Saddle Fitting with Alessia

Alessia Massaro is combining her accomplished riding career, horsemanship, and effortless equine instincts into finding the best saddle (and girth) match for horse and rider wellbeing.

“Do it, and then it’s done!” and “If you’re tired of starting over, stop giving up.”

I was born into horses with my mum Annelies Massaro, breeding Arabs and Anglo Arabs. Do you remember the Ghibli Stud? That was us! She bred a few top A-Grade showjumpers too, the most well known being Ghibli Sinjin.

My sister and I learned to ride at home with my mom on a few (un)reliable Welshies, naturally. My first real horse was a young stallion that I backed myself at 11 years old. It soon became lessons at Citadel Equestrian Park. I eventually rode a few horses for them in multiple disciplines. My focus turned to Eventing where I had a very strong Junior career, my great horse was Nexus who I jumped to 1* level, until I had a bad fall and stopped riding for a while.

I stayed close to the industry – coaching, running yards etc. I tried to make a riding comeback with a Warmblood mare name Ellie, but it didn’t work out at all. Everything happens for a reason!

Miss Vee (full name Virunga) is a beautiful Thoroughbred mare that I have now owned for just over 4 years. Purchased off the track and we’re starting our journey from the very beginning! My saddle fitting schedule is very busy, but I’m fortunate to make time away from work to love my own special horse.

Being in the industry came naturally for me. My first step into saddle fitting was with Albion Saddles where I spent a few foundation years. After this stepping stone, I then pursued a career in what I qualified in…a Chef! I had a blooming career in fine dining, as well as recipe and product development, but the hours were gruelling. At a point I decided to try something new with more ‘normal’ working hours, enter my Corporate Finance era… where I was absolutely miserable!

Horses never left my life through it all. I was fortunate to find the opportunity with Western Shoppe where I onboarded into their amazing brand and fitting systems, quickly building on where I’d left off a few years ago. Can you imagine my first weeks beginning with hands-on training with Prestige Saddles’ Filippo Rancati at the best Showjumping and Dressage yards in Johannesburg? Believe it, what a way to start! To say the fire was reignited is an understatement, and I’m now full steam ahead.

My personal experience with horses gives me a broad view on horses – every discipline, riding type, and the best saddle to suit. Your saddle is so important in your (collective) relationship and wellbeing.

I thrive on interacting with people and horses, and even better that I can take on a positive role in their wellbeing. Everything about the saddle is so important for each individual, never mind together. It’s very rewarding to find the answers together, and see improved comfort and performance. It’s welfare for both!

Hmmmmm… Saddle Fitter edition!

Firstly, topline health is everything and never stop working at it. A healthy back makes for an overall happier horse, and a better environment for a saddle.
Secondly, invest in good saddlecloths (‘numnahs’). Good anatomical shape, firm structure.
Thirdly, don’t ever underestimate girth fit, it can vastly improve your horse’s comfort and your whole saddle experience.

The Equi-Tek Anatomic Neoprene Girth. Doesn’t matter if it’s the GP or Dressage cut, this girth is doing amazing things for my clients’ horses! Beautifully shaped, soft and comfortable, very well priced.

Call or WhatsApp: +27 74 528 0662

Email: saddlefitjoburg2@westernshoppe.com