While striving to compete, train and improve horse performance at the highest level across the world, Founder Ross Ainsley innovated an entire line of polo equipment now adopted by the best players in the world. Ross has extensive experience in the sport from playing professionally and managing high goal teams to breeding, training and sourcing exceptional polo ponies worldwide.
An unsuspecting journey
Ainsley Saddlery was founded over 15 years ago from Ross Ainsley's personal quest to find a comfortable polo saddle. A seemingly straightforward task quickly evolved into something much greater than Ross could have ever anticipated.
Ross was surprised to discover that the polo saddles available on the market at the time were, in his words “nothing short of archaic”. Refusing to settle for a below par saddle, Ross set out to make his own – this would eventually become The Ainsley Original Saddle, known for its comfort, ample wither clearance, and ability to put the rider in the ideal half-seat position with ease.
Initially, Ross had the saddles made for himself and polo friends. Interest from friends grew to interest from strangers and Ross founded Ainsley Saddlery to satisfy demand from the general public. Ross's saddle development knowledge paved the way for expanding the product line to include bits and tack designed to reflect the real needs of polo players and their horses.
The Ainsley Original Saddle was designed primarily for New Zealand thoroughbred-style horses. However, recognising the wide variety of polo pony shapes and sizes, Ross set out to create a new saddle that would fit as many polo ponies as possible. Immersing himself in the study of equine biomechanics and saddle fitting, Ross’s research ignited an obsession for continuous improvement. This dedication would lead to the development of the renowned MVP saddle.
Ross’s goal was simple: create a polo saddle so good for horses that the best players in the world to novices with their first horse couldn’t ignore it.
10-goal player David 'Pelon' Stirling showed interest in Ross's visionary plans from the early days. After three years perfecting the prototype, Pelon was the first professional adopter of the Ainsley MVP Polo Saddle and it's popularity quickly took off.
World #1 at the time Adolfo Cambiaso happened to play in an MVP while filling in for Pelon during a Gold Cup game, Cambiaso praised it as the best saddle he had ever played in and immediately ordered saddles for the looming Argentine Open, as well as for the U.S. and England seasons. The MVP remains the saddle of choice for Cambiaso and more of the world’s best, view all Ainsley Ambassadors.
No other horseman combines such an in-depth understanding of horse physiology, polo riding mechanics, and saddle craftsmanship. Ross Ainsley's expertise drives a continuous effort to refine equine equipment, specifically to enhance communication, comfort, and control between horse and rider. Ross's deep understanding of horses, paired with his hands-on testing of every design, fuels a commitment to creating the best equipment possible.
The drive to create, evaluate and improve has expanded into Ainsley Saddlery’s comprehensive range, developing new products and refinements season after season.
Ainsley Saddlery’s mission is simple: elevate comfort and performance across all aspects of horsemanship – empowering people, helping horses.
We ride horses, we know horses, and we understand the game of polo.
Join Ross Ainsley on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares his passion for horsemanship - offering invaluable knowledge, tips and tricks for riders of all levels.
Ross is a co-host of The NRG Podcast with fellow horsemen Glen Gilmore and Nick May. Tune in as they share their diverse journeys with horses along with knowledgeable guest experts - covering topics like training, behaviour, nutrition, and management. Through lively discussions and stories, they offer unique perspectives on horsemanship and the highs and lows that come with it.
