The rider to be fit and ready to ride for the appointment. a. I may ask to see him/her trotted up in hand. If not, try and analyze what doesnt feel correct so that you can try another model or seat or tree size that might work better. Horses are constantly changing, so its important to have your saddle checked approximately twice/year, or more frequently if you are noticing changes in your horse over a shorter period of time. AllRightsreserved. Simply fill in your details below to instantly receive your free saddle fitting guide. It is important to find the correct seat and flap or fender size and shape. Part of the saddle fitting process involves watching the client ride in their saddle. will also affect the style of saddle within a saddle type that will fit the best. I understand that lunging isnt always an option, depending on the facility or horse, but it gives me a better understanding of your horses movement and demeanour, which is information I can use for comparison once they are going under saddle. Wider, thicker panels and improved gullet design provide more protection for the horses back. c. Ride in the saddle at least a couple of times prior to making a decision. If you do land heavily this is an exercise you can play with, you incline from your hip a little forward and find your personal balance point. Checking the musculature along their back, the spinalis, the trapezius, then the lumbar area to see if there is any change in muscular feel when palpated, then the girth area to see if there is any tenderness there, as that can be from overtightening of the girth, or can be indicative towards ulcers. For Western-style riding, you can find categories such as Trail, Performance and Barrel Racing. I will then begin taking some measurements/tracings of your horses back to accurately assess their width, symmetry, and top line shape. Horses arent symmetrical either, so you need to try and improve the horses posture, rendering the saddle the part in the middle where you both come together and meet. You then get a really good view on paper of the whole of the back, not just the front, as horses can differ greatly from front to back. The rider can watch the fitter/saddler work and ask any questions that come to mind right then and there, and the good thing is that he will not have to give up his saddle for days, weeks, or months to send it away to a shop for repair (when a saddle is not adjustable). Obviously, that affects the saddle and the horse, and their gait will be affected, and they will have to compensate for the rider, which of course can cause damage long term. Please be prepared to pay for your appointment on the day, our fitters can take debit card or credit card payments, or they can email you an invoice to pay via bank transfer. Backs that are short, dip sharply behind the withers, rise to the croup, very round or very flat etc. Finally, the last check is along the spinal processes, to check there is no reaction and that the horse doesnt drop away. Why not subscribe to the Horsemanship Journal today? What type of saddle is the best option for you? When I arrive, ideally your horse will be in its stable, clean and dry (at least in the saddle/girth area), and its bridle, boots, girth, stirrups and normal pad or numnah will be to hand. When looking at a saddleI check the tree to ensure it doesnt feel broken. You can lift the front leg up and forward, and although this isnt an exact replica of the movement when the horse is in motion, it does give you a good idea of how far back the scapula reaches. We've worked hard to build tools to maintain your privacy. For example, if you are one-sided, this can squash the flocking in one panel more than the other, then that has an influence on the horse and cause misalignment of your saddle. Fitting the Horse: The basics of fitting a saddle to the horse are fairly consistent for both English and Western saddles. Some horses make it very clear what feels best to them by their way of going; others are more stoical! In addition, re-positioning the stirrup bar more forward allows the rider to balance properly over fences without having to move the saddle too far forward over the horses shoulder. Riders on Thoroughbreds or other more narrow horses, for instance, would not necessarily look for that particular feature. The Fitting Cost is $100+tax and usually takes approximately 2 hours. Maintaining ongoing optimal saddle fit protects the backs of both horse and rider and ensures comfort, freedom of movement, and facilitates training success. c. Check the panels/fenders to see if they are touching equally along the length. This guide is to help you determine which model will best fit both you and your horse. Three inches, is the standard I use but it is very important to assess the horse's width of spine as this may need to be increased, as it is a fixed object on a moving animal, so when the horse turns right, the back of the panel is going to go to the left towards the horse's spine, same when the horse goes left, the left panel is going to go right towards the horses spine,so you need an allowance in the gullet. Ever ridden in a western saddle that felt just right? Please enter your username or email address. There should always be several options made available to the rider to choose from. The angle of the flap, position of the flap padding as well as width and depth of seat vary from brand to brand. Chances are, that saddle was made by a professional western saddle maker. Most standard length flaps are 16-18 (vertical distance from the bottom of the saddle bar to the bottom of the flap) depending upon the brand and model. About 3-4cm back you need to consider that the point of the tree needs to sit behind there. After the saddle has been chosen, I may need to make some final alterations (flocking etc), and you may need to ride in the saddle again to check all is well. *I will not be offended by any feedback you provide, so dont be shy! If you're buying a new saddle from us, please allow at least 2 hours for the fitting appointment, but it can take longer. There will also be personal preferences for the type, durability, and color of leather. Please be aware of my charges for all saddle checks. Through the Saddlefit 4 Life global network of equine professionals Jochen Schleese provides industry education to help equestrians recognize and prevent saddle fit issues and long term damage to horse and rider. You won't be disappointed! Once both horse and rider are happy the fitter will leave you with the chosen saddle and a copy of your horses template for your own records. If youre looking at buying a jump saddle its also good to have jumps available at the appointment. We also work closely with independent fitters in The Scottish Highlands, Morayshire and Aberdeenshire. For mobile saddle fittings we cover the following areas Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Cumbria. Privacy PolicyCookie Policy Terms and Conditions, Copyright 2021, Stars Ablazin Ltd | Publisher - Horsemanship Journal and Western Horse UK. I then assess the tree is straight, check the tree pointsare not broken in any way and that they are level. For your horse to be all ready for the assessment and not evading capture in the field. The fitter documents the findings (for both the clients and fitters future reference) and speaks with the rider/owner about the work which needs to be done and at what cost. Firstly I will look at your horses conformation and feel its back for any tenderness, lumps or bumps etc. The only way to completely know that a tree isnt broken is to take the saddle completely apart. However, the quality of wool flocking varies. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged a $65 Cancellation Fee! You will keep a copy of this. This general guide will help you decide which style of saddle suits your riding needs, and will discuss fit for both horse and rider. If you have any problems with your new saddle, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Because both horse and rider come in all shapes and sizes, finding a saddle that is a good fit for both can sometimes be tricky. Is he moving freely in both directions? Company number 09671908 | 24 Mores Ln, CM14 5RU. It is important to note that a horses resting posture is quite different than their working posture, so we must assess both to get the clearest picture of saddle fit. However, if you already have a saddlewe are happy to check the fit for you and you can still expect the same things from the appointment. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. I carry a wide variety of new and used options and will always do my best to accommodate your needs, your horse, and your budget. I start by making a full assessment of the horse by checking how their conformation is put together, how their back shape is, how they are standing, hoof balance, how they move their shoulders, their depth of girth where girth sits, and how they are trained. Also, it is important for the rider to ride in the saddles to make sure that they like the feel of the saddle and that it fits the rider. If not, you will need to determine whether the seat size is too large or small, whether the leathers or fenders are hanging in the appropriate place to allow you to balance correctly (this depends upon the type of riding you are doing), or other point of discomfort. All rights reserved, David Dyer Saddles is a trading style of Saddle Advancement Company Limited (Company No: 5179305), Saddle Advancement Company Limited is acting as a credit broker offering finance products from Omni Capital Retail Finance Limited. Please allow up to two hours for a saddle trial/fitting, and one hour for a check of your existing saddle. The dressage saddle is the saddle type that has undergone the most design modifications in the past two decades as saddle makers, in conjunction with top riders, have modified the materials and shape of the trees to accommodate the shape and movement of the modern dressage horse. Home Jochen Schleese Saddle Fitting Tip What to Expect of a Professional Saddle Fitter. At the end of your fitting your saddle fitter will advise when your next check needs to be. Ill-fitting saddle cause many issues sore, sensitive back, resistance, gait irregularities, bad attitude, behavioral issues, lack of engagement, difficulties in training, to name a few. We will issue you with an invoice and a right to cancel form for every saddle purchased. For the rider, the saddle should allow approximately 4 between the swell of the saddle and the front of your body, and your seat should fit to the base of the cantle but not push against the back. all need to be considered when determining the panel type best for the horse. Riders who struggle with position, are out of balance, have pelvic, hip or neck pain also bear the effects of poor saddle fit. The feel a particular rider is looking for is often quite specific to them, so I encourage you to tell me how each saddle feels for you. This should be an enjoyable and enlightening experience where I share as much information as I can about saddle fit to help you understand the various elements involved in the fitting process. I will first sit various saddles on the horses back. Before your fitting your saddle fitter will give you a call to discuss you and your horses requirements to ensure that the best and most suitable selection of new and used saddles are brought to your saddle fitting. Of course if the weather is truly horrendous we may need to postpone as new saddles do not fare well in the rain! The best result for both horse and rider starts with a comprehensive evaluation of the fit of the saddle to both horse and rider. Panels, the padding underneath the seat, have been re-designed on many models to spread the weight of the rider over a broader portion of the muscling on either side of the horses spine. Once we have identified some likely saddles it is time to tack up and start riding in them! It is a fine saddle for trail riding and lower level eventing, but is not really specialized in the positioning of the flap or stirrup bar or design of the seat to be really effective for a rider specializing in either dressage or jumping. To know as many details about your horse as possible before the fitting. Modifications have also been made to benefit the rider: the construction of the seat varies from fairly open to very supportive with many variations in between, flap shapes and padding, thigh blocks etc. Saddle trees or bars come in various widths and may have special features. b. In the case of a western saddle, you want to be sure you have 4 between the front ofyour body and the swell of the saddle.The build of the rider, whether very slender or somewhat stocky, tall or short, short or long thighs, etc. A longer-legged person will usually need a longer bar, or one placed further back, than a short-legged person. Generally, the seat size for a child is 15 or 16, with a flap length proportioned according to the style of saddle, although some models may be as small as 13. The width of the saddle flap should provide sufficient protection to the riders thigh and upper calf while applying the aids. Together we will fill out a fitting sheet with details of your horse and its history, and the details of the saddle you are purchasing. I am happy to share any information I can to help you gain a more thorough understanding of saddle fit. The points of a saddle tree have also been re-designed so that they interfere less with the horses shoulders while still providing stability. If you and your horse are comfortable, you have made the correct selection. Is your horse comfortable with you in the saddle? If any of these conditions are present, you may want to try another model. I check symmetry, no general wear and tear, no rips and that the gullet is wide enough. *Saddle Fitting is an integral part of your horses health and wellbeing! All saddles currently available at SmartPak have standard length flaps for that manufacturer and do vary by brand and model from 16-18. Then with one hand on tail and another hand on the spine, rock through the spine from the tail, if there is no movement there it can indicate an issue so again, seek professional help. Company number 09671908 | 24 Mores Ln, CM14 5RU. If you've had your existing saddle checked and our saddlers have only made some small adjustments, we recommend booking in to have the saddle assessed again in about 6 months. Copyright 2021, Stars Ablazin Ltd | Publisher - Horsemanship Journal and Western Horse UK. This is something you need to find for yourself. b. Examine the horse's back for any soreness, lumps, bumps, or cuts. A flat surface where your horse can be secured. I accept card, cash, bank transfer or cheque payments. These skilled craftsmen create some of the most comfortable, well-fitting saddles for riders of all levels. Please let me know when I arrive if your horse is prone to any behavioural issues in the crossties or stall (biting, kicking, etc). Saddle fitting is much more than a simple re-flocking. You will need your riding gear! It's THE best horse-related publication out there for those who love natural, intelligent handling techniques! Ninety per cent of the time I see riders that are out of balance, and just a simple exercise in trot (which is my favourite exercise) is whilst in rising trot you rise for two strides, sit for one stride and repeat. This can include recent time off, injuries, ulcers or ulcer treatment, Ferrier issues, change in barn, program, or feed, etc. If your saddle needs more extensive work, I may need to take it back to the workshop or even send it to the manufacturer. There are lots of different variations with the size, width, depth and shape of each individual pelvis. Travel fees may apply for longer distances, but typically range between $15-$30. Jochen Schleeseis author of Suffering in Silence The Saddle fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses (2013). If you're interested in using our 12-month interest-free finance, please let the saddle fitter know and they can arrange the finance application. Research has shown that some female and male pelvis shapes were the same or very different. Does not include personalized items like engraving, embroidery, SmartPaks, or PortionPaks. When taking a template with a flexi-curve, you need to have an allowance for when the shoulder rotates forward, as the scapula comes quite far back. What to expect from your saddle fitting appointment? I continue by checking the horse over, front to back, seeing how they are through the muscles, through the neck, through the shoulder, the pectorals at the front, checking and feeling through their elbow as it has now been discovered via research that the majority of horses have arthritic changes in their elbows by the time they are five, so we need to try and do the best we can with what we are doing, and this is one of the points I have added on to my evaluation, to feel around the elbows to check for pain response. What your saddle fitter should expect from you: For the full feature on saddle fitting, see the current issue of Horse & hound (20 January, 2011), {"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}, {"location":"Keystone Header","subscribeText":"Subscribe now","version":"1","menuWidgetTitle":"","myAccountLnk":"\/my-account","premiumLnk":"\/join","menuLnks":[],"colors":{"text":"#000","button":"#000","link":"#00643f"}}. Credit is subject to status. Air, synthetic wool, and foam are used successfully by some manufacturers. o{r>M4WmW2WCrW5ETUC.7e.RDs=xoQoF%>&Y32Yp. During your fitting, Ill be asking you all kinds of questions about you and your horse to help me get a clear picture of the situation. These will also be used to track their progress/ changes during future visits. Panels have traditionally been filled with wool flocking. This will affect whether you choose a deep- or more open seat, more or less leg support, etc. This requires following a specific procedure from start to finish which looks at all variables. I may ask to see the saddle ridden in when I deliver it. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy notice of every website you visit. Check to see that the front of the saddle panels/fenders are behind the shoulder blades. During the initial assessment, I will ask you a number of questions to get a better understanding of your horses health and soundness history, as well as age, the type of riding you do, recent Vet/Chiro/Massage work, etc. Horse owners spend literally fortunes on various external applications for their horses pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, supplements, shoeing, yet may not be convinced about the necessity to pay a professional to check the fit of their saddle. Please refer to the special sections in this article for more information on each saddle type. David Dyer Saddles. It is my passion and goal to help you and your horse enjoy the most comfortable riding experience possible. But it could be an indication that the paneling shape or length is not correct for that horse. However, depending upon the manufacturer, flap length may be available on special order from 13 to 19. This takes dedication, discipline, for us not to be in denial and fully understand we are accountable for our impact on the horses body. I have rarely experienced a rider unwilling to have the recommended adjustments made. A properly trained professional saddle fitter or saddle ergonomist is able to competently fit a saddle based on the anatomical requirements of both horse and rider, consults intelligently with a client about their saddle choice, and provides invaluable knowledge and expertise, maintain ongoing comfort, freedom and back health for you and your horse. To book a saddle fitting or check phone with Saddles Direct the office on 01282 471911 or visit our website and fill in your details and we will contact you to arrange a suitable day and time for your fitting click here, Special Offer You will Only See This Box Once. Fortunately there are many saddle options on the market today, and with all of technical improvements in saddle making, most riders should be able to find a saddle to fit themselves and their horse without resorting to custom options or the use of special pads. Panel shapes vary and may be gusseted or not. However, we have chosen a selection of saddles from reputable saddle-makers which we believe provide good value for the dollar. That does mean you should go and see a physiotherapist or chiropractor regularly yourself, to in turn benefit your horses welfare and not have an influence over your saddle. www.SaddlesforWomen.com 1-800-225-2242 www.Saddlefit4life.com, Jochen Schleese Saddle Fitting Tip What to Expect of a Professional Saddle Fitter. But, it should not be so high that the lowest point of the saddle is towards the cantle. It Is common that rider fit is overlooked when saddle fitting as a saddle might be perfect for the horse but in some cases, they are not suitable for the rider. Copyright 2022 by SmartPak Equine LLC. This level of expertise and time justifies the professional evaluation fee. I will do my utmost to fit the best saddle for you within the limits of your budget. To find out more, or to contact Sam for a fitting or find out about her online Horse Owners course visitwww.samjamiesonequine.co.ukorwww.equinecoach.co.uk. The purpose is to provide more freedom for the shoulders and ease of lateral bending. We use cookies to give you a fantastic customer experience. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. If you're interested in using our 12-month interest-free finance, please let the saddle fitter know and they can arrange the finance application and take the deposit at the appointment. If you are looking for a new or used saddle, Saddles Direct can help you out. I want to know as much as possible about your horse and your struggles under saddle. I then check the shoulders to see if there are any swelling/reactions in that area, particularly if you put the saddle too close to the shoulder then you can chip away the cartilage. I will honestly outline your options and provide any assistance I can to get you in the right saddle for you and your horse! For the horse, even contact is desired between the bars of the tree and the horses back.