SADDLE REVIEW
Prestige X-Helen With blocks that follow the horse’s anatomy and a design that allows the rider close contact without hindering movement, this saddle is a real winner. Horses have brought Katrina Park a
with horses of all ages, leading to the
However, Katrina decided it was time
range of globe-trotting experiences.
development of her business Cadence
to upgrade to a new saddle to be used
Born in the UK she grew up feeding
Horse Training. Based in Nar Nar Goon,
long term, something that would be
ponies at the local riding school, an
Victoria, Katrina offers a range of training
a good fit for them both. In particular,
activity that later evolved into riding
programs and online courses, all backed
Lucifer, who was still growing, needed a
lessons. Some years down the track,
by her knowledge of biomechanics,
saddle that gave his shoulders freedom
and she had earned a Diploma in Equine
exercise physiology and rehabilitation,
of movement.
Studies, followed by a Bachelor then a
skills which blend perfectly with her
Masters in Equine Science.
aptitude for training horses.
Her tutor encouraged her to apply for
Katrina’s current horse Lucifer is a six-
which would be wide enough to
an internship with Kentucky Equine
year-old Warmblood gelding. He came
accommodate Lucifer, with a narrow
Research in the US, an application
to her as a two-year-old and although
twist to suit Katrina.
that was successful. After completing
he wasn’t always “the nicest person to
the 12 month internship, Katrina was
be around,” he was quite smart and very
invited to manage the Caddel Equine
good looking. Originally planning to take
Rehabilitation Centre, which she did for
him on as a project horse, his charm won
six years.
Katrina over. Since those early days he’s
Her US adventure came to an end
come along in leaps and bounds under
when relatives in Melbourne invited
her guidance, and no longer lives up to
Katrina’s saddle fitter recommended the Prestige X-Helen Dressage saddle,
After finding The Saddle Hub through Facebook, Katrina was delighted to discover that they had a Prestige X-Helen available. A seamless, stress-free experience with prompt communication and shipping followed. Katrina had a few questions for the
her to come and explore Australia – an
his namesake!
opportunity which she eagerly accepted.
Lucifer was first ridden in a Bates Arena,
answered with The Saddle Hub acting
After finding employment on a stud
purchased as an interim saddle while
as “an excellent middleman.”
farm, she started training and working
he was being started and still growing.
saddle’s owner, which were quickly
After a tick of approval from the saddle fitter, Lucifer is now enjoying his comfortable new saddle and showing great improvement. Meanwhile Katrina, who plans to compete with Lucifer in the near future, loves the secure and correct position the Prestige X-Helen puts her in. Even better, the saddle has been successfully refitted several times as Lucifer continues to grow. The Saddle Hub has a wide variety of top quality second-hand saddles, so why wait? Visit www.equestrianhub.com.au
Katrina and Lucifer look more than comfortable in their Prestige X-Helen Dressage saddle.
and browse through their fantastic range. All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 91
