Seven years ago Paul Selvey, a master saddle maker from Walsall, England, moved his company and his unique expertise as an english saddle maker from Canada to California. Building his reputation one saddle at a time, Paul is now proud to say that Superior Saddlery has built custom dressage saddles for hundreds of satisfied riders including Olympians, Grand Prix competitors and discriminating equestrians who understand the importance of riding in a saddle that fits them and their horse properly.
“In dressage more than in any other discipline, the most important link between the horse and the rider is the saddle and its appropriate fit,” says Paul. “A poorly fitting saddle for the rider or the horse can very well lead to miscommunication and painful riding conditions for both parties. Furthermore, a horse that is experiencing pain or discomfort from its saddle will often develop behavioral problems, physical limitations and will not be able to perform.”
Building a custom saddle is a science. Perfection, quality, technique and expertise are required during every step of the fabrication. The client should get exactly what he expects and that’s why, at Superior Saddlery, every detail is discussed with Paul.
“I take the time to talk to all my clients in order to determine exactly their needs. I assess and measure their horses,” he explains. “My duty is to help by sharing my knowledge and giving as much information as possible. Building a custom saddle is making sure that all the elements of the saddle are specifically chosen, made and put together to enhance the horse and the rider’s abilities. Choosing the proper tree, the right shape of the seat, the size of the flap and stuffing the panels according to the horse’s shape are crucial to getting the best possible product. My clients also have the choice of different types of leathers, such as smooth or water buffalo and any special demand is taken in consideration.”
Because horses’ shapes can change if they gain or lose weight or muscle mass, Superior Saddlery’s saddles can be readjusted and re-flocked. The panels can also be reshaped to fit another horse.
Faced with an overwhelming demand for Superior Saddlery’s products, Paul has decided to launch his first line of “ready to ride saddles.” They are built exclusively by experienced local craftsmen in Walsall, England, under Paul’s constant supervision, attention to details and high standards.
“It took me a long time to realize that delegating could be a good thing and I am now proud to be able to provide an excellent product at a reasonable price with no waiting list,” says Paul.
Made out of smooth leather or water buffalo for maximum grip, the saddles feature a beechwood spring tree, a wide gullet, wide bearing wool panels and an extra soft, deep seat to accommodate the most discriminating riders. “Of course, like any of my custom saddles, all the England-made saddles are fully adjustable to the horse,” Paul adds.
Superior Saddlery is growing every day but the quality of the saddles stays the same. “In a world where everything is industrial it is our goal to promote authentic and unchanged craftsmanship and integrity in order to provide our clients with the best possible product,” Paul says.
Superior Saddlery also provides repairs and at-the-barn fittings by appointment. The company has a shop at Broken Horn Saddlery in Southern California’s Baldwin Park and it will present its line of fully custom, semi-custom and ready to ride saddles at the Olympic Selection Trials for dressage in San Juan Capistrano, June 20-29.
For more information on Paul Selvey’s Superior Saddles, call 626-338-2666 or 213-308-4580.
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