Saddle Review: Kieffer Inzell Exclusive DP

SADDLE REVIEW

Kieffer Inzell Exclusive DP

With high knee rolls, a soft padded skirt, long girth straps, drop panels and movable V-suspension, the Kieffer Inzell Exclusive is a joy to ride in.

Each day Michelle Ferris learns more about her handsome Thoroughbred – enjoying his company as she gently teaches him the basics. She is in no hurry to compete. “We’ll do that later,” she says. “At the moment I’m happy having weekly dressage lessons, especially now I’m riding in my Kieffer Inzell.”

Michelle, an adult rider for fifteen years, lives on a small acreage in Thirlmere on the edge of the NSW Southern Highlands, and works part time for NSW Health in nearby Campbelltown. “Apart from a few pony rides when I was a kid I had little to do with horses until my late thirties. None of my adult children are horsey and the grand babies are too tiny. One might want a pony later but I’ll wait until they show some serious interest. I presently have two Thoroughbreds, one I ride occasionally, and the other is a seven-year-old OTT who I’ve been steadily working with since I got him nine months ago.”

Purrfectionist, who Michelle has named Ash, had one win out of 13 starts “He’s 15.1hh and a very pretty dapple grey,” she says, “a small version of the famous Chautauqua but with a different outlook!” Chautauqua, the famous prizewinning sprinter, retired from racing after seven barrier refusals and is now training as a show horse. Michelle adds that there is a family connection between the two greys: “They have the same grand sire, another lovey grey called Lion Hunter.”

Her work with Ash was going well but she felt it was time for a saddle upgrade. “I was using my old 16½” Riviera which was OK for him as he’s quite shortbacked but I prefer riding in a 17”. I looked for something nearly new with short panels to fit him well. I want to get his basic dressage training really well established before doing some more jumping and aiming for low level eventing,” she explains. “I’ve taken him to a couple of jumping clinics so far and soon we’ll go to some dressage competitions for the experience.” Most Sundays Michelle has lessons with German dressage coach Sandra Schmalzing, who she says has helped her immensely. “And I’ve changed her mind about Thoroughbreds. She says in Germany all the OTTs are nuts, but mine are sensible and lovely!”

Michelle could not be happier with her Kieffer and with the service from The Saddle Hub. “The staff were patient and friendly, and they gave me time to contact my saddle fitter. Dealing with The Saddle Hub is such a very safe way to buy a saddle. Mine was a bargain and absolutely immaculate.”

The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit their online shop and browse through their fantastic range.

All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. Terms and conditions apply.