Vicki always has the comfort of the horse as a Primary Concern and with that in mind has undertaken to train as a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMSQSF). The only person on the Island qualified to Train Vicki is Amyanne Southern of Horse & Rider, Tynwald Mills. Amyanne is a Qualified Saddle Fitter Registered with the Society of Master Saddlers GB. Training is proving to be both interesting and challenging and the impact ill-fitting tack has on our equine partners should never be underestimated. The last 12 months have increased Vicki's determination to become Qualified to further her knowledge on this vast subject. Vicki took her Foundation Course in October 2011. Amyanne will continue to Support, Train and Mentor Vicki for the next 3 years at least, at which point, if ready, Vicki will undertake her Final Exams.
New saddles
Utopian Saddle Solutions are able to source a wide range of new saddles, which can be made to template if necessary, due to our connection with Horse & Rider at Tynwald Mills, St Johns. Our range includes, but is not limited to Black Country, Jeremy Rudge, Wow, Kent & Masters and Thorowgood. Please make enquiries if you require a new saddle from a manufacturer not on the above list.
Native Pony Saddle Company & Phoenix Saddles
Vicki is proud to have been appointed 'Sole Distributor' for the Isle of Man by Andrea Hicks, owner and designer of this Company of beautifully crafted and reasonably priced quality saddles. Andrea is very discerning about who she appoints to sell her beloved saddles and after some discussion, research and considerable training it is very pleasing to have been selected!
These saddles are not only a great fit for Native Breeds of all shapes and sizes but Tree shapes to suit Cobs, Spanish Horses, Arabs, Eventers, Dressage Ponies and Endurance Horses to name a few are all catered for.
I now have 3 Demo saddles of different styles which can be seen on my ponies at Competitions. I have also ridden in them and can guarantee they provided wonderful stability, support and comfort for the rider as well and the horse. For further information or to view the full range of saddles please go to www.nativeponysaddles.com or give me a call.
Pre-owned saddles
How it works - Selling
If you have a saddle that needs to be sold please contact Vicki with the details. The Saddle will need to be thoroughly inspected to make sure it is safe and fit for use. If the saddle was originally supplied by Vicki a 10% Commission will be charged upon a successful sale. otherwise 20% Commission will be charged.
How it works - Buying
If you wish to purchase a New or Secondhand saddle, please contact Vicki who will come out and assess both the requirements of the horse and rider. We will then discuss the best way forward for the comfort of your horse encompassing optimum performance. This usually takes in the region of 1 hour and for this there is a one off charge of £30. For each subsequent visit to fit prospective Saddles there may be a fuel charge depending on frequency of visits and location but no other charge.
VICKI FLEMING – BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED RIDING INSTRUCTOR
& SADDLE FITTER
TEL 897531 or 483014
