With the eventing season just around the corner the team at the Society of Master Saddlers offer advice on saddles to suit riders and horses in this exciting sport.
Secure in the Saddle - Eventing
day-events on the sporting calendar or galloping round your local Pony Club one- day-event?
D
In either situation having the very best saddlery for each discipline will certainly assist in your endeavours whether producing a talented novice horse for the future or riding an established star looking to get placed in the line-up. Here the Society of Master Saddlers discusses
various options when it comes to buying saddles for your chosen sport. It has to be said that Eventing can be more
expensive than other disciplines in relation to tack and equipment because, ideally, most riders would prefer to have specialist saddles and bridles for each phase. This initial investment may be beyond the means of riders starting out at unaffiliated level or the lower stages of affiliated level with most having to compromise and make do with one saddle in the initial stages, then as rider’s progress, extend their range of saddles further.
The Society of Master Saddlers recommends riders never to
compromise by buying inferior ‘cheap’ saddles that may involve poor quality materials and low standards of craſtsmanship that could impact on welfare, safety, comfort and performance. If the budget doesn’t allow purchase of good quality new saddles, better by far to consider buying a good quality second-hand one. A rider whose budget extends to two specialist saddles will
probably opt for a dressage saddle and a jumping saddle. It is with the jumping saddle where some decisions need to be made because the saddle that will best assist the rider in the show jumping phase may not be absolutely identical to the one that would be most helpful across country. Because they afford the rider manoeuvrability, close contact saddles are by far the most popular with the show jumping fraternity! The cross country rider also needs ‘space’ in order to adapt their position if something goes slightly wrong. Because of the diversity of the fences, the rider also adapts his position far more across country than in the show jumping arena. Riding across country, most riders prefer a saddle that incorporates some form of knee roll that adds to their security – and it is also important to consider the shape of the saddle if the rider intends adding an overgirth. Riders starting to event at riding or pony club level will usually choose to use their existing saddle probably a GP of some type. ‘GP’, ‘Event’ and ‘All-purpose’ are among the names manufacturers
give to saddles designed to cope with more than one discipline. In recent years, a lot of research and development, oſten working with elite riders, has gone into the design of such saddles. However, they all involve compromise because no one saddle can perfectly fulfil the needs of two different disciplines. The very diversity of today’s ranges of saddles indicates the importance of seeking advice from a Qualified Saddle Fitter. Use the services of a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter to undertake fitting checks regularly. Always have a new saddle fitted and recognise that it is at least equally importance to have a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS saddle fitters have a comprehensive knowledge of saddle brands and designs. They are
Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements
o you dream of riding at one of the major three-
aware of the rules and regulations applicable to tack and equipment used in all the equestrian disciplines and sports, and offer advice and professional services.
Information about the Society of Master Saddlers can be found on the website:
www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.
SMS QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER BEACCREDITED TRAINER
Jumping,Dressage,GP and Pony Saddles Supplied and Fitted
Made To Measure Service if required
Good Selection of Used Saddles listed onWebsite Saddles Checked and Flocked On-Site Large Area Covered
Spec
Allmajor saddle makes supplied and fitted:
ttoo optimise Enjoyment and PerfoorJumping, Dressage,GP and Pony wh
ciialising in Comfoorrt foorr horse and rid whateev
veer your D ciDisiscipline.
Albion,Amerigo, Black Country, Equipe,Jeffries, Prestige,Kent andMasters and Pessoa.
Caring, professional and thorough approach, understanding the needs of you and your horse or pony
www.wills-saddlefitter.co.uk 07941 512933
saddles@antoniawills.co.uk
rmance,
saddles available Made to measure service if required
Will travel any distance Large range of second hand saddles available. On-site checking and flocking service.
www.wills-saddlefitter.co.uk www.wills-saddlefitter.co.uk
deer,
THE SPRING SPECIAL 2020
71
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 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
