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Melissa Albert, Founder & Professional Saddle Fitter
My journey with horses began with a single magical moment at summer camp—meeting a horse who would forever change my life. That was over 40 years ago, and my passion for these incredible animals has only deepened with time. Throughout my equestrian journey, I've been fortunate to experience multiple riding disciplines, each teaching me something new about the horse-rider partnership. But it was my own horse—a particularly challenging case when it came to saddle fitting—that truly opened my eyes to the critical importance of proper saddle fit. My commitment to helping him be comfortable sparked a deep interest in understanding the science and art of saddle fitting that has evolved into this work.
A Whole-Horse Philosophy
What sets my approach apart is that I don't just think about the saddle—I think about the whole horse. My recent embrace of horse management and riding philosophy focused on complete equine wellness has shaped how I approach every fitting. I consider not just the physical aspects of fit, but the mental and emotional well-being of each horse I work with. A horse's stress levels, comfort, and overall state of mind are just as important as the technical measurements. Drawing on 30 years of professional experience in sales and marketing—where success depends on engaging multiple stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes—I bring a unique perspective to saddle fitting. I understand that every fitting involves not just a horse, but an owner, and often trainers, family members, and others who care about that horse's well-being.
Education Through Experience
What I find most rewarding is sharing insights with horse owners about what I'm observing with their horse during our time together. Too many people don't realize how profoundly proper saddle fit impacts their horse's overall health and well-being. Through our work together, I love creating those "lightbulb moments" when owners suddenly understand their horse in a new way.
Every saddle fitting session is designed to be a positive experience for both horse and owner. I prioritize creating a calm, relaxed environment where horses feel comfortable, and I'm always willing to take the time needed to ensure it's a great experience for everyone—especially the horse. Open dialogue is essential; I want owners to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their observations about their horse's behavior and comfort.
Life on the Farm
When I'm not traveling to meet clients, you'll find me at home on our farm with my three horses, two donkeys, and our collection of dogs and cats. As a lifelong animal lover, I understand the deep bonds we form with our animals and the lengths we'll go to ensure their happiness and health.
This isn't just a business for me—it's a calling rooted in decades of horse experience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of horses and their people, one perfectly fitted saddle at a time.
Ready to give your horse the gift of a perfectly fitted saddle? Let's start this journey together.