The Importance of Saddle Fitting

I recently bought the latest issue of the HQ (a South African Equestrian magazine) and found a very interesting article on saddle fitting. The article was about Norman Hyett (ECBS.ESEBT UK Qualified Saddle Fitter) and the saddle awareness workshops he hosts. I've been rather interested in the biomechanics of the horse's back, especially how the rider and the saddle influence/affect it. The more I've been learning on the topic, the more I have become to realize how important a correctly fitting saddle is. It is amazing how something so “small” can have such a BIG affect on your horse way of going and its wellbeing. Here is what I found most interesting in the given article:

(Note: the text written in italics are my thoughts and not necessarily that of Norman)

Modern Materials

Most modern saddles are made with plastic trees. This is not necessarily something to be afraid of. Old saddle are made from wood that can bent out of shape throughout the saddle making process.

Does this mean that plastic trees are less likely to loose its shape when compared to a wooden one?

Uneven Padding Causes Muscle Tension

The flocking used to stuff a saddle is very important. Balling up of flocking causes lumps underneath the saddle which will be uncomfortable for the horse and lead to uneven weight distribution. One must be careful not to over flock a saddle, because it makes the saddle harder and more unbalanced. “A harder, more padded-out area of the saddle will create rigidity that the horse will brace against- hardening the muscle against it”. However, atrophy of muscles are more likely to occur on the side (or areas) that do not press down hard on the horse. This is because the horse does not use the muscles on that side (or in that area). To fix this problem the saddle must be fitted evenly and the problem area be padded out to allow enough room for the muscles to develop. The saddle must then be checked regularly. The pads are eventually removed once the muscles have developed evenly.

Fit For The Future

The saddle must always be fitted where you expect the horse to be. In other words the saddle must not be fitted to fit the horses as he is now. A narrow saddle will atrophy the muscles either side of the withers (because the muscles do not have room to expand) and inhibit free movement of the shoulders.

The Young Horse

It is not advisable to use any old saddle for lunging a young horse. If the saddle doesn't fit the horse correctly it can put it off saddles for life and even cause damage to the back. I for one believe this. Remember that young horses have weaker and more vulnerable backs than older horses. A young horse's saddle will have to be checked regularly because it will be developing muscle as it trains. However, this is true for horses of all ages.

Girths and Stirrup Leathers

It is best to have stirrup leathers that don't stretch. This helps prevent uneven wear of the saddle. The correct length of girth should be used. The ideal is for a girth that will be on the 3rd or 4rth hole when tightened. Always make sure to tighten the girth equally from both sides to prevent uneven wear and/or pressure. Guard against over-tightening the girth as it can lead to nerve damage. Avoid girths that have one end elasticated will cause uneven pressure on the horse's back (one side pulled down more), resulting in muscle damage. A girth that is elasticated on both ends would be better.

A new beginning :)

I haven't blogged in ages. The main reason for this is because we recently moved to a new town where I will be going to University :) The internet has been a royal pain in the BUTT and has taught me the value of patience... or at least I hope so. Anyway, we have now managed to get internet that is a little better and faster, so now I can blog again! Yipee!!!

I really suck at blogging. I never really know what to say and when I do know what to say I never know how to begin. BUT, I'm doing it anyway. After having watched the movie Julia & Julia, I 've been thinking to change my blog a bit. I will still be typing about my journey with horses, but i wanted to make it something interesting... something some people could use.

So, here goes...

Going back to the topic of moving and University... I am FINALLY (after 3 years of waiting) going to University! I am so excited. I will be studying Equine Science (duh!). I am very amped for it and can't wait to start. This is what I have been waiting for... a chance to learn even more about horses and in greater detail. I've been doing my SANEF modules (it's like South Africa's version of the BHS exams) and found it fun, but not challenging enough. And I don't really seem to see myself as a teacher, even with others reminding me otherwise (to this day I still have "students" writing to me and saying how much the miss me... and I'm only 21!). However, I will see to complete my first level in the distant future.

Anyway, so that was part one of my blog. The second part will consist of my horse! Yes, I am getting my own horse. Finally!!! It is like a dream come true :) I have found the perfect hrse to start with. It is a TB (since they are easy to come by and make good all rounders), dark bay, 4 year old gelding. I fell in love with him the second I saw him :) At the moment he is still by his old owners and will only come up next month when I pay the rest of his fee. I will be keeping all of you updated on our training together. I will be attempting to combine Natural Horsemanship and Traditional horsemanship together, a lot like what Karen Rolhf does. More on this later ;)

So, this is it for my first blog in what seems to have been FOREVER. Stay tuned for my next blog!!!!

A Merry Xmis for everyone!!!!!!!

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