60Christina (CCross)
Joined 16 years ago from Georgia
My story started with a little round pony that was the hardest fit for any saddle on this planet, and believe me, I think we tried them all. I am not quite sure exactly how much money was spent on fitting after fitting, saddle after saddle. All I know is, that by now we could have probably had a fancy custom made saddle from somewhere overseas. But would that have been the answer? As my frustration grew, I decided to go bareback. Mmhhh, let's just say I am past 40. I also practice natural hoof care, so please, something that does not get my back any worse than it already is. So many barebacks on the market, but which one to get? I am native German by the way, maybe that is why I had my eyes on this German company called "Barefoot"? I hate to admit:) I ordered the Barefoot Ride On Pad, but did not put too much hope into this little pad, that was supposed to help out my poor little round pony. Did I mention that the discription said that the girth leathers of the Barefoot Ride-On-Pad, are made in a V-system, that goes over invisible liners that spreads the weight over the whole pad. Sounded pretty good! I was anxious to try it out, wow, it was like sitting on a nice pillow. Here was the challenge, the pony and I don't think too much of riding in arenas. I guess you could call us - Free Spirits. Have I mentioned, that I am talking about an Icelandic Horse and at times a very spirited one? So out on the trail, amazing, pony was happy and much to my surprise I felt like a teenager again. I was put into a perfect position and I stayed there. Up and down North Georgia Hills, gallopping through fields, jumping over the creek, no problem. My pad stayed put. So imagine my surprise when I found out that this wonderful company also discovered how to create the most amazing saddles. Sabine Ullmann, a German Physiotherapist studied the horse and its movements and came up with the incredible VPS System (Vertebrae Protection System) The Barefoot Ride On Pad was just the beginning of a new journey.....as my mission is to keep the horses back healthy and therefore live a happy life!