Clifford "Cliff" Wahl, an equine professional from a long-standing horse family in Dillenburg, embodies the Saddle Me Partner philosophy. With over two decades of experience and deep insight into the needs of horses and riders, Cliff has guided countless students toward building stronger, more meaningful relationships with their horses through improved riding.

Believing that the saddle is the key to communication between rider and horse, Cliff transitioned from managing a riding facility for over 11 years to specializing in saddle fitting. Thanks to comprehensive training at the Saddle Me Academy and modern fitting methods, he now brings cutting-edge expertise directly to local stables, helping to create lasting harmony between horse and rider.

Lena’s passion for equestrian sports began as a teenager when she joined Carsten’s stable through her local riding club. Early on, she recognized how vital proper equipment is for both horse and rider. After completing a degree in civil engineering and gaining several years of experience in the construction and renovation industry, Lena transitioned her planning and technical skills into the world of saddle fitting.

Her journey with Saddle Me started when Carsten Engelke helped her with her challenging-to-fit horse – initially through remote coaching and phone consultations. This approach not only convinced Lena but also impressed other riders at the stable, ultimately inspiring her to begin her training with Saddle Me in 2021. During this time, she worked closely with the company, contributing to the launch of its franchise network. In 2023, Lena became an independent Saddle Me partner.

Today, Lena offers tailored saddle solutions for every horse – from sport horses to leisure ponies and special breeds – powered by the innovative Open Fitting System. Her focus lies on providing sustainable, long-term support to ensure her clients’ horses remain healthy, capable, and joyful in their movement.

With nearly three decades of experience in equestrian sports, Andreas Becker turned his lifelong passion into a profession as a certified trainer (FN). A scholarship allowed him to gain invaluable experience at the prestigious Grönwohldhof. Inspired by the biomechanical needs of today’s horses, Andreas chose to join Saddle Me as a franchise partner, completing comprehensive training at the Saddle Me Academy. Together with his wife Franziska – a skilled equine physiotherapist and osteopath – he provides holistic saddle fitting services designed to enhance the health, well-being, and performance of horses.

Born into a family of breeders and riders in Hannover, Carsten Engelke was immersed in the equestrian world from an early age. With big ambitions for a career in show jumping, his path was shaped by the challenge of not always having the right horses to reach the highest levels of the sport.

By chance, Carsten found his true calling: working with difficult, often considered “unrideable” horses. This experience sparked a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between riding, health, veterinary medicine, saddle craftsmanship, and equestrian equipment. It also fueled his desire to create innovative solutions to improve the harmony between horse and rider.

In 2000, after working in the business sector, Carsten took over an insolvent equestrian store. For the first time, he had the opportunity to directly shape the products and equipment surrounding the horse.

Five years later, the first Saddle Me innovation was born: the D1, a fully self-developed saddle manufactured by Prestige Italia. Prestige would go on to become the preferred partner for many of Carsten’s future designs. This milestone was followed by a long line of patents and product innovations, each rigorously tested with his own horses to ensure quality and comfort.

His groundbreaking work earned three coveted Innovation Awards from the German equestrian industry. Over the years, countless horses and riders have benefited from his sometimes unconventional methods, whether by achieving better riding, winning international medals, or returning to the sport after long-term health challenges.

In 2015, after nearly four years as Head of Development at Prestige in Italy, Carsten made the decision to fully dedicate himself to saddle development and fitting. Together with his wife Madelene, he founded Saddle Me, a company that has redefined the standards of saddle fitting. By 2022, Saddle Me had grown to a scale that prompted the founding of Saddle Me Franchise GmbH.

With innovative products from their own development team, cutting-edge research from close partnerships with universities, and a fundamentally new approach to saddle fitting, Saddle Me now serves customers and horses regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Niclas Hackenbroch embodies both tradition and innovation. A third-generation master saddler, he comes from one of Cologne’s oldest saddle-making families, carrying forward more than a century of craftsmanship. As a top-level triathlete, Niclas also brings a unique understanding of the athletic demands placed on today’s sport horses.

With many years of experience as a saddle fitter in the greater Cologne area, Niclas has seen firsthand the limits of conventional saddle fitting. That’s why he embraced the Saddle Me Open Fitting System (OFS), setting a new standard for horse and rider. In 2024, convinced by its innovative technology and solutions, he became an independent Saddle Me franchise partner.

From his state-of-the-art saddlery in Cologne, supported by a dedicated team and driven by his own pursuit of peak performance, Niclas offers customized solutions for horse and rider – always with a focus on health, performance, and lasting comfort.

Many years ago, Dieter Smitz and Carsten Engelke first met at regional competitions, training side by side and fueling their shared passion for horses and sport. In the early 2000s, their paths took different directions: Dieter pursued top-level competition, achieving great success up to the highest classes, while Carsten dedicated himself to the development and fitting of saddles. Dieter was always among the first to test new products, and his valuable, honest feedback has shaped countless Saddle Me and Prestige innovations – including the groundbreaking X-Technology, which would not have been possible without his support.

Beyond competition, Dieter contributes his deep expertise to the Hannoveraner Verband, serving as a licensing commissioner for show jumping.

As a top-level athlete, breeding expert, and trusted test partner for nearly two decades, Dieter brings a unique perspective to the Saddle Me network. Together with his wife, Simone Smitz – a master equine professional and accomplished rider at the highest levels – he runs a show jumping training stable in Bad Nenndorf. Combined with his work as a judge and breeder, this gives him unparalleled insight into the needs of today’s horses. Whether it’s advanced riding, rearing, health management, or modern saddle fitting, Dieter is the ideal partner for horses and riders.

With over 30 years of experience in equestrian sports, Janine Kochs brings a unique combination of skills as an equine physiotherapist and accomplished dressage rider up to class M. Operating a mobile equine physiotherapy practice in the Lower Rhine region, she blends her practical equestrian expertise with strategic and technical knowledge from her previous career as a procurement specialist.*

Janine chose Saddle Me because she believes the Open Fitting System (OFS) provides innovative, modern saddle solutions designed to meet the demands of today’s sport and leisure horses. After completing her training at the Saddle Me Academy, she became a franchise partner, committed to supporting horses and riders at the highest level.

In her daily work, Janine often encounters problems caused by ill-fitting saddles – from restricted movement in hyper-flexible horses to rhythm faults due to limited shoulder freedom and back pain caused by uneven pressure. Through Saddle Me, she offers tailored solutions that foster a healthy, balanced relationship between horse, rider, and saddle, promoting long-term comfort, health, and performance.

Horses have been a part of Nicola Wisser’s life since childhood – along with her passion for truly understanding their needs. Her extensive experience spans competitive dressage and show jumping, working as a riding instructor and trainer, running her own equestrian shop, and managing a full-service boarding stable.

Over the years, Nicola has gained valuable expertise, which she now applies specifically to support horses and riders in the best possible way. During the 15 years she successfully managed her own boarding stable, she built a strong network of farriers, therapists, veterinarians, trainers, and professional riders. This close collaboration forms the foundation for a holistic approach that goes far beyond saddle fitting – and perfectly reflects Saddle Me’s high standards of quality.

In 2021, Nicola discovered our philosophy: focusing on individual solutions, sustainably improving horse and rider as a unit, and working closely with experienced professionals. Convinced by this approach, she decided to complete intensive training at the Saddle Me Academy and become part of our team.

As a mother of three children, all active in competitive sports, Nicola knows from personal experience how crucial open, honest, and trusting communication is – whether between trainers, therapists, or veterinarians. This understanding shapes her daily work: only as a team can horse and rider reach their full potential.

Today, Nicola remains active in both equestrian sports and breeding. With passion, expertise, and dedication, she supports horse owners on their journey toward greater harmony, health, and performance.

From an early age, Katja Brühl has been passionate about show jumping, rising through the ranks to compete successfully at the top levels. With a Golden Riding Badge and a 5th place finish at the German Women's Championships, her achievements speak for themselves.
Katja also specializes in training young horses, carefully balancing athletic progress with healthy development. As a certified EDO® equine osteopath, she brings a profound understanding of anatomy, movement, and the unique potential of every horse.
Having graduated from the Saddle Me Academy – our intensive, hands-on training program for modern saddle fitting and equine health – Katja offers a rare blend of sport, education, and care, guiding horses and riders toward long-term success and well-being.