Free 'n' Easy Saddle Company

Saddle Fitting Clinics for the Thinking Rider start this month

A new series of clinics aimed at eliminating the saddle fitting problems faced by many horse owners at some stage during their horses working lives, will take place throughout 2001. The clinics, organised and run by The Free 'n' Easy Saddle Company, aim to empower riders whatever their final choice of saddle style or brand - with a clearer understanding of how the saddle affects both the horse and rider; with the result that any potential saddle fitting problems can be anticipated and either prevented or more easily solved.

Saddle Fitting for the Thinking Rider clinics cover aspects of the horse structure, assessing the fit of the saddle and examining how the saddle affects the balance of the rider. The first few clinics will take place in the South East with further dates to be announced later in the year across the UK - as follows:

• Saturday 27 January, Cobham Manor Equestrian Centre, Maidstone, Kent (7pm)
• Saturday 10 February, Saddlecombe Stud, Epsom, Surrey (7pm)
• Saturday 24 February, Oaklands College, St Albans (2pm)

There are a number of places at each clinic for riders/owners to bring their horse along to participate in the clinics free of charge. Riders living near any of these venues interested in taking part with their horse or attending as a spectator should contact Jane Glasspool on 01707 895964/07929 076783. Admission is £5 per person.

The Free 'n' Easy Saddle Company has spent the last 5 years searching for a perfect saddle and found the answer in a unique, innovative flat panel construction which results in the only saddle in the world which is fully adjustable across the width and length of the horse's back - as well as in the location of the stirrup bar. It is this which both ensures maximum freedom of action for the horse and encourages a natural, correct and balanced position for the rider. The Classical Riding Club's Sylvia Loch is one trainer who has used a Free 'n' Easy saddle with considerable success. She explains: "Correct saddle fitting is always crucial to the performance of the horse so visitors should find the saddle clinic interesting whatever their personal choice of saddle or discipline."

Free 'n' Easy Saddles are currently available in GP, dressage and endurance riding versions. Early Free 'n' Easy dressage versions have been further improved with leather panels concealing the special construction, and complementary dressage squares completing the elegant look of the saddle. For a brochure and to identify your local Free 'n' Easy saddle fitter, call 01833-640887 or visit the web site at www.free-and-easy-saddles.co.uk. For specific fitting information go to: www.free-and-easy-saddles.co.uk/fitting