A single mother who invented a revolutionary pressure-relief saddle pad is riding high as the device takes the equestrian world by storm.
Helen Ross starred in a revealing and dramatic photo-shoot to promote the award-winning winged saddle pads which she designed while bringing up two small children.
The stylish pads fit neatly across a horse’s spine to reduce pressure from everyday activities and competitions and have been independently scientifically proven to work more effectively than conventional pads.
Helen, a former fashion model, paid her way through university and studied equine science to create the winged saddle pads after recognising the need for greater comfort for horses.
“I have always loved horses and it is great that it has gone so well,” says Helen, from Kent. “It was amazing to do the photo-shoot for the product I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a single mother and the images certainly show my strong side.
“It’s not everyday you get the chance to canter around wearing heels and it was great fun. But I also hope it shows that women can be strong.”
Helen’s product won the 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Innovation award and her company – HRP Equestrian – sponsors Olympic medallists Lucinda Fredericks and Jock Paget, and international event rider Adam Trew.
The success of the design has caught the attention of other manufacturers and Helen is fighting a legal battle against copycat versions.
“I am very proud of my wing saddle pad design and refuse to allow other companies to benefit from my invention,” she adds
“We are the only legitimate manufacturer and seller of the winged saddle pads which have done so much for the health and safety of horses and our lawyers have written to a number of firms warning them to stop infringing our rights.”
Helen has also used her design skills to invent a support device to help her son Hugo, who has a rare condition, breath better at night. She also launched the charity Hugs4Lungs – to give support to families whose children suffer with lung disorders and breathing difficulties.
