Rachael Wallace, Equine Rehabilitation and Rehoming Manager was first introduced to SMART Saddles thanks to our technical advisor, Mark Fuller. Mark visits the centre monthly to aid in training our horses, and it was through him that we discovered the incredible potential of SMART Saddles.

After purchasing four SMART Saddles and hosting a dedicated training day at HAPPA, we were thrilled when SMART Saddles expressed a keen interest in collaborating more closely with us. This partnership has blossomed, starting with the loan of an Elite Dressage saddle for our HAPPA horses, following our positive experience during the training day.

SMART Saddles and HAPPA share a mutual commitment to enhancing equine welfare. This common goal is the foundation of our partnership. Both organisations are dedicated to ensuring that horses receive the best care possible, which is reflected in our collaborative efforts.

Benefits of SMART Saddles for HAPPA Horses

Over the past two years, SMART Saddles have become an integral part of our operations at HAPPA. Initially introduced by Mark Fuller as a solution to our saddle fitting challenges, these saddles have proven to be invaluable. The large number of horses and ponies at our centre, each with unique shapes and sizes, made finding well-fitted saddles a daunting task. Traditional saddles were not only costly but often ill-fitting, leading to a range of issues, particularly for horses with poor conformation.

SMART Saddles, funded by grants, have revolutionised our approach. These versatile saddles can be used across a variety of ponies, adapting as the horses grow, mature, and develop. For instance, our school master, Fergus, previously required monthly physio sessions due to back soreness caused by his old saddle. Upon switching to a SMART Saddle, we were astonished by the immediate improvement in his mobility. Fergus now only needs physio check-ups every three to four months, showcasing the profound impact of these saddles.

This positive experience is echoed across all our horses at HAPPA. The well-balanced design of SMART Saddles provides great comfort for our staff, allowing them to maintain a secure and balanced position on young, unbalanced horses and ponies. With five SMART Saddles now in our possession, we have significantly reduced costs while markedly improving the welfare of our equines.

A Testimonial to SMART Saddles

Rachael says, ‘’SMART Saddles have genuinely enhanced the welfare and comfort of the equines at HAPPA while reducing costs for our charity, which relies on donations. Our horses can move more freely as the saddles flex with their movement, ensuring even weight distribution. The extensive research and continuous improvements behind SMART Saddles are truly impressive. The results speak for themselves’’

Overall, the partnership between SMART Saddles and HAPPA has been transformative. These innovative saddles have not only resolved our fitting issues but have also contributed to the overall well-being and comfort of our horses. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and reaping the benefits for our equine companions.