At Emmers Equestrian, we go beyond delivering high-quality equestrian products worldwide. We're passionate about sharing valuable knowledge for horses and riders through our Emmers Academy.
Today, we're excited to launch a new episode of our Emmers Academy Series, where we take a closer look behind the scenes with one of our very own—Ingrid. A cornerstone of the Emmers team since 2010, Ingrid has become a familiar and trusted face in the equestrian community. As she explains: “I’m responsible for saddles, leatherwork, supplements, bits, and even the dog department.” Her deep knowledge and experience help our customers make the best choices every day.
Finding the Perfect Saddle
Choosing the right saddle involves more than you might think. At Emmers Equestrian, we understand the complexity and are here to guide you every step of the way. Ingrid explains how we help riders find their ideal saddle: “We’ve created a curated selection of different brands and models. We invite customers to come to the store, look at the saddles, and try them out. Rider height and the correct seat size are very important. Riders often say, ‘My trainer uses this brand,’ or, ‘A friend has that saddle, and I want the same.’ That’s not what we recommend. We advise coming to the store so we can find what truly suits you best.”
The process looks like this:
-
Initial consultation – We discuss the rider’s preferences regarding seat depth, knee rolls, and more.
-
Horse evaluation – We ask about the horse’s conformation (e.g., short back, high withers) and request photos or videos.
-
Test sitting – The rider tries various saddles to narrow the selection.
-
Fitting on location – If needed, our saddle fitters visit the stable with the chosen models to assess the horse’s build, health, and how the saddle fits in motion.
Saddle fitting is a detailed topic, and Ingrid is always happy to offer further guidance by phone or in-store.
Choosing the Right Bit
“We stock a wide variety of bits,” says Ingrid. From eggbutts, loose rings, full cheeks, and pelhams to hackamores and more. Finding the right bit requires a personal approach.
“We need to hear your story. The horse’s age, your riding level, and whether the bit is competition legal—all of these factors matter.”
She adds, “Many riders look for a new bit because the horse is reacting poorly. But often, it’s not the bit—it could be a poorly fitting saddle, back pain, or other health issues. A bit can help, but it won’t fix everything. We need to find the root cause first.”
Supplements for Extra Support
Supplements can benefit many types of horses—from senior horses with joint pain to competition horses with intense workloads. However, Ingrid stresses the importance of consulting with a veterinarian first.
“Supplements are exactly that—supplements. They support the diet and are helpful for specific needs, like muscle soreness, joint stiffness, or recovery from training.”
And Let’s Not Forget the Dogs!
Emmers Equestrian isn’t just for horse lovers—we’ve got dog lovers covered too! “Many of our customers also have dogs,” Ingrid says enthusiastically. “And how fun is it to match your dog’s outfit with your horse’s gear?” From stylish dog coats and beds to leashes, treats, and toys, we have everything to pamper your canine companion.
We’re Here to Help
Have questions or need more information? Ingrid and our team are always happy to help.
“You're always welcome to give us a call or visit the store. We look forward to helping you, your horse, or your dog on your journey,” Ingrid says warmly. A huge thank-you to Ingrid for sharing her insights and experience.
👉 Watch or listen to the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BEBKDhcS_I
