Meet Al, a 2003 Warmblood, who is one of the horses used in Virginia Tech’s equitation lesson program. Throughout each semester, each horse is used nearly 3-4 days a week in a mixture of flat and jumping lessons. 

Al has dealt with back pain for the past 2-3 years, deeply effecting his responsiveness and willingness under saddle. 

Now we introduce Tad Coffin, a premier horseman, instructor, and creator of Tad Coffin Performance Saddles. Involved with saddle design and construction since 1976, his belief in how the saddle’s untapped potential to improve a horse’s performance has led him here - to the creation of the SmartRide RX saddle.

Using electromagnetic response, the saddle has been proven to reduce back pain, increase relaxation, and even provide the same remedies to the rider as well. 

In a demo ride with Tad in the SmartRide RX technology, the improvement in Al’s movement and response was clear. 

First, Tad began with a palpation of Al’s back to determine his level of soreness. Al responded with jerking his head into the air, as well as restlessness as the palpation continued. 

Next, the SmartRide Rx saddle, with electromagnetic response, was placed on Al’s back for 20 minutes. With just two regular pads and no girth, the response to the electromagnetic field from within the saddle was immediate. 

His blinking slowed, his head lowered, and he began licking and chewing. All signs of a relaxed animal.

Afterwards, the saddle was removed and Tad palpated Al’s back once again. Except this time, there was absolutely no reactivity to the pressure. 

When it came to the riding portion with the SmartRide RX saddle, the relaxed state did not change for Al. 

Throughout the ride, during each gait, Al remained quiet, consistent, and relaxed. His head remained low and his response through upward and downward transitions were smooth and responsive. 

Even when it came to flying lead changes, which had recently become an area of resistance for Al, he remained fluid and correct.