Michael Stokes, Master Saddler
Michael Stokes graduated as a certified master
saddler after a six-year apprenticeship from one of the oldest saddle
manufacturers in England. For the next 13 years Michael worked for several
saddle manufacturing companies, both as a saddle maker and a saddle designer, to
further broaden his education. After several trips to the U.S. as a salesperson,
Michael saw the great need for a certified master saddler.
In 1980 Michael
moved to the United States and began Centaur Saddlery Inc. Centaur saddles are
unique in that they are built to enable the rider to sit down and around their
horse. This gives closer contact and allows the rider to give very subtle aids.
Centaur saddles also put the rider closer to the horses center of balance
allowing total harmony with the horses movement. Horse and Rider become one.
With over 40 years of personal experience designing and manually crafting
saddles and 30 years in fitting both horses and riders of all
disciplines, he is sought after by many veterinarians, chiropractors and
professionals along the East Coast, to design and craft saddles for problem
horses.
A proven fact to fitting saddles is that the panel must be the same
shape as the horses back. This allows for the horse to be able to lift his back and carry
his rider across the ground. Michael has the unique ability and feel to create
that fit.
His understanding of problems encountered by horse and rider and his
unequalled passion for his work make him a rare entity in the equestrian world.
Contact Centaur Saddlery to learn more about our services and find out how a
custom-fitted Michael Stokes saddle can benefit you, your horse, and your
riding.
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