28/08/2026
Matt will be heading to Harney Park in Bolinda on 26th September, Contact Carmen Leigh to book in.
Tracey is our Victorian-based Saddle Fitter and a qualified UK Master Saddle Fitter with over 20 years of experience in saddle fitting.
With an extensive background in the equestrian industry, Tracey is passionate about ensuring every horse and rider comb
28/08/2026
Matt will be heading to Harney Park in Bolinda on 26th September, Contact Carmen Leigh to book in.
Senior rider
If you young and beautiful no need to read🤣
As for the horse they are lucky they don't wake up in the morning and think I'm 65 better take it easy! Age doesn't mean a thing to them, they go as good as they feel!
I'm now well qualified in this subject🤣 I'm learning as I go. There's no text books for senior riders.
🐴It's good if "possible" to be physically fit and within BMI range.
🐴 Your ligaments start to calcify, stretching becomes even more important for flexibility. Sports physo. can assist,I believe Pilates is excellent expressly for core strength
🐴Following Doctors advice naturally!
🐴I can no longer swing on to a horse, now I have to use a mounting block higher the better, also kinder on the horses back.
🐴When dismounting with a high cantle saddle,try bending your right knee rather than swinging your leg straight over the horse's rump.
🐴Not recommended to dismount using the stirrup, there is a danger of being hung up,
Western people, some will dismount of their Ox/bow as their saddles are usually stable.
🐴Use break away stirrups one less thing to worry about.
🐴saddle has to be stable and secure.
🐴Don't have to strive for big moving horse, instead strive for lightness and softness,it easier, "ride smarter with less effort"
🐴Equestrian sport it doesn't matter how old or young, male or female it is the only sport we can can participate equally.
🐴I was told once riding was to next best exercise to walking.
🐴Last and most important keep riding don't lose that riding fitness, it very hard to regain it back.
This me dismounting Archer not elegantly 🤣
18/08/2026
Heading for a trip south west to Camperdown on Friday 28th August I’ve got some availability message me if you’d like an appointment 😀
08/06/2026
More items added daily
https://aitkenssaddlery.com/collections/eofy-2026
03/06/2026
🐴 Is Your Saddle Really the Right Fit? 🐴
A well-fitting saddle is one of the most important investments you can make in your horse's comfort, performance, and long-term health.
Signs your horse may need a saddle fit check:
✔️ Changes in behaviour under saddle
✔️ Difficulty bending or moving freely
✔️ Uneven sweat patterns
✔️ Soreness through the back
✔️ Changes in muscle development
✔️ Your saddle feels unbalanced or unstable
Regular saddle fitting helps ensure your horse can move comfortably and perform at their best, while also giving you a more secure and balanced ride.
✨ Whether you're competing, trail riding, or enjoying time in the saddle, a professional saddle fit can make all the difference.
📞 Book your saddle fitting today and give your horse the comfort they deserve.
Trusted by Riders. Loved by Horses. 🐎💛
✨ Ride in Comfort. Perform with Confidence. ✨
Discover the quality and craftsmanship of the Defiance Classic Saddle.
✔ Crafted from premium-quality leather
✔ Built on a lightweight wood laminate tree for flexibility and rider comfort
✔ Premium wool flocked panels designed to minimise clumping while maximising comfort, balance, and stability for your horse
✔ Narrow twist for a closer, more comfortable feel
✔ Forward balance design to support an effective riding position
✔ Expertly handcrafted in England by qualified saddlers
Designed with both horse and rider in mind, the Defiance Classic combines traditional craftsmanship with modern performance to help you get the best out of every ride.
🐴 Quality you can feel. Comfort your horse will appreciate.
📞 Contact Tracey on 0408 399 988 to learn more or arrange a saddle fitting today.
Trusted by Riders. Loved by Horses. ✨
01/06/2026
29/05/2026
🐴 Optimal Saddle Placement: Finding the Perfect Balance for Equine Comfort & Performance
Did you know that where your saddle sits on your horse's back can have a significant impact on comfort, movement, and performance?
A correctly positioned saddle helps your horse move freely, develop muscles correctly, and perform at their best, while an incorrectly placed saddle can create discomfort, restriction, and unwanted behavioural issues.
✅ Key Points for Optimal Saddle Placement:
🔹 Balance & Alignment
The saddle should sit level and balanced, allowing the rider's weight to be distributed evenly across the horse's back.
🔹 Freedom of the Shoulders
The saddle must sit behind the shoulder blades, allowing them to rotate freely and enabling your horse to move with a longer, more expressive stride.
🔹 Correct Girth Alignment
The billets should hang as close to vertical as possible and align with your horse's natural girth groove to help keep the saddle stable.
🔹 Spine & Wither Clearance
Adequate clearance over the withers and spine is essential to prevent pressure points and ensure your horse remains comfortable throughout work.
🔹 Professional Assessment
Every horse is unique. A qualified saddle fitter can assess your horse's conformation and ensure your saddle is positioned correctly for both horse and rider.
💡 Remember: Even the best saddle cannot perform effectively if it isn't placed correctly.
A few minutes spent checking saddle position before every ride can make a world of difference to your horse's comfort, willingness, and performance.
🐎 Happy horse = Happy rider.