David Kempsell
Co-Founder and Managing Director
David Kempsell is the co-founder and Managing Director of First Thought Equine Ltd, the company behind WOW Saddles, Flair, FreeSpace, Korrector, and Duskin Saddles. Formerly a telecommunications design engineer, David applies his logical design expertise and problem-solving skills to saddlery, combining scientific precision with a lifelong passion for riding.
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David’s equestrian journey began in his teens on a pony-trekking holiday, and he quickly progressed to serious lessons, owning horses, and competing in both dressage and jumping. The purchase of a show-jumping horse with persistent saddlery problems was the catalyst that led David to study saddlery and its effect on the horse’s movement in detail.​​
​​After four years developing a fully adjustable air flocking system to replace traditional wool and foam, David launched First Thought Equine in 1996 with his partner Maggie White. Their first product, Flair, won the prestigious “New Product Award” at the 1999 BETA trade fair, gaining immediate recognition for its innovative design. Several years later, WOW Saddles was introduced, revolutionising the way saddles are constructed, manufactured, and fitted.
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Whilst keeping one foot in the traditional camp, David is a firm believer in using technology to improve equestrian equipment and is passionate about educating saddle fitters, trainers, and riders to identify and address equine welfare and performance issues.​
​David is a qualified saddle fitter with The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and is in demand as a speaker, presenting at conferences and symposia across Europe, including Equitana (Essen, Germany), the European VET Professional Development programme, the BHS Welfare Conference, and “Horses Inside Out.”