Award-Winning Saddle Fitter Becomes Redwings Horse Sanctuary Ambassador

Lincolnshire-based saddle fitter Poppy Webber, who has built a substantial following as @adayinthelifeofasaddlefitter on social media, has been announced as an official Redwings Horse Sanctuary Ambassador.

The Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter with over 15 years of experience will be offering her expertise and advice to shoppers at the charity’s upcoming Pre-loved Tack Sale at Redwings Caldecott Visitor Centre on Friday 29th August, 10am – 4pm.

From Award Winners to Charity Partners

The partnership began following a chance meeting at the Equestrian Business Awards in 2022, where both Poppy and Redwings Horse Sanctuary took home prestigious awards. Poppy won Saddle Fitter of the Year, whilst the horse welfare charity claimed Charity of the Year.

Nicola Knight, Head of Communications and Campaigns at Redwings, explained: “We happened to be sitting at the same table at the Equine Business Awards, when Poppy won Saddle Fitter of the Year and we won Charity of the Year.

“We talked about horse welfare all night, and the importance of a correctly fitting saddle in creating a happy horse. Poppy already spoke a lot about horse welfare on her social media channels, and it was clear we shared the same values.”

Generous Support for Horse Welfare

Since their initial meeting, Poppy Webber has demonstrated unwavering support for Redwings’ mission. She has visited the sanctuary, featured on Redwings’ podcast available on their website, and raised funds through sales of her products whilst donating items to benefit the horses in their care.

Earlier this year, Poppy and her husband Nick, who own Hippo Horse Showers, raised £1,860.80 for Redwings and personally delivered a special cheque and box of goodies to Redwings Aylsham Visitor Centre.

A Lifelong Connection to Redwings

For Poppy, becoming a Redwings Ambassador represents the culmination of a lifelong connection to the charity that spans nearly four decades.

“Redwings has held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember,” said Poppy Webber. “I first fell in love with the charity almost 40 years ago, when my mum ‘adopted’ Pepper – a cheeky little bay gelding with a snip on his nose – for my birthday.

“Every year, we renewed his adoption, and as soon as my children were born, they had their own Redwings adoptees. Over the years, my family has fundraised in all sorts of ways – from donations through Hippo Showers to my children donating their pocket money – because we believe so deeply in Redwings’ mission.”

Professional Expertise Meets Charitable Purpose

As a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter, Poppy brings professional expertise that aligns perfectly with Redwings’ welfare mission. Her social media presence, where she shares knowledge with hundreds of thousands of followers, has made her a respected voice in the equestrian community.

Nicola Knight added: “We couldn’t be happier to announce Poppy as an official Redwings Ambassador and are excited to see the difference we can make to horse welfare together.”

Upcoming Pre-loved Tack Sale

The Pre-loved Tack Sale on 29th August at Redwings Caldecott Visitor Centre will see Poppy donating her time free of charge to help shoppers. All proceeds from the sale will go directly towards helping the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in Redwings’ care.

Those with tack to donate or looking to purchase quality second-hand equipment are encouraged to attend the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm.

About Redwings Ambassadors

Redwings Ambassadors are unpaid volunteers who generously donate their time to support the charity’s mission. The programme brings together individuals who share Redwings’ commitment to horse welfare and can help amplify their important work.

For Poppy Webber, the role represents a natural extension of her professional values: “Welfare is at the heart of everything I do, so it’s an absolute honour to become one of their official charity Ambassadors and help champion their incredible work.”

The announcement reinforces the growing collaboration between equestrian professionals and welfare organisations, highlighting how industry expertise can directly benefit horses in need of care and rehabilitation.