MAY 2012 THE RIDER /61 Saddlefit 4 Life: Saddle Fit and the Female Saddle points in some detail.
By Jochen Schleese. CMS, CSFT, CEE
Although I have broached this subject superficially in a past blog, I would like to address some key points in more detail, as they are impor- tant in determining the proper saddle fit especially for women – which is 85% of Schleese’s market – and makes us the only female saddle specialist in the world!
Our saddle fitters all have a comprehensive understanding of equine biomechanics and how sad- dles need to fit to prevent longterm back damage in the horse, but we also have a good understanding of how female anatomy impacts saddle fit. One of my top saddle fitters, Kris- ten Vlietstra, has been kind enough to discuss these points in this month’s video for your viewing and learning pleasure! This month we will go into the first three of five key
1. The width between your upper inner thighs affects the width of the twist you will need in your saddle. The twist is that part of the saddle where your upper inner thighs sit against it. Because of a phenomenon called “Qflexion” (whereby female thighs tend to angle outwards at the hip and back inwards at the knee), women will carry more weight on their upper inner thigh than a man. The leg is pushed forward, and the knee and toes are out at 45 degree angle when a woman sits on a male sad- dle that is too wide between her upper inner thighs. The position results in a leg that goes out and forward, and it is difficult to achieve the ‘shoulder- hips-heels’ straight line. This is different when you see a woman on a female saddle, where the toes point forward and there is more upper leg on the bar- rel or sides of the horse.
2. The ratio of the length of the upper leg to the length of the lower leg will deter- mine the position and/or length of your stirrup bar. Most women have a longer upper leg than a lower leg. The analogy here is that the stirrup bar acts like the ful- crum and the stirrup leather is the pendulum. With a regular stirrup bar posi- tioned normally, the female’s leg will usually end up being too far for- ward (“get your leg back!” – does this sound familiar?) because the leg will fall according to its centre of gravity. Therefore, for
Female Pelvis on a male saddle tree
Men’s legs hang straight naturally, but changing the angle of the flap and possi- bly also the position of the thigh roll can address this with a female saddle. If the flap is too straight, the knee comes too close to the front of the flap, and in motion the leg will actually go over the flap. Forcing this (“get your leg back!” – again!) can move the pelvis forward, resulting in back pain and discomfort. Proper flap positioning is another small point in accommodating the female anatomy in saddle design! I’ll continue with the final two points in a future blog; these are some key points you can look at in your saddle right now. If you’re not comfortable – one of these may be the reason why.
Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CEE
www.schleese.com
Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CEE
www.saddlefit4life.com;
www.saddlesforwomen.com Biography:
Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CEE
Jochen
Certified Master Saddler, Saddlefit Technician, Equine Ergonomist
dlery registered and certifi- able in Ontario as the only authorized training facility. Schleese has 60 employees and agents worldwide. He developed the
Mr. Schleese is a for- mer member of the German young rider’s Three-day event team, and graduated 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 sad-
Saddlefit4Life® philosophy and diagnostic system. Saddlefit 4 Life® is taught worldwide to DVM’s, REMTs, DCs, Trainers and Saddle Fitters. 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 result- ing from poor saddle fit.” Jochen’s passion and life mission to educate is improving the well being of horses and riders world- wide!
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Male Pelvis on a male saddle tree
women an extended stirrup bar (or sometimes even an extra-extended stirrup bar!) allowing the stirrup leathers to be positioned further back will ensure that the leg hangs in the correct position. Most men have pretty equal leg lengths so that they do fine with the normal stirrup bar length and position.
3. Women’s hip bones are articulated onto the pelvis at the joint differently. Especially female adult amateur riders, who started riding later in life or who don’t ride regularly, are challenged to have their legs hang straight, because the articulation causes the legs to naturally angle out.
ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge
Current History of ACTHA in Canada
In the summer of 2011 a savvy group of horse owners partnered with Greys on Grass Equestrian Cen- ter in Markdale, Ontario to hold the first ever ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge in Canada. The goal of the first ride was to introduce the ACTHA style Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) into Canada and determine from the rider response if ACTHA style CTC’s had potential as a new and rewarding activity for Canadian horse owners. Response was truly positive with 17 horse and rider pairs participating in the inau- gural 10 km (6 mile) trail ride on September 25th 2011.
In January 2012 discussions with ACTHA took place to establish a stronger cooperative relationship with the organization while address- ing uniquely Canadian issues. These discussions resulted in the approval of the “ACTHA in CANADA” logo signifying the partnership of the US organization within Canada and a commitment to Canadian Trail Rid- ers. At the same time; ACTHA also changed the way they disbursed Charitable Funds thus allowing Equine Related Charities to be sup- ported here in Canada.
2012 Planning and expansion. ACTHA Affiliate Ride Manag- er Chuck Cannon is plannig to hold two supporting rides in 2012. The first ride, the Spring Com- petitive Trail Challenge, will be on
(Points totaled from all 2012 rides). A buckle is awarded for each of the three competitor Divisions. Open, Pleasure and Junior.
2013 and beyond
A three ride Series Champi- onship is planned for 2013, includ- ing, new and rewarding ride loca- tions and bigger and better prize packages resulting in greater support to Equine charities. Included in this plan is a ride specifically to support the Canadian Wounded Warrior Association.
June 3rd at Rabbit Run Farm, near Flesherton, Ontario. The Charitable portion of the ACTHA ride fees from this ride are destined for PRANCE in Port Elgin, Ont. The second ride is planned for the fall of 2012. Date, location and details are yet to be determined. At the fall 2012 ride ACTHA CANADA Silver trophy Buckles will be awarded as Year End prizes to the 2012 High Point Earners
As knowledge and awareness of ACTHA and its Competitive Trail Challenges increases, so will Cana- dian rider participation. Its openness to all horse and rider dispositions offers a great opportunity for all horse owners to enjoy trail riding gently mixed with competition and concurrently supporting Canadian equine charitable organizations. “With industry support, I have no doubt that ACTHA CANADA will rapidly grow and eventually encom- pass the entire country coast to coast” said Cannon.
For more information email Chuick Cannon at
lccannon45@gmail.com or call cell (519) 373-9912 or visit
www.actha.us .
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