Welcome to Lavinia Mitchell Saddles
Home of holistic and remedial saddle fitting and design.
Bringing the classical art of saddle fitting to the modern day
Our ethos is "for the good of the horse" and our products and practices follow this by working with the horse's natural biomechanics, improving comfort and movement while enhancing performance.
Lavinia Mitchell Saddles (LM Saddles) has evolved from over 30 years of extensive research gained from remedial saddle fitting and studying the effects that a saddle, good and bad has on a horse’s posture, movement and performance.
We understand the biomechanics of both horses and rider, and how a healthy equine body should be when muscles are correctly developed. Our goal is to assist in helping you and your horse find comfort, harmony, and freedom of movement through fitting well designed ‘horse and rider friendly’ saddles in a sympathetic and holistic way.
Our ethos is “for the good of the horse” and therefore, you can only purchase a new LM saddle from a qualified LM approved fitter.
We believe passionately that every ridden horse is entitled to be comfortable and happy in its saddle, and that a well-designed and sympathetically fitted saddle should be available to every horse and rider.
Saddle Design
Though research, innovation and working with top riders we have designed the new LM Saddle range.
Aswell as offering the horse true comfort and flexibility, our new range offers the rider more support and feel through the seat, allowing for more subtle aids and finess.
Why not bling your new saddle - we offer a full bespoke designing option on all new saddles.
Meet our LM Approved Consultants
Each LM Consultant has undertaken comprehensive training in holistic and remedial saddle-fitting under LM saddles. As we work holistically, this covers an understanding of Equine Biomechanics and anatomy in relation to saddle-fitting and healthy posture. All our consultants are also qualified in flocking either under the SMS or the Cumbria School of Saddlery and hold their own individual qualifications in different areas of the equine industry from classical training, horsemanship, behavior, human and equine bodywork to name a few. At LM, we are passionate about our continued professional development and host annual CPDs to continue our growth and knowledge for the good of the horse and rider.
Each consultant has a keen interest in the horse’s well-being and will take a holistic overview of the whole horse when assessing any saddle related issues.
Remedial saddling explained....
Proof is in the profile!
"Biomechanics show that if a horse is working correctly over its back it will naturally lift and widen when moving. We need to mirror this when fitting saddles to allow for the expansion "
We accommodate the moving horse by selecting the saddle tree which mirrors the width of the horse’s wider lifted back, not the horse’s static or dropped back. The important point to understand when using this system is that it involves fitting the saddle in conjunction with a *integrated shim system, saddle pad, numnah or half-pad.
(Note: If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘shim’, it refers to shaped pieces of soft foam padding which are inserted into purpose made pads and numnahs that are designed with a row of shim pockets on each side) – View our Shim Systems.
This creates a soft but supportive interface between horse and its saddle. The shims can compress and allow room for the back to lift and widen. If the horse hollows or drops its back, the pad still cushions the back and shoulder area.
Foundation Pad
The LM Foundation Pad is a 3 pocketed shim pad that allows you to adjust the balance of the saddle while developing a healthy back and posture, creating freedom and comfort of movement.
With an anti-slip outer for extra support, available in
Black, Brown and White
Lets talk about saddles.....
LM is so much more than just saddle fitting. To keep up to date with all our news, thoughts and goings on visit our news page.
Sharing our passion.....
Over the years we have collaborated with many wonderful equestrian professionals from a variety of backgrounds; trainers, bodyworkers, supplements and tack suppliers, all sharing a common goal to work for "the good of the horse".
My horses have been saddled by LM Saddles for the last 15 years. They give the horses room to move and grow as they develop with time.
They are super comfortable for both myself and the horses whether it's a days hunting, out on a ride, competing or training in the school.
My daughter's pony also has an LM Saddle to help keep her safe and balanced. Jemma just needs to design a side saddle and the set will be complete."
Megan Powell