Ralph Lauren – Spring and Summer 2014 Collection

Ralph Lauren 2014 The Year of the Horse

www.ralphlauren.co.uk

As Ralph Lauren join in the celebrations for 2014 “The Year of the Horse” we are once again delighted to be asked to supply saddles for the stunning window displays at both Bond Street, London and also the Ingam Street, Glasgow store.
The 12 year Chinese astrological cycle is symbolized each year with an animal, for 2014 the Year of the Horse  (馬 午) promises to bring ‘prosperity and success’.  Red envelopes are traditionally given by elders to younger family members for good luck.  In Chinese culture red symbolises good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits.  This is represented with the impressive red evening gown in the main Bond Street window display alongside The Bliss Liberty Jump Saddle.
Any children born in this year are described as ‘active, energetic, sociable and gifted’. Children also focus strongly in the Glasgow displays that have a classical equestrian theme.

2014 Horses Inside Out Conference

I have just returned from the 7^th Annual Horses Inside Out conference on the topic of “The Back and Beyond” at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.  This insightful conference is brought together by the anatomy and biomechanics author, artist and lecturer Gillian Higgins

The horses ‘back’ and the structure thereof is such a complex interlinking system it was fascinating to learn so much more from other professionals and combine this knowledge with saddle fitting.

The speakers included:

Dr Sue Dyson is a world-renowned expert in equine orthopaedics, with a particular interest in lameness and poor performance in sports horses. Highly skilled in the diagnosis of subtle and complex lameness, Sue is also an expert in diagnostic imaging, radiography, ultrasonography, scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. Dr Dyson is currently researching the association between hind limb lameness and saddle slip. It was very reassuring listening to her trials and findings which were fabulously exampled and seeing what we saddle fitters are faced with on a daily basis.  The key message was that the majority of saddle slip problems are hind limb lameness related, followed by rider asymmetry as opposed to poor saddle fit.  Also findings showed the lighter the rider the more prevalent the slip.

Dr Theresia Licka is a Professor of Orthopaedics in Vienna. Her principal research interests involve movement analysis in horses.

Her research was very interesting but in especially the work  analysing the pressures exerted from under the saddle and the sandwich effect, as generally we only usually think of the downward pressures.  I was particularly interested in her confirming that excess heat under the saddle can cause tissue damage, which is what we have always seen and proven in practice when saddle fitting.  All the more reason for wool flocked panels, maybe even serge panels and only natural fibre pads!

Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer is principal trainer to his daughter, successful Olympic Dressage rider Laura Bechtolsheimer. He has also supported and trained many other top dressage riders including Carl Hester. Dr Bechtolsheimer has competed at top level eventing and dressage representing the UK at the European Championships in 1995. His philosophy is to to ride in a way that is good for the horse physically and fair to him mentally. Harmony is the goal and this was shown in his ‘5 Pillars of Strength’ strategy.  Personally, I was pleased to listen to his belief which I strongly share of a varied exercise programme for all horses including dressage horses, of road work, hacking, gallops, jumping as well as arena work for the horses well being both physically and mentally.

Other speakers included Louise Broom - chartered physiotherapist, Dr Andrew Hemmings - Equine Neuroanatomist, Dr Richard Hepburn is a vet and specialist in internal medicine at the BW Equine Vet Hospital Group.

This was all topped off in the wonderful historic surroundings of the University halls with a very entertaining after dinner speech from Haydn Price, consultant farrier to the BEF.  Some very home truths about the joys of being a husband/father/groom out and about at events – always look at a riders facial expression before commenting on their performance!

There were many saddle fitters from around the world at the conference, I was joined by both Heleen Klumper and Martine Leifstingh from The Netherlands. The event was a fabulous opportunity to speak with other equine professionals from all spheres and continue to develop the ongoing knowledge of saddle fitting.

If you wish to view more of Gillian’s work visit www.horsesinsideout.com or view a great video on this link http://youtu.be/2Bpv_26nqA0

- Nikki Newcombe

Bliss of London sponsor the National 1.30m Championship

Bliss of London is proud to announce the sponsorship of the prestigious National 1.30m Championship at The Alexanders Horseboxes British Showjumping Scope Festival.  Qualifying rounds are already under way at most major venues across the country with the final to be held at The Scope Festival, in August later this year.  

The British Showjumping Scope Festival is one of the most prestigious events on the equestrian calendar. The show incorporates many of the National Championship Finals from the smallest of riders battling it out for the Tiny Tots Championship through to Grand Prix level. 

In 2009 Nick Skelton on Big Star came through to win the National 6yo Championship and went on to Olympic stardom at the 2012 Olympic games; the following year we saw Bruce Menzies on Sultan V take the National Championship title, Sultan V went on to compete at the 2012 Olympics as part of the Saudi Arabian team. The perfect platform for the stars of the future. The Bliss of London National 1.30m Open Championship was won last year by Paul Barker with Lynn Barker’s Temple Ryefield

Bliss of London manufacture the finest quality English Dressage, Jump, Eventing and All-purpose saddles and specialise in high end custom made saddlery for discerning clients and professional competitors around the world.  The Bliss team have a wealth of knowledge and experience from an in-house team of saddle fitters and riders to help guide each client through the process.  With a selection of tree and panel profiles for the comfort of the horse and custom flap and block configurations for rider support, we are able to offer performance enhancing saddles for riders at all levels.

Bliss of London believe in supporting equestrian fixtures and will once again be exhibiting at the Festival August 24th-30th with their exciting collection of Jumping saddles with onsite saddle fittings available.

To find out more about the Bliss of London collection tel: 0207 1188 123; or visit: www.bliss-of-london.com or www.facebook.com/BlissOfLondon

www.bliss-of-london.com

www.scopefestival.org

Dutch Saddle fitting and research trip November 2013

What an action packed few days it was for our founder Nikki Newcombe on her recent visit to Holland.  

The significance of warmblood breeding in The Netherlands lends itself as a great base for 

research and development into the understanding .of continuous changes in the breed profile. 

We are seeing less and less of the broader more solid Hanoverian types and a much lighter sports horse influence coming through.

 This has led to considerable changes in the profiles where once most Warmbloods would be wide with a low wither and flat back, many now have almost a Thoroughbred type wither but the significance being still with the flat back. 

The development of our Warmblood tree has been so because of these changes that are being recognised and causing saddle fitters issues.  

It was wonderful to see some many difference shapes and profiles and see that how the correct tree and panel selection is so important in achieving firstly comfort and freedom for the horse but importantly a correct balance point for the rider.

The popularity of the Icelandic horse in the Netherlands means we are never short of willing volunteers to trial saddles with us. 

Nikki visited  several breeders and trainers with saddle fitter Martine Liefstingh. Being able to see so many different profiles and trial the new Loxley Icelandic saddle on so many horses and rider feedback is invaluable for development, even down to test riding herself.  

It was rewarding to see some of the existing Loxley Icelandic’s in action and the difference it has made to both the riders and horses whether riding for pleasure or competitively.  The acoustic ‘takke takke’ sound that you hear in the Tölt never fails to amaze.

There was also time to meet up with our sponsored rider Frank Hosmar, whilst training Lotte Klumper (who also rides in the Paramour Dressage) and her very characteristic horse Jack. 

It is so important that we truly understand the saddles we produce and can relate the riders experiences and feedback to the build in order to create the perfect saddle for them, Lotte was kind enough to let Nikki have a ride on Jack to feel how her Paramour works on him and then it was very interesting to see how differently Jack reacted when we tried another saddle (which fitted), he certainly knows what he does and doesn’t like!

A thank you to Arthur Asveld for the tour around the impressive Dierenkliniek, Den Ham. 

 The clinic offers first class facilities for both small and large animals with full assessment clinics, operating facilities, hydrotherapy and even an MRI scanner. 

They have a refreshing outlook with professionals working together for the benefit of the client and hold clinics with saddle fitter Heleen Klumper when dealing with saddle/back/lameness related issues.

Gorgeous scenery, fabulous riders and horses and even better hospitality, 

Holland is a great place to be a saddle fitter!  Thank you so much to everyone who made the trip possible and worthwhile especially Heleen Klumper and Martine Liefstingh saddle fitters extraordinaire!  

http://www.saddlefitservice.nl/

http://www.liefstinghzadels.nl/

http://www.veraklumper.nl/

http://www.dierenkliniekdenham.nl/

http://www.blekenbrink.nl/

Ralpf Lauren - Fall/Winter Collection

Ralph Lauren offers a world of luxury and comfort in men, women’s and children’s clothing. For the Ralph Lauren children’s fall collection, the clothing line hosted a “Day at the Stables” fashion show that incorporated many facets of the Ralph Lauren lifestyle. For more information, please visit Ralph Lauren.

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzN6XIfvIVo

held their “Day at the Stables” RALPH LAUREN Girls Fall 2013 Fashion Show last month to preview their Fall and Holiday Collections for moms and daughters.  The plaid, the braids, the boots, the hats, the pops of color – there is so much for parents and girls to love about this collection!  Take a look for yourself.

http://www.ralphlauren.co.uk

Based on Ralph Lauren staples, the Fall/Holiday collection gives girls comfort and style.  Classic pieces Ralph Lauren is known for got a little twist by adding bold colors and mixing prints like plaid and argyle or fair isle and animal print.

Lace is everywhere this fall and winter, including the Ralph Lauren Girls collection.  This lace dress paired with traditional holiday red and green is a great look for a December event in the city.  Take away the red and green and it’s a darling dress for any occasion.

Hats and accessories are a huge part of this collection.  From berets to newsboy caps to top hats, the Ralph Lauren girls are accessorized head to sneaker, boot or ballet flat!  The patterned socks and shoes give an extra fun punch of personality to the looks. Chunky jewelry, stacked bracelets, belts and scarves provide even more options for girls to show off their individual style.