Deva Saddle Fitting.
Our Saddle Fitters are
Michelle WIlkinson
Full time
Society of Master Saddlers – Qualified Saddle Fitter
Lantra – Qualified Saddle Fitter
Juliet Hart
Part Time
LANTRA – qualified saddle fitter
About Us
We are passionate about ensuring that your saddle allows the correct muscular development, ease of movement and comfort for your horse. Our aim is to provide you with a solution to improve the Saddle Fit for your horse, through either adjusting your current saddle, or if your current saddle is unsuitable, we will help you find the right saddle for you and your horse, one that will allow your horse to develop correctly and perform to their optimum.
We have access to a wide range of Second hand Saddles, or we are able to source a new Saddle or ‘Made to Measure’ Saddle if needed/preferred.
Michelle has completed the Gold Standard of Training with the Society of Master Saddlers and is a Fully Qualified Master Saddle Fitter. In addition she is able to complete full reflocks and minor repairs.
We are fully independent and insured.
Michelle is our full time Saddle Fitter
About Michelle
I have spent most of my life surrounded by horses. Starting at 5 years old – I have lived and breathed horses spending most of my childhood working at the local stables prior to getting my first horse at 18. I have also been fortunate enough to instruct over in the USA as part of Camp America during my University years – here I was introduced to my first Western Saddle and it confirmed my love for English riding!
I have ridden competitively over the years in Showjumping, cross country & Dressage and since having children I now enjoy keeping all four hooves on the ground focusing primarily on the latter and being a Pony Club mother! I have been privileged to have owned some wonderful horses thathave taught me so much and am currently training my 9 year old homebred KWPN Hugo and last year bred my next Dressage horse Moo by Wonderful Van’t Zwaanenheike from the Rhodium/G.Ramiro Z KWPN Bloodlines.
For over 25 years I have had a successful career as an Operations Manager in Recruitment prior to becoming a trained Saddle fitter. My interest and desire to pursue a career in the holistic approach to Saddle fitting was born from one of my earlier horses being diagnosed with Kissing spine. This opened my eyes to a whole new learning experience involving saddles and equine rehabilitation working alongside Equine Professionals that highlighted the impact and influence of some of the choices we make in our journey as horse owners. With my homebred, I didn’t want history to repeat itself and here began my journey to understanding how a saddle can influence a horses biomechanics & performance and led me to studying Remedial Saddle Fitting. The course involved 2 years of intensive studying and practical assessments whilst working as an apprentice with Juliet and in June 2022 I gained the LANTRA Remedial Saddle Fitting qualification. In November 2024 I completed my 4 years intense training and obtained the much sought after Society of Master Saddlers – Qualified Master Saddler status. This is deemed as the Gold Standard in Saddle fitting and is recognised across the world.
I can confidently say I love my job and it is a real pleasure and honour to work with our amazing clients and their horses across the North West of England.
About Juliet
I have ridden since I was a child and I have owned a few horses over the years, trying most activities until focusing on dressage over the last 15 years, enjoying the training much more than competing! I have trained horses up to Advanced Medium Level and currently have a lovely 10 year old (Wolkenderry sired) Gelding – RAZ who I am training. I also own a homebred 2 year old (Hochadel sired) Mare – PANDA who is hopefully going do some Dressage in the future.
l have had a successful career in Finance over the last 20+years, but my interest in Saddles and how they affect performance led me to a change of direction to become a Remedial Saddle Fitter 4 years ago.
The Remedial Saddle Fitting qualification I hold is the most in depth UK Saddle Fitting qualification available. The focus on ensuring the Saddle supports the horse to develop correctly as well ensuring comfort and for both horse and rider made complete sense!
Juliet is our Part-time Saddle Fitter
Juliet is our Part-time Saddle Fitter
About Juliet
I have ridden since I was a child and I have owned a few horses over the years, trying most activities until focusing on dressage over the last 15 years, enjoying the training much more than competing! I have trained horses up to Advanced Medium Level and currently have a lovely 10 year old (Wolkenderry sired) Gelding – RAZ who I am training. I also own a homebred 2 year old (Hochadel sired) Mare – PANDA who is hopefully going do some Dressage in the future.
l have had a successful career in Finance over the last 20+years, but my interest in Saddles and how they affect performance led me to a change of direction to become a Remedial Saddle Fitter 4 years ago.
The Remedial Saddle Fitting qualification I hold is the most in depth UK Saddle Fitting qualification available. The focus on ensuring the Saddle supports the horse to develop correctly as well ensuring comfort and for both horse and rider made complete sense!