Thorough Care SA Teams Up With Bonnetts Saddlery

The new owners of retired racehorses in South Australia now have access to an offer valued at $200 from Bonnetts Saddlery.

The offer has been added to the Thorough Care SA Assistance Pack, generously donated by one of Australia’s premier saddlery’s and horse equipment retailer’s Bonnetts Saddlery.

The $200 credit designed to be used for an in person or online (location dependant) saddle fitting consult valued at $130, with the remainder to go towards a saddle, saddle blanket and/or a girth.

Bonnetts co-owner Gary Slack is one of Australia’s highest credentialed saddle fitters.

“It is vital that the horses mental and physical needs are understood, and we are offering guidance and education in this area to make the transition smoother, safer and more enjoyable for off the track thoroughbreds,” said Gary.

“Our partnership with Thorough Care SA includes a $200 credit to be used on saddle fitting education which is also designed to help your horse mentally adjust to its new lifestyle.

“We give ideas and strategies to help you understand and identify what your horse is thinking which will aid in making them feel more at ease and relaxed.

“Bonnetts saddle fittings assist with education around biomechanics, and the muscular and skeletal structure vital to saddle selections and equipment choices.

“It’s so important that your horse has the correct equipment before you start riding and this entails the saddle, saddle cloth and girth to start with, and then the bridle and bit when you are about to ride,” he said.

Bonnetts Saddlery has been serving the equestrian community in SA and around the country for over 181 years and is one of SA’s oldest family businesses with six generations of saddle fitting experience.

The store is located on Portrush Road in Evandale and regular saddle fittings start at $130 in the metro area per horse.

“We have genuine care and passion for horses and understand that there needs to be a transition for a thoroughbred from its racing career to the new and exciting chapter of their lives with their new owners.

“We can assist remotely or in certain locations we can come to you bringing our Bonnetts Saddle Fitting expertise out on the road to you and your horse,” said Gary.

Racing SA’s Industry Operations and Welfare Manager John Cornell is proud that Thorough Care SA has joined forces with such a highly regarded business in Bonnetts Saddlery.

“This is such an important addition to the assistance pack as many people don’t realise how important it is to fit a saddle properly,” said John.

“Having a master saddler like Gary offer education will prevent a lot of issues happening down the track and a perfectly fitting saddle keeps the horse comfortable and helps owners get the most out of their thoroughbred.”

Thorough Care SA is the welfare arm of Racing SA. To see eligility and to register for a Thorough Care SA Assistance Pack head to https://racingsa.com.au/welfare/retired-thoroughbred-racehorse-assistance-package and fill out the details.