Jennifer Derksen & Gracie

I’ve now had a couple rides in my test EQ Saddle Science flapless dressage saddle. I’d like to share my observations so far.

I am a stickler for detail and this saddle does not disappoint. My first impression taking it out of the box, was the beautiful leather and contrasting piping. The second, and you may laugh, was the saddle cover. It has a outer layer similar to a high denier horse blanket and is lined with the softest fleece to protect the saddle. I have been continually disappointed in saddles that come with fleece or cotton covers which are dust and hair magnets in a horse barn. The EQ cover was but a prelude to the quality and performance of the saddle.

After a brief but thorough set-up video conference with EQ Saddle Science founder, Carmi Weininger I was off to the ring for my maiden ride. The saddle instantly felt comfortable and put me in a good line up, without effort. The closeness of having no flaps on a saddle is something that must be experienced to be appreciated. My thighs fell into a natural internal rotation and there was no ‘settling into’ this saddle. It was like that familiar feeling of pulling on an old favorite glove. Most notable was the stillness of my seat as the panels move independently from the saddles seat. I could not help but think how much comfort this gives to the horse, both physically and psychologically, in not having to continually adjust their balance to ours.

Gracie was agreeable from the start and for the first time, her ears got some sideways flop at the trot. She stretched nicely into the bridle and had no issue picking up either canter lead.

Subsequent rides have only gotten better. I feel very secure and balanced in the saddle and I love that the model I’m trialing has the option to switch out various thigh blocks on a velcro patch (Block tester model). This means I’m not locked into a ‘dressage leg’, when I go hacking and looking ahead, will be a big bonus if I’m teaching on Gracie as it can be easily adjusted to an individual students thigh.

Lastly, two weeks is a generous testing period and customers are encouraged to really trial the saddle in making their decision to purchase. The support received from both EQ Saddle Science and from EQ Saddle Science ambassador, Regina Milliken has been phenomenal and I've experienced none of the usual pressure tactics to purchase. I’m pretty sure I know why - this saddle sells itself!"