competition news Competition tack dilemma?
Laurence Pearman is a twice president of Society Master Saddlers, a Lecturer and Assessor on Saddle fitting courses and a Master Saddler. He provides answers to a number of reader questions...
Q - Showing is my passion and I know attention to detail is so important. I have been told that the buckles on the throat lash, cheek pieces and noseband of the bridle should all line up. Is that correct - asks John Moore?
Laurence Pearman replies – Yes, when it comes to showing, it is the overall picture that counts and attention to detail is so important. As suggested to you, all the buckles should be in line at the level of the horse’s eyes, so your bridle may need some adjustment to make this possible. It really does create the right impression and often in showing, winning comes down to the narrowest of margins so you need to do everything you can to secure that red rosette.
Purchasing your bridle in separate parts, potentially of different sizes, can be the way to the perfect fit for your horse
Q - My pony is wider at the front and narrower at the back, which makes finding a saddle that fits really difficult. As she is wider at the front
this makes the saddle rise at the back. I realise this is not an easy task but any help will much appreciated - says Isobel Smith.
Laurence Pearman replies - If the saddle is lifting at back this is normally due to the tree fit being too wide for the horse or pony, with the effect of it tipping forwards. However if in your case it is dropping because of the narrower area at the back, you may also require deeper rear panel gussets to level things out. This would mean a saddle then being made to your specification. Your Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter will be able to advise you on this and you should book an appointment.
Q - As an adult who rides a pony what do I chose; a pony saddle that I don’t feel comfortable in or an adult saddle that may not fit as well but that I ride in better –
asks Sarah Thorne?
Laurence Pearman replies - There are many adults who ride a pony for various reasons. Assuming your weight is not a problem, the best solution is to purchase, for example, a 16 or 16.5 inch saddle built on a wide seated tree. The saddle should also have a lower cantle with a good width of panel bearing surface, which will help. Then it is important to consider the length of the pony’s back. As long as the saddle tree does not extend beyond T18 (or the last rib) the rear of the panel can be approximately 1inch, as this is not as rigid and unyielding as the tree. Again it is important to contact your Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter for advice that is individual to you and your pony.
For further information visit
www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
Celebration for decade of Senior British Novice Championship sponsorship
KBIS British Equestrian Insurance is one of the largest independent horse insurance providers and 2018 will see the business celebrate ten consecutive years of sponsorship of the popular Senior British Novice Championship.
With over 25 years of experience, KBIS’s growth and customer loyalty has been built upon a company ethos of providing excellent customer service combined with a fast and efficient claims process. Based near Newbury, Berkshire, all of the staff at KBIS have either an equestrian background or are insurance specialists in their own fields.
KBIS offers a range of policies for the leisure horse to high value sports horses with a choice of veterinary cover options. Their products also include horsebox and trailer insurance and breakdown, property insurance, event and show insurance, standalone personal accident cover as well as specialist liability insurance. The KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice Championship is for registered horses in Grade C that have not won a total of 125 points and are ridden by
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an Adult, Associate or Junior Member. The series attracts over 37,000 starts in the first round competitions alone and it will once again culminate at the British Showjumping National Championships at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (7th – 12th August 2018).
In addition to the valued support of the Senior British Novice Championship, KBIS also offers exclusive discounts to British Showjumping members. Members can benefit from up to 15% off property and liability insurance, 10% off horsebox insurance and 10% off their competition and sports horse insurance.
Guy Prest, Managing Director at KBIS, said “We are delighted to be celebrating our 10th year as sponsors of the KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice. We have always enjoyed sponsoring at this level, seeing new riders and horses coming through. We hope the popularity and success of the KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice Championship continues.” Maria Haig, British Showjumping Head of Communications, added “KBIS have been a superb supporter of the sport for the
past ten years and we couldn’t be happier to be announcing their continuing sponsorship. The Senior British Novice Championship is a key series for our membership and we are delighted to have KBIS aligned with it as title sponsor.” Eligible combinations have
been competing in the KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice First Rounds since 1st May 2017 and they have until the 30th April 2018 to qualify for the KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice Second Rounds. The Second Rounds will be held during May – July 2018.
Emma Jo Slater & Kings of Leon - KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice
Champions 2017 Image courtesy of 1st Class Images
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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