It takes a while to get used to riding in a different saddle to what you’re used to … right?
Well I can say with no doubt that it only took the time it took to put my foot in the elegant Don Orrell stirrup and step up into my ‘Western Drafter’ saddle and I was used to it. Since having this beautiful work of art I am proud of my riding again. …So 2 years ago I had an accident resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury which put me in ICU with part of my skull in a freezer for a while. Anyway long story short after learning to talk and everything else that goes with Rehab I was able to go home and not only see my horses again but eventually ride. I started slow but after becoming more advanced in my recovery the only thing I was having trouble with was my riding. After trying many different saddles I was only discouraged in the goal to ride comfortably and correctly again. It seemed as though it was never going to happen for me and the injury was in my brain and could never be mended. A friend ‘Kristen Ayliffe’ was showing me her new saddle made by a man named Ian Saunders. The saddle caught my attention. Despite trying a lot of saddles I did need a new one as I only had the one I had my accident in and was damaged. I contacted Ian and Des Saunders and ordered a saddle knowing that my horses and riding was so important to me that I was never going to give it up.
Well I can say.. After only the First ride in my beautiful saddle by Ian Saunders, I sit up, I’m balanced, I’m correct, I’m comfortable and I am very very Happy. It has been the best therapy so far! I will be forever grateful and can live a very important part of my life again. Thankyou so very much Mr Ian and Mrs Des Saunders! My Family and I shout your praise! - Jodie Fisher
jodie fisher
“Western Drafter”
Tina Swift
Stock Saddle “Campdrafter”
I'd just like to say I was shopping for a saddle & finally decided on a Ian Saunders. Ian was amazing to deal with. Very patient, not pushy. I felt like I was a pain or just indecisive when completing my order. Ian helped me along the way. I didn't want anything flash just a good saddle that I'd have for life. Ian let me try his Dove which I loved but I just couldn't decide so ended up going with a standard fender. More than six months down the track I'd just like to say I love the saddle and would highly recommend him as a saddler. Great saddle and great to deal with through the whole process. Thanks again. Tina Swift
Janie Shelley
“The Dove Special”
Hi Ian,
Just wanting to thank you for making such a great saddle... I love riding in it & now find it very hard to draft in anything else. My little mare that I had all the trouble getting a stock saddle to stay sitting on when she cut out has been getting 24 camp scores & won a big cut out at Adaminaby Draft.. & thanks to saddle I stayed in place!!!
Thanks again
Gavin Dennien
Stock Saddle “Campdrafter”
I have just taken delivery of my third saddle from Ian, I find them to be great saddles to work & compete in. I looked at a lot of saddles but found Ian's saddles to suit me and my horses both at work and campdrafts. Also to be exceptional value for money. Thanks Ian & Des
Saddle arrived Friday and I haven't got out of it. I love it. (Just have to save up for a work one now!!!) Thanks Leonie
Leonie Elliott
“Reining Saddle”
What impresses me most about the "Dove Special" is that it is made more for the horses back in mind. It's not only light weight and covers the horse's back evenly it is also a very comfortable tub to ride in.
I strongly recommend the "Dove Special".
SCOTTY WILSON
Equine Chiropractor
Janie Vickery
“Dove Special”
I could not be happier with my Ian Saunders 'Dove' saddle. It sits you in the ideal position for training and competition with your seat and legs always in the right spot. Having a deep pocket in the seat your bodyweight is centred perfectly, keeping your weight off the front of the horse and out of the way of its movement.