62/ MAY 2010 THE RIDER Why I do what I do Saddle Fit and Saddle Balance By Jochen Schleese
My Passion - Helping Horses Worldwide! In 1984 after qualifying for the European Championships I had to retire my beautiful Hanoverian gelding for lameness, and my riding career came abruptly to an end. I wish I knew then what I have learned in the past 24+ years as a Certified Master Saddler consulting with equine profes- sionals around the world. At very least I know Pirat would have been sound a lot longer, at best my riding career would have gone much far- ther.
talented German young riders. After placing in German nationals in 1982 Pirat began showing signs of lameness – which at the time I did not attribute to the saddle, since I was surrounded by experts – vets, trainers, farriers who all had a job of keeping us fit for the team. When I think of the remedial applica- tions we used in an attempt to ward off the lameness with, including blocking, blistering, re-shoeing and all sorts of pharmaceuticals, I could cry. I know now it was simply the fact that the con- struction of my saddle was not in keep- ing with the requirements of the horse – with every step his shoulders were hit by forward facing tree points, the too narrow gullet impacted his spinal pro- cesses, ligaments, and nerves along his back, and the gullet plate likely pinched him and impeded
At the time I was riding with the likes of Bettina Overesch- Hoy and other very
his wither muscle as he tried to jump and move. I had followed the advice of the experts, but the result was a ‘textbook case’ of torture for my poor horse.
As my horse had suffered from an ill fitting saddle, I am very determined to alleviate this consequence for other horses. It is my life goal and my passion to make a difference by educat- ing riders to help them find optimal saddle solu- tions for comfort, performance and equine devel- opment. Anyone can fit to a horse standing still, but the saddle must work with the biomechanics of the horse in motion for complete back free- dom. For me – the biggest thank you is when a horse begins to move freely, happily, and well in a properly fitted saddle! Often clients throw their arms around me, crying with joy, because the dif- ference is that visible and they realize how much harm they had unknowingly done riding in an ill- fitting saddle.
I continually work with other equine profes- sionals in many disciplines to increase knowl- edge and understanding of making horses more comfortable and protecting their backs. In 2005 I founded the Saddlefit 4 Life® global network with top trainers, physiotherapists, veterinarians, chiropractors, massage therapists, farriers and
Many clients approach me with balance problems, which are usually very easy to diag- nose and fairly simple to remedy. Have you ever experienced any of these problems which may indicate saddle balance problems?
“Help! I Can’t get out of this Chair Seat!” Do you feel you are falling backward in the sad- dle?
Do you ride with your legs pulled up? Are your shoulders rolled forward? Are you hunched over your leg to balance?
If your saddle is too high in the pommel and too low in the cantle, this causes a lot of pressure on the horse’s back. It will be very difficult for your horse to engage his back because too much of your weight is on his last 2 floating ribs.
Your horse won’t go forward? Are you leaning back to balance?
If your saddle is too low in the front it will pinch into the horse’s shoulder – which is very restrictive for your horse. Your saddle is too high in the back so you lift your leg and fall into a chair seat to balance which can strain the discs in your lower back.
Biography: Jochen Schleese, CMS Steps to check Saddle Balance:
1. Remove your saddle pad and irons. Place your saddle over the withers and slide it right back behind the shoulder blade. On a dressage saddle, the cantle should be a little higher than the pom- mel.
2. Take a small round object (like a pencil) that will roll. Place it on the seat of the saddle and observe. If the saddle is balanced the pencil should rest in the center of the seat. If it rolls too far forward – the pommel is too low (cantle too high). If it rolls too far back, the saddle is too low in the cantle (pommel too high). It will be very difficult in either of these situations for both horse and rider to balance properly.
The horse will be much more comfortable in a well balanced saddle, because the weight of the rider will be distributed over a larger area. The saddle will not be driven into the shoulder or back on the loin. With correct balance the rider will be able to use the 4 curves in her back as natural ‘shock absorbers’, and she will sit bal- anced on their seat bones. This good posture means she will be able to lean forward and back- ward without the lower or upper leg swinging back and forth.
Jochen Schleese, CMS
www.schleese.com
Certified Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter.
Mr. Schleese is a former member of the German young rider’s Three-day event team, and grad- uated from Passier Germany as the youngest-ever Certified Master Saddler at age 22. He came to Canada as the Official Saddler for the 1986 World Dressage Championships. Schleese has made the trade of saddlery registered and certifiable in Ontario as the only authorized training facility. Schleese has 60 employees and agents worldwide, and Jochen is a frequent guest speaker at horse shows, trade shows and at various veterinary colleges. He and his company are recipients of numer- ous business and trade achievement awards, and have been profiled in such prestigious media as the Wall Street Journal and on the Discovery Channel. In 2005, 2007 and 2009 the company was the Official Saddler to the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, and is part of the educational roster at WEG. Most recently, Jochen has joined the German National Riding School in Warendorf to teach saddle fitting as part of the instructor’s certification process.
saddle fitters. Through sharing of expertise and knowledge on products, systems, training meth- ods, we work together to protect the horse’s (and rider’s) back from long term damage. Our Princi- ples are taught in lectures, seminars, demonstra- tions, symposiums and in one-on-one client ses- sions in Australia, North America, Asia, Ger- many, Holland and other parts of Europe. Saddl- efit 4 Life® is taught at the German National Riding School as part of the certification pro- gram, so that trainers, bereiters and reitlehrers can recognize and diagnose suspected saddle fit issues.
Never again should any horse have to suffer for the ignorance of his rider, nor will a once sound horse have to be farmed out, or put down because the damage is so severe that nothing more can be done to help or change the situation. For me, it’s about helping the horse and the com- fort of the horse and rider. I made this my calling and that is why I teach worldwide.
I am excited to join The English Rider to share with you the latest information on Princi- ples of Saddle Fit for horse and rider. Through education, together we can improve the well- being of horses and riders worldwide!
CTHS Announces Fee Restructure for Selected Yearling Sale
Rexdale, ON – March 11, 2010 – With a view to the changing economy, the Canadian Thorough- bred Horse Society (Ontario Division) is pleased to announce a restructuring of fees for their annu- al Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale.
“The CTHS is forever working towards making the Ontario breeding industry financially viable for our members,” said Julie Coulter, Gen- eral Manager of the Ontario CTHS. “We as a group realize that we have to start reducing the costs incurred by our members, and with that have unanimously decided that the first opportu- nity for us to do so is through our Selected Sales fees.”
After an indepth analysis of their Sales, the CTHS decided the fee reduction best serving their members would be geared toward the Selected Session of their annual Yearling Sale. They will continue to charge the $100 nomina- tion fee and five percent commission at $20,000, but will now only charge $500 upon entry and $500 upon the sale. As a result, this will reduce
the minimum costs from $1,400 to $1,100 for each horse sold or RNA. At this time, the Open Yearling fees will remain the same at the mini- mum of $700 for horses sold below $7,000. “It is hoped that with the above change, the CTHS can assist our members in some small way in selling their product,” said Coulter. “By working with and for our membership, we look forward to continuing to provide the best venue for our breeders to sell their Canadian- Breds.
Understanding the anatomical differences between women and men led Jochen to develop the only true female saddles designed for protection and comfort. Jochen’s life long study of the detri- mental effects of poor saddle fit and equine development led him to develop the Saddlefit4Life® philosophy and diagnostic system. Saddlefit 4 Life® is taught worldwide to DVM’s, REMTs, DCs, Trainers and Saddle Fitters who are dedicated to improving equine back health. Under Jochen’s tute- lage, professionals attain certification to recognize suspected saddle fit issues and provide diagnostic evaluation. World renowned Saddlefit4Life® colleagues include Head Instructor – Hannes Mueller and Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, DVM at the German National Riding School. Through sharing expertise Saddlefit 4 Life® professionals are protecting horse’s and rider’s backs. Jochen states, “Horses should not suffer for the ignorance of the rider, nor should they be farmed out, or put down because of severe, irreparable damage resulting from poor saddle fit.” Jochen’s passion and life mission to educate is improving the well being of horses and riders worldwide!
Jump Canada Invites Hall of Fame Nominations
Ottawa, Ontario – Jump Canada is calling for nominations for induction to the Hall of Fame. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Cere- mony and Gala, presented by BMO Financial Group, will be held as part of a black-tie gala on Sunday, November 7, 2010, in Toronto, ON. Current categories recognized by the Jump Canada Hall of Fame include Builder - Individu- al, Builder - Organization, Pony, Hunter, Jumper, Rider, Sponsor, Media, Official, Trainer/Coach, and Team/Event. The nomination criteria for potential Hall of Fame candidates are available on the Jump Canada Hall of Fame website by going to
www.equinecanada.ca/halloffame/index.php and clicking on ‘Nominations’.
“The nomination process gives our mem- bership an opportunity to share their stories about those who have made our sport special, and to
put forward suggestions for future inductees,” said Mark Samuel, Chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.
Submissions for consideration for the 2010 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are due to the Nomination Committee by June 15, 2010. The committee will then deliberate and will announce the 2010 Inductees from among all Nominations received to date. Nominations not approved for induction in 2010 will be retained and considered in future years.
Features profiles of previous inductees, as well as photo galleries of the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 events, can be found at
www.equinecanada.ca/halloffame/index.php. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit
www.equinecanada.ca/jumpcanada.
Horses Observed Deep in The Garanaska Forest
The Selected Session of the Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale takes place on Tuesday, September 7th, and the Open Session takes place on Satur- day, September 11th at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion, in Toronto, Ontario.
The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) is a non-profit organization representing breeders within Ontario by promot- ing Canadian-Bred/Ontario-Foaled Thorough- breds, both nationally and around the world.
By Kelly Bowers
The folks at Sandaraska Park Family Campground, at the edge of the 11,000 acre Ganaraska Forest expect to see even more horses this summer. Doug and Kim are thrilled with the increased interest and response over the last couple years of campers wanting to bring their horses camping in their beautiful park. So, over the past winter, improvements were made to better ser- vice their equestrian visitors. For the 2010 season, all horse friendly sites in the Pine Alley camping area have been supplied with hydro, water and pad- docks. Trail riding guests will now be even more comfortable after enjoying the 400+ miles of fabulous trails. Doug and Kim looks forward to meeting your family and your big four legged friends this summer. Happy Trails!
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76