Caroline Wilde - Society Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter & Qualified Equine Body Worker.
Society Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
Originally from Yorkshire, was a Metallurgist and studied Quantam Physics. However Ive always been passionate about horses and in particular showjumping. As a sideline and my love of leather I began making bridles for Showjumpers, Welsh Pony Stallions, handbags, dog harnesses etc. I also began taking saddles apart and reflocking my own.
I was lucky enough to live close to John Whitaker and his family and regularly trained with his stable jockey at the time. I worked for John Whitaker International as a sales representative, swiftly becoming Business Development Manager and loving the industry. Whist at JWI I trained in Italy with Prestige Italia Saddles to become a saddle fitter and also did the Society Master Saddles Introductiory Saddle Fitting course.
I then left JWI with their blessing and help to set up in business selling JW and Prestige saddles. I constantly still now train every year. I find the evolving world of saddles fascinating and it makes me happy to be part of the team for all my clients in the care and welfare of their horse. I specialise in top competition horses and remedial saddle fits. Most of my customers come through word of mouth. I have developed this website mainly to give new clients an overview of how I work.
Prestige Master Saddle Fitter
In October 2016, I was fortunate to be invited by Prestige Italy—having been their top UK retailer—to attend the first Prestige Master Saddlers Clinic, hosted by Bernd Carstens in Germany. Only ten retailers from around the world were selected for this multi-day event, giving us a unique opportunity to speak openly about saddle fitting, challenges, and new ideas. Helen Langehanenberg joined us to share her insights on the Prestige X-Helen dressage saddle, which she helped to develop.
We shared knowledge on everything from fitting principles to panel adjustments and the influence of the rider on saddle behaviour. The atmosphere was incredibly liberating; because we all came from different parts of the world, no one felt protective of their methods or worried about competition. It was an immensely valuable experience, and I learned a great deal from my colleagues as we discussed not just general saddle fitting, but the extremes—those complex horse-and-rider combinations that require innovative solutions.
Annually I attend Prestige saddle conventions held across different destinations in Italy and Germany. It is an honour reserved for the top retailers worldwide and includes workshops with Prestige saddle consultants, veterinarians, riders, and specialists including Frederic Butet - designer of Renaissance by Prestige.
Qualified Equine Body Worker
Improve stamina
Massage increases the range of motion, so the horse will work in an efficient manner, therefore improving the stamina as well as the performance.
Improve the temperament
Horses that are in discomfort will soon let you now by showing a change in behaviour ie napping rearing, refusing jumps etc. If your horse or pony puts his ears back when you get the saddle from the tack room, is he trying to tell you he is in pain??
Rehabilitation from muscles injuries
Occasionally I am called upon by a veterinarian to be part of the rehabilitation process following an orthopedic type problem or actual muscle injury. After healing, you find massage, stretching and the proper exercise can help by reducing scar tissue as it adheres to healthy tissue which can help restore the muscle to fully function again.
Increase the range of motion
A horse that moves better is more efficient in his stride. There is less wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and tendons equating to a longer performance life. Ideal for racehorses..... dressage horses......show jumpers......It makes sense a horse whose muscles are synchronized properly, will do a better job.
Improve the circulation
After a massage a horses veins are easy to see and the coat is glossy. When you’ve got the circulation going you’re also helping to stimulate the elimination of waste products in the system.
Why Choose Massage?
Often subclinical issues are hard to recognize, but earlier detection can mean permanent damage is lessened.
Massage is used along with conventional and complementary health care as well as proper training techniques enabling the horse to perform at an optimum level. By itself, it does not attempt to cure anything.
I have trained at Writtle college in Essex and I am a member of the International Equine Body Workers Association which is recognised by vets.
I am qualified in Equine Sports Massage as an Equine Body Worker..
Consultations undertaken to give best advice. However these days I rarely massage clients horses due to my diary being so busy. I can however recommend either Vets or alternative therapists. Please allow around an hour for each visit. Your horse will need to be clean and dry in a comfortable environment. Please obtain permission from your vet before any treatments.