SADDLE REVIEW
Equipe Viktoria Wanted: A comfortable dressage saddle to fit a Thoroughbred who looks more like a Quarter Horse.
D
amian Foale hails from
its toll, and it became apparent that the
we discovered many more brands, but
Dunmora, a small rural
saddle was reaching the end of its days.
after doing some research we thought
community 20kms to the west
of Maryborough on Queensland’s Fraser Coast.
An update was in order: “I wanted a newer saddle of better quality and
the Equipe would be a good one to try,” Damian says.
better fit for Ralitsa, my 13-year-old
Between them, the couple have six
Around six years ago, inspired by wife
Thoroughbred mare,” says Damian. “But
horses, and when the saddle arrived
Debbie, a keen rider herself, and a
for a Thoroughbred, she’s really built
they trialled it not only on Ralitsa, but on
family friend who’s a riding instructor
more like a Quarter Horse: she has quite
several of their other horses, and were
and horse trainer, Damian decided
a low wither, is quite wide, and has a
delighted to find that it was easy to fit as
it was time to give it a go. “I just fell
long body. She’s actually very solid.”
well as being very comfortable.
into it, I guess you could say. I got a
So the hunt for a suitable second hand
Damian is enjoying his new saddle and
real interest for it and luckily we had a
saddle began. Debbie hopped online
finds the deep seat holds his shape
couple of good horses that I could start
and after searching through several
well. He is also pursuing his interest in
with as a beginner.”
sites, realised The Saddle Hub offered a
Working Equitation: “I really do like it
Initially Damian rode in a western
better range of saddles.
because it gives your horse something
saddle, later switching to a second-hand
Initially they had no particular brand
dressage saddle that he found gave him
in mind: “There were a few that we’d
to do something that involves an
a better shape and seat. But time takes
heard of and when we began searching
obstacle,” he explains.
to think about. Rather than just riding in an arena, you’re giving them a direction
Although Damian hasn’t competed yet, he would like to: “I’ve been to a couple of Working Equitation competitions just to see what’s involved, and it looks like I could get there, but I’ve got a lot more work to do before then,” he says. Damian and Debbie thoroughly enjoyed their Saddle Hub experience, and say the purchase was stress-free, the online photos and description were absolutely accurate, and the service was excellent. The Equestrian Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit www.equestrianhub.com.au The Equipe Viktoria dressage saddle was the perfect choice for Damian and his Thoroughbred mare Ralitsa.
and browse through their fantastic range. All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 89
