Tacked up: Enduring comfort

TACKED UP

Enduring comfort

Endurance riders know that their horse’s comfort is paramount. We speak to GABRIELLE BOSCO about the renowned Podium brand.

If there’s one piece of tack for an endurance rider to get absolutely right, it’s the saddle. Podium is a big name on the endurance circuit, and a popular brand in Italy with long distance riders. The company is constantly reviewing and updating their high-tech saddle range, and we talk to their spokesperson Gabriella Bosco to find out what’s new for Podium in 2022.

EH: Can you first tell us a little about Podium’s backstory. GB: Twenty years ago, finding a saddle suitable for endurance was a problem for many riders on the international scene. This prompted our founder Romano Macri to design a saddle that allowed riders to customise it by selecting a tree size that best fitted their horse, and a seat size and model that best suited them. The saddle needed to provide superior comfort for both horse and rider even after several hours of heavy competition or long-distance riding.

After many years of testing, researching, and studying different designs, the first lightweight, balanced and durable Podium tree prototype was created. The mold was produced by the same company that designed the Luna Rossa yacht keel.

Romano then sought out an expert leather craftsman, and together they designed a set of adjustable components that could be easily modified to the tree to personalise each saddle based on the rider and horse’s requirements.

EH: What models are in the Podium range and what makes them different from other saddles? GB: We have a selection of different models able to meet the needs of a diverse range of customers. The Champion line was designed just for endurance. These are the lightest models we have, and they are made from technologically advanced weatherresistant materials instead of leather.

Other models are simpler, or more refined in aesthetics. We have a western saddle because there are many riders who prefer this model for trail riding and long-distance trekking.

Each of the saddle trees can be modified and when needed, material can be added to adjust the saddle’s fit. The trees are all hollow, so if an endurance rider needs to add weight for a race they can do that by filling the tree with lead so that the balance of the saddle is not compromised.

EH: What makes Podium saddles unique? GB: We believe that the horse shouldn’t ever have to adapt to the saddle, just the opposite. In endurance most horses competing are Arabian or Anglo Arabian, and these horses have unique body requirements to consider. We have five different trees sizes and chamber openings available to really perfect the fit of our saddles. If a rider has a saddle that works with the physical conformation of the horse they ride, they will never need to invest in padding, shims or other gadgets. That is why our semi-custom saddles are so great , they can be adjusted as a horse changes size or shape.

Sometimes the problem stems from the rider though, and if the rider’s weight is not well distributed the resulting pressure is felt at specific points on the horse’s back. Often this is due to riders buying a saddle because they like the look of it rather than considering the fit. They then try and remedy the situation with all sorts of elaborate pads. But this just doesn’t work for long distance riding. The damage will always eventually show up.

EH: What models have you released most recently? GB: We have three new models that are all very light and feature a new type of tree. These are the Desert GT, the GTL and the GTS. With these models we have improved the air circulation capabilities over the horse's spine, so even after several hours of hard work this area always remains dry. Therefore, as in all Podium saddles, no pressure is accrued on the dorsal vertebrae and the horse is ensured maximum movement of

the scapula.

EH: Where do you see Podium saddles in the next ten years? GB: Sustainability is important to us, so we have made sure all our saddles trees are constructed from recyclable plastic and insured with a lifetime guarantee. Since every part of every saddle is

The Champion Desert GT Endurance Saddle, lightweight and exceptionally comfortable.

interchangeable, if anything needs to be replaced because it has been worn down that can be done easily. The Italian leather we use is special saddle leather. It’s naturally tanned with vegetable dyes, and because it is especially durable it lasts longer. We hope that over time, more equestrians both in Italy and overseas will come to us to learn about

our saddles and products. We pride ourselves on selling only high quality, Italian made products, and we strive to keep the price accessible so that we can reach more riders and horses.

The Podium western saddle is an excellent choice for trail riding.