July: Letter from the President

DEAR LADIES OF LADY SADDLERS CLUB,

Five events. Five cities. All in one day.

That was the moment it really hit me that Lady Saddlers Club had become a national brand. It still feels surreal.

What I loved witnessing most wasn't just seeing our club represented across the country. It was watching each chapter president show up for her city while ensuring that the Lady Saddlers values, experience, and standard were upheld. Each chapter brought its own personality and local flair, yet every event still felt unmistakably Lady Saddlers. Moments like these remind me that we're building something truly special together.

This month, many of our events centered around wellness. Why?

Well, while Ponies & Pilates may sound like the latest trend, I know firsthand just how much Pilates can improve your riding performance.

I wasn't always a Pilates girlie. Honestly, I thought it was another fitness fad.

That all changed after my first reformer Pilates class.

To say it kicked my butt would be an understatement. I was convinced I had voluntarily signed up to be tortured.

But then I rode the very next day.

My knees weren't cracking nearly as much (yes, I have an auntie body), I wasn't out of breath, and my time in the saddle felt smoother than ever. I felt stronger, more balanced, and more connected with my horse.

That's when I knew this wasn't just another workout. I had to create a Pilates series specifically designed for equestrians.

I wanted more than a fitness class. I wanted an experience that motivated us using equestrian cues because, let's be honest, there's nothing horse girls love more than being reminded of horses every chance we get.

Launching our Saddle Fit series in Atlanta was everything I hoped it would be. Not only did we get stronger, but we also connected with one another in an entirely new way. Watching women encourage each other, laugh through the challenging exercises, and invest in becoming better riders together reminded me what Lady Saddlers is all about.

Horseback riding is a sport. It's a full-body workout that demands strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, and body awareness. It deserves to be treated like any other athletic pursuit.

Take it from me—adding Pilates to your routine is a game changer.

One of the things I love most about the equestrian lifestyle is that it challenges you to level up in so many different ways. It's not just about becoming a better rider; it's about becoming a stronger, healthier, and more confident version of yourself. Lately, I've been especially grateful for the physical benefits that come with investing in my body outside the saddle.

As riders, physical confidence isn't something we simply stumble upon. It's something we build.

So this month, I encourage you to invest in your performance beyond the saddle. Remember, becoming your best as a rider is an ongoing journey.

Ask yourself:

Will you finally take that Pilates class you've been thinking about?

Will you spend five minutes stretching before and after your next ride?

Will you fuel your body with healthier choices?

Will you commit to getting a better night's sleep?

I mean, your body is a temple, take care of it. Even if riding better is the motivation. 😉🐎

Raven Rankine,

Founder and President