Testimonials

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In the past I have really struggled with finding the ‘perfect’ saddle for both myself and my horses. If it worked for me, it didn’t work for my partners and I was pretty frustrated. I am 5.8 , with a long leg and feel like I am constantly coming over the saddle in my knee and seat. With the Passier Carolina model, I could not be happier with how it was built custom to my body type. Not only do I have room for my seat and leg, the whole saddle is incredibly comfortable as well. I have noticed a huge difference in both my horses since I have started jumping in the Carolina. Not to mention, NO sore backs! My horses work hard, and I am so glad to have found a saddle that aids them in their performance. It’s so important that both of us feel comfortable, and I wouldn’t leave the start box in anything else.
Hayley Smith, Southern Pines, NC
I am so thankful to have found Brita Rizzi to help me with fitting my hard-to-fit horses and even harder to fit self with a Passier saddle. Neither horse nor rider can preform at the peak of their sport without the right fitting saddle. Since Brita has started to help me I have found my horses moving more freely forward and happier in their work. I am also finding it easier and more comfortable myself. I’m so grateful to her and Passier for making it possible for this to happen!! Brita is always there to check fit and make adjustments as the horses bodies develop more with their work. I don’t have enough words of praise!!
Candy Allen, USDF Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist & USDF Certified Instructor
Amy Dragoo
I have ridden in many saddle brands over last 10 years and have been on the hunt for a saddle that keeps my horses’ backs comfortable, and allows each one of the horses I ride their full range of movement! Wolfie is brilliant, however, if he is uncomfortable, he finds it difficult to perform at his peak… He is extremely opinionated about what he wears. Brita found me saddles which fit me like a glove and give me a great spot to sit, which allows me to be effective and tactful with my aids!
Susan Beebee, Southern Pines, NC
I want to give a shout out to one of my sponsors, Brita Rizzi. Her service to me and My Silver Heart (Travis) since moving here to the Southern Pines area has been invaluable to developing him. Also, a happy horse is cooperative under saddle and he is not so likely to try to buck you off. My saddles are comfortable to horse and rider, and the wool flocking can be adjusted to a constantly changing horse. Since I first had Brita come look at my scrawny young TB, she has been there step by step. First, she re-flocked and helped me shim the saddles I had to best get through his growing time. Then, when he appeared full grown, she helped me pick out a jumping saddle just for him. The saddle I have was special ordered such that it fits my longer leg with a very forward flap, but it still has a show jump seat, so no saddle change is necessary from stadium to cross country, which is really helpful at the one day events that require back to back stadium and then straight out to cross country.
Lei Ryan, Southern Pines, NC
Thank you so much for your assistance and sponsorship of my new Passier saddle! My horse is much more comfortable, and is moving even better. Thanks to her new saddle, she and I earned the 2016 USEF National First Level Dressage Horse of the Year, as well as NCDCTA Freestyle Horse of the Year, all levels combined. I am so happy to have a saddle that fits her and me, and allows us both to continue our path toward the upper levels!
Robin Brueckmann and ‘Queen’, USEF “S” Dressage Judge, Centered Riding Level IV Senior Instructor, USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal, Representing the U.S. internationally since 1999
I can not thank Brita Rizzi from Dynamic Equine Saddle Fitting ENOUGH…For two years Ziggy was struggling with sever back pain as we were preparing to go to Rolex, our first four star event. With the help of the amazing Brita Rizzi I switched Ziggy to both a Black Country dressage and jump saddle, within days the back pain was GONE. He started moving better than he ever had and became happy in his work. We put a lot of miles on our horses to get them to the top and the most important thing we can do for them is make them comfortable! I have been riding and competing for 40 years; from the very first contact through the entire fitting process and still years later Brita stands behind the saddles and their fit. She continuously makes small adjustments and keeps a watchful eye on the wear of each saddle. She takes into consideration the whole picture, horses health, life stye, fitness, pads, etc…The true concern for my horse’s well-being is out of this world. Brita is a true horsewoman and brings so much more than just saddle fitting to the whole process. I can not say enough positive things about this perfect partnership! Now my only concern is which friend has borrowed my saddle last. Thank you Brita Rizzi!
Rachel Jurgens and Ziggy, Southern Pines, NC
When you work with Anne DeKeyser for a saddle fit, you get so much more in the bargain. I contacted Anne for a saddle fit when my new horse began behaving erratically. She came to my farm, where my horse was most comfortable, and determined that indeed, saddle fit was an issue. Anne helped me find the perfect saddle and assisted in fitting it with new pads. But when the horse exhibited further issues unrelated to saddle fit, Anne worked with me to find other local equine professionals to get to the root of the problems. Now, my once fractious horse is happily moving forward in training. When you work with Anne, you get much more than just a saddle fit, you get someone who cares about the animals themselves.
Angie Tally, Southern Pines, NC
I have been fortunate enough to have my horses’ saddle fit managed by Brita for over six years now, and I have been even more fortunate to partner with her for several years. I have never worked with a saddle fitter who is as incredible and meticulous as Brita before. Her attention to detail and commitment to making sure both horse and rider are as comfortable as possible are bar none. The difference in all of my horses has been astonishing. Every horse is moving with so much more freedom across their backs and through their shoulders, and the wool serge panels are so kind and forgiving to their backs. As a rider, this has been the first type of saddle I have ever ridden in that truly puts me in just the right place on every horse and is so incredibly comfortable that I can ride all day, every day in it and not be sore. My top horse, HRH Popstarr and I are currently competing at the Intermediare I level with our sights set on Grand Prix in the near future. He is a very large and powerful mover and also incredibly sensitive. His saddle allows him the freedom to move with such expression and allows me to be in the correct position to give him the best ride possible. There is no way any of this would be possible without. Thank you!!
Briana Atwell, North Carolina

Our two horses: Dark Waterspoon 015, Arabo Friesian stallion, 1st European approved Arabo Friesian stallion standing in the Americas! We are also competing SHEC Wellington, our up-and-coming QH X gelding who is currently eventing at Training Level. The only saddles we ever use for my boys — the best — are Passier Saddles. Outstanding fittings by Brita Rizzi who provides outstanding service and closely monitors our horses to ensure their performance and happiness! Brita is a critical part of our team.
Camilla Vance, Vass, NC
As an accomplished dressage rider, trainer and eventer Anne understands that communication between horse and rider is critical to their success as a team. The saddle serves as an important conduit in that communication, and as such the comfort and fit of the saddle is paramount to both in order to enable their best performance. No matter if you are an aspiring young rider, an adult amateur, a seasoned veteran, or a pleasure rider, Anne can help you achieve harmony with your horse in any of the English disciplines through a properly fit saddle. Anne is incredibly knowledgeable; she understands equine biomechanics and how a saddle can either help or hinder locomotion. She is also extremely patient and will take the time to thoroughly examine all the elements that create a good fit and educate you in the process. I would highly recommend Anne to help you find the right saddle for you and your equine partner!
Heidi Grimm Powell and Finntastic!, Southern Pines, North Carolina
One would think that buying a new saddle would be fun and exciting. Not so as not only are they expensive, but trying to make a horse happy and a rider happy hardly coincide! What should be fun turns into frustration trying to connect all the dots. When my horse was diagnosed with 7 kissing spines right under the saddle, NC State told me that after all the injections and shock wave therapy that I needed to have my saddles fitted. Ugh, I thought as I considered having to part with a dressage saddle that I loved or a jumping saddle that I loved even more! After a few thousand dollars trying to fix my horse, how could I go against that advice! I was told about Ann DeKeyser, so I gave her a call. Right from the start, saddle fitting became a pleasurable experience! Unfortunately at the time, my dressage saddle had to hit Ebay; however, my favorite jumping saddle was allowed to survive another day with me. Adjustments in pads and I could begin work. I needed a dressage saddle so Ann texted me when she had several to try. Ann came out with new and used saddles of different types. When we had one that was good on him, then I sat on it and gave it a try. A few hit the discard pile and one saddle was set aside as a good possibility, but there was never any push for a certain saddle and no dramatics on anything! It was fun and low key, yet we had a goal in mind. My horse loved one saddle that of course was the most expensive! I didn’t find anything that bothered me with the saddle, but it was so stiff that I felt like a sack of potatoes flopping around in it! The funny thing was my horse could have cared less working beautifully, while I remembered how it was learning to ride! I took it on a week’s trial and ended up buying it. It was still stiff, but now it was mine and I could clean it and break it in. My horse still loves it and now I am so glad that I had to have Ann, a saddle fitter, interrupt my life as it is so improved! I love this saddle so much more than my other one that hit Ebay as his work has improved so fantastically. We are both happy and that is a hard sell. Better yet, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and that as we all know is an even harder sell!
Vicki Reynolds and Chubi, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Luna, a 6yr old Percheron x Paint is showing Training 3 and schooling First/Second Level (will make her 1st level debut in the fall). We have had some difficulty finding a saddle to fit Luna due to her size and shape. I found Brita and the Passier Sirius and needless to say Luna couldn’t be happier. The different shape of the head plate and the flexibility in the saddle tree have really made a huge difference to Luna. We earned our regional qualifying score this weekend with our highest score yet! Looking forward to continued success in the comfort of my Passier!
J. Wallerius, Gold Hill, North Carolina
Ever since the first stride in the BC Eden in 2013, my Lipizzan “Shark” has been happy under saddle. Brita’s vast knowledge of saddle fitting has been one of the foundation pillars to our success in our competition within The Baroque Equestrian Games. Both 2014 and 2015 at the Baroque Games, Shark and I were Reserve Champions in the Initiate level, even scoring higher than some professionals as we are adult amateurs… Brita, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of the team that keeps Shark happy and looking like the superstar he is! 2004 Lipizzan Gelding, registered name Maestoso Aurorra II, affectionately known as Shark Achievements: High Point Lipizzan 2nd place at Ground Work Pattern High Point AA of all Mounted Maneuvers levels 3rd place Open/ 1st place AA at Musical Presentation Initiate Level with 86.84% High Point AA of all Musical Presentations levels Reserve High Point Champion for Initiate Leve
Candice Piraino, North Carolina
When I met Brita for a saddle fitting, Hurricane Allie was NOT a happy girl. She was rearing and a grumpy attitude was taking over our training. Our equine masseuse thought saddle fit could be the source of the problem… I contacted Brita and wow, did she ever come to the rescue! She took so much time to really get to know Allie and me and found the perfect dressage and jumping saddles to improve our lives. Brita’s attention to detail and customer service are exemplary. She called, emailed, and met me often throughout the process. I am so thankful to Brita for helping me find such fantastic saddles so that I can truly enjoy my time in the saddle, and I believe if Allie could, she would thank her as well.
K. Rushton, North Carolina
After 12 saddles in 3 years, Brita was a life saver for my mare! Our rides had deteriorated to the point that trotting was impossible, let alone jumping. In fact, our last attempt before hauling to our fitting was over small 2′ jumps…and our jumping consisted of landing, bucking, and bolting (this from a horse that was doing 3′ the previous fall). Brita fitted us in a saddle with a custom seat/flap configuration for me and I all of a sudden have my horse back! We are back competing in the hunters, and came away Reserve Champion in the green hunters and the low jumpers at the last show! I was at the point where I didn’t know what to do with her next and our next step was retiring her (or my husband was threatening me with selling her if this didn’t work!). Her shoulder extension at the trot is amazing, and her jump is rounder and bigger then its ever been! Thankfully the rear blocks and the “sticky” vintage leather on my new saddle has really helped with locking me in or getting jumped out of the tack would be a more regular occurrence! The quality is unbelievable, it felt broken in instantly and everyone that rides in it is in love with it. Can’t say enough to express my gratitude, THANK YOU BRITA!!!
N. Etheridge and ‘Kissey’, North Carolina
Thanks for all your wonderful assistance in helping me purchase the correct saddle and size for my hard to fit Morgan. I was so pleased with the entire process. Your attention to detail was wonderful and all the custom options made it all perfect. Scotty and I have been enjoying our Black Country Eloquence tremendously; finally a saddle which fits his really broad shoulders.
Becky Darragh, Vermont
I’ve known Brita for almost 8 years now, and there is nobody more knowledgeable in saddle fit. My Trakehner gelding isn’t the easiest to fit – long, high withers and broad back with big shoulders – but with a little adjustment, she was able to make my XC saddle fit like a glove and gave her one of the best pressure scans she’s ever had. She has since then worked on two other saddles of mine and both Oliver and I have been thrilled with her service. She goes out of her way to ensure satisfaction and comfort for the horse and rider. We love her!
K. O’Callaghan, North Carolina
I initially dreaded the thought of finding a dressage saddle that would fit both me and my hard-to-fit quarter horse. With Brita, the process was straightforward and uncomplicated. Brita was extremely helpful in ascertaining which saddle would most likely fit my horse and me. The new saddle is a perfect fit for both of us. Since I have been using it, my horse’s movement and responsiveness to the aids have improved remarkably, and my riding has improved as well. I found working with Brita to be a pleasure. She is very knowledgeable, honest, pays attention to details, and consistently follows through. It is evident that Brita’s enthusiasm is driven by a desire to help both the horse and rider perform at their best, and I would recommend her to anyone who is interested in purchasing a new saddle.
B. Cann, North Carolina
Brita was a life saver at the start of this season reflocking both my jump and dressage saddles. I had a horrible experience prior to meeting her with my jump saddle which is very hard to flock. She was able to completely start over, take out all of the cheap and knotted flocking and fix my saddle so it fit properly again. My dressage saddle was compacted with years of use and she took out the old wool and made it soft, smooth and a great fit. When Brita was done both saddles fit my horse perfectly again. It was so reassuring to take my horse into his first year at Intermediate knowing that his tack fit him well. I also worked with Brita fitting a very hard to fit hunt horse. This horse had been hunted very hard with an ill fitting saddle. The horse was recovering from sores, missing hair, and sore back muscles. She used her pressure pad and spent hours trying many saddles to determine which saddle fit the horse the best. The technology of the pressure pad was so amazing and completely coincided with the ears back and bucking of the very sore backed horse. In the end the original saddle was the best fit, amazingly, but only after she took the flocking out that was rock hard from the nearly 20 year old saddle! I would trust Brita with any saddle and with any horse. She does a fantastic job!
Carrie Dimon, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Brita and her equipment have really changed how I feel about saddle fitting. While I have always believed in it, especially for dressage, I got conflicting information from different saddle fitters, which could make it hard to know if the fit was really successful . With the computerized pressure sensitive pad and Brita’s knowledge, we were able to evaluate the fit objectively. What I especially liked is that the computerized pressure sensitive pad allowed Brita to evaluate the saddle fit using my own saddle pad and girth, with me in the saddle doing what I do every day. The result showed that my saddle had excessive pressure on either side of the shoulders. We discussed reflocking or possibly having the tree widened, which would have to be done by the saddle dealer. What I was especially impressed by is that Brita called me a couple of hours later to discuss the situation further with me and tell me that she really thought the tree should be widened first, rather than just reflocked by her. This careful consideration for the best result for me (rather than just her own gain) is much appreciated and the results showed when she came back to test it after it had been widened. The difference from the previous scan was obvious and the shoulder pressure had been alleviated. I am planning on having her check my saddle regularly now, so we can maintain such a good fit and catch problems early. I am looking forward to having her back again to evaluate saddle fit for a new horse that just arrived. I know I will get a clear answer as to fit and how she can improve it.
Amy Bresky and Welkin, Southern Pines, North Carolina
In this current climate of horse care, it is a breath of fresh air to actually work with someone of integrity, knowledge, precision, and personality. Brita possesses all these qualities and more. She worked with my horse and saddle and made it perfect. She is prompt and informed. She has a great rapport with the horse and is easily approachable to the rider. If she is unable to do something in an extreme situation, she will honestly inform you of her boundaries and refer out to someone who she feels might be better suited to the issue. All others whom I have referred to Brita have had only wonderful things to say about her and her expertise.
Maria DiGiovanni and River Breeze, Southern Pines, North Carolina
I have been impressed with Brita’s knowledge and her commitment to the horse’s welfare. Her pressure scanning system is amazing and very informative to be able to get virtually real time info about how a saddle is fitting the horse both at rest and while being ridden. She has reflocked my old Albion all purpose saddle and did a beautiful job PLUS she will make sure it is right for you and the horse before she is done. My horse has suffered with lower back pain since I bought him. I can’t begin to tell you the various things I have tried to help him. I think I finally have made some big strides towards getting him comfortable and in addition to physical therapy I think the saddle that Brita recommended to us has made a huge difference. The serge panels are just fabulous for his very sensitive back!
Cricket Gentry and Magic, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Brita is one of the most knowledgeable saddle fitters I have ever met. I have a horse who is VERY high withered and quite asymmetrical, so saddle fit has been a bit of a problem. I bought a used County saddle and had a local fitter come out. He reflocked the saddle to “fit” my horse. What a disaster. Not only did the saddle not fit the horse, but it didn’t sit level and therefore, didn’t fit me. Brita looked at it, scanned it with her pressure scanner and then did a total reflock. The saddle now fits great, my horse moves better and I’m riding level. My barn owner has stated that she has never seen anyone with a better grasp of saddle fitting and my barn owner is a real stickler for saddles that fit properly.
Mary Strasser and Huzar, Pinehurst, North Carolina