WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE OFFER
Innovation
All of our products are specifically designed to provide superior fit and comfort for horse and rider alike. This newfound freedom of movement allows horses to grow and develop and consistently enhances ridden performance.
Our designs have been developed through decades of equine experience, extensive research and pressure testing, along with regular rider and fitter feedback.
Continual innovation, and product refinement ensures that both you and your horse are able to benefit from our unique saddle features right through from breaking in, until retirement.
Service
We strive to deliver an outstanding level of service and support at all levels of the WOW™ buying process, from initial saddle fit, right through to the finished products being designed and made.
Our registered fitters, both Nationally and Internationally, are all required to attend our Training course here at our HQ, in Kent. Led by our founder, David Kempsell, they experience first hand every step of the WOW process and leave with an in depth understanding and the ability to deliver our products to our high standards.
Our customers also benefit from an extensive range of online support. From videos, tutorials, and printable information sheets. We answer all social media messages directly, and our office staff are always at the end of the phone!
Quality
Our products and all their unique features have all been envisioned and developed here at WOW™ HQ by our founder, David Kempsell.
We use only the best sourced leather. Every piece of leather we receive is hand checked before use to ensure the best finish.
Everything we make is machine cut in-house using the very latest technologies to ensure supreme accuracy and consistent quality. Every piece of a WOW™ saddle is handmade and finished by our highly talented and experienced team.
The technology and concepts used are not to be found in any other brand. WOW™ is unique and truly “Saddlery for the 21st Century”.
OUR STORY
First Thought Equine Ltd is a British-based company formed in 1996. All of our products are manufactured in England.
Our factory nestles in a valley in the heart of the Kent countryside, just outside of the historic city of Canterbury, surrounded by Forestry and excellent riding.
MEET OUR TEAM
WE HAVE A SMALL, TALENTED TEAM, WHO TAKE PRIDE IN EACH AND EVERY THING THAT WE DO. THERE ARE SO MANY STEPS THAT GO IN TO OUR FINISHED PRODUCTS, AND EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF OUR TEAM CONTRIBUTES THEIR SKILLS.
GABBY
Office Manager
Being the office manager give me the opportunity to discover the world of horses and to work with some very skilled people who create magic with every saddle! I also like the fact that the work I do is valid and complex, and no two days are the same.
I play tennis and go hiking whenever I can!
CLIVE
Head Pattern Cutter
I do all the cutting jobs for manufacturing. I like the challenge of maximising output while also keeping within our strict need for high quality. Every hide is a new puzzle and each pattern is a new puzzle piece.
My hobbies include long distance running, bouldering, magic the gathering and reading!
AMY
Flap Department
The area that we work in is beautiful, and I am extremely proud of the products we create as well as the variety of techniques I have learnt whilst working here. My colleagues are all extremely supportive and the office dogs are also a plus!
I really enjoy audiobooks and documentaries, crocheting, baking and seeing my friends and family.
MARTIN
Flap And Seat Infills
We have a great team here and I get a lot of satisfaction from creating such a high-quality product.
I love motorbikes and am constantly listening to music!
SACHA
Seat Department
I enjoy the challenge of making such a quality product and the skills I’ve learnt in order to do so.
My hobbies include Flower arranging and creating and making Christmas decorations.
ROSIE
Flair And Quality Control
I enjoy working with quality products and watching them evolve over the years.
I love walking my dogs and supporting my children in the horse and golf worlds.
KEVIN
Anything And Everything
Everyday is different, there’s never a dull day!
I am a life member of my local social clubs and when I am not there you can catch me working on my snooker skills. I like seeing my friends!
RODNEY
Resident BFG
My skills include pretending I’m a statue, basically I am really good at standing still and being prodded and poked.
My secret talent is sticking my tongue out on demand… I’ll do anything for a polo.
BENNY
It's Me, Hi I'm The Problem It's me
Some say I am 8 years old but I prefer to identify as a 2 year old. I love causing drama at the yard, I'm partial to a polo and I'm a bouncy ride.
SASKIA
Office Assistant
Its inspiring to be around such innovative and talented people everyday, not to mention some beautiful horses.
I spend a lot of my time with my own tank of a cob Mac, also known as Fat Boy! I love all sports and have also been converting a house so I have space to paint!
SAM
Head Of Flap Department
I’ve enjoyed improving and using the skills I’ve gained from working here to produce unique and exciting products with a great team.
I am really interested in car mechanics and creating custom computer electronics.
EMILY
Flap Production
I have a short attention span, so the variety of work is ideal for me. Also the workshop location is stunning!
My hobbies include going to the gym, horses, and fossil hunting- bigger arm = bigger rocks!
PAUL
Head Of Seat Department
The diversity of the job and quality of the product is a highlight for me.
I am currently converting and modifying my campervan in my spare time, I also am an avid follower of superbike racing and enjoy riding my own motorbike.
BRYAN
Laser And Router Operator
I honestly think there is nothing is better than working in the beautiful countryside, which we are lucky enough to have working here at WOW!
In my free time I love doing photography but I am also a member of a brass band!
TERESA
Quality Control And Saddle Assembly
I enjoy working as part of a close team to reach the same goal which is a high end quality product that will be a huge benefit to any horse and rider that own a WOW saddle and products.
At the age of 58 I have learnt to ride a motorbike. This is something I never ever thought I would do as from the age of 10 I have always ridden horses. I am now enjoying the different ‘horsepower’.
SAUSAGE
The LITERAL Most important Being In The Building
I like to keep a close eye on my team. I spend my days checking in on every individual person making sure they are okay, working well, and seeing if they have any spare snacks.
I am also a secret fashionista- I have more coats than anybody else!
ZANDOR
Dark Horse
I’m a dark horse, literally.
I pride myself on being the prettiest, but don’t be fooled, good things come in 16’2 packages didn’t you know!