WOW Saddles NZ

17/07/2026

22 Years ago today I started fitting these awesome saddles.
I was initially trading in the UK, being trained at Richard Davison's yard & later brought them to New Zealand when I moved here 16 years ago.

If you don't know much about these saddles, this video is well worth a watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXK486qJynM&t=42s

Whilst I can get new, I now specialise in 2nd hand ones, meaning riders don't have to wait 10 weeks for their saddle.

Based in Spencerville, Christchurch, but supplying people all over New Zealand.

Touch base if you would like to try one, need help with the one you already have, or need any replacement parts. x

14/07/2026

I have plenty of these in stock.

Most horses need 2 head plates, 1 for summer and 1 for winter. If they have been out of work, they are likely to need a change of headplate when you bring them back into work until they reach their normal fitness level.

The difference between 1 head plate can be like night and day !
Happy to offer advice via a phone consult (video) to see if you need to change your head plate x

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ur8zLSYr/

🎯 WOW Headplates: The Science Behind The Flexibility 🎯

Here's something that blows people's minds when they understand it:

Most saddles come in maybe 4-6 different widths.

WOW comes in 19 different headplate sizes.

And it's not just about having more options. It's about how those options WORK.

First, the specs:

WOW headplates come in 19 sizes across 3 different shapes, with angles ranging from 73 to 143 degrees. The most common "U" headplates are available in 11 sizes, with 7 degrees difference between each size.

That range means:

73 degrees = extremely narrow/very high withers
143 degrees = 8X wide/flat-backed horses

By contrast, most saddle manufacturers only offer headplates ranging from 80 degrees (narrow) to 110 degrees (extra wide).

WOW goes almost TWICE as wide.

BUT, the shape affects balance and fit

Now here's where it gets clever - the THREE shapes

"V" HEADPLATES
For horses with very narrow spinal processes and very little shoulder
But here's the interesting part: a V isn't just for narrow horses. A V headplate on a downhill horse with broad withers keeps the pommel up and the saddle balanced, where a UU on the same horse would allow the saddle to rock because the front isn't supported.

"U" HEADPLATES
The most commonly used headplates, available in 11 different sizes from 73-143 degrees. The middle arch - the "normal" position for most horses.

"UU" HEADPLATES
For horses with exceptionally wide spinal processes and musculature - your drafts, your broad-backed cold bloods, your horses with massive muscle development.

The ultra-wide arch accommodates horses that traditional saddles just can't fit.

Here's another thing that makes WOW different from other "changeable headplate" saddles:

The WOW tree is Y-shaped, with the point of the Y at the pommel. It's totally rigid front-to-back, but the area where the headplate sits is totally flexible which allows extreme flexibility at the front without sacrificing strength throughout the rest of the saddle. It allows the tree to mould around whatever shaped headplate is put in it.

Traditional saddles cannot do this angle change in a single tree because their trees are fixed-geometry. Change one thing, and everything shifts.

What does that mean in real terms?

With traditional saddles that have "changeable" headplates, if you change the angle, you change the ENTIRE geometry of the saddle.

The whole tree shifts.

With WOW?

The stirrup bars move to the new angle and keep a smooth line with the rest of the tree. The saddle maintains its structural integrity while the front flexes to fit.

So you're not compromising the rest of the saddle to fit a different width.

Why this matters in practice:

Horse A: Flat-backed cob with no wither
You find a headplate that fits the width. The saddle sits stable and secure. Not compromised, not fighting the shape.

Horse B: High-withered warmblood
You find a headplate that accommodates the height. The pommel clears properly. The rest of the saddle geometry stays intact.

Horse C: Broad-backed Iberian
You find a wide headplate. The saddle sits balanced. The UU arch accommodates the width without the rest of the tree distorting.

Horse D: Young draft growing weekly
You start with one headplate. As they develop, you swap to the next size up. The same saddle grows with them.

The 7-degree increments matter:

The difference between each U headplate size is 7 degrees.

That's small enough to fine-tune fit without massive jumps.

You can adjust gradually.

But headplate width isn't the whole story:

Horses change shape constantly:

In and out of training (muscle development changes wither height)
Young horses growing and developing
Seasonal weight changes
Returning from injury

As horses move in and out of work, a change in headplate may often be needed.

They often move between two sizes - one for when they're in training, and one for when they first return to work after resting.

With a WOW system, you swap the headplate. Easy. With a traditional saddle? You're stuck.

The flexibility difference:

Real-world examples:

Flat-backed cob that "can't be fitted" - WOW goes to 143 degrees. Problem solved.

Narrow Thoroughbred - WOW goes to 73 degrees. More range than anyone else.

Growing young horse - Start at one headplate size, swap as they develop. One saddle for years.

Horse developing massive musculature - Swap to a wider headplate as muscles build. Saddle adapts.

What this means for you:

If you have a "difficult to fit" horse, WOW's headplate range probably has a solution.

If you have a horse that changes shape seasonally or with training, you're not buying a new saddle - you're swapping a headplate.

If you have a growing young horse, one WOW saddle adapts throughout their development.

We'll find the right headplate for YOUR horse's shape without compromise for you or your horse

Your horse's shape is unique. Your saddle should be too.

23/06/2026

This is one of my biggest pet hates - strapping your horses mouth shut - even without the information below......why would you even want to do it in the first place ?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AFVnMfmjg/

🐴THE "OPEN MOUTH" MYTH - FLASH, GRACKLE & DROP
When a horse opens its mouth while being ridden, it is not simply misbehaving or trying to avoid work. Instead, the horse is showing that it feels uncomfortable.

Different mouthpieces apply pressure to areas such as the tongue, bars, or hard palate. David J. Mellor explains that using a bit can cause mouth pain in horses because of compression, cuts, inflammation, reduced blood flow, and tissue stretching. Closing the horse’s mouth with a strap does not solve the real issue; it only hides signs of discomfort. (Mellor, 2020) If your horse keeps trying to open its mouth, the mouthpiece may not be right. It is best to work with a qualified bit and bridle fitter to find a comfortable setup or consider bitless options. You can find trusted professionals through the Association of Professional Bit and Bridle Fitters (APBBF).

The tongue connects directly to the hyoid bone through the lingual process of the Basihyoid, along with related muscle groups. Forced restriction affects more than just the mouth. It can also cause restriction of the horse’s limbs, making it harder for the horse to move its legs freely and shortening its stride.

ANATOMICAL DAMAGE
Even if people say their flash, grackle or drop noseband is not very tight, where the strap sits is still a problem.

According to a 2019 study published in Equine Veterinary Education, the mental foramen is an important site for nerve blocks in horses. Pressure on this area can affect the nerves that supply sensation to the jaw, lips, and chin, potentially leading to numbness or discomfort. It also pinches sensitive cheek tissue against the molars. (What is a restrictive noseband, and how does it harm horses?

A 2024 study found that tightening nosebands on horses can significantly increase pressure on the face, potentially causing discomfort and long-term harm. Scholler et al. (2024) reported that sub-noseband pressure increased by up to 338 per cent when the noseband was tightened. The study also found that too much tightness can harm the horse’s upper airways. This means that areas like the nasal bone and jaw, which are not meant to handle constant high pressure, can be damaged, and the horse’s breathing can be affected if nosebands are too tight.

MOVING FORWARDS
Thankfully, things are changing in the horse world. With more equine behaviour consultants, professional bit fitters, and bridle fitters available, we no longer have to rely on guesswork or restrictive equipment.

If we observe the horse’s facial expressions and behaviour, the message is clear. We should stop using quick fixes and instead address the root cause of the discomfort.



───

REFERENCES

Rosenstein, D. (2022). Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.879048

McGreevy, M. A., McLean, J. D., McManus, C. M. & McGreevy, J. M. (2019). Mouth Pain in Horses: Physiological Foundations, Behavioural Indices, Welfare Implications, and a Suggested Solution. Animals 9(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060171

Mellor, D. J. (2020). Mouth Pain in Horses: Physiological Foundations, Behavioural Indices, Welfare Implications, and a Suggested Solution. Animals 10(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040572

(2015). Equine Welfare during Exercise: An Evaluation of Breathing, Breathlessness and Bridles. Animals 7(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani7060041

Staff, K. E. (2016). The Horse’s Mouth: Understanding the Soft Palate. Kentucky Equine Research. https://ker.com/equinews/horses-mouth-understanding-soft-palate

Cook, R. (2018). Mouth Pain in Horses: Physiological Foundations, Behavioural Indices, Welfare Implications, and a Suggested Solution. Animals 8(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040572

(2025). What is a restrictive noseband and how does it harm horses?. RSPCA Knowledgebase. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-a-restrictive-noseband-and-how-does-it-harm-horses/

Scholler, D., Wittenberg, J., Zablotski, Y. & May, A. (2024). Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airways of horses?. Vet Med Sci 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1478

(2024). Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airways of horses?. PMC11182419. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104.3.65

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Jumping Saddle, Size 2 (18”)
Seat: Flat (Very Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Flaps: X Country + 2” lounger than normal )for the longer legged rider)
Panels: Several to choose from
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $4,100

* I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Jumping/GP Saddle, Size 2 (18")
Seat: Shallow (Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Flaps: Jump/GP
Panels: Several to choose from
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $4,100

* I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Dressage Saddle
Seat: Deep (Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Dressage Flaps: Standard Fixed Block
Panels: Foam, DWG, Tab, Stitch (can be flocked by a saddler)
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $3,900
* I do have some size 0 panels with flair, but they are black. I have (DWG) & (SDWG), but the price goes up to $4,100 should you prefer those.
** I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

27/05/2026

I Love my WOW saddle, I would not put anything else on my horses back - that is from a horse owners perspective as well as a personal trainers perspective (former military PTI here) - all athletes (2 legged or 4 legged) need/deserve the best equipment possible to help them achieve their full athletic potential .

I have just brought in a load more 2nd hand WOW's so if you are wanting to take one for a test ride, drop me a line, or if you need new girth straps, different headplate or panels, a new set of screws etc, you know where to find me :)

17/05/2026

Come and learn how your Physical Body, Emotional Energy and thought impact your horse, what you can do about it and much more !

Please click on the link and read the rest if the description x https://www.facebook.com/events/993773879718735/?active_tab=discussion
* Please share xx

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