​Salli's new Riding Pad in trial

It is a crisp and sunny winter day in Ponitaivas (Pony Heaven) Riding School in Lahti, Finland. Twenty ponies, Eastern Finncattle cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, a cat, dogs, and miniature pigs are all starting the new day in perfect harmony. The rural idyll looks inviting and the whole place reflects happiness. Lia Merimaa, the owner and the responsible riding teacher says that the riding school Ponitaivas is approved by The Equestrian Federation of Finland

- In 2007, we founded Ponitaivas together with the riding therapist Katri Kela to provide services especially for children and young people. In 2016, we expanded our operations to Jokimaa racing track in Lahti.

Child’s wish

Horse riding develops children’s motoric skills, interaction and social skills. When the child becomes interested in riding Merimaa points out that there are a few things to consider.

– It's a good idea to go to the stables with the child. Hobbies must also be the child’s wish, not the parent’s. If the child is very timid, it is good to get to know the stables better, and to talk to the teacher about their methods.

The leading sitting health expert - Salli

The right kind of teacher, animals suitable for the child, and safe and comfortable equipment play an important role when starting riding. At this point Salli Saddle Chair comes into picture. The leading expert in sitting ergonomics and the developer of the world’s healthiest sitting concept has decided to have their latest product, Salli Riding Pad, tested by the Ponitaivas riders.

The number one product of Salli, the saddle chair, was originally created by moving the saddle's best ergonomic features into working in front of a desk. As a result of almost 30 years of product development, Salli has been developed into a two-part saddle chair with a swing mechanism. Now Salli wants to bring its sophisticated saddle chair ergonomics also for riders’ use, in the form of a Riding Pad. It's time to talk to the people at Ponitaivas about the functionality of the product.

Ella Vainio and 8-year-old pony-sized finnhorse mare Ruu like Salli Riding Pad. According to Ella Salli Riding Pad is made of comfortable material, and it is good to sit on, no matter what kind of trousers one is wearing.

High-quality product

In February 2018, Salli Riding Pad was tested by several riders on horses and ponies. The riders were both adults and children of different ages. Testing was carried out in all gaits and jumping.

– The seat of the Riding Pad is comfortable and thick enough, and especially the surface was good. The surface kept the rider in the right place, and the Pad itself remained well in place. The finish of the whole product is very well done and the overall quality looks good. In addition, there were wonderful colour choices.

Good to have new products on the market

Salli also openly asked for development suggestions from the owner of Ponitaivas. According to Merimaa, some little things could be developed further.

– The attachment of the girth could be further back. At the moment there is more of the Pad behind the rider than in front of them. Also, the arch in the front, if it is meant to be a handle, remains under the rider and is a bit too small for an easy grip. And the stirrups could be behind the girth.

However, the owner of Ponitaivas thanks the functionality and the features of Salli Riding Pad, and is pleased at Salli's product development and interest in increasing user friendliness.

– It's really good to get new products on the market so that everyone can find a workable solution. It is also great that Salli is listening to the users when working on those solutions.

Salli Riding Pad, Salli Riding Pad Duo and Salli Riding Pad Arch.

The groove in the middle reduces pressure

There are three different Riding Pads currently available: Riding Pad Basic that weighs one kilo and that Ponitaivas tested, Riding Pad Arch with padded steel arch in the front, and Riding Pad Duo for two riders, and, for example, the disabled. All the Riding Pads have a unique design and in the groove in the middle of the pad removes pressure from the pelvic area.

Salli has always tackled ergonomic challenges in the pioneer spirit, so let’s see whether Salli Riding Pad becomes first in its class among ergonomic riding products.

Beautiful sight

Merimaa from Ponitaivas wishes sunny and early spring for all riders

– Nothing is more beautiful than a herd of horses in the pasture!

Salli agrees with these springtime wishes and adds that indoors the beautiful sight is people who sit in an upright position and take care of their health. The way of thinking is already beginning to change in offices around the world. Old-fashioned sitting is known to be very unhealthy. People also begin to realize that the effects of active exercise can easily be reset by sitting on an old-fashioned chair during the day. Fortunately, many have already realized that there is another choice: sitting on an active two-part saddle chair can enhance health and improve the quality of life.