WOW Saddles Central Victoria

Julia will be in Bamawm area 3-4 January 2026 for fittings.
Bookings for appointments essential- please PM

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SADDLE FITTING PART 1 David Kempsell himself talks us through our latest saddle gauge and all of the differences between this and our original design!

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SADDLE FITTING PART 3 What does it mean to be a Right Hind Drive horse? #wowsaddles

Did you know that your WOW™ Saddle has THREE stirrup positions?

In addition to the two positions provided by the WOW™ stirrup bar, each seat has a fixing point underneath where a set of UP & OVER STIRRUP LEATHERS can be added by way of a bolt fixing point.

WHICH BAR TO USE?
Its largely down to personal preference as well as individual rider conformation. The front bar or back bar is not about dressage or jumping. Consider the overall picture of the rider in the saddle and how the stirrup position assists a natural fit for the leg. Factors affecting how to attain a ‘Head-Hip-Heel’ balance will include length of femur and lower leg, size of the foot and riding style.
Many Eventers tend to ride XC using the front bar enabling a defensive leg position well in front of the Head-Hip line. Dressage and Showjumpers tend to ride in the Head-Hip-Heel line - in fact seek that outline as desirable.

Julia McLean from WOW™ Saddles Australia says, “we have a number of very tall lady riders who use the front bar as their long femurs then settle into a very natural and effective leg position.” In that instance use of the back bar would likely create a fork seat causing the pelvis to roll forward, the rider’s weight onto the front of the thigh with the lower leg swinging back.

“Conversely” she says, “a number of shorter riders utilising the front bar find themselves in a chair seat with the leg too far in front of the body.” The chair seat causes the rider to sit on their buttocks instead of the seat bones and the rider will be behind the movement.

“I have showjump clients who prefer the back bar as their balance is easier to achieve particularly if they prefer a longer leg profile – likewise the endurance riders who ‘hover’ - as in stand in the stirrups for periods of time” Julia says.

“Some years ago, I wrote an article for a national publication about fitting a saddle to the rider. Stirrup bar position was part of that conversation leading to experimentation with two riders of very different body types, one horse, one saddle just changing the stirrup position with enlightening results”.

UP AND OVER?
The Up&Over Stirrups take the leathers 2 inches further behind the back bar. Julia had the privilege of a ride on a Grand Prix horse whose saddle was set up with Up&Over Stirrups encouraging her to try at home.

“Unexpectedly, the feeling is that my leg is actually more forward and better on the girth while improving alignment and stability. My homebred 17hh horse is too big for me (5’3”) so leg contact is crucial.”

“The horse I rode in the UK was smaller but set up for a taller rider so its worthy of trial.”

“I always encourage clients to swap their stirrups around to find the position that suits them best. On occasion I notice some riders using the back bar still seem to be ‘pulling’ themselves out of the rise – Up&Over will be of benefit no matter the discipline.”

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! UP & OVER STIRRUPS MUST BE USED WITH SAFETY STIRRUPS AS THE LEATHERS DO NOT COME OFF THE SEAT IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION.

Have you ever thought about how a tight fitting girth might be applying pressure to your horses muscles and as a result affecting your horses movement? Well once you try our new FreeSpace girth you might never go back. The FreeSpace Girth has a Sternum plate which has 2 parts. The outer is a reinforced plate that will not give under tension, while the other is an active cushion which holds the plate away from the horses ribcage. This design causes the girth straps to bridge the pectoral muscles of the horse, and this lack of pressure allows horses to engage with unimpeded muscles. Many horses have had great success, with visible difference such a extended stride length. In this video here you can clearly see how a FreeSpace girth fits securely, with a visible gap. Try it for yourself, and let us know how you get on!

WOW! A Truly Special Christmas Offer from Kiah Equine

Order your new WOW™ Saddle custom designed for you and your horse and as your EXTRA Christmas Gift receive upon delivery:

- WOW™ Supercool Logo Saddlecloth in the colour of your choice

- WOW™ FreeSpace® Girth to the value of $485

- WOW™ Stirrup Leathers in your required length and colour to match.

Offer valid for orders placed with deposit by 14 February 2024.

Book your demo ride today!

Participating Stockists:
WOW Saddles Australia
WOW Saddles North East Victoria
WOW Saddles South Australia
WOW Saddles Central Victoria
FreespaceGirths

Stay tuned for Fitting Days.
Recent fitting for Niki - The Teal is Real!
😁