 Testimonials
As a professional event rider and athlete, I am extremely particular about the equipment I use. In fact I am fanatical about it. When it comes to saddles I am passionate about obtaining the best possible for my equine athletes. I would not run in training shoes that rub or pinch; I don't expect my horses to perform and carry me in a saddle that would do this either. I want equipment that enhances and improves my horses performance.
When I was asked to help to develop a new generation of saddle for the Barnsby Saddlery Company, in conjunction with Qualified Master Saddler and Registered Saddle Fitter Kevin McArdle, I was very relieved to find a saddler who shared my beliefs. Kevin impressed me with his knowledge of both the horse's anatomy and movement; and how to make adjustments/changes to a saddle design to improve the horses comfort and performance plus his sheer enthusiasm for getting it "just right".
Kevin's job of bringing together horse and rider is not an easy one, but one that he is committed to with the highest degree of attention to detail. This is not least due to the fact that he is a qualified and registered saddle fitter as well as being a Master Saddler (an important difference that is not always apparent to the average saddle purchaser). This means his understanding of how a horse's muscular and skeletal system works enables Kevin to increase the horse's performance.
Kevin is a valued professional who contributes to the success of my team by not only identifying the correct saddle for each horse and regularly re-checking fit, but also understanding my requirements as a competitor in a sport where kit that performs is an absolute necessity. I consider Kevin's six monthly "check-ups" as no different to booking the horse's dentist or the farrier. Why have a horse that is well kept, shod and has perfect teeth if his saddle gives him discomfort and poor performance every time you get on?
Kevin McArdle can quickly and efficiently give you peace of mind without the "hard sell". Kevin can help you to help your horse achieve its best in comfort.
Jo Aston
International Event Rider
http://www.joastoneventing.co.uk
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