Molly rides in custom JRD saddles and recommends them to her clients and students, especially those with hard to fit horses.
‘Our philosophy on saddle fitting is deeply rooted in BALANCE. Balance for the rider begins with balance of the saddle. The saddle must be balanced on the horse, but the seat must also be balanced for the rider or riding can be very uncomfortable. All too often riders think they must endure the pain of a saddle that doesn’t fit them correctly. At JRD Saddlery, we know YOUR SADDLE SHOULD FIT YOU AND YOUR HORSE.’
I first started working with Mehrdad, JRD Saddlery, in 2001, after struggling with finding a fitter in the area that had the knowledge to deal with my (lack of) height, and some difficult to fit horses. Mehrdad is so much more than a saddle fitter! He and his team make saddles from scratch. The balance point of the saddle it made to fit where a horse breaks in the back. Seats are shaved out to precisely balance the rider. Saddles can be re fitted as horses change thru the levels.
For me, I think the biggest bonus of JRD Saddles is you have virtually the same saddle from green broke to Grand Prix. I have spent far less buying custom made saddles from JRD for my green broke youngsters, and having new trees, head plates, and panels put in over the years, than I would have spent buying and selling saddles every couple levels. Not only do I not have to deal with the frustration of finding the next saddle when my horse grows/develops, my saddle keeps the same feel for me when it gets changed to fit my horse. I love that continuity!
Mehrdads customer service, ability to read how a horse will develop, and continued consistency in making saddles to fit all breeds and shapes of horses, has made me a customer for life!