SADDLE REVIEW
Kieffer Inzell Exclusive DP With high knee rolls, a soft padded skirt, long girth straps, drop panels and movable V-suspension, the Kieffer Inzell Exclusive is a joy to ride in.
E
ach day Michelle Ferris learns more about her handsome Thoroughbred – enjoying his
company as she gently teaches him the basics. She is in no hurry to compete. “We’ll do that later,” she says. “At the moment I’m happy having weekly dressage lessons, especially now I’m riding in my Kieffer Inzell.”
Most Sundays Michelle has lessons with German dressage coach Sandra Schmalzing, who she says has helped her immensely. “And I’ve changed her mind about Thoroughbreds. She says in Germany all the OTTs are nuts, but mine
between the two greys: “They have the same grand sire, another lovey grey called Lion Hunter.”
are sensible and lovely!” Michelle could not be happier with her Kieffer and with the service from The
Her work with Ash was going well but
Saddle Hub. “The staff were patient
she felt it was time for a saddle upgrade.
and friendly, and they gave me time to
“I was using my old 16½” Riviera which
contact my saddle fitter. Dealing with
was OK for him as he’s quite short-
The Saddle Hub is such a very safe way
backed but I prefer riding in a 17”. I
to buy a saddle. Mine was a bargain and
looked for something nearly new with
absolutely immaculate.”
Michelle, an adult rider for fifteen years,
short panels to fit him well. I want to
lives on a small acreage in Thirlmere
get his basic dressage training really
on the edge of the NSW Southern
well established before doing some
Highlands, and works part time for NSW
more jumping and aiming for low level
Health in nearby Campbelltown. “Apart
eventing,” she explains. “I’ve taken him
from a few pony rides when I was a kid
to a couple of jumping clinics so far
All saddles come with a two-week trial,
I had little to do with horses until my
and soon we’ll go to some dressage
finance options, and a courier right to
late thirties. None of my adult children
competitions for the experience.”
your door. Terms and conditions apply.
The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit their online shop and browse through their fantastic range.
are horsey and the grand babies are too tiny. One might want a pony later but I’ll wait until they show some serious interest. I presently have two Thoroughbreds, one I ride occasionally, and the other is a seven-year-old OTT who I’ve been steadily working with since I got him nine months ago.” Purrfectionist, who Michelle has named Ash, had one win out of 13 starts “He’s 15.1hh and a very pretty dapple grey,” she says, “a small version of the famous Chautauqua but with a different outlook!” Chautauqua, the famous prizewinning sprinter, retired from racing after seven barrier refusals and is now training as a show horse. Michelle adds that there is a family connection
Michelle and seven-year-old OTT Ash (Image by Sandra Schmalzing). E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 79
