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Victoria Hamilton has drawn on over 30 years’ of experience in the equestrian industry, as a veterinarian, elite dressage coach and international competitor, to bring this amazing collection of custom-made and off-the-shelf saddles to the Australian market. With her matchless knowledge of equine anatomy and rider biomechanics, she has personally selected each saddle to maximise horse and rider comfort and performance.
With its range of high-quality dressage, jump, show and all-purpose saddles, VH Saddlery is committed to finding the perfect solution for every horse and rider.
With its range of high-quality dressage, jump, show and all-purpose saddles, VH Saddlery is committed to finding the perfect solution for every horse and rider.
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Choosing the best products for treating and preventing various horse health issues can be as confusing as it is to diagnose them. There are varied and strong opinions that leave horse owners feeling overwhelmed.
As a veterinarian, breeder and international dressage competitor, Dr Victoria Hamilton has a wealth of experience in equine health. Having bred and trained many horses to FEI level, before caring for them well into retirement, Victoria really understands the changing needs of horses throughout their lives, which are relative to work load, environment, age, breed and temperament.
She is committed to sourcing the best horse products available at affordable prices, and providing quality services to help owners enhance the quality and longevity of their horses' lives and careers.
As a veterinarian, breeder and international dressage competitor, Dr Victoria Hamilton has a wealth of experience in equine health. Having bred and trained many horses to FEI level, before caring for them well into retirement, Victoria really understands the changing needs of horses throughout their lives, which are relative to work load, environment, age, breed and temperament.
She is committed to sourcing the best horse products available at affordable prices, and providing quality services to help owners enhance the quality and longevity of their horses' lives and careers.
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From private or shared in-person Equest Connect sessions to on-line remote coaching or special programs, you will find a way Victoria Hamilton is able to help you with your equestrian journey! If you need further information on anything at all please be in touch via email.
About us
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As a veterinarian, international competitor and dressage coach, Dr Victoria Hamilton has always been fascinated by the impact riders and saddles can directly and indirectly impact the horse’s natural movement. She believes it is the duty of a rider to do everything possible to maximise the comfort of their horse and allow them to move freely under saddle. In order to improve the wellbeing of her own performance horses and retain the natural beauty of their movement while being ridden, Victoria was driven to find a better solution in saddles.
Recognising all riders have different preferences, with both horses and riders having unique needs when it comes to a saddle, after stringent testing and quality control, Victoria started importing the Ryder and Discovery Saddlery ranges. By offering the three brands of saddles, which include a range of dressage, jump and all-purpose saddles, Victoria is confident VH Saddlery can find the perfect saddle for all horses and riders. |
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What our clients say
frequently asked questions
What are the best saddles for wide flat-backed horses?
The most suitable saddle for wide flat-backed horses would depend on the shape and size of the horse’s withers. Horses can be wide and have little or no wither or be wide and have a very pronounced wither. This makes a very big difference to which saddles may be suitable. Take the Discovery saddles for example: they come in two totally different tree types, yet both can go out from medium to extremely wide. The difference is the WB tree is suitable for the flatter backed horses and the TB tree for the horses with more shape in their backs. Jeffries also have trees that vary in the flatness and angle of the rails with the Liberty tree more for flatter backed horses. Of the Ryder saddles the Baroque, Excellence, Legacy Ultra and Zara have flatter trees than the Molineux and the Panamera. The VH saddles were designed specifically for the flatter-backed horses and are excellent for these. Once the tree has been chosen the back panels must be considered as even a flat-backed horse may require shortened back panels or raised up stitch-lines to alleviate pressure in this area, particularly if they have a short saddle platform area with regards to the length of saddle required by the rider or if they have very or highly developed loins muscles. Victoria is more than happy to discuss the individual requirements of your horse. Contact us to find out more.
What are the best saddles for short-backed horses?
It is less so about the length of a horses back and more about the length of the riders leg relative to the horses back. Even a horse with a reasonable length of back can have issues with the saddle sitting too far back when ridden by a very long-legged rider. Some saddles are more open in the seat while others are more forward in the flap, both of which often allows for a better match between horse and rider in this situation. Saddles with moveable knee rolls can also be really useful, as the rider can opt for thinner knee rolls to give them more room in the saddle (giving them the option of a smaller seat). Discovery saddles are ideal, as are any of our custom-made range (the Ryder Saddles and VH Signature Saddles) as they can be made to fit the rider and horse combination perfectly. Of the Ryder saddles the Zara, Baroque and Excellence are brilliant for short-backed horses.
What are the best saddles for horses with big shoulders?
Horses with big shoulders often also have a forward girth groove which can often be more problematic than the shoulders. When placed in the correct position on the horse, a suitable saddle allows the girth straps to hang perpendicular. If the straps have to be pulled forward to girth up, the saddle has no hope of staying back off the shoulders. Many saddles have been designed to alleviate shoulder pressure and restriction. Some saddles such as the VH Signature Saddles have the tree point angling backwards, allowing greater shoulder freedom but resulting in the girth points on these saddles being further back. This is due to the fact that the further most forward girth strap can only be as forward as the tree point. These saddles must be placed and balanced correctly because if the whole saddle is behind the shoulder, not just the tree point, they will never stay in position. This is why it is so important your saddle fitter is either extremely experienced or knowledgeable on particular brands. There are other saddles that do the opposite, with tree points that flare out and angle forwards. This not only allows the shoulders to move freely but it also enables the girth straps to be very forward, hence keeps the saddle off the shoulders. Discovery WB tree and Max Benz One saddles are examples of such saddles. Max Benz also has a uniquely shaped front panel, allowing the horses soft tissue more room, but still excellent support for the moveable knee roll. Yet another unique solution is found in the Ryder Baroque saddles which were developed specifically for Friesian horses and have short tree points which are flexible.
What are the best saddles for downhill horses?
Downhill horses and those with low withers can be challenging to ride but this need not be the case! It can be caused by conformation or age, but some horses may move downhill due to pain or training. For example, sore front feet can change the way a horse moves biomechanically, and they can really travel on the forehand, as can horses that have been incorrectly stretched down in their work. Saddle stability and balance is of utmost importance in these situations and Discovery Saddles excel in this area. With a choice of a flatter or a more shaped tree, changeable gullets and incredible girthing options, they can fit almost every shape of horse. Custom-made saddles including our Ryder and VH Signature Saddle ranges are also good for these horses as the balance of the saddle can be perfected by requesting different front panel and gusset options. The choice of saddle would depend on the shape of the horse’s back and rider preference. Many horses that have travelled downhill for some time actually completely change the way they move when in a different saddle. Trying many different saddles on a horse through a saddle trail/consultation can paint a picture as to what the horse does and doesn’t like about the various parts of a saddle. Sometimes it is the pressure directly applied by the saddle to the horse, but often it can be how the rider sits in different saddles, with more balance or a different rider position making such a big difference to the horse.
What are the best saddles for young horses?
Young horses are going to develop and change, and how much depends on the breed, workload and age. For most people it is sensible to use a saddle with changeable gullets if the horse is under 5 years of age. such as the Discovery Saddles or Max Benz One Saddles. This way the gullet may be changed at any time and over a large range of sizes. They also have generous panels and gussets to allow a lot of adjustments to be made through the flocking by your saddle fitter. After 5-6 years of age, depending on breed and development, many riders choose a custom-made saddle from the VH Signature or Ryder range of saddles. These saddles can be pressed in or out 1 size either way by your saddle fitter, 3-4 times throughout the saddle’s life, which along with their wool-flocked panels, allows for great adjustability.
What are the best saddles for horses with atrophied back musculature?
The most suitable saddle for a horse with atrophied back musculature will depend on the reason for the atrophy, so history is very important. It may be due to a recently ill-fitting saddle, a past injury or illness, or past poor training. All of this needs to be taken into consideration along with the horse’s age and level of current work, nutrition and rider expertise. Also important is the position of the atrophy. Is it just around the wither area, the entire saddle platform area, only towards the back of the saddle or perhaps the whole topline of the horse? The position helps piece together the reason the atrophy has occurred. Max Benz One saddles have excelled with these horses due to their incredible panel design, maximising the weight bearing surface without impeding any important structures. They also have super clearance around all aspect of the wither – which often is a very problematic area for the horses with marked atrophy. Max Benz One saddles are like Discovery saddles in that they have changeable gullets. It would depend on the location of the atrophy and the shape of the horses back as to whether the WB or TB Discovery tree would be the best. Sometimes it will be necessary to wait and do some in-hand work to build up the muscles before selecting the best saddle. Often this is recommended if there is severe atrophy, and a custom-made saddle is being purchased. A big advantage of custom-made saddles, such as the VH Signature Range and Ryder range, is not only can the tree be made to measure, but the panels can also be made to whatever depth is required so extra flocking can be put in to make up for the loss of musculature and removed when the muscles re-develop.
What are the best saddles for horses with a forward girth groove?
Horses with big shoulders often also have a forward girth groove which can often be more problematic than the shoulders. When placed in the correct position on the horse, a suitable saddle allows the girth straps to hang perpendicular. If the straps have to be pulled forward to girth up, the saddle has no hope of staying back off the shoulders. Many saddles have been designed to alleviate shoulder pressure and restriction. Some saddles such as the VH Signature Saddles have the tree point angling backwards, allowing greater shoulder freedom but resulting in the girth points on these saddles being further back. This is due to the fact that the further most forward girth strap can only be as forward as the tree point. These saddles must be placed and balanced correctly because if the whole saddle is behind the shoulder, not just the tree point, they will never stay in position. This is why it is so important your saddle fitter is either extremely experienced or knowledgeable on particular brands. There are other saddles that do the opposite, with tree points that flare out and angle forwards. This not only allows the shoulders to move freely but it also enables the girth straps to be very forward, hence keeps the saddle off the shoulders. Discovery WB tree and Max Benz One saddles are examples of such saddles. Max Benz also has a uniquely shaped front panel, allowing the horses soft tissue more room, but still excellent support for the moveable knee roll. Yet another unique solution is found in the Ryder Baroque saddles which were developed specifically for Friesian horses and have short tree points which are flexible.
What are the best saddles for horses with high shark-fin withers than extend a long way back?
There are lots of options for these horses, depending on the width, length and shape of the horse’s back. Jeffries make a tree specifically designed for these horses – the Xtra, but the Jeffries Sport is also very good. Max Benz One saddles excel in wither clearance, especially laterally, and have super generous back gussets to help with the balance in these situations. Discovery TB tree saddles are great for these horses and have the changeable gullets as do the Max Benz one saddles. Of the Ryder saddles, the Zara and Molineux are amazing for these horses, the choice depending on how much shape they have in their backs.
What are the best saddles for nervous riders?
Riders looking for great security should be looking at saddles with a deep seat, sticky leather, bigger knee rolls and close contact. Discovery, Ryder Baroque and Ryder Molineux are all great choices. For extremely close contact Ryder saddles can be ordered in a mono flap design with knee roll aligned perfectly for the rider. Riders can also choose from 7 different types of knee rolls, all varying not only in size and shape but also softness/firmness. Leather choices from super sticky, to smooth soft calfskin, to textured grainy leathers and everything in between!
What are the best saddles for working equitation?
Working equitation riders need to have security and freedom. The Max Benz One Kenzie saddle has been specifically designed with this in mind. Discovery saddles are also incredibly popular for this reason and both of these saddles have the knee rolls on Velcro, which can be changed for different activities. Discovery saddles are also available in All-purpose which are making a comeback with this incredibly fun, multi-discipline sport.
What are the best saddles for riders with back pain?
Often back soreness in riders is markedly reduced when the rider is completely balanced. When they are able to ride in a neutral spine position without always fighting to find their balance, riders can use less muscular tension and just relax and ride. For some riders, having a softer seat can be helpful and this option is available in the Jeffries range of comfort seat saddles as well as in all the custom-made Ryder and VH Signature saddles. Other riders prefer a firmer flat place to sit as this can help with their posture. Often it depends on the type and length of riding as well as rider fitness and previous injuries.
What are the best saddles for riders with narrow hips?
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to seat and twist width.
Generalisations suggest females prefer a wider seat and more narrow twist than males due to the difference in pelvic shape, but this is not always the case. Also, people often feel totally different things in the same saddle as others, so it is important to just get in and try as many saddles as possible, remembering that the balance of the saddle is incredibly important in these situations. If a saddle is down in front the rider will be sitting in a totally different place compared to if it is balanced or even up in front. Even as little as a few mm’s can make a saddle the rider’s favourite or most hated saddle! Riders need to be aware that the seats of saddles usually also reflect the fit for the horse, unless they are built up so much off the horse to allow a completely different shape seat. This is not a problem if the rider has a lot of leg to spare but may be problematic for short legged riders riding very round, wide horses and wanting a very narrow twisted saddle. It all comes down to rider preference along with horse comfort, but we are confident we have a saddle to suit. The best plan is to come and try them for yourself.
Generalisations suggest females prefer a wider seat and more narrow twist than males due to the difference in pelvic shape, but this is not always the case. Also, people often feel totally different things in the same saddle as others, so it is important to just get in and try as many saddles as possible, remembering that the balance of the saddle is incredibly important in these situations. If a saddle is down in front the rider will be sitting in a totally different place compared to if it is balanced or even up in front. Even as little as a few mm’s can make a saddle the rider’s favourite or most hated saddle! Riders need to be aware that the seats of saddles usually also reflect the fit for the horse, unless they are built up so much off the horse to allow a completely different shape seat. This is not a problem if the rider has a lot of leg to spare but may be problematic for short legged riders riding very round, wide horses and wanting a very narrow twisted saddle. It all comes down to rider preference along with horse comfort, but we are confident we have a saddle to suit. The best plan is to come and try them for yourself.
What is the best saddle for more than one person?
If more than one person is sharing a saddle, you should definitely be looking at changeable knee rolls, which allow for different leg shape and length. All Discovery saddles, Max Benz One and any of the custom-made saddles, including VH Signature saddles and Ryder Saddles, may be made this way.
What are the best saddles for Off the Track Thoroughbreds?
Three saddles come to mind when looking for a suitable saddle for the OTTB. The Discovery TB tree is designed specifically for thoroughbreds, not only in the shape and angle of the changeable gullets but also in the shape of the generous panels. They allow ample adjustability and packing, distributing the rider’s weight evenly and without any pressure at the back of the saddle. The Max Benz One saddles are brilliantly designed to give great wither clearance – not just at the very front and top where everyone is so used to checking but also laterally and back at the stirrup bar area. These also have changeable gullets, a unique tree, cleverly designed front panels to alleviate soft-tissue pressure behind the shoulder area when the horse’s leg comes back (or body moves forward over the leg) and super back panels that perfectly suit horses where the back muscles slope away from the spine. Changeable gullets can be really beneficial for these horses as they do sometimes make tremendous transformation / development when transitioning from racehorse to their new disciplines. Finally, whilst not boasting screw in /screw out gullets, the Jeffries Sport saddles are super for tb’s with a tree designed based on the average TB back which can be pressed in or out one size by qualified saddle fitters. The age, development and condition of the horse is also a consideration in terms of whether this would provide enough adjustability. They do have lovely deep panels allowing for ample flocking but if looking at buying and fitting a saddle to a young horse straight of the track with a view to it lasting its entire ridden career, Max Benz and Discovery may be better options. If it was an older horse that had finished growing and had been let down the Jeffries Sport should be a safe bet.
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