The Story
Saddle Fitting
Years ago, I got myself into a saddle fitting nightmare between saddle fitting fees, saddles that didn't fit, vet bills, and body work services to try and fix my horses being so uncomfortable and not moving the way I knew they could. I had trusted that other saddle fitters were helping me and not just trying to make a sale and it costed me in more ways than one. Then, I found Stübben. The fitting experience was incredible, they had the horse-first in mind, didn't pressure me for a sale, and truly wanted to help me fit my horse. For the first time in my life as an equestrian, I could feel my horses moving better than ever under Stübben saddles. This also drove me to want to know more to better advocate for my horses while also being able to continuously evaluate the fit of my saddles as their bodies constantly change. So, I deep-dove into saddle fit education to help my own horses and others.
I became a Stübben lifer, obsessed to the point where people would ask if I worked for Stübben or if I was sponsored by them. So, naturally, I am thrilled to now be a saddle fitter for Stübben! I have believed in their products fiercely before this opportunity even arose and I can't wait to show you what Stübben can do for your horses, too.
Breeding
As a kid, I rode and competed on an AQHA gelding against other kids with their much nicer horses and purpose-bred warmbloods. I rode what I had and I was grateful! But I always told myself "I will have a horse like that some day." As I became and adult and had kids of my own, I realized that going and buying a made warmblood for $30,000-$50,000 probably wasn't in my cards... BUT I figured out that I can sure make nice horses on my own! And this way, I know exactly what goes into it from the pairing of the mare and stallion to the thought-out nutrition for the broodmares and careful foaling practices. I started with a nice TB mare who is in the NA Oldenburg-ISR mare book. I added more mares as I was able, slowly building my program as I can. But in this growth, I also realized that missed ovulations and high vet bills can sink a small, growing breeder like myself. Not to mention, the time and the stress on my mares and foals at side going back and forth. After a scary health experience in spring of 2025, I started to live more purposefully. I won the AHS Rachel Ehrlich Scholarship that allowed me to go on and learn how to breed and do embryo transfers on my mares on my own little farm.
Because of this, I am able to invest in breedings to higher quality stallions and added a nice KWPN mare to my small, growing program. The mares also appreciate the major decrease in stress! And while I don't have fancy facilities or 35 acres, I'm proud of what I have built and continue to build upon here next to my supportive husband and my 3 daughters who are doing this with me. With my goal to breed foals for the jumper ring with legendary bloodlines, but handled and cared for consistently to have manners for amateurs to take on... not a single breeding here is done without intention behind it. All of this is sourced from humble beginnings and big dreams.
My breeding motto is: Bred to smoke everyone in the ring, but handled well enough to be exceptional partners for anyone.
Body Work
Through my development as an equestrian, I have owned several OTTBs. In this, I have learned that their bodies need a lot of work from changing their bodies from racehorses to sport horses as this is a big adjustment for them mentally and physically. Through my pursuit of saddle fitting knowledge, I have also learned more about equine biomechanics and how we actually have a lot of repairing to do on our horses' bodies before we even try to fit a saddle for them. More specifically, my soul contract horse Glock has suffered from symptomatic kissing spine and I have spent thousands of dollars sourcing body work modalities for him when I also realized that I can learn for myself to be able to provide more consistent body work for him. Through this, I have started working on my other horses and have seen a huge improvement in their performance, comfort, and even posture. I also came to appreciate that offering body work in conjunction with saddle fitting would greatly benefit the horses I serve.
I have completed my certification in Equine Kinesiology Taping and am working toward certifications in Equine Structural Integration Therapy through the Equine Natural Movement School and Myofascial Release Techniques through Sozo Equine and Meadowbrook Equine Therapy. I am thrilled to soon be offering these services along with saddle fitting.
Get in Touch
Aimee Whatley
Stübben Saddle Fitter, Breeder, Body Worker (in progress)
AWSporthorses
TEXT or EMAIL to schedule Stübben Saddle Fitting or Body Work (coming soon) 970.584.0054 aimeew@awsporthorses.com
