My grey Arab gelding was 13 years old then, prime time for an Arab, but he looked and acted like a very tired old horse. He was thin and wasted no matter how much grain, supplements and hay I fed him, and had no enthusiasm. As a veterinarian I thought I should be able to figure out what was wrong and help him, but I was not finding any answers. I really was at my wits’ end, and wanted more than anything to help Wickett feel and look good again.

When I met Carol for a saddle consultation, I listened very carefully to what she had to say. She explained the effects that a saddle has on equine anatomy and biomechanics, which made it very obvious that my saddle had done a tremendous amount of damage. I’d had no idea how much harm I had done to my horse by using a saddle that did not allow him any freedom of movement, and I felt terrible. We spent several hours trying different BALANCE saddles on Wickett, letting him make the decision as to which saddle he preferred based on improvements in his gaits and self carriage. Imagine that…we asked the horse what his opinion and preference was, and listened to it!

While waiting six weeks for my saddle to arrive, I started Wickett on the Remedial Program recommended by BALANCE. This involves Tellington Touch, handwalking, chiropractic work and in his case, some very short bareback rides. Needless to say, his back never saw my old saddle again.

When I started riding in my BALANCE saddle, I felt awkward. In a panic, feeling as if I had no idea how to ride, I e-mailed Carol with my concerns. Her advice was very helpful and things started to improve. I jokingly said to her “Why don’t you come over here and be my trainer?!” To which she responded “Well, we do give riding clinics...” That was all I needed to give me the impetus to organize a clinic for her next visit to California. This gave me a chance to spend more time with Carol, and to get a glimpse of how much she had to offer me and my horse. I also had the privilege of meeting Lesley Ann Taylor, the co-founder of BALANCE. Together they have taught me so much.

As a result of being in a saddle that allowed Wickett to start using his muscles efficiently and without pain, I began to see positive changes in his movement and appearance. With Carol and Lesley’s help I also started riding him differently, in a supportive and balanced way - helpful to him and not a hindrance. After about three months there was a measurable increase in the width of his withers, and he was starting to slowly gain some weight and fill out. After about six months, I started to hear positive comments from people about the improvement in my horse’s appearance: “Wow- what are you feeding your horse? He is looking really good!” As a result of this journey Wickett now has a full, broad back and chest, rounded shoulder muscles and a well-muscled, powerful (and cuter than ever) rear end.

Our relationship has also moved to a new level, with a much deeper understanding between us. It’s difficult to put into words, but it is a powerful and beautiful thing to feel more connected to my horse, as if we’re friends and partners in a grand adventure.

What Carol and Lesley have to offer is not just about riding and saddles. That just provides the venue…it’s so much more than that. It is about REALLY listening to what your horse has to say, which provides a foundation of the relationship. It’s about appreciating how much your horse has to offer just for the asking, and about giving of yourself without any expectations. It’s about opening your heart, mind and spirit; it’s about believing in the intangible. It is about the forgiveness that you can find in your horse provided your intent is honorable.

I cannot thank Carol and Lesley enough for the doors they have opened for me. Their work with the saddles has changed my life and I believe that Wickett feels the same. I am truly honored to have Carol and Lesley as teachers and friends.