Normally we will suggest a local retailer who will visit you so you can ride on the saddles and see if you and the horse like them before ordering a saddle.

Yes, normally WOW saddles have the Flair air flocking system, but you have the option of wool flocking, Flair, foam or Flair Mark II.

Flair is a system of four adjustable air bags –two in each panel – that provide a soft bearing surface between saddle and horse. The air bags enable the saddle balance to be changed front to back and side to side to put the rider’s weight in the center of the saddle and can compensate for a horse’s asymmetry. Proven by pressure testing comparing flair to wool flocking and foam systems, Flair reduces point pressures, creating a much lower and even pressure footprint, whilst also absorbing the jarring shock created by the momentum of horse and rider. Almost without exception, it allows the horse to “swing” throughs its back, being more elevated and taking a longer stride. When jumping the horse bascules better under Flair, and Flair is proven to reduce the pressure under the saddle created by landing from a jump, so horses are more manageable when jumping a course of jumps.

Flair and Flair Mark II are both patented systems of flocking. Flair as described above, has four large air bags filling the panel with small foam shapes sitting over the air bag to create shock absorption. Worldwide, nothing has been proven to better Flair in pressure dispersal, but sometimes horses are too “free”, and the rider finds it difficult to sit too; so, Flair Mark II was created as an alternative. Flair Mark II comprises a foam panel with small air bags sitting into the foam. The small air bags enable the rider to alter the balance of the saddle front to back and side to side but the horse does not elevate in their stride as the system is not massaging their muscles as the original Flair does. Accordingly, it is providing some of the benefits but “without releasing the hand brake on the horse” and without the “swing of the back” that some riders cannot cope with.

WOW saddles have a unique patented carbon fibre tree that is designed to allow the front of the saddle to move or twist with the diagonal movement of the shoulders of the horse whilst the part of the seat under the rider stays still. This can be seen by looking at pressure testing. The front of a WOW tree is moving independently, allowing the rider's centre of force to stay very still. Whilst in other saddles the rider is moved by the twisting motion of the whole seat created as the horse’s shoulder moves backwards...

In addition to the tree and the choices of flocking, WOW has more headplates available than other brands in not just differing angles, but also different arches or hoops shape. There are no tree points, instead the WOW pointless panel™ system not only prevents point pressures (none), but also removes the stirrup bar pressures seen in other saddles when pressure testing.

Brands offering interchangeable headplates are talking about the angle of the headplate. WOW has headplates in the U range starting at 73 degrees – very narrow – through to 143 degrees – 8X wide. All WOW saddles can take any of these head plates (as well as the V and UU headplates) because the tree is flexible enough at the front to stretch from 73 degrees to 143 degrees. Other brands cannot do this angle change in a single tree. In addition to changing the angle WOW offer three ranges of head plates – the V head plate, the U head plate and the UU headplate. The V headplate has a very closed head, the U is the middle or normal arch and the UU has a very wide arch or hoop allowing for horses with very wide spinal processes and surrounding musculature. A 1V, 1U and 1UU headplate are all the same angle and fit, it is just the arch at the top of the headplate that changes in width. This means as your horse puts on muscle but does not change the angle of the withers WOW can change.

Yes, when you compare horses looking along the length of their spine you can see that some are very curved in the spine, other more normal and other very flat. Accordingly, we offer our trees in curved, semi curved and flat. Every style of seat is available in the three curvature options. If your horse starts in a flat tree and later becomes more curved as it progresses in its training, then you can remove the seat with the flat tree and exchange it over to a semi curved of curved tree version of that seat.

We actually have three stirrup locations on the tree. There are two stirrup bars – a front and another further back, plus a third position further back fixed direct into the tree. The third position is used by some dressage riders and endurance riders where they are using a very straight leg position to get their ankle under the hip/shoulder plane. This depends on the geometry of the rider and how much they “open” their hips to drop their leg. The front and second bar are used by dressage riders, trail riding, hunting, showjumpers and cross-country riders but the choice again is dependent on the riders geometry and not always on the assumed “front is jumping, back is dressage”.

We have several fixing points in the tree specific for the flaps allowing you to change the flap position whilst ensuring the symmetry is still kept. If you use Velcro fittings, you cannot move parts and maintain the symmetry and straightness.

When you change the angle of a fixed tree in a tree machine you will change the whole geometry of the tree. Widening a tree will actually make it more curved front to back. Narrowing it will flatten the curvature. With a WOW saddle the tree is Y shaped with the point of the Y at the pommel. It is totally rigid front to back but the area where the headplate lies is totally flexible and therefore moulds around whatever shaped headplate is put in it. The stirrup bars also move to the new angle and keep a smooth line with the rest of the tree.

Yes, WOW headplates go to 8X wide but in addition, we do different panels styles for narrow and wide horses depending on the profile of their back over the wither and behind the wither. So we make panels with Tabs for horses whose withers are pyramid in shape and options of very close contact if the horse is concave in shape or with more lift if the horse is wide but still has a slightly convex shape behind the wither. So, we can fit Highlands, Welsh, Arabs, Haflingers, Percheron and all the other British natives as well as the warmbloods and thoroughbreds.

Yes, we are extremely popular with baroque style horses and quarter horses as our technology and designs allow us to accommodate the wide muscled wither and back these types of horses boast.

Yes, we can fit extremely high withered horse without worry of the saddle dropping. We now have panels that are designed to extend the tree support much lower than a conventional saddle’s tree and panel. The support of the panel comes right down onto the top of the rib cage behind the scapulars, this support being lower down supports the front of the saddle on the rib cage instead of resting on the sheer vertical sides of the withers.

Yes. There are multiple reasons why a saddle will slip sideways. It should be noted that whilst we can hold a saddle straight on a horse, you should always ask the question why you are slipping in the first place. Saddle slip can be associated with isometric development of musculature or lameness. Then there is the crooked rider to also consider. With the Wow girthing we can set up the saddle, so it is straight by setting up the girthing asymmetrically. This will encourage the horse to develop better symmetry by taking more equal load on all four limbs.

Yes. Wow can have a shortened panel which is 1 inch smaller than the seat size. This means you could have a 17-inch seat with a 16-inch panel. It is not possible to have a bigger difference in this as it would cause too much pressure at the rear of the saddle.

No, if the saddle is set up correctly with the girthing more forward, either for using a foregirth or point strap, then it should not go forward. Saddles normally move forward onto the shoulder because of incorrect girthing (girth straps). Your WOW fitter can help diagnose whatever the set up issue may be, and come up with the correct solution for you and your horse.

In these cases, most saddles perch on the horse’s musculature rather than wrapping around it. The horse is affectively clothes pegged by the saddle because the gullet is not wide enough. With WOW you have the options of a hooped arch, UU headplate, an extra wide gullet and something we call a tabbed panel. With these three options combined you could have the widest possible horse and the saddle would sit around the withers rather than perched on top.

There are numerous reasons why your horse may be bucking. Saddle positioning is one, horses do not like saddles sitting on the shoulder and dropping backwards, nor do they like saddles that slip back onto the lumbar. Both reasons can be addressed with the correct set up of Girthing.

These types of horses can always be problematic, the girth groove on these horses is normally much further back and therefore requires the girthing of the saddle to be moved backwards to keep the saddle more forwards. We have a special type of girthing developed just for this type of horse.

Yes, we can fit this type of horse. The saddle must be kept in balance and therefore the back of the saddle needs to drop, we accommodate this by having panels with smaller rear gussets.

Yes, we have some particularly good girths that are padded on the sternum that alleviate pressure on the pectoral muscles. These are the “H” Girth and Elegance Girth.

If the saddle fits but just rolls one way and then the other, then you probably have quite a round barrelled horse with not a lot of wither. We would suggest a “H” girth and use the point strap and a back-balance strap on the saddle. In this way the pull of the girth is spread over as much of the saddle as possible, keeping in contact with the horse and therefore more grip = more stability.

Yes, you have complete choice of colours and finishes on every part of your saddle. From stitch colour, to unique leathers or even a personalised cantle.

How long is a piece of string? The problem with saddle fitting is, the better we fit the horse, and it performs, the more quickly it will change shape. Therefore, initially you might need your saddle checked within the first month, then 2 months then 4 – 6 months. It is different for each horse. It also depends how much work is being done and the quality of that work.

Yes, if you wish, you can change every aspect of your saddle.

The saddle gauge is specifically designed for WOW saddles. Every manufacturer’s tree shape and size are slightly different, so our sizes are not going to relate to another brand.

Depending on the age of your saddle, the form that your saddle number appears in may differ slightly, but will always be found on the underside of your seat. Some of the older models have a metal disc on the gullet at the cantle end, under a cloth label. This years models have a plastic rectangle with the seat number on the gullet. If you are unable to find your seat number just get in touch.

Our more recent panels have a clear label on the gullet side when you turn your saddle over. If you are still struggling to tell which panels you have don't hesitate to get in touch.

To find a WOW saddle fitter, you can head over to our fitters page for all the information you'll need.

Yes, We offer public training days at WOW HQ, you just have to get in touch to pre-book as the spaces are limited.

Yes! WOW is equipped for use at any level whether that is happy hacking or competing at 5* level. Each WOW saddle is specific to the horse and rider it has been designed for, as a result you are able to have whatever your discipline requires whilst still having the highest level of comfort for both you and your horse.

Yes, Customization is key when it comes to WOW saddles. We offer complete customization from stitch and leather colours to bling and embroidery.

Yes, we do sell a select range of second hand saddles. Head over to our second hand page to check out our second hand stock.

Once you have booked your saddle fitting, you will be able to try out as many combinations as you and your fitter think necessary in order to find the perfect saddle for you and your horse.

You can purchase your WOW saddle though your fitter, this ensures it will be the perfect size and shape for your horse. Head over to our Find a Fitter page to contact your closest retailer!

WOW offers a Saddle Gauge for anyone who does not have a fitter in their area. It comes with in depth instructions and we also have videos and print outs to make sure you have everything you need to fit your horse yourself.

You should measure between the area between the front legs at the point where the elbows are parallel as the girth sits just behind the front legs but extends to the point where the elbows are. The Standard Sternum Plate measured at the point it sits between the elbows of the horse is 7.25 inches (18.5cm) wide. The Slim Sternum Plate is for horses that are narrower between the front legs. Measured between the back edge of the two elbows, the slim version is only 4.5 inches wide (11.5cm) so would be better suited for the slimmer horse.

We have designed the FreeSpace girth to allow for the extra space already, therefore you should order your usual girth length. You should ensure that the front girth strap buckles are higher than the elbow so they do not restrict the elbow when the horse moves.

Look between the horses front legs with them standing square and check that the silver rivet in the centre of the sternum plate is central, or the sternum plate itself is central.

The sternum plate should sit central, and the straps should leave a gap either side of the sternum plate. The gaps should be big enough to fit your hand through!

You should feel just below the saddle flap to determine tightness. If your horse ‘shrinks’ when you are mounted, then tighten 1 hole at a time, first one side and then the other side, and then returning to the original side etc.

We recommend tightening the girth one strap at a time, alternating between both sides of your saddle. Left, right, left, right.

Yes! This is the whole idea of the FreeSpace. The rigid top sternum plate prevents the girth straps from touching the pectoral muscles either side of the sternum and it is this lack of pressure that is the key to the success of the girth.

The girth straps can be the same or different lengths depending on your horses shape, although if the girth straps descending from your saddle are close together, then they should be the same length.

The buckle ends can be separate like our H Girth or they can be joined using a double buckle guard. You should make your decision based on your saddles girth straps. If they are close together then a double buckle guards will work nicely. If your girth straps are far apart than single buckle guards will be the best fit.

The FreeSpace girth is made from vegan leather as standard, this means it can be hosed off and wiped down or left to drip dry! You do not need any leather balsam. Very easy, efficient and doesn’t affect the quality of the girth.

Girth sleeves are not a necessity, although they do come as standard with the long version of the girth. They have been designed to prevent pinching of the straps.

Yes! We do sell synthetic sheep wool covers in both white and black for our Freespace girths.

The FreeSpace girth generally works really well in this instance, often preventing sideways slip, but this is something you will have to try as every horse is different and you may wish to consult your saddle fitter.

Of course! The FreeSpace girth is suitable and effective for all riding disciplines. We also have a stud version specifically for jumping.

No! The girth fastens on to the saddles billet straps like any other, so can be used with any saddle.

So far we have not found one.

If you buy a black synthetic FreeSpace you have 14 days to try and return it to us as long as it is clean, and in its original packaging. If returned unclean, we will deduct 20% from the total value of the refund. We do not offer returns on any used leather girths, as leather is a porous material and can not be cleaned for resale.

Flair is a system of four adjustable air bags – two in each panel – that provide a soft bearing surface between saddle and horse. The air bags enable the saddle balance to be changed front to back and side to side to put the rider’s weight in the center of the saddle and can compensate for a horse’s asymmetry. Proven by pressure testing comparing flair to wool flocking and foam systems, Flair reduces point pressures, creating a much lower and even pressure footprint, whilst also absorbing the jarring shock created by the momentum of horse and rider. Almost without exception, it allows the horse to “swing” throughs its back, being more elevated and taking a longer stride. When jumping, the horse bascules better under Flair. Flair is proven to reduce the pressure under the saddle created by landing from a jump, so horses are more manageable when jumping a course of jumps.

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Using 4 airbags ( 2 in either panel ) provides the most stability.

Yes! Flair airbags are easily adjustable as and when you need to.

We have an in depth video on our Flair page and our Youtube page.

Yes! Head to our shop to find any spare parts you might need.

Flair uses sealing gel via a syringe to seal the tubes and seal off the air bags.

No, once they are sealed they do not need re-adjusting before every ride.

No. Due to the sealing gel, the airbags will not deflate when you ride.

Flair is air flocking, where as traditional flocking is wool.

Flair creates a gaseous and totally flexible layer in your saddle. This removes pressure points and increases the sensitivity of the horse to your lower back aids whilst also providing shock absorption for the horse when jumping or engaged in sitting trot (gases can be compressed whilst liquids, gels and solids cannot). Flair allows your horse to move naturally as the muscles of the back and shoulder are no longer restricted by your saddle's panel.

Not all panels are suitable to be upgraded to flair, however if you have any queries, please get in touch.

Flair and Flair Mark II are both patented systems of flocking. Flair as described above, has four large air bags filling the panel with small foam shapes sitting over the air bag to create shock absorption. Worldwide, nothing has been proven to better Flair in pressure dispersal, but sometimes horses are too “free”, and the rider finds it difficult to sit too; so, Flair Mark II was created as an alternative. Flair Mark II comprises a foam panel with small air bags sitting into the foam. The small air bags enable the rider to alter the balance of the saddle front to back and side to side but the horse does not elevate in their stride as the system is not massaging their muscles as the original Flair does. Accordingly, it is providing some of the benefits but “without releasing the hand brake on the horse” and without the “swing of the back” that some riders cannot cope with.

Flair is more comfortable for both horse and rider and provides the following benefits: Gives your horse greater comfort by... - Removing the pressure points of your saddle. - Increasing the bearing surface offered by the saddle's panel. - Continually flexing and moulding to the horse's shape as the back and shoulder muscles work unrestricted. - Absorbing impact shock from the rider. - Increasing ventilation by negating the need for the use of a numnah. Benefits the rider by... - Increasing the sensitivity of the lower back and seat aides so providing a closer feel between horse rider. - Requiring no alteration or maintenance on regular basis. - Absorbs jarring shock to the rider's lower back.

Flair benefits the horse by doing the following: - Removing the pressure points of your saddle. - Increasing the bearing surface offered by the saddle's panel - Continually flexing and moulding to the horse's shape as the back and shoulder muscles work unrestricted. - Absorbing impact shock from the rider. - Increasing ventilation by negating the need for the use of a numnah.

No. Flair is able to be installed completely discretely.

Yes. Flair is specifically designed to be fitted once the rider is mounted.

No. Flair is specifically designed to allow all of the airbags to be inflated independently, this makes it perfect for those who need to inflate them asymmetrically.

NAGGA is a discrete device that actively monitors your riding position. Easily attached to your boot, hat or arm, NAGGA will buzz or vibrate when it detects that your position is incorrect. NAGGA is your personal riding coach, helping you to self-correct your position. Whether you're schooling or riding out, this revolutionary new rider aid will 'nag' you every time a bad habit creeps in.

Nagga is a tilt switch alarm of either sound or vibration. You can set the device to go off when a desired angle is reached i.e. tilt of the head, arm or heel. It has a built-in delay so you can look down for a quick check for instance but more than the delay or you will set the alarm off.

In reason it should work for anybody who desires to be more correct in their riding position.

In the very unlikely event Nagga does not work for you, then you can send it back for a full refund provided that all the parts are sent back in the condition they were sent in, and all in the original box.

The batteries last an awfully long time but when you come to change them you will find that the Nagga has a slide off door to the battery compartment on the back.

It is not waterproof so don’t drop it into a bucket of water! However, you can use it in the rain absolutely fine.

Nagga is perfect for improving your head position, leg position and arm position!

The Nagga comes with a cradle to which you can attach different means of attachment straps. There is a Velcro strap for a hat, one for the arm and the stirrup type bar for the ankle. It should be noted that the Nagga has to turned 180 degrees if you change wearing it on the left to right as the tilt switch only operates in one direction of rotation.

When attached to your wrist, Nagga will assist you to improve your hand and arm position as well as their balance, which is key to clear communication between you and your horse.

When attached to your hat, Nagga will ensure you are keeping your head straight, forward and level, which in turn should help with your position in the saddle and your balance.

NAGGA will help you to attain an independent lower leg that consistently and consciously communicates the correct aids.

NAGGA is a discrete device that actively monitors your riding position. NAGGA will buzz or vibrate when it detects that your position is incorrect, but not so loud that everyone will hear.

NAGGA is a discrete device that actively monitors your riding position. Whether NAGGA is attached to your hat, boot or wrist, it will buzz or vibrate when it detects that your position is incorrect. Essentially it will 'nag' you until you every time your targeted 'bad habit' creeps in.

Yes, your NAGGA will come with everything you need to use it as soon as it arrives!

If you are not happy with your Nagga you can send it back to… First Thought Equine Ltd, Covet Lane, Kingston, Canterbury CT4 6JS Please ensure you return the unit complete with all its bits for a full refund and a note so we know who sent it and why!

Korrector is the revolutionary new saddle pad which using air and foam technology, can be adjusted by the rider to give full day to day control of the fit of their saddle on one or more horses. Once adjusted Korrector does not need to be altered unless the horse changes shape or you wish to use it with another saddle or on a different horse – adjustments take a couple of minutes and are done with the rider mounted. Korrector can be used with saddles that fit or with saddles that don’t fit because they are too wide or out of balance.

A Korrector can be used with any saddle from any brand.

Korrector is the revolutionary new saddle pad which using air and foam technology, can be adjusted by the rider to give full day to day control of the fit of their saddle on one or more horses. Korrector can be used with saddles that fit or with saddles that don’t fit because they are too wide or out of balance.

Sizes for English styles of saddle are as follows… Medium For saddles with a seat size of 16.5″ -17.5″. Large For saddles with a seat size of 17.5″ up wards. Sizes for Western styles of saddle are as follows… Medium For Reining type saddles with a bar length of around 23″. Large For Roper/Working type saddles with a bar length of around 26″. Pads come in the following styles… 140 & 165 Pad Western two sizes

Adjustments take just a couple of minutes and are done with the rider mounted. Perfect if you are switching between horses.

Yes! The Korrector is designed to be fitted whilst you are mounted.

Korrector is a system made up of 4 air bags, which are fitted over a foam insert inside two pockets, one on each side of the spine of a saddlecloth.

Korrector is a system of 4 air bags.

Yes it will, Korrector is designed to improve the balance and fit of ill fitting saddles whilst dispersing pressure points that the horse may be experiencing. It is perfect if you are unable to purchase a new saddle, or you ride more than one horse with the same saddle. It can also be used to bring the benefits of flair to a saddle that does not have it.

Yes! Your Korrector will arrive with an in depth manual of how to fit it yourself, we also have helpful videos on our YouTube if you prefer more visual instructions.

Yes! Korrector is easily adjusted when you are switching between horses and saddles.

You can either use a Korrector with or without a numnah, it is the riders preference.

Black and Brown Korrector are available, both in leather and synthetic.

The Korrector technology is exactly the same in both the Western and English versions, however, the shape of the Korrector externally is very different as the saddles require different surface coverage.

Your horse should feel an improved experience when being ridden. The Korrector is proven to disperse the pressure points of the saddle and increasing the bearing surface of the saddle. It also continually flexes and moulds to the horse’s shape allowing the back and shoulder muscles to work unrestricted, as well as alleviating pressure across the horses spine and wither area.

Yes! You should feel a difference when riding. Korrector allows the rider to adjust the pad for seasonal changes in the horse’s shape, and absorbs jarring shock to the rider’s lower back. It also allows the rider to adjust the balance of the saddle front to back, as well as adjusting the balance side to side, so distributing the riders weight centrally.

Warm water is all you need to keep your Korrector clean!

Yes! You can adjust the airbags in your Korrector separately to help with asymmetry.

Yes! Anyone can become a WOW saddle fitter, but first you must attend one of our training courses.

We run a 5 day retailer training course. This ensures our saddle fitters know all the ins and outs of our unique products and have an in depth understanding of the innovative technology behind WOW.

The WOW retailer training takes place here at WOW HQ in Kent, England.

The training required is a 5 day course.

No, no previous saddle fitting experience is needed to attend the training course and in turn become a WOW saddle fitter.

All of our Pre-Loved saddles are listed with a condition rating of Poor, Used, Good or Very Good accordingly. They have all been thoroughly checked over and are in perfect working order, some are just showing more signs of age than others.

No, all of our Pre-Loved saddles are sold as seen. However, you do get a head-plate in the size of your choosing when you purchase one of our Pre-Loved saddles. The price of the head-plate is included in the saddle price.

Yes! All of our Pre-Loved saddles come with a head-plate in the size of your choosing, which is included in the overall price. You simply have to select the head-plate you require from the drop down menu before you add the saddle to your basket.

We like WOW saddles to be available to everyone, whatever your budget. Prices reflect the current condition of the saddles, however as with all WOWs, you can always change and update interchangeable components in the future if you wish. All of our Pre-Loved saddles are listed with a condition rating of Poor, Used, Good or Very Good accordingly.

We recommend you have a fitting prior to purchasing any saddle, Pre-Loved or New, to ensure you know exactly what you and your horse need. It is also advisable, if you are able, to have a fitting once your saddle arrives so your fitter is able to double check the way the saddle moves with, and fits your horse.

Brands offering interchangeable headplates are talking about the angle of the headplate. WOW has headplates in the U range starting at 73 degrees – very narrow – through to 143 degrees – 8X wide. All WOW saddles can take any of these head plates (as well as the V and UU headplates) because the tree is flexible enough at the front to stretch from 73 degrees to 143 degrees. Other brands cannot do this angle change in a single tree. In addition to changing the angle WOW offer three ranges of head plates – the V head plate, the U head plate and the UU headplate. The V headplate has a very closed head, the U is the middle or normal arch and the UU has a very wide arch or hoop allowing for horses with very wide spinal processes and surrounding musculature. A 1V, 1U and 1UU headplate are all the same angle and fit, it is just the arch at the top of the headplate that changes in width. This means as your horse puts on muscle but does not change the angle of the withers WOW can change.

Yes! If you don't have a WOW fitter in your area, you can choose to use the WOW saddle gauge to fit your horses saddle yourself. The measurements you get from the gauge will be what you will need to look out for on our Pre-Loved page!

Dont panic! We regularly update our Pre-Loved stock as and when more becomes available, so keep checking! We are always available to help, so never hesitate to get in touch with us via phone or email if you have any specific questions.

No, our Pre-Loved saddle sales are final. So please remember to double and triple check the measurements you have, and the description on the Pre-Loved saddle you are looking at!

Yes! We ship all of our products, including Pre-Loved internationally. This is subject to shipping costs, that vary depending of the country you are ordering them to.