Saddleworld Ipswich sponsored rider Merrick Ubank recently started the Queensland World Cup jumping circuit and finished with a commendable 2nd place in the prestigious Gatton World Cup event.

Merrick has joined an elite group of international riders who have chosen to ride in the Prestige X-Breath jumping saddle.  Merrick only collected his saddle from the store a few days before the competition. He reports that the design features made the saddle comfortable without any breaking in and his Prestige X-Breath saddle has generated interest amongst the Jumping community.

The Gatton World Cup Qualifier was a close contest with just a mere 0.02 seconds between Paula Hamood and Nero GHP finishing in first place and hot on her heels in second place, was Merrick riding Aladino - it was only a half stride that made the difference in the jump off!

Merrick will also compete in the Prestige X-Breath at the World Cup jump at Caboolture and then at the Brisbane Royal World Cup & Grand Prix.

Merrick was selected to help the Saddleworld Ipswich store generate more interest and sales in Jumping saddles & equipment.  So far, this has been a win/win arrangement with a considerable number of new customers coming into store and generating more interest in jumping saddles.

Merrick is a popular member of Australia’s close-knit Jumping fraternity and over the past 12 months he has won the World Cup jumping events at Melbourne Royal and Caboolture, along with a string of impressive performances with wins and placings in Grand Prix and World Cup events, he coaches locally and travels interstate and puts a lot back into the sport.

Emily Wonka from Saddleworld Ipswich said, “We are delighted to have Merrick on our team and encourage jumping enthusiasts to talk to him about the state-of-the-art Prestige X-Breath Jumping Saddle.  The saddle’s technological advancements will give all jumping riders a winning edge (see details below)

Pictured above:  Ron Major from Pryde’s Easifeed congratulates Paula Hamood and Merrick Ubank for their close finish in the World Cup Qualifier.  Photo credit: OZ Shots Photography

Testimonial from Merrick:
‘The first time I rode in the Prestige X-Breath was at the Gatton World Cup show. I used it on Aladino and we finished 2nd in the World Cup qualifier.

I am most impressed with this saddle, it positions me perfectly, gives me that extra close feel to my horse and is a super fit to my horse not moving at all, which saves me repositioning my saddle before I enter the ring.

Thanks Saddleworld Ipswich for giving me that "X-Breath" edge. I will be recommending this saddle to my clients, students and fellow Showjumping competitors!!

PRYDES EASIFEED GATTON WORLD CUP Results.
1 Paula Hamood Nero Ghp
2 Merrick Ubank Aladino
3 Nicole Bruggerman Luxury Like Cavalier
4 Merrick Ubank Alanine
5 Shane Davidson Fairbanks Lulu
6 Lachlan Manuel Congrats