About Me, Linda Ashworth

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I grew up in leafy Surrey and started riding at the age of 5, I was taught by a Cavalry Officer on retired Cavalry horses and I learnt to groom with a dandy brush that felt like a yard broom whilst having to stand on a kitchen chair! but, I was hooked and horses have been my passion ever since.

I have ridden a variety of horses and worked in various riding schools and trekking centres, even gaining Stage 3 with Horsemastership along the way, I have been riding for 45 years and owned horses for over 30 years from Shetlands to shire x and ex steeplechaser to polo pony, and the usual cobs one of which I still have although she is retired these days. And an Arab which I am bringing on, hopefully to do endurance with and two young colts, section A and a miniature Shetland, these young lads are for showing in-hand, commonly referred to as the motley crew!

Having ridden on a plethora of saddles, jumping, dressage and western saddles which I rode on for 25 years, the latest one made by hubby who was absolutely gorgeous but the Arab, Zeb, changed all that. He is finicky to the point of obsession and "Quirky" does not describe him, but he really loves the treeless saddles and he does extend more in them with more freedom of movement and having to do a tight circle is a delight for him as there is no obstruction behind his shoulder blade; my husband Martin runs his own business for leather refurbishment and repairs on www.mlworkshop.co.uk. This has made me really look at these types of saddles and I feel that simplicity is the key and so, we have the ethos of "keep it simple". Less stress when riding ensures we all ride better.

My hopes are that as time goes on the range of saddles will continue to evolve and still give the ultimate comfort for both horse and rider so input from your problems and experiences are always welcome.

So, always use a treeless saddle pad under a treeless saddle and don't mount from the floor.

REMEMBER, "KEEP IT SIMPLE"