Amy Valley’s Two Year Journey

Two years ago I sent both of my horses to a trainer because they were very jumpy and spooky.

My horse Spartan had bucked me off a time or two and we were struggling with collection on top of my own confidence issues after being bucked off. Two years and two trainers later I learned that my saddle fit was causing much of my issues.

Multiple saddles and fittings later and thousands of dollars in the hole left me in no better situation. In addition to this Spartan was receiving chiropractic and massage to un do the damage that an ill fitting saddle had caused.

That’s when I came to Lara Kronberger at Evolutionary Saddles. Lara took the time to meet me at a local arena and fit the saddle to Spartan and allow us to walk trot canter to our hearts content. She also took video so I could see the difference in my horses gait.

From the very first lap around at a lope I realized that my horse was able to collect himself up because he was no longer in pain and being restricted by an ill-fitting saddle. Lara also took the time to then stop by my barn and fit the saddle to my husband’s horse and allow me to see that it was capable of fitting 2 different shaped horses with minimal adjustments that I could do myself without a fitter.

From that day on my horses that were spooky, unbalanced, and at times unpredictable have become relaxed and calm. I am building back that bond and my own confidence that was lost over the last few years.

My husband is now able to ride his horse and enjoy a relaxing ride once more. As we get older riding becomes more difficult as we struggle with aches and pains in our knees and backs.

My Evolutionary Saddle has allowed me to be comfortable again while riding and not be sore in the inside of my legs for days after only a short ride. It has allowed me to take back my love of riding and be able to truly get out there and have a relaxing ride on my partner. My horse. And let all the stress of every day life fade away.

Spartan has built back muscle where he needs it and is now almost ready to be on only twice a year chiropractic and massage care! Thank you Lara for everything you do and for what you have given back to myself my husband and our horses!

We can never thank you enough! Never give up hope that you can get that connection back with your horse and your passion for riding! I almost did and without Lara I may have lost 2 of the best horses and my love for riding all together! ❤

Please share this story because I know there are others out there who need to hear this!

Satisfied Customer – Pam Mail

On 11/25/2020 1:10 PM, Pam Mail wrote:

Hi Cathy,
I received the saddle last Friday. Tried it out in our training pen Saturday taking your precautions. It felt pretty good. I made some adjustments to stirrup length and position. Sunday I decided to put it to a real test and we went on a 3-hour trail ride. Road and track with some up, down, around and through challenges at 3 gaits. My horse was happy and relaxed throughout. I felt more and more comfortable, finding my seat and settling into the new feel.

Cathy’s Response: WEEEEE

I had to use a girth with elastics, albeit very stiff elastics. I felt the saddle did list to the right somewhat on the way back, more noticeable when walking. This is usual when I ride.

Cathy’s Response: YOU MAY NEED TO SHORTEN THE REAR OF THE SADDLES RIGGING AND LENGTHEN THE FRONT.  MAKE SURE YOU ARE EQUAL ON BOTH SIDES

Back home, Roma’s back was completely dry but the hair a bit ruffled in a couple of spots.  She now has a good winter coat. From reading your material this sounds as expected. I’ll get another girth and pay extra attention to saddle placement before I cinch up next time.

Cathy’s Response: YES AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THE WOOL SOX HAVE SUCH A LOVELY BREATH-ABILITY THAT THE WHOLE BACK CAN BE DRY.

All in all, so far I love it. The leather quality is wonderful as promised. The seat is a perfect fit for me. I like the depth of seat, which offset the slight initial feeling of being a in suspension above the tree. However the more I rode the more secure I felt and settled down into a close contact with my horse. I needed to concentrate less and less on keeping my legs long into the stirrups so as not to lose them.

Cathy’s Response: I KNEW YOU WOULD LOVE IT.  I DO!

I watched your video before trying the saddle. Very interesting and informative. Your girls are lovely. Some new tips and many good reminders. I just read over the written material again.

Cathy’s Response: THANK YOU

Questions:
Do I understand correctly that this saddle was fabricated after 2010 therefore inserts need no regular oiling and panels need no maintenance?

Cathy’s Response: IF THE SADDLE HAS SILVER WASHERS THEN YES YOU HAVE TO OIL, BUT WE UPDATED EVERY THING.  BUT CHECK ANYWAY.

My greatest regret will be riding a very dusty horse with this beautiful white merino pad directly on her back! Can I use a thin felt or cotton pad during those times of the year that it’s impossible to wash out the deep grime from the horse? Our “winter weather” usually lasts from November to April.

Cathy’s Response: YES YOU CAN ESPECIALLY DURING THE SHEDDING PERIOD.  HOWEVER DRAW UP THE PAD BETWEEN THE PANELS SO THAT WHEN THE SADDLE IS CINCHED DOWN YOU CAN STILL GET TWO FINGERS BETWEEN THE SPINE AND THE PAD.  YOU WANT NOTHING TO BIND THE SPINE AS IT WILL BE DISCOMFORTING TO THE HORSE.

If you’d prefer I call, let me know. Thanks again,

Cathy’s Response: YOU ARE MOST WELCOME.  IT IS THANKSGIVING HERE IN THE USA, SO WE ARE ALL THROWING OUR DIETS TO THE WIND.

 PAM MAILSATISFIED CUSTOMER

Satisfied Horse – Carol

07/17/2019

Kathy, wish you could see Bandi on the trail now. Without fussing or firm rein, flat walk, head down, tail relaxed. She loves the saddle. Course she’s ready to rock and roll, just pick up the reins!

 CAROLWITH HER SATISFIED HORSE

Ortho-Flex Overhaul

FROM DEBRA (2/7/2021):

REALLY HAPPY WITH EVOLUTIONARY SADDLE COMPANY CLEANING AND OILING OF MY SADDLE!

Even cleaned the Conchos and added saddle strings.

Checked he mechanics of saddle also and in good working order

Thanks Lara!