Archive for the ‘Saddles & Tack’ Category

See below for an informative article by Jochen Schleese, Certified Master Saddler and Certified Saddle Ergonomist, which explores saddle pad dust patterns and saddle fit.

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Based on this photo, the dust pattern on the saddle pad indicates that the saddle fits well.

The dirt should accumulate in the areas of the saddle pad that experience the most movement: at the front of the saddle (where the shoulder moves up and back) and at the back (where horse’s back swings). No dirt should show in the areas where the saddle doesn’t come in contact with the horse’s back, such as the gullet or at the transition between sweat flap and panel.

The white triangle under the front part of the saddle indicates a good position and fit, because in this area the saddle should sit the most quietly without movement. This is where most of the rider’s weight sits (like the collar on a white dress shirt which becomes dirty because there is constant movement and air and dust accumulating, whereas the inside of the shirt on top of the shoulder remains clean).

In nature, the horse carries most of his weight on the forehand, and the load on the forehand increases even more with a rider on top. In order to shift weight from the forehand to the hindquarters, the horse must be able to lift up through his back. Only then can he pivot his pelvis and step farther underneath his body with his hind legs, which in turn elevates his front end and allows greater freedom of movement to the shoulders. Therefore, most of the movement should show on the saddle pad at the front (shoulder) and back of the saddle, not under the triangle. The white triangle on this saddle pad indicates that effort has been made to free up the front and the back of the saddle so the horse can bring up his back and engage the hindquarters.

The preference is to get horse and rider as close to each other as possible using the saddle as the interface to allow maximum communication and effectiveness of the rider’s aids without impeding the horse’s performance or causing any damage to the horse’s body. The saddle pad (for an English saddle) should be used only for what it was intended to do – to protect the leather of the saddle from the horse’s sweat. In some parts of Europe people don’t even use saddle pads. The comfort for the animal is in the properly fitted saddle panel, not in the pad.

Main Article Photo courtesy of Schleese Saddlery – Based on this photo, the dust pattern on the saddle pad indicates that the saddle fits well.


More from Jochen Schleese:
Websites: www.saddlesforwomen.com and www.saddlefit4life.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saddlefit4Life

Here is Part 2 of Saddle Fitting…Saddle fit is SO important and even more important than finding a saddle that WE like, we need to make sure our HORSE likes it. An ill fitting saddle cause countless problems – which we will discuss later on in the month- and the correct fit should never be underestimated.

So I’d like to share this article from www.showhorsepromotions.com.

Written by Connie Micheletti

Bridging

Unfortunately, as you increase the thickness of the panel by adding a gusset, the entire panel becomes Read the rest of this entry »

Since I am currently on the hunt for a good custom saddle maker or even just a saddle that fit my arab gelding I thuoght it would be a good idea to share with you some of the information I have been studying while on my saddle quest…Saddle fit is SO important and even more important that finding a saddle that WE like, we need to make sure our HORSE likes it. An ill fitting saddle cause countless problems – which we will discuss later on in the month- and the correct fit should never be underestimated.

So I’d like to share this article from www.showhorsepromotions.com.

Written by Connie Micheletti
 

Fitting Horse and Rider

What Type of Saddle
Do You Need?

People come in various shapes and sizes and so do saddles. It’s not surprising then, that not every saddle fits every rider. When the horse is added to the equation, finding the right saddle can make you wish you’d taken up tennis! I’ve spent a good deal of time in the last dozen or so years helping riders select the saddle that best suits them and their horse and have learned a lot in the process. Perhaps my experience can prevent you from making a very expensive mistake. Read the rest of this entry »

This article is about the pros and cons of leather versus synthetic material saddles. Both have their disadvatages and advantages. Depending on your lifestyle, riding discipline and budget it is important to know the facts about both kinds of saddle. 

In keeping with the principles of natural horsemanship & natural horsecare, which we strive to promote, it is of the utmost importance that we make sure our saddles fit our horses properly and do not cause any discomfort or pain. 

An ill-fitting saddle can cause so many problems.  The following article is from wwwfivestarranch.com and is writtin by Chris, one of their ranch staff writers. Enjoy!

Synthetic or Leather Saddles – Which saddle is best?

Leather Western Saddle

For centuries, leather was the material used to make saddles. You bought a saddle and it lasted a lifetime. Now it is not uncommon Read the rest of this entry »