Galloping Ahead Saddlery

31/03/2026

Special announcement coming soon! 📣 👀

Did you know??

For over 200 years, Jeffries Saddlery has been handcrafting saddles with precision, passion, and care. From our beginnings in 1820 to today, we are proud to continue producing in Walsall, keeping tradition alive while blending timeless craftsmanship with modern expertise.

Every saddle we make is a testament to our history, dedication, and love for horses and riders alike.

Experience the craft that’s been trusted for generations.

28/03/2026

🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟

After a busy week of saddle fitting, I just want to give a GAS GOLD STAR to all the horses and owners I’ve seen this week

You all give me so much job satisfaction.

Old clients and new…
Ponies, cobs, thoroughbreds…
Bays, coloured, greys…
And so many different personalities.

🌟 Corky, who kindly pushed his mum over with a front hoof when she bent down to pick up a girth, a cheeky nine-year-old with a big personality.

🌟 Flicka, the sassy sports pony (Shetland x Quarter Horse) and serious UK/European games pony.

🌟 Bobby, the delicate TB who was bought as a family horse but clearly sees himself as a serious hunter.

🌟 Trevor, the Welsh Cob who needed a good run around the indoor school at Comeytrowe Equestrian Centre before he’d even consider a saddle on his back.

🌟 Ellie, the TB who jumps like a stag, over 16hh but with only a workable 16–16.5” saddle area, paired with a long-legged teenage rider (also Ellie!).

Just a few of the lovely horses I’ve had the pleasure of working with this week.

You’re all amazing, wonderful horses with committed owners. You keep me on my toes with fitting challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The horse is always at the heart of everything I do.

It genuinely warms my heart to reflect on the week and think of all the horses I’ve helped feel more comfortable.

If your horse is telling you something isn’t quite right, please get in touch.

✉️ [email protected]
📞 07736 855366

Emma x

23/01/2026

An interesting international development for saddle fitting as a profession.

In the UK, saddle fitting is not regulated by the government. There is no protected title and anyone can legally offer saddle fitting services.

Messages such as “LOOK FOR THE BADGE” relate to membership of a professional body, not statutory regulation. They indicate adherence to that organisation’s standards and qualification route, rather than a legal requirement to practise.

Saddle fitters in the UK may qualify through several recognised training routes, meaning competence and professionalism are not limited to one organisation’s badge.

Understanding the difference between government regulation, professional membership and qualification routes is essential for owners making informed decisions in the best interests of their horses.

23/01/2026

I love horses, I love working outside, I love January, I love the diverse English weather….

Positive thinking and all that 🧘‍♂️.

Happy Friday all!

18/01/2026

Get in touch now to book an appointment either at Comeytrowe Equestrian Centre, Taunton or mobile at your yard.

👇

Clean lines and refined appearance making you stand out 👑 Arena Monoflap Jump for riders who care about presentation.

18/01/2026

One of my favourites! 🤩

The Arena jump, now available as a monoflap 👏

They offer amazing quality and fit for their price point, which makes them such a brilliant option for so many horses and riders.

The HART panel system gives flexibility for comfort, freedom, and movement. Combined with an adjustable gullet, they’re a very adaptable saddle as horses change and develop.

⭐ Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle

✅ Close-contact monoflap design for a secure, balanced jumping position

✅ Lightweight and responsive under the leg

✅ Supports freedom through the shoulder

✅ Also available in pony sizes!

Only £1,099 NEW 🤩

Now in stock 😎

If you’d like to test one, please get in touch.

✉️ [email protected]
📞 07736 855366

Clean lines and refined appearance making you stand out 👑 Arena Monoflap Jump for riders who care about presentation.

18/01/2026

I had a lovely visit to Southill Equine yesterday. Not only is it just five minutes from home here in Uffculme, but it’s a beautiful yard with fantastic facilities, including an outdoor school available to hire. There are lots of exciting projects happening there too 😉👀

First up was the gorgeous little Captain, who very deservedly received a GAS GOLD STAR ⭐️ for cuteness. He was fitted with the ever-versatile Wintec pony saddle — a great option for growing ponies and young riders.

Next was the magnificent Joker, fitted with an Ideal Saddle Company monoflap jump saddle. It was a pleasure to see him and Ellie strutting their stuff as always, she’s such a talented young rider.

And a big thank you to Gemma for taking some photos, as I always forget 📸.

18/01/2026

Part 2 - What is wrong with this saddle? 🔎

Well done to everyone who spotted that the saddle was asymmetric 👏.

A GAS GOLD STAR ⭐ to those who went a step further and correctly identified the issue as a twisted tree.

So… what does that actually mean?

A saddle tree should be symmetrical, with both sides mirroring each other so weight is distributed evenly across the horse’s back.
In this case, the tree itself has twisted, meaning one side sits differently to the other. There are other reasons why and how a saddle can be assymetrical.

Why can a saddle tree twist? ⚠️

A twisted tree can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Poor storage (left balanced on one panel or pommel)
• Being repeatedly lifted or carried by one panel
• Long-term uneven flocking or pressure
• A significant fall or impact
• Manufacturing faults or weaknesses over time

Once a tree is twisted, it cannot be corrected by reflocking or adjustment alone.

Why does it matter? 🐴

A twisted tree can:
• Create uneven pressure
• Restrict movement on one side
• Cause muscle soreness or asymmetry
• Lead to behavioural changes under saddle

Why I’m sharing this? 🔍

This saddle was one I purchased online to add to my stock. I always fully check saddles before I accept them to sell. Luckily the issue was picked up before it ever went near a horse.

Many riders buy second-hand saddles privately or online in good faith, not realising issues like this can be hard to spot without experience. Always get your saddles checked by a qualified and experienced saddle fitter.

Regular checks and a trained eye, really do matter. I’ve included some photos whereby the saddle looks completely fine, it’s pretty much impossible to spot a lot of problems until you see the saddle in person.

10/01/2026

Part 1 - What is wrong with this saddle? ❌

At first glance, it might look fairly normal.

But there is an issue here and it is one that is often missed, unless you know exactly what to look for.

Take a closer look.. 👀

From these images, the problem is actually quite clear once your eye is drawn to it.

I will explain exactly what’s going on and why it matters for the horse in my next post.

👇

Did you spot it?

Please feel free to share - education helps us all move forward.

09/01/2026

We have sponsored some lovely rosettes for this event and contributed towards some fabulous prizes.

Looking forward to seeing our name on the ribbons!

♥️ 🏵️ ♥️ 🏵️ ♥️

Come and join us on Saturday, 21st February at Stretcholt EC for our Area 12 Grassroots Winter Dressage Qualifier, incorporating open unaffiliated classes.

Should the number of entries exceed capacity, a ballot will take place, and qualifying entries will be prioritised.

Lots of classes from Intro to Novice, junior and senior sections including a pairs class. Team and individuals qualifiers (please note that qualifying entrants must have pre purchased a BRC Competitions Pass).

Entries are now open on Equo along with the full schedule, and will close when classes are full so don't miss out.

https://www.equoevents.co.uk/ViewEvent/ViewEventDetails/54277

Many thanks to our class sponsors for providing lovely rosettes and prizes in every class -
Rikki Critchell Photography
Jan & Tracey Knott at Ballwood Stables
Syscon Ltd https://www.sysconltd.co.uk
Galloping Ahead Saddlery
5 Slice Pizza Club
Amy Ashman at Goblin Combe Farm
Tina Burrows
Club members Kate Lyons, Emma Garbett and Anna Larsen

Rikki will be with us taking beautiful photographs for you to purchase and the cafe (cash only) will be open.

08/01/2026

🤩 Equine Fitters Directory - Featured Fitter! 🤩

I am proud to be registered.

Equine Fitters Directory

All members are fully qualified and insured. The Equine Fitters directory is the only fully independent register for Saddle Fitters. Qualifications and insurance are all checked and vetted before being added to the register.

Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a Saddle Fitting or have any questions, I’d be happy to help:

📞 07736 855366
✉️ [email protected]

✨ EQUINE FITTER SPOTLIGHT✨
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘆-𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘆

Emma is a qualified and insured saddle fitter, registered with The Equine Fitters Directory and a trainee member of the Society of Master Saddlers. Emma is a Master Saddle Fitting Consultant and holds the City & Guilds Certificate in Flocking and Adjustments. Galloping Ahead Saddlery is registered with BETA as an Approved Retailer.

She is committed to ongoing learning, training and continuous professional development. She is currently undertaking a Level 4 qualification to become a Equine Soft Tissue Therapist in addition to Saddle Fitting.

📍Based in Taunton, Somerset and covers the surrounding areas.

Read more about Emma here- https://www.equinefittersdirectory.org/directory/emma-dicey-cordy/