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About Maria:
Hello, my name is Maria. I am a mother, a horse (and mule) owner, a business owner, and a lifelong student.
I have loved horses since I first sat on one at a school fete aged 8. I come from a non-horsey family, therefore was so lucky to get my first pony, Fly, when I was 12. I have had horses ever since.
My passion for horse comfort was ignited after a horse riding accident - due to a lack of control. A short while after I saw a man riding down the road, no hat, a western saddle, and most importantly - no bit! I had to stop and ask how that was possible.
My whole world just got a lot bigger.
A year or so later, in 1999, my young horse needed backing and therefore he needed a saddle. I bought a second-hand western saddle but it just didn't look right. I then invested in a custom saddle. My horse told me in no uncertain terms that it didn't fit!
I was determined to find a western saddle that my horse was comfortable in. So I embarked upon a lifelong journey of learning, exploration and of listening to the horses.
I have spent time with western saddle fitters, English saddle fitters, vets, equine physiotherapists, equine chiropractors, equine massage therapists, equine biomechanics experts, trainers, owners and their horses, and more. And the learning still goes on...
When you choose TWS, you help support a business that continues to grow and improve with the impetus being the well-being and welfare of horses, donkeys and mules.
My motive, first and foremost, is the equines comfort. They suffer silently if I make a mistake. This is my guiding principle.
Based in the South East of England I am a certified western saddle fitter and can check the fit of your existing western saddle and/or measure your horse for a new western or english saddle (with a western tree). I can also fit and advise on treeless saddles including Barefoot, Edix and Ghost and help you choose the best saddle options and accessories for you and your horse.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Zoology a Master's degree in Equine Science and hold a certificate in Western Saddle Fitting (Lantra certified).
I have always had a special interest in horse/rider biomechanics and the effect of saddle fit on the horse/rider interaction. I am always updating my knowledge through professional courses and seminars and take a science based approach to saddle fitting which includes the behaviour and wellbeing of the equines I see.
I have two ponies kept in a mixed herd on a track management system and use natural horsemanship and fear free training methods. I ride bitless and barefoot.
Here's a bit more about me....
I've been riding since I was 4 years old but didn't have my own horse until I was 41 when I bought Jack, a 17 year old Welsh D who taught me a lot about horses and horsemanship. In 2020 I adopted a 4 year old 13.2hh mare coblet from the RSPCA and my search for a saddle for her started. Like many cobs she's very short backed, and although only 5' 3" tall I'm long legged and I couldn't find an english treed saddle to fit us both.
I then experimented with many styles of treeless saddle, backed her in a Christ Lammfelle iberica bareback pad when she was 5/6 years old and continued her education in a Ghost treeless saddle.
I have always had an interest in western saddles as their bigger weight bearing surface is better for the horse but, like many, I thought a western saddle would be too big for my little mare. When I spoke to Maria from The Western Saddler and realised that we could have the western saddle I'd always wanted I vowed to bring the benefits of western saddles to as many people as possible!
Oh, I also have a 4 year old welsh x shetland mare called Applejack (also from RSPCA) who is adorable x menace!
I cover the south east of England and also northern France and West Belgium.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Alison
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