About Saddle4You
Founded 18 years ago by Sue Rudler, Saddle4You provides quality riding equipment to passionate horse riders and cares deeply about finding the perfect fit for both rider and horse. With our 'Made to Measure' Harry Dabbs and Jefferies Pony Saddle Ranges at competitive pricing, the recent additions of Aviar, Custom & Envy brands we have something for everyone and we are committed to helping our customers find the right saddle for them. We like to work closely with our clients on an ongoing basis, and we're certainly not in the business to just sell saddles. We work on a 'quality not quantity' basis and work hard to educate our clients so that they understand the how and why the saddle fits, or not!
Our mission is to provide comfortable, safe saddles that create an enjoyable riding experience for every rider and their horse or pony, with expert saddle fitting, superior quality products and exceptional service.
Meet our team of Saddle Fitters
Sue
Founder and South Island Fitter, Marlborough based
I have been working as a saddle fitter for nearly 20 years now - looking at horse and rider in a holistic way. I really enjoying working with well respected FEI / Olympic level Vets, Manual therapists, Farriers, Osteopaths & Massage therapists, trainers and other saddle fitters at the top of their professions, we have to look at the horse as a whole – it's a constantly changing being!
Personally, I trained as a BHSII, until moving to Marlborough was a List 4 Dressage Judge - but I am riding more now! I competed in the UK to Intermediate Horse Trials, Foxhunter level Show Jumping, and worked in both Eventing & Showjumping and Hunting and racing yards in the UK before moving to New Zealand 24 years ago.
I now have 2 Dressage Horses, one by Anamour, competing at level 3 and have just imported a beautiful Elite Mare from Holland.
I have many years experience as an Energy Healer & with Aromatherapy for horses, I love exploring natural ways of helping our beloved horses.
Christine
North Island Fitter, Auckland based
We started working with Christine last year, she is a fabulous saddle fitter & loves our brands for the multitude of fit options. Christine has recently set up a new part to her business 'The Saddle Broker' providing an easy way to sell your preloved saddle. We have alot of our preloved saddles in Auckland with her to be nearer a bigger population and for the ease of her service. This will help Clients and us to provide a better faster service.
Christine can also measure up for new custom made saddles for us.
Christine says:
My commitment to education means you'll not only leave with a well-fitted saddle, but also with the knowledge to maintain that comfort and harmony.
I have been fortunate enough to work 'on the bench' alongside some top saddle makers in Walsall, UK. This has provided me with some simple repair skills and gained invaluable insight into the intricacies of saddle construction and repair.
This hands-on experience enables me to understand not only how saddles are built, but how they interact with both rider and horse. My holistic approach considers the unique needs of both, ensuring a harmonious fit.
I can assess and rebalance all brands of saddles (so long as the saddle is a suitable choice) with wool or Cair panels, and am able to work with latex/foam panels to provide advice and improve the fit as needed. I also take into account how the saddle works for the rider, and any influence external factors have on the fit.
Lucy
Fitter in training, Palmerston North based
Lucy Russell is based in Palmerston North and is our hub for saddle fittings in the area.
Lucy runs a super successful breeding facility and boutique breeding business along with helping to train veterinary students. Lucy is training in saddle fit and is able to help us with measuring for new saddles.
Lucy says:
I’m Lucy Russell, a proud Aviar and Saddle4You brand ambassador! I’ve been riding dressage for a number of years with Reginal, National and HOY Dressage Titles under my belt before a 3 year break from riding while focusing on family.
I now have 3 horses in work; Remi State Secret, an imported 5yo stallion by Secret who we stand at stud, he will come out under saddle next season. A 4yo mare, Secrets Kept REQ also by Secret who has just had her first start at the National Dressage Champs for a reserve Champion 4yo title. My third horse is a level 5 mare, Sassafras FE who I was kindly given the ride on by my coach and friend Kallista Field.
My day job sees me running my Veterinary Practice, Equus Veterinary Reproduction and Consultancy where we provide fresh and frozen AI,, embryo transfer, ovum pick up, semen collection, foaling and neonatal mare and foal care. I am Mum to 3yo Ella, and work alongside my husband Daniel on our beef, cropping and equine property in the Manawatu. We also breed a small number of Hanoverian dressage foals each year. Safe to say that horses are a big part of our lives!
Sue has been a fabulous sponsor, friend and saddle fitting master to me over the past 8 years. She is a talented lady with a super range of saddles to fit every horse and rider! I currently ride in Aviar saddles which I love for their flexibility of fit, close feel to the horse and support without restriction.
