 So as my last blog (rant) of the year, I have been reflecting on what has really stood out for me this year.
On the plus side: Seeing all our customers and their horses progressing (and being part of your journeys), our brand developing, seeing so much more orange, meeting the rest of Childeric’s European Team and developing the business in Ireland, have been just a few of this year's many highlights.  The new Childéric FMPL Saddle is a hybrid close contact event/jump saddle. Offering the ultimate in close contact and comfort for the horse, this model features integrated panels & innovative flap design offering extended freedom at the wither and shoulder.
Fans of the saddle include eventers Mike Ryan, James Avery and showjumper Katie Ptyches who believes that the saddles' close contact feel and design has amplified her aids and improved communication with her horses, as she explains;  Jennifer was born in Aberdeenshire and holds BHSI & UKCC3 qualifications.
Initially, Jennifer concentrated on eventing and competed up to Advanced level before heading into the world of dressage approximately 15 years ago. Every horse Jennifer has, arrived with her as a foal and has been produced solely by Jennifer. If you hadn’t been a rider which career path would you have taken? - An Artist. I studied Fine Art at Edinburgh College of Art after I finished I combined drawing and Painting with my riding for many years – until I got too busy!  We are thrilled to welcome two new brand champions to our Childéric family; Charlotte Lutener and Jennifer Johnston-Harman. You can read a little more about Charlotte in our latest news piece and we are thrilled to welcome Jennifer, a huge supporter of our saddles and services.
Jennifer was born in Aberdeenshire and holds BHSI & UKCC3 qualifications. Initially, Jennifer concentrated on eventing and competed up to Advanced level before heading into the world of dressage approximately 15 years ago. Every horse Jennifer has arrived with her as a foal and has been produced solely by Jennifer.  Dressage rider Charlotte Lutener has ridden since the age of four and developed a passion for dressage at the age of 13. In 2019, Charlotte has achieved three Regional titles and 6th place at the 2019 LeMieux National Championships.
If you hadn’t been a rider which career path would you have taken? - My Dad yacht races so I would have probably got involved in sailing to fuel my competitive spirit. Do you have a nick name or used to and if so what was/is it and why? - Lottie… for obvious reasons.  Rosemary Gaffney joined Para Equestrian Ireland in 2010 following a bad fall in 2007 where she had multiple fractures in her knee and leg. She is a Grade IV rider and has represented Ireland in the European Championships and won numerous classes. Now, Rosemary is aiming for Tokyo 2020 with her beautiful bay mare, Werona, seen in the picture. We posed some quick fire questions to Rosemary and here are her answers..
If you hadn’t been a rider which career path would you have taken? “I think I would have been an actress – I did a lot of acting as a child and was in the Gaiety as Thumblina when I was 4yrs old with my school Loreto Convent Clonmel. I was later accepted into The Gaiety School of acting but I chose horses instead, mind you I think the two are linked full of highs and lows – for both you have to be tough.”  For the first time ever in my entire career, we had a customer take advantage of our two week sale or return for preloved saddles. After the two weeks they asked to be invoiced and now refuse to pay for the saddles and not want to give them back!
This situation is currently being picked up by our legal representatives. However, this tale of woe has not only shocked me and saddened me, but also made me look long and hard at how we work with the customers. It's made me question the amount of flexibility we offer customers in their decision time and also what we offer as a business.  Childéric Saddles offer an entirely bespoke saddlery experience for horse and rider. Working with their experienced team you can create the saddle of your (Christmas Gift) dreams.
The Childéric DPL Dressage Saddle takes saddle design to a new level of increased connection and feel for the rider and greater freedom of movement for the horse. Since its launch, it has become a hugely popular model with dressage riders and event riders as the model of preference. Built entirely to requirements: bespoke options include different girth strap positions, refined flap/panel shapes, extended knee blocks, seat depths and sizes. 
For this blog, I wanted to discuss the importance of these three elements. These elements are critical for our Team to have the best possible opportunity to fit you and your horse with a saddle that you will be both love and enjoy for many years to come.  Ahead of the British National Dressage Championships, we asked one of our fabulous riders, dressage rider, Sara-Jane Lanning for her advice for preparing for a championship show..
There are lots of chances these days to ride in a championship competition, whether it be an unaffiliated league final at your local equestrian centre, an affiliated grass roots championship, an area festival final right up through to Regional Championships and ultimately the Nationals. If you qualify for any final you are there by right and therefore have as good a chance of anybody else at doing well. But you can help your chances by preparing for all eventualities! |
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