Testimonials
Client: Charlotte King, DVM
Jen,
Thank-you so much for your great service on my recent saddle purchase. As an equine veterinarian I talk to my clients daily about the importance of proper saddle fit. I felt confident working with you as you put the needs of my horse and myself first.
You took the time to find out what my needs were. The first saddle you sent me to
try was an almost perfect fit. After the saddle fitter came out and made a few minor adjustments, my horse and I were ready to ride in comfort. My horse's back feels good after riding and he moves very well in the saddle. I spent alot of time looking for a saddle for my new horse and your selection of Hennig saddles was better than I could find anywhere else. Your saddle trial policy is wonderful. I will definitely use your services again the next time that I am shopping for a saddle. Thank-you again.
Charlotte King, DVM
Niagara Falls, NY
Client: Gigha Steinman
Jen, I am finally recovering from my injury, and have gotten back to riding this week, and I love this new Hennig more with each ride. I'd worried with taking a chance and buying it when I couldn't trial it much because I got hurt, but I am ***so*** happy with it!! Just thought I'd let you know :).
:) gigha
Gigha Steinman
www.riveroaksfarm.net
Astor, FL.
Client: Susan Haywood
Jen,
The saddle arrived today, I was so excited I skipped off work to go home & try it out! A quick spin on both horses who went so well in it! Much more freedom over their backs so I had heaps more out of the shoulder. It would be hard to imagine a better fit for me, as I'm not tall so the seat size & flap length are spot on. The twist is exactly right, hard to accomodate a short legged rider on a big wide horse, but I can get my leg on beautifully.
Thanks so much Jen, its perfect & I am thrilled with it. Not even worn, only just worn in!
Susan- Tasmania, Australia
Client: Elizabeth Felgendreher
I sure would like to understand how a saddle can be five years old and look so good. It really does seem as if it was never used.
So...it's a done deal....and thank you for your expertise in matching rider to saddle.
Liz F.
Midway, Kentucky
Taken from Ultimate Dressage Forum : UDBB Client: Janna Dwyer- Bakrhamov Janna - Dark Horse Stable, Rocky Ridge, MD. Client: Barbie Ulbrich
Jen-
I'm one of the friends who just bought the Hennig (used, of course!). I tried Jane's on my mare, Maggie, and even though saddle was slightly too narrow for my mare, she went forward in that saddle like she has NEVER moved before. So, I get one on trial from Jen at Mahtowa Meadows (phenomenal woman to work with, by the way).
This saddle fit my mare like a glove - needs minimal reflocking - and its like sitting in "buttah". The difference in my position and Maggie's comfort is UNBELIEVABLE. This is a mare that is built slightly downhill and moves as much up & down as she does forward. Until this saddle, I have not been able to successfully sit her trot, especially in extensions. Her walk - always very nice, "went from an 8 to a 12!" (experienced eyewitness account). Her canter - always big with lots of jump - is SOOOO much easier to ride & control now.
Saddles also tend to move forward on her b/c of her build (big barrel but really narrows in girth area). Because of the cut - allowing shoulder to be free - this did not impinge upon her shoulders - allowing her to really stretch out in her gaits. The openess was nothing I have seen in her before - and I watched a couple of other people ride her in saddle prior to making purchase decision.
No more back discomfort - for either of us.
Rode her in a clinic for 90 minutes (we were both 2 weeks out of work) - she wasn't the least bit sore at end of ride. I only had issues from my pneumonia, not from the saddle.
Also, the saddle puts me where I need to be. I feel almost like I'm riding bareback and my hips are able to move much more freely in how I sit in this saddle. I also tend not to grip and brace in my legs (and let me tell you, I am the ruling diety of gripping and bracing). And an incredible feeling of security - this mare is queen of dropping shoulder in spook and bolting - my seat didn't move when she did this - and this is with a dog running up under her hind legs!
Just to give you an idea of how many saddles I tried - brands include Prestige, Albion, Amerigo, Diamont, Stubben, the Anky/Pessoa ?, Rembrandt, County (various models), Bates, Niedersuss, Keiffer, and many, many more. I was the bane of the local tack shop - took out every saddle they had new and on consignment. Tried every saddle in our trainer's barn and among friends.
Let's just say - I'm totally sold on the Hennig for my horse & me. Those are most of the reasons why (well, haven't got all day, y'know).
Molly & the Magpie
Finding the right Hennig for each student/horse combination may take some trial and error but in every single case (about 15 saddles) the effort has been immeasurably worth it-with happy horses and ecstatic students. Jen is a pleasure and so easy to work with.
I got the 18" Hennig you sold me the other day, but didn't have time to ride in it until today. I've ridden in these before, so I was pretty sure it would be good for me. Surprisingly, the tree was an okay fit for my horse, so I thought it might be good for him. He has a flat back, and can really bring it up, so I was really hoping this would work.
Now, everyone thinks they have a super young horse, but I really have an international quality six year old. Lars Petersen found him for me, and I train with Lars. He has fantastic movement, but was being restricted by my Schleese saddle. Well, I walked him for ten minutes, and then picked up the trot. WOW! From the FIRST STRIDE, his trot was bigger and better. And the right lead canter, which is his weaker side, was significantly better. Not only that, but I got clean flying changes from him, for the first time in a long time.
Thank you for finding me a great saddle! I love it that I saved over $1000, and didn't have to wait for months and months! Another satisfied customer!
--Barbie Ulbrich
USET 1997 Grand Prix "What's What"
Client: Andrea McKim
Hi Jen,
I'm afraid your customer in Korea is going to be disappointed. The 311 is staying right here in California. My trainer says it fits horse and rider just right and we are both going really well with it! She rarely (if ever) has anything complimentary to say about anything! I am totally stunned! Can you believe it? First try!!
She was happy yesterday that I was sitting better because the seat has a sweet spot my butt fits into and my butt did not slosh back and forth, as it does with my old saddles. With the Thinline and saddle, I was able to sit extensions sooooo much better!!
I just put the Thinline through it's first wash and it looks perfect again. I am eager to see how the Contender pad differs.
Thank you so much for your patience and help! It has been an utter pleasure to do business with you!
Andrea
Grass Valley, CA.
Client: Janet Eakman
Hi Jen,
Rode in the saddle tonight. Love it so much!! Will wait till my trainer gives her opinion on Wed, but am 99% sure I'll buy it. Will let you know for sure Wed.
(Wed)
Yes. I would like to purchase your saddle. I'm extremely grateful to you, Jen. I've been saddle shopping for a year and a half now. Your saddle not only fits both me and my horse, but also improves our performance significantly. My trainer asked why Westy's back was swinging so much more freely - whether it was a chiropracter she'd recommended. I explained it was the saddle (first time she'd seen us using it). The cut outs and wider seat help us a lot! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Feel free to use my note as a testimonial, Jen. You do a service that's worth talking about. :-) Thanks again. Janet
J.Eakman
Austin, TX
Client: Cara Berthe
Jen,
Got the halter and lead today and I just wanted to say thanks. That is one of the nicest halters I have ever seen. So original and elegant. The pictures you have up just don't do it justice. That is huge for cob size, thank god I didn't get full. I'll try it on him tomorrow. Anyway, wanted to let you know how happy I was with it and thanks for the super fast shipping & fantastic customer service. I'll keep you in mind for my next purchase (can't afford a Hennig but sure wish I could).
Thanks again!
Cara
Salem, MA.
Client: Molly Armstrong
Client: Genene Capua
Taken from the Ultimate Dressage Bulletin Board Forum Feb 3, 2006:
I''ve been hesitating to post as I''ve only had my Hennig for 3 wks. I LOVE IT.
Everytime I ride in it, I feel like singing!!!!! The feel is practically undescribable. Its a real close contact to the horse. I am petite- 5''4" and 28" inseam- I''ve always felt like my leg doesn''t get around the horse (except on a 14.2 Morgan :oops: ) and I ride several types.
This Hennig is like a custom fit- I can''t imagine it feeling any better. I was totally prepared to send it back, and have to trial several, and probably NOT like any of them ( I have a long history w/saddle woes)... but I knew in 2 rides it wasn''t going back... ( I got it slightly used, from www.mahtowameadows.com ) I DO kind of wonder how the titanium tree feels, but it wasn''t worth giving up this one to test another.
I would be VERY surprised if another saddle is in this league. The first time I looked, I thought " who the @@#$% should have to remortgage the farm to buy a saddle!" The second day I was leary, the 3rd day ( and much searching of old posts, here) I thought I better try one , what''s a couple $$ to try. 8) :shock: then the darn thing claimed me. I had to jump a few hoops to get my canadian M/C to cooperate :wink: Jen was very kind while it all sorted out.
Client: Anthia
Dear Jen,
I love the saddle, and am going to keep it! I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to have come across your wonderful website. Believe me, you were the only dealer that carried the Hennig with the exact specifications I needed. I also appreciated your excellent communication throughout this process. Again, I am really glad that I found your business, and I would not hesitate to recommend you to people in need of quality saddles and excellent customer service.
Thank you again!
Anthia
Hi Jen,
Changing the position of the blocks definitely helped, but the biggest breakthrough was ditching the sheepskin pad. I felt like I was perched on Tommy and ready to ping off at a moment's notice. I switched to my regular Thinline pad (which I hadn't tried with this saddle) and it made a huge difference in saddle/horse feel.
Tommy's canter has so much air time that it often feels like he's not working hard enough. With this saddle, I can more clearly feel his movement and it now feels like we're gliding rather than him being a slug. I wish I could say the same for sitting his trot. That is much harder for me in this saddle as opposed to my current saddle, but since the goal with a new saddle was less restriction, I expected this result. I'll be a better rider in the long run. So the bottom line is that I'm not going to let this saddle get away. I think it will not only help me to grow as a rider, but will grow with me (making it a little easier along the way).
I will probably have the saddle adjusted (just the tiniest bit) so I would like the contact info for adjusters, as well as for the most likely saddler for (hopefully unnecessary) block replacements.
I thank you, my trainer thanks you, and so - quite possibly - will some of my barn neighbors when they contact you for their own imported Hennig. The saddle is a hit, all around.
Regards,
Genene Capua
Florence, MT
Client: Julie V.
I've tried the saddle three times now, and each time it feels better. Today
I tried it with my tall boots to ensure the flap would be long enough. Even
with my feet out of the stirrups completely I have almost 2" of room on the
flap to spare. I know my position is different when I sit in it - and it's
going to take some getting used to - but it is undoubtedly the most
comfortable saddle I have ever sat in. And more importantly, my young mare
absolutely works with the saddle on her back, she stretches better, and she
is more forward. This is what we all strive for with our young horses, and
this reaction came immediately - it made me realize how much difference a
saddle can make. I've heard it before but actually seeing (and feeling) has
convinced me that I don't have a choice. My mare says it a keeper - Two
Hooves up! I won't be sending this one back! Thank you for sharing all of
the pictures of other Hennig riders so I could gauge the fit for my leg more
efficiently. I have already given your name out to three people who were
immediately curious what type of saddle I was riding in - you've found a
great niche and you do a wonderful job. Thanks very much.
Client: Stephanie Rozdilsky
Hi Jen:
Just wanted you to know that the adjustment went well. Dana was great and a big help so thanks for recommending her. I got it back a few days ago and have been riding in it. Now that the saddle is where is should be I can really feel those cut outs. They sure make it springy. Now I am beginning to understand all of the different things you were trying to describe to me. My horse seems to like it too! We got a great extension the other day.
My trainer is riding in it for the first time today. Hopefully she will enjoy it as much as I do. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Anyways, thanks for all your help. Just thought you may like an update.
Hope all is well over there.
Stephanie Rozdilsky
Trumball, CT.
Client: Debra MacComb
Hi--I purchased saddle #176 in the early summer and just wanted to express how much I LOVE it! I've never ridden in a saddle that seems so much like a comfortable version of the horse's back! Really--it has that much "feel." And on both sides the equation; the saddle allows for subtle influence on the horse (which I'm sure he appreciates!)
I'm coming to you for my next saddle, too--Thanks again, Jen.
Debra MacComb
Carrollton, GA.
Client: Stephanie Nicola
Hi Jen:
I had my second ride in the saddle last night. I LOVE IT!!! I just felt SOOOOO comfortable in it. It is like it was made for me! You were right, you just know when it fits. My legs were long and comfortable and stayed where they belonged the whole ride! I felt completly vertically aligned like I was right where I was supposed to be without fighting myself! My horse felt amazing too. I loved how he felt so loose in his shoulders. I felt like he actually was able to move more freely up front which in turn made it easier for him to access his back and hind end (which is great because he is a horse that is built to be heavy on the forehand). Because of his experience with past saddles I have had a hard time getting him to really bring his back up, especially in the sitting trot. When I picked up the sitting trot he was amazing! And the canter! He has a hard time sustaining it because he is so massive and I usually get pulled when he breaks out of it. I actually was sitting in the perfect position so I had the leverage to push him through it and sustained his canter for longer than i usually can!
Well, needless to say, you have sold another one! And the wait to find my perfect match was well worth it!
Thanks for all your help and patience with me.
And by the way, if I have anyone who is at all interested in buying a Hennig I will without a doubt recommend you. You have been so great to work with and have made this huge investment a somehow enjoyable process! You were very honest and helpful and that is a rare find. I wish you the best of luck in your business and your horses and hope that I will be able to send a few people your way every now and then.
Stephanie
Trumball, CT.
Client: Darryl Pullman
Jen,
I am so excited, it feels like that saddle was made for me.
I put it on a Holsteiner mare that is not a forward thinking horse, my goodness the shoulders opened up and all of her "stuff" was out the window and there was a confident horse w/a relaxed and content eye..
I am sooo delighted to have this saddle, I know it is an older one but, dang it works for me.
Darryl
Santa Rosa, CA
Client: Joann Long
Hi Jen
Well it looks like the saddle is a keeper. Initially I tried it on my wide TB because it looked and felt like a custom fit on him. I could tell immediately the way he moved how comfortable the fit was for both of us. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so comfortable in a saddle. I felt very molded into this saddle with perfect vertical alignment. Of course, when the rider is comfortable it is reflected in how the horse responds.
My Paint/QH is more barrel shaped with huge shoulders. I was undecided about the fit on him however, he seems fine with it. I was concerned for a wider gullet on this chunky guy but this saddle may work on him as well.
Otherwise, the seat fit for rider position is PERFECT for me! He is a big back mover and can really toss the rider out of the saddle. So I think the deeper seat is the best for riding him. I feel the more I ride him in this saddle my position will greatly improve. On my TB I feel like we are gliding.
I’ll have the tree checked locally compared to my wither tracings in case any adjustments are needed.
This is a super nice saddle and the fit is perfect for me!
Thanks for your help!!
Joann Long
Colts Neck ,NJ.
Client: Sherrie Sidman Client: Teresa Carlisle
I rode in it this afternoon, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I sunk down into this oh-so-comfortable-saddle and, once I got my stirrup length right, the seat seemed absolutely perfect for me. It wasn't too small or constricting as I had feared. Rather, I was actually sitting right on my seat bones without working at it, and I felt in balance and one with my horse for the first time in ... well, for the first time ever, I guess!
________________________________________________
My lesson today was canceled, but I rode Donovan again on my own. I used the Thinline pad today and slipped the point billets into the keepers. I have to tell you, that Thinline pad is really wonderful! Even with this saddle's wide channel, it was still slipping side-to-side a bit with the regular pad, but the Thinline kept it right in the center of his back today. You were right that the Thinline's rigidity worked better to keep the point billet back. It worked beautifully on the left side, but the right side still pulled forward (??) I'm thinking that Donovan is more asymmetrical than I thought as it's also my right knee that is being rubbed raw ... if he's kind of twisted in behind the shoulder on that side, it explains everything.
But on to my ride today ... I had just as fantastic a time today as on Wednesday!!! Keeping the point billets back is obviously the key. Donovan was so relaxed and responsive, I maneuvered him all over the ring on-the-buckle using only seat and leg (this is a horse who can turn himself into a block of granite if he's "not in the mood"). I absolutely LOVE my new, longer leg :) :) Three - 3 - holes longer!
The saddle will be taken to the shop tomorrow, and then my plan remains the same as far as riding in it for two weeks after it has been altered -- then sending it on for final fitting adjustments :)
Oh, did I forget to mention that there is no way on Earth that I am returning this saddle???? You may absolutely consider it SOLD!
I thought my 3/4 block was wonderful, but THIS one is ME! With just a few alterations, it will end up being exactly the Hennig I would have ordered custom-made. Thank you, Jen, for lining me up with this magnificent saddle. And thank you also for having legs that needed longer flaps or I don't think I would even have had the opportunity to see it.
If everything proceeds as planned, you should have my 3/4 block for consignment in about 6 weeks :) In the meantime, I am definitely going to get a second Thinline pad ... Is it better to purchase from your website, or from your eBay site?
I will keep you informed of all progress ...
I am extremely pleased ...
Sherrie Sidman Round Hill, VA.
Client: Susan Ishmael
Jen,
Ok, Now I can tell you how THRILLED I AM with this saddle! I have never ridden in anything so comfortable in my life. I broke a vertebrae in 2004 and missed 9 months of riding. While I haven’t had any back pain while riding, sometimes I did feel a bit unlevel, but only AFTER my horse got crooked. This saddle helps me to keep a feel of my horse and catch my position before I get crooked! I am looking forward to MANY years of riding now! And the leather is SO SO soft!
You will continue to hear from me. I was able to keep my horse UP through his back and able to sit his big trot for the first time yesterday....it was like heaven!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted, it was not for an entire lesson, but longer than I ever had before!..and VERY COMFORTABLY I MIGHT ADD!! I am very hopeful that now I will be able to catch up to my horse’s level!!
Tell me what I need to use to clean it and keep it conditioned.
THANK YOU AGAIN,
I am glad you suggested that I try it.
Susan Ishmael
Jonesboro, AR.
Jen,
The saddle got to my friends yesterday but, she got busy and forgot to call me. I picked it up today and tried it out on my horse. GUESS WHAT???? WOW!!!!!
I do believe your not going to get it back. It's a keeper.
It normally takes us about 10 to 15 minutes of warm up at the walk before she is ready to do anything else. With the Hennig she was so loose through the back immediately . The walk was long, loose and free. No short, fast walk for her and the trot was from behind and elevated and right off the get go. She has never done that for me before. Oh ya, she was very happy to do it as well. All I can say is WOW
Thank You so much for everything, I will send pictures soon.
Continued....days later....
I had my first lesson today in like a long time. (at least that's what my body is telling me)
My trainer loved the way my saddle fit and really loved the way my horse went. She said that if you are going to expect your horse to be the best you have to spend the money and buy the best saddle for your horse.
We had the most amazing ground covering trot I have ever gotten out of her, and the canter was just like WOW!!
Teresa Carlisle
Bellingham, WA.
Client: Annamae Braun
Hi Jen,
I'm happy to report that the saddle fits,yeah!!!!! I can't tell you how handsome my horse looks in his new saddle. The thin line pad worked great.
The saddle fit me perfectly and I loved the way it put my seat bones right in place as well as my leg. My trainer thought the saddle was very nice and she's going to hop on tomorrow and have a ride in it. My trainer was the one who told me about you and is very happy with her Hennig.
Hi Jen,
I had my first lesson in the new/used saddle and it was fantastic! My trainer thought I rode better in it and then she got on for a feel. She LOVED it! Her saddle is a mono flap, but without the outer thigh block. I think you have another thin-line sold because she wants one now. It really makes a difference on my horses back and he doesn't get all sweaty underneath the saddle. I can't get over how well the saddle fits him and me, what a relief.
Thanks for the great service Jen.
Annamae Braun
San Francisco, CA.
Client: Teresa Carlisle
Jen,
You have been one of the best people to work with. I can't tell you how much that means to me, especially with a purchase like this one. I have waited a long time for a hennig and you made it a very painless experience.
I will take some new pictures of my horse (pony) with her new saddle and send them to you.
Thank You so much for all your help, I couldn't have done it with out you!!!!!
Teresa
Bellingham, WA.