you] and kind regards.

I just wanted to let you know that it has been another great round of fitting sessions with your hard working staff. Linda did a marvelous job arranging the schedule so that my friend and I could meet with Alexa and Juila on a weekend because of our work schedule. Alexa and Julia then did a great job helping Mary and I with our saddles and we are both beyond happy with how our horses are doing. I had some concerns following my fitting so Alexa and Julia swung by my barn on their way to another client one more time a few days later to recheck and ease my pre-horse show nerves. Alexa then sent me an article to help explain what I was seeing. All of this was a tribute to your company’s service to us as riders and our horses. I also want to mention Natalie Sauner (we do miss her!) has been a star in helping with fitting my horse and I and even answers some questions for me this time around via text message. Thank you for having such a stellar group of people and standing behind your saddles.  🙂 

Hi.

My name is Jennifer Pitzel and I am an Equine Massage Therapist. We spoke at The Mane Event in Red Deer about your saddles. I thought you might be interested in seeing the photos I took. Keep in mind that I am amateur rider who took 3 years off of riding.

Recently I bought a new horse, a 5 year old. I find I struggle to find my balance with my legs either too forward or too far back. The first photo is of me in your saddle designed for the male pelvis. The second photo is your female designed saddle [see side photo of female saddle].

Thank you for coming to Alberta to give your talks! I feel I really got a better understanding of what you have written and spoken of in your book and DVD which I am familiar with.

I am thrilled with the saddles and the fitters ! My 17 yr old draft cross has the cleanest spine they had ever seen when he had a bone scan done too see where arthritis was . His spine was clean . He only has been ridden in a Schleese .

Julia Dixon has just been amazing ! She has done wonders to get me a loaner and get my saddle built quickly so I can have it for a scholarship I was awarded.

Thanks again, Emily!

[Update: May 31, 2016]

Just wanted to tell you how much this new saddle has changed my horse.  My super short Obrigado [saddle] saved Pete.  No back pain.  The saddle fits Pete and me perfectly. He’s happy and no longer reactive and spooky as his back is pain free!!