The truth about saddle fitting will transform how you think about equestrian equipment forever. Master saddle maker Jochen Schleese pulls back the curtain on centuries of tradition to reveal shocking facts about how conventional saddles damage both horses and riders.

A defining moment came when Schleese's own competitive horse was eliminated from team selection due to mysterious, intermittent lameness. Years later, he witnessed groundbreaking research showing how traditional saddle designs slowly destroy shoulder cartilage – the exact issue that ended his horse's career. This revelation became his life's mission: to revolutionize saddle design using scientific principles rather than outdated traditions.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Schleese explains how a gynecologist's anatomical insights transformed saddle design for female riders. Despite women comprising the vast majority of equestrians worldwide, most saddles are still built around male pelvic structures, causing discomfort and potential health issues for women. Through pelvis casts and biomechanical studies, Schleese pioneered gender-specific designs that accommodate fundamental differences in human anatomy.

You'll discover why "follow the money" explains the prevalence of poorly fitted saddles, how to identify ethical versus unethical saddle fitters, and practical tips for finding equipment that serves both you and your horse. Whether you're a competitive rider or weekend enthusiast, this episode provides crucial knowledge to protect your horse's welfare and enhance your riding experience.

Head to https://schleese.com/ to learn more about scientifically-designed saddles that prioritize both horse anatomy and rider comfort.

🐴 This episode is brought to you by Pegasus.

Pegasus is the game-changer horse shows have been waiting for. It’s the first modern, cloud-based platform built just for equestrian events—free to use, no contracts, and ready for any discipline, anywhere.

From fast entries to real-time results, Pegasus makes shows run smoother for organizers and easier for riders to stay informed and on schedule. Check it out at www.thepegasus.app

To stay up to date with the latest from Pegasus, head to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and subscribe to The Oxer, the #1 weekly newsletter for global equestrian industry happenings. 🗞️

Lyndsey Dillon, an equestrian lawyer based in Ireland with practicing certificates across multiple countries, shares her expertise on protecting all parties in horse transactions with special attention to riders' often overlooked interests.

If you buy and sell horses - even to a neighbor down the road - you don't want to miss this episode.

Key Themes and Takeaways

🧑‍⚖️ 0:07 – Riders Deserve Commission

• Riders who produce and compete horses should receive a commission (~10%) upon sale.
• If an owner resists putting that in writing, it’s a red flag they never intended to honor it.

🎙️ 0:37 – Overview of Episode

• Covers: (1) Owner–Rider relationships, (2) Legal process of horse sales, (3) The role and risks of agents.

📍 2:05 – Lyndsey’s Background

• Equine-focused lawyer, licensed in Ireland, England & Wales.
• Primarily works remotely, attends select horse shows and consultations in person.

📘 5:18 – What Equine Lawyers Actually Do

• Services include: liability waivers, NDAs (less powerful in Europe), bill of sale contracts, staff employment contracts, syndicate structures.
• Her niche: Advocating for riders, who are often legally unrepresented yet central to the horse’s value.

🏇 11:27 – Rider Contracts and Commission Agreements

• Lyndsey drafts agreements protecting riders’ rights to a future commission if a horse they’ve developed is sold—especially if sold shortly after being pulled from their program.

📚 13:09 – Equine Law is a Patchwork of Other Legal Fields

• It blends litigation, contract law, tort law, employment law, and commercial law.
• No formal “equine law” discipline in law school—must be self-taught through experience.

💸 15:28 – Riders Are Often Exploited Financially

• Without contracts, riders lose rights to commissions or credit for increasing a horse’s value.
• Protecting these interests early avoids major disputes later.

📈 17:45 – Commission Standards

• 10% is typical for riders, but can vary based on seniority, results, and negotiating power.
• Riders are advised to ask early—most owners won’t volunteer it.

⚖️ 20:54 – Riders Often Don’t Feel Empowered to Ask

• Many fear losing access to owners if they seem “difficult.”
• Especially true for less wealthy riders who rely on owners for top horses.

🏢 23:53 – Most Riders Are Running Complex Businesses

• Many riders manage staff, facilities, schedules, clients—yet rarely receive the legal protections afforded to owners and buyers.

📉 28:40 – Shortage of Knowledgeable Equine Lawyers

• There’s demand, but quality matters. Lawyers need sport-specific insight to draft enforce

🐴 This episode is brought to you by Pegasus.

Pegasus is the game-changer horse shows have been waiting for. It’s the first modern, cloud-based platform built just for equestrian events—free to use, no contracts, and ready for any discipline, anywhere.

From fast entries to real-time results, Pegasus makes shows run smoother for organizers and easier for riders to stay informed and on schedule. Check it out at www.thepegasus.app

To stay up to date with the latest from Pegasus, head to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and subscribe to The Oxer, the #1 weekly newsletter for global equestrian industry happenings. 🗞️

In this special episode of the Pegasus Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between horses and healing.

Host Jen Tankel is joined by three incredible guests: Lynn Thomas, Co-Founder of Horses for Mental Health; Jen Grant, Head of Marketing at Zoetis Equine; and Seen Through Horses ambassador Jodie Morton.

Together, they discuss how horses are playing a transformative role in mental health services, the impact of the Seen Through Horses campaign, and their shared mission to raise awareness and support for equine-assisted therapy. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the healing power of horses.

Join the Seen Through Horses Campaign:

• Social Media: @horsesformentalhealth on Instagram and Facebook
• Website: horsesformentalhealth.org
• Donate: horsesformentalhealth.org/donate
• Video: Veterinarian Mental Health & The Power of Horses

Connect with Ambassador, Jodie Morton:

• Social Media: @greengoldandblues on Instagram and Facebook
• Website: greengoldandblues.com

Learn More About Zoetis Equine:

• Social Media: @zoetisequine on Instagram and Facebook
• Website: ZoetisEquine.com
• Blog: Expanding the Hoofprint for Healing
• Video: Long Live the Horse

Reference:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/. Accessed January 2, 2025.

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🐴 This episode is brought to you by Pegasus.

Pegasus is the game-changer horse shows have been waiting for. It’s the first modern, cloud-based platform built just for equestrian events—free to use, no contracts, and ready for any discipline, anywhere.

From fast entries to real-time results, Pegasus makes shows run smoother for organizers and easier for riders to stay informed and on schedule. Check it out at www.thepegasus.app

To stay up to date with the latest from Pegasus, head to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and subscribe to The Oxer, the #1 weekly newsletter for global equestrian industry happenings. 🗞️