Improving Equine Care
Annette Gavin takes measurements as she prepares to fit a horse for a saddle.
Washington County saddle fitting company is changing the equine industry
By Rebecca Long Chaney
Annette Gavin moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1994 to become an associate professor of equine studies at Wilson College in Philadelphia. During her tenure, she recognized a significant gap in equine care, and there were no established procedures for fitting saddlery to ensure the horse’s comfort, health, and the rider’s safety.
She found her way to Washington County, Maryland after working with Ian Hastilow, a master saddler in the United Kingdom, and in 2005, founded her saddlery company in Clear Spring.
“Our business specializes in saddle fitting, bridle fitting, and related products that directly impact equine comfort and performance,” Gavin says.
The “fitters” at HCS, USA Saddlery are fully qualified through rigorous training programs offered by the Society of Master Saddlers and the City & Guilds Institute in the UK. These programs are comparable to an associate’s degree but typically completed over three-to-four years. HCS stands for Hastilow Competition Saddles.
“Over the years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the industry,” Gavin says. “Riders are increasingly aware that properly fitted equipment enhances the horse’s comfort, improves balance, and leads to a quieter, more responsive horse. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the transformation in horses and the joy it brings to their riders. Our ethos has always been to be advocates for the horse, they can’t speak with words, riders can. Riders can tell us what they like and what works for them.”
The saddler said they do their best to translate their needs to improve the relationship riders have with their horses.
“It is our goal as a company to not only grow ourselves by expanding our fitting range and promotion of the brands we carry but also to promote the industry as a whole,” Gavin says. “We encourage all horse owners to engage quality trained, educated, and experienced saddle fitters for their saddlery needs.”
The Clear Spring equine business serves serious competitors in dressage, eventing, and jumping as well as conscientious pleasure riders. The company is woman owned and led and employs six people—four of whom are saddle, bridle, and certified bit fitters and two full time in the office and warehouse. Gavin and business partner, Amber Markley, are not only certified but are master saddlers.
A finished saddle from HCS, USA Saddlery in Clear Spring.
“All of the fitters have competitive riding experience that gives them firsthand knowledge to help us advise our clients better, and I personally competed to advanced level in dressage and eventing in the UK,” Gavin says.
A unique feature of the business is that it’s mobile. The fitters travel to their client’s locations all over the Middle Atlantic to measure, fit, and access either their current saddles or take other saddles for them to try.
“We carry nine brands in our new stock and over a dozen in our secondhand inventory,” the master saddler says. “We fit saddles of all makes and models. Even though we specialize in English style saddles we have the knowledge and expertise to fit western and side saddles as well.”
Currently, Gavin sees a rise in interest in working equitation—a sport that blends dressage with other skill-based activities.
“In response, we’ve developed a new adjustable saddle with one of the saddle manufacturers whose products we carry,” she says. “They also work with us in designing products that work on the American market. This saddle is designed to support trail riding, endurance, and working equitation all in one.”
In addition to the popularity in working equitation, HCS, USA Saddlery Fittings and Sales is expanding into the polo world.
“We have an adjustable saddle tailored to the unique demands of the sport,” Gavin says. “Another exciting trend is the growing emphasis on research-based product development, which is shaping the future of equine equipment.”
The local saddlery prides itself on personal customer service, being in business for more than 30 years, and having more than 100 years of combined experience on staff.
Although there are many challenges, Gavin’s passion shared with employees along with her equine expertise makes it quite clear this Washington County equestrian business will continue to grow and serve Middle Atlantic horse lovers.