Quantum goes bust due to saddle design fault

Quantum, the company behind an innovative and award-winning saddle, has gone bust

with undisclosed debt.

And with the liquidation being caused by a technical fault in the bridge of the saddle that could not be remedied, the company’s directors have urged riders to stop using it with immediate effect.

The lightweight saddle, which retailed from £2,000 upwards, was launched in 2009 after 10 years of research and £2million spent on development.

It was said to eliminate pressure points and create a more secure seat for riders.

In a letter to its customers sent out earlier this month, Quantum director Matthew Stockford explained: “In March, we were made aware by one of our professional riders that a bridge had broken. We decided not to sell any more saddles until the problem had been rectified.

“We came up with a redesign when we were informed of two more bridge failures and then another failure in the saddle’s metalwork, something we hadn’t seen before.

“Our engineers informed us that they did not understand why the saddle was breaking and could not come up with a solution. They were not prepared to put any more time or effort into the saddle.

“Given the lack of support from the engineers and the fact that no further funding was available, the company had no choice but to cease trade.”

Read reaction from H&H readers and top riders to this news in Horse & Hound (30 June, 2011

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