This is the sort of transformation that is possible for horses you think are unridable.
Category Archives: Going Wow
More information on the benefits of Wow saddles and why so many people are going ‘Wow!’
A saddle for painful hips?
Many saddles are too wide through the twist if you have a problem in your hips – especially if you have a wide horse. The design of the WOW saddle allows the riders thighs to be spread less wide. If you want pain free riding experience, listen to what this rider had to say:
“I got a WOW saddle from you just after Xmas for my grey. I just wanted to say that you have changed my life – seriously! I don’t know what exactly has made the difference using that saddle, but I am now so much more comfortable.
Now I can ride for and hour or more and not be desperate to get off. I have
even had the odd lesson and managed to last the whole 45 minutes and not
just the 10 minutes or so that I could do previously.
Honestly, I was very close to giving up riding, which was a huge sadness to
me. But I was just in so much pain that it had stopped being a pleasure. Now I
can ride again. So very many thanks for suggesting the WOW saddle. Hopefully
that will give me a few more years of riding, which I didn’t think I would have.” – M.C. Surrey
The Wow Classique
The Classique range of saddles offers your horse the chance to enjoy many of the benefits of a WOW Saddle, yet with traditional wool flocking and at a fraction of the cost. Available in Dressage and Jumping styles, in black or brown leather, sizes 16”, 17” and 18”.
The saddles come with either Tabbed or No Tabbed panels with a wide gullet only. The panels are not interchangeable and smaller panels cannot be put on larger seats as with the WOW competitor and Edge ranges.
The jumping saddle uses a short military girthing system which allows the girthing angle to be changed for different horses when the girth groove has moved. This can be changed to long military system with dressage length of straps. We prefer the longer girth straps as it provides greater stability and adjustment but this does not suit every rider hence the choice.
The Classique Jumping has a flat seat with square a cantle and does not have such a big cut back head as with all the other WOW saddles. The seat is designed to allow for a more forward position favoured by show jumpers. The knee rolls are really supportive and comfortable and there is a small thigh block for added security.
The Classique Dressage has a two piece blister block design which is really soft on the riders side for the leg and firm and positively supportive at the front of the flap. The blocks ability to mould means it is suitable for many different riders. The seat profile on this saddle is extra deep.
Y Shaped Tree
The Classique saddle utilises the patented Y Shaped Tree, as is used in all WOW Saddles, which is strong and longitudinally stiff. This strength is centred which allows the seat to have incredibly narrow twists to provide superb leg contact, comfort and stability for the rider.
Lateral Flexion™
The unique tree used in Classique is longitudinally rigid, to distribute the rider’s weight symmetrically and evenly on the 7th to the 18th rib, yet has Lateral Flexion™ enabling the head of the tree to swing from side to side as the alternate shoulders rotate, offering exceptional freedom of movement.
Headplate Width
The Headplate in Classique can be selected from a huge range of width fittings, from XN – 8X, catering for all different shapes and sizes.
Spinal Profile
The Classique Headplate comes in three different Spinal Profiles, V, U and UU. The Spinal Profile can vary depending on the equine’s skeletal conformation so by offering different options the degree of angle can be selected from 73 – 143 degrees!
Pointless Panel System™
Conventional trees have points that stop approximately 7.5” down from the head, however Classique uses the patented Pointless Panel System™ (PPS) which has a depth of 12 – 13” that increases the bearing surface and decreases the pressure on the shoulder, encouraging better movement.
Double Stirrup Bar
The Classique range of saddles utilise a Double Stirrup Bar which provides two stirrup positions. This is particularly useful when changing leg positions for jumping or dressage and as a tool to help balance when schooling young horses.
Looking After Your Saddle
If you own a leather saddle, taking good care of it will increase its useful life and help it retain value. Leather is an organic material and, as such, is prone to the vagaries of the weather and the environment it’s kept in.
Tip 1: Wiping your saddle clean
Naturally, sweat and dirt build up on your saddle and, if left on it can lead to leather cracking and breaking. Just wipe your saddle with a slightly damp sponge soaked in warm water after each time you ride, follwowed by a good saddle soap. Spray soap is not particularly recommended as it’s not pure soap.
Tip 2: Applying leather conditioner
Once the saddle is dry, it’s a good idea to use a high quality leather conditioner. On soft leather, such as on Wow saddles, don’t be afraid to condition very regularly as it will keep it supple.
Tip 3: Keep it covered
Most new saddles come with an elasticated cover. If not, they are inexpensive to buy. When you aren’t using it, it helps prevent the leather getting scratched, especially when transporting it in the boot of a car.
Tip 4: Use a padded saddle rack.
Padding on a saddle rack protects the leather from abrasion and indents that saddle racks can cause. It also prolongs the life of your panel material, as panels with wool, foam, or air will compress quicker on a hard surface.
Tip 5: Don’t leave your saddle in your car on a hot day
Heat dries out leather and extreme heat can even warp the tree.
Tip 6: Avoid leaving it in humid environments
Bacteria are all around us and love warmth and damp. A saddle left in a humid place will grow unsightly mold within 48 hours, which will ruin the leather.