How Saddle Fit Transformed an ‘Unsafe’ Horse into a 5-Star Eventer
When Sarah Stretton bought Skip On—affectionately known as Bobby—as a green four-year-old, he came with a warning label. Bobby had been written off as unsafe, bucking and bolting unpredictably, but Sarah saw something in him and trusted her instincts.
She immediately called in her veterinary physiotherapist, Dr Gail Williams, to investigate what was really going on. The examination revealed several issues that were causing Bobby's behaviour. Sarah and Gail worked together to correct his posture and treat the underlying discomfort, and gradually, the 'problem horse' transformed into a talented athlete.
The pair rose through the rankings together, eventually earning spots on the GB Young Rider squad and competing at some of eventing's toughest venues. Bobby rarely had a cross-country fault—a record that included clear rounds at some of the world’s most challenging events, Badminton and Burghley. Not bad for a horse once labelled unrideable.
Making saddle fit part of the performance plan
Throughout their partnership, Sarah worked closely with Gail to keep Bobby comfortable and competition ready. When Gail introduced her to Bates saddles during Bobby's rehabilitation, Sarah found they gave her the flexibility she needed as Bobby's body changed through his training and competition schedule.
“Many horses I re-train and school have wasted withers and very poor muscles across the back,” Sarah explains. “Many owners cannot afford to buy a new saddle or have adjustments made on a regular basis. With the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution, Bates saddles can be quickly adjusted when either a horse changes shape, or should I need it to be used on another horse in the yard.”
The CAIR Cushion System has been equally important. “Eventing means split-second decisions in the heat of the moment. Having an air-panel means my rider weight is evenly distributed across my horse's back, eliminating pressure points no matter the challenge,” says Sarah. “I know that my horses have total freedom of movement and are always comfortable, no matter how surprising the take-off or challenging the landing may be.”
Sarah has owned and seen horses at every level, from her daughter’s pony to 5-star eventers and several homebred horses in between. The simplicity of adjustability of the system has proven particularly valuable as horses build their topline and change shape during their careers. While Sarah always recommends professional saddle fitting advice, the reality of elite-level eventing often means significant travel and last-minute changes. Being able to adjust her saddles herself gives her peace of mind that she can keep her horses comfortable without relying on a stack of pads.
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A partnership built on attention to detail
For Sarah, saddle fit isn't just a box-ticking exercise—it's part of her overall approach to keeping her horses sound and performing at their best. Sarah checks and reassesses regularly, knowing that Bobby's shape changes with his fitness, workload, and the seasons.
“With the help of Dr Gail Williams and Bates Saddles, I'm confident all my horses are completely comfortable while in work,” she says.
Bobby's story is a reminder that perceived behavioural problems often have a physical cause—and that getting the basics right, including saddle fit, can make all the difference between a horse that's labelled difficult and one that's competing at five-star level.
Bates Saddles shares research, educational content and expertise on saddle fitting and horse welfare with riders around the world. Find out more at batessaddles.com
