Built on Heritage
Created to honour the Darragh name and its place in Irish international show jumping.
Darragh
Equestrian Solutions
About Us
Ireland's leading equestrian wholesaler with a family story at its heart.
Darragh Equestrian Solutions was established by Managing Director Helena Walsh to carry forward the Darragh name in Irish equestrian sport after the loss of Paul Darragh in January 2005.
With the support of David Darragh and encouragement from international show jumpers Peter Charles and William Funnell, the company grew from a personal project into a trusted equestrian partner known for attentive service, strong product knowledge and carefully chosen brands.
Today, Helena and David continue to represent premium equestrian brands across Ireland, North and South, bringing together heritage, experience and a real understanding of horse-and-rider comfort.
Personal Service
Known for hands-on support, close attention to detail and carefully selected products.
Nationwide Reach
Representing high-quality equestrian brands across Ireland, North and South.
Saddle Division
Professional saddle fitting with horse-and-rider comfort at the centre.
Helena Walsh Q.S.F. | Registered Saddle Fitter, Ireland
Darragh Equestrian Solutions brings a more structured, informed approach to saddle fitting, helping riders make confident decisions around balance, comfort and performance.
Registered Expertise
Helena Walsh Q.S.F. is one of the most highly respected experts in Ireland in the area of saddle fitting.
In line with the mission of the Society of Master Saddlers, the focus is on a professional and quantified service that supports the comfort and safety of both horse and rider.
Whether you are reassessing an existing saddle, responding to a change in behaviour or choosing a new setup, the fitting process is designed to give you practical guidance and clear next steps.
What To Expect
A professional fitting journey with a clearer flow.
The aim is not just to identify issues, but to help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
Review the Current Fit
Assessing balance, placement and overall suitability of the saddle already in use.
Read the Performance Clues
Using behaviour, movement and rider feedback to spot discomfort before it becomes a bigger issue.
Recommend the Right Setup
Guiding you toward the most appropriate fit, adjustment or saddle option for horse and rider.
Measured Assessment
Reviewing saddle balance, horse shape and rider position with attention to detail.
Horse-and-Rider Focus
Every recommendation is built around comfort, way of going and long-term performance.
Trusted Brand Knowledge
Supported by experience with premium Italian saddle makers including Equiline and Sergio Grasso.
Fit Review
When it comes to saddles, position is everything.
Does your saddle fit?
As registered saddle fitters, let us help you get the best saddle fit for both comfort and performance.
A change in your horse's behaviour often indicates discomfort. If he is showing signs of uncharacteristic behaviour or performance issues, it may be worth getting your saddle checked. However, before you call out your saddle fitter, you may need to get your vet to rule out any structural pathology, since the majority of "back problems" are secondary and occur as a result of primary clinical lameness.
Good to know: shape, workload, condition and season can all influence saddle fit over time.
Book a Fitting
Fit Checklist
Signs your saddle may not fit
Small changes in muscle, behaviour or rider position can be early indicators that a saddle needs review.
- Are the muscles behind the shoulder or along the back diminished or atrophied from nerves and muscles being pinched?
- Is the lower part of the neck thicker than the top because he hollows his back?
- Are there any white hairs or bare patches in the saddle area?
- Is there swelling or heat under the saddle area upon removal of the saddle?
- Does the saddle slip forward, backward or to one side?
- Do you ride with odd stirrup leathers?
- Do you have back ache after riding?
- Do you feel tipped forward or backward whilst riding?
- Does he dislike being groomed, especially around the back area?
- Does he dislike being girthed?
- Does he move away when being mounted?
- Does he toss his head whilst ridden or refuse to walk calmly?
- Does he hollow his back when you mount, and/or buck when ridden?
- Does he swish his tail regularly whilst ridden?
- Does he have a hard time walking up or down hills, or stumble?
- Does he hold his head high and seem unwilling to accept the bit or rider's aids?
- Does he have difficulty with one lead over another?
- Changes in type, frequency and amount of work the horse is doing.
- Changes in diet, grazing and turnout.
- Seasonal weather changes, especially spring and early summer condition gains or winter losses.
- Numnahs and saddle cloths must be large enough so the edging is clear of the saddle to avoid rubbing or chafing.
Brand Partners
Trusted saddle makers.
Working with premium saddle brands known for craftsmanship, performance and fit options.
Equiline
Equiline saddles combine refined Italian leatherwork with modern materials to support horse-and-rider comfort.
Equiline
Renowned Italian craftsmanship with hand-built saddles trusted from top-level competition to everyday riding.
- Equiline
Eskadron
Jomiluti
MacWet Gloves
Pikeur
Roecki
Kep Italia
Zandona- Sergio Grasso
- Acavello
- Seaver
Contact
Phone
+353 (0) 404 42720
+353 (0) 87 230 2852
+353 (0) 87 250 0181
helena@darraghequestrian.ie
Address
Darragh Equestrian Solutions, Station House, Station Road, Shankill, Dublin, Ireland.