Sam's Story

Sam is a 15hh, chestnut, Part Bred Arab Gelding.
I bought Sam as an unbacked pony when he was nearly 3 years old. It wasn't until two weeks after I had backed him that the ongoing problems started and these just grew worse. His muscles wasted away along the right shoulder, around the wither, and along his left hindquarter. One shoulder was also smaller than the other. Sam did not like to canter on the right rein and would walk short on the right front leg, while on the left rein. He hated to walk downhill and would try to bite you. His left hind would give way as if stepping into a hole and he would hop into a trot transition from a walk.
I did all the responsible things like vets, x-rays, nerve blocks, back men (a number of alternative therapists as well), lunging therapy, current professional saddle fitters, etc. I paid good money for these services and was none the wiser. The saddle fitters also passed his then current saddles as fitting well. It seemed that no one could give me a reason for Sam’s ongoing problems.Although I found the disappointment and frustration enormous, I refused to accept defeat....
I really became obsessed and viewed dozens of horses with back - or movement problems and the saddles that were used on them. In time I realised that there were critical areas in the make-up of a saddle and in the way they should be fitted. These areas had to be "just right". If not, the horse was unable to work in comfort, thereby minimizing his performance potential and ultimately causing muscle wastage!

From what I learnt, I drew up a list of specifications and a series of prototype-saddles were developed. A recovery programme was also designed and put into place.

This has evolved into what I have now, namely, the Citori Saddle and the Citori Saddling and Recovery System.

Sam has gone from a horse that was consistently lame, with many ongoing problems, to one that has had a most successful show season, including numerous champion and reserve ribbons to his credit.

(A & P Shows including the Royal Easter Show 2001.)

"My prayers have been answered, and I thank God for all the knowledge I have gained. We now have a very happy horse, I have learnt a lot, and best of all, my 12 year old daughter is back riding her beloved Sam, with a wonderful Citori Saddle.."

Anthea Burton