"I was recommended Melinda when I needed an older saddle adjusted to a
new horse. Melinda was on time and knew just how to accomplish my
task. She took her time, explained all the steps, and was very
pleasant and fun to work with. She stayed in touch to make sure the
saddle was doing its job."
Velvet Sponaugle - 2008
Fox Den Farms, Ltd.
Dover, Delaware
________________________________________________________________________
"When I was
looking for a saddle fitter, I chose Melinda because of her expertise
and depth of knowledge. The very reasonable cost was an added bonus.
My horse, who was becoming very resistant and lazy due to poor saddle
fit, is now improving every day. I can't recommend Melinda highly
enough."
Erika
Krause - 2010
Owner/Business Manager
at Buena Vista Contracting, LLC
& Equine Sport LLC
Oakland, Maryland
________________________________________________________________________
“Melinda is incredibly dedicated,
hardworking and deadline oriented. I have always been able to count on
her to perform whatever task in the time required in a superior
fashion. I would not hesitate to work with her again.”
Robin Coblyn - 2007
Freelance Producer, Production Manager,
Independent Video Productions
“I bought a
saddle from Melinda and had her fit it to my horse. She did a great
job! She was very personable and professional and she paid attention
to every detail of the fit. She took the time to explain her
philosophy regarding saddle fitting and saddle care to me, and she
even followed up a week or so later to make sure everything was still
working well (which it was). I would definitely recommend Melinda!”
Traci Bryant Donatelli – 2005
Encanto Stables, LLC
Poolesville, Maryland
"Horses free from physical pain learn faster, perform
better, and have a more positive attitude. I keep Mel's
number close at hand for fitting all my saddles to
prevent problems. She's professional, knowledgeable,
and her experience keeps my horses happy."
Gawani Pony Boy Regional Advisor
Owner/Trainer, the Field of Dreams
“Since Melinda
balanced my saddle, I have noticed a huge difference both in the way I
ride and the way my horse moves. My legs just seem to fall naturally
where they should be now, and my seat has really improved, making my
aides much more effective! Lucky is now really able to lift his back
and engage his hind end. Melinda is very knowledgeable and I
appreciate all her help! “
Courtney Molino, ESMT, CMT
Hands on Horses Massage Therapy
www.handsonhorsesmassage.com
“Since Melinda at Rice Saddlery fitted and
balanced my horse Solo’s saddle, he has improved a great deal. Solo
is much happier and doing great with the balancing, and so am I.
Anne Gummerson
Baltimore, Maryland
“I
have been using Rice Saddlery for years; it just makes common sense that my
horse’s tack should fit perfectly balanced. Their technique of balancing my
saddle helped me to excel and win at the National Quarter Horse Congress. I
call on Melinda first before I start any of my young horses and/or training
projects. Her knowledge and experience is definitely worth it! “
Kelle Spahr
Last Chance Farm Quarter
Horses
Frederick, MD
“I am so glad I found
Melinda and Rice Saddlery; they have made a world of difference in my riding.
Before they fitted my saddles, I was having trouble with my leg; I thought it
was because I had a “weak” leg. Once they balanced my saddle, my riding
excelled. I now feel confident enough to compete my horse! “
Becky Measel
Rockville,
MD
Hi Mel,
How can I thank you! After a complete analysis of
my horse's body structure, you provided me with a detailed description
of what to look for in a saddle for him. Then, proceeded to assist me
in that search. You showed me many suggestions via the Internet as
well as in person; always focusing on what was best for him. You were
there to assess each saddle I tried with your always honest comments.
I felt supported by you throughout the process. It was refreshing to
work with someone whose main concern was what was best for the horse
and rider, not how much money you can make! Your expertise is a
blessing in the horse world. Riding well and balanced,
Rita Heinlein
"Melinda did a
wonderful job fitting my dressage saddle. I own an extremely
sensitive mare and it has helped us tremendously. She explained all
the steps throughout the entire process to me. I was pleased that
she was honest about my jumping saddle that cannot be adjusted to
fit my mare because it is simply too wide. We had a great time
discussing various saddle brands and fits along with the good, bad
and ugly about all brands of saddles with no major bias. I learned
a lot more about saddles and saddle fitting in the couple hours she
was there. I would definitely recommend Melinda for a great saddle
fit and a good, honest opinion. Thanks so much!!"
Springfield, Virginia
As an Equine Veterinarian, I see
many lameness cases often related to poor saddle fit. One case in
particular; the owner was frustrated with her horse’s sore back, and
hock issues. We would make the horse sound; however, it was a
short-lived solution. The lameness re-appeared when the workload
would increase. Melinda Rice of Rice Saddlery, LLC, was consulted
to evaluate the owner’s saddle fit. With Melinda’s analysis of the
horse’s confirmation and assessment of the owner’s saddle, she
immediately pinpointed the poor saddle fit as the problem causing
the horse’s soundness issues. In my experience, Melinda Rice of
Rice Saddlery, LLC, is extremely knowledgeable in understanding the
physique and movement of both horse and rider. Her talent as a
saddler, and approach to each individual of honesty and
professionalism is very refreshing. I refer all my clients to Rice
Saddlery, LLC, even before they begin to have lameness issues.”
Bernardo Mongil, III, DVM
Hudson Valley area, New York
My horse, “Notes” and I, love our saddle
purchased from Rice Saddlery! There have been many times I would
have fallen off, if not for how safe I now feel. Immediately, I
noticed my horse to be happier, and move more freely. Now, my
riding time with Notes is much more precious and fun! Our confidence
has vastly increased and I am certain it is because the saddle makes
me feel secure, and my horse pain free.
Rice Saddlery was very fair, honest and
insightful in helping us find the best fitting saddle! I have
already recommend Melinda, and Rice Saddlery, LLC to my friends and
will continue to do so.
Kathy Richards
Sussex, NJ
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