My childhood love of horses was finally turned into a reality in my mid 30s when I bought my first horse.  Learning to ride has taken up the next 20 plus years of my life, and is an ongoing challenge. Pony Club beckoned when my daughter started riding at the age of 5 and for 16 years I took on many roles, and enjoyed associating with the interesting range of people and activities on offer. Instructing was a highlight (as I had been a teacher in past years, this seemed to be a natural progression). Another highlight was being on the Committee organizing National Conference, both for Waitemata District and then for North Harbour District some years later.

Owning a succession of ponies and horses for my daughter, from her first one at 10.2 hh to the largest at 16.2 hh has given me a good depth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of horse ownership. From breaking and training, to breeding and showing, competing at A&P shows, show jumping, show hunter, dressage, eventing, hunting, "having a go" at Polocrosse, games, beach riding and forest trekking, I have been involved in a great range of equestrian activities.

Managing an equestrian store for 13 years allowed me to extend my knowledge of tack and saddlery. Saddle fitting became a passion as I knew how important a well fitting saddle is to the performance and comfort of both horse and rider.

When I bought Horselands Equestrian Ltd in December 2000, I made arrangements to travel to England and train in installation and adjusting the Flair airbag system for saddles. This was such a logical innovation, proven to reduce pressure points on the horse's back that I wanted to have this available in New Zealand.

My next step was to have the best training I could find in saddle fitting. This was the course run by the Society of Master Saddlers in England, and to my delight I was accepted as a candidate. The course was very comprehensive, the instructors professional experts and the standards set very high. Every modern innovation was discussed and the benefits explained. My qualifications coupled with experience enable me to offer professional advice and continuing service. I am passionate about helping my customers make the best choice of saddle for their horse and circumstance.

I am fortunate in being the independent owner of Horselands as I can source saddlery from a wide range of suppliers both here in New Zealand and overseas.

Yvonne Gausden.

SADDLS - Yvonne's mobile saddle fitting vehicle.