In this issue we talk to the experts at The Society of Master Saddlers about ensuring your saddle is fitted correctly and is fit for purpose.


The Importance of a Correctly Fitted Saddle


n this issue we talk to the experts at The Society of Master Saddlers about ensuring your saddle is fitted correctly and is fit for Today the riding public has far greater awareness of the important part the saddle plays in terms of welfare, comfort and success. A well-designed, well-made and well-fitting saddle is an excellent tool. A saddle that is poorly designed - or one that has inherent manufacturing defects - or one that doesn’t fit well is at best a hindrance, at worst, a disaster in the making.


I Problems caused by an ill-fitting saddle:


• Pinching • Rubbing • Pressure sores • The saddle could be rocking, positioned with an up-hill seat or a down-hill seat, pressing on the withers or spine


• Effects the horse’s way of going to compensate for the discomfort


• Muscle wastage, not just under the saddle • Behavioural problems such as bucking, rearing, cold backed, dislikes being saddled, head tossing, refusing to make upward transitions or jump, short choppy strides – to name just a few.


Saddle Fitting – Essential Knowledge


So whether using an old saddle or a new saddle you may think twice about how it fits your horse and get it fitted by a Society of Master Saddlers’ Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter.


A Qualified Saddle Fitter’s first consideration will always be the horse. This may mean that you need to adjust any preconceived ideas you may have about your own preferences in relation to make and design.


If you must use a numnah or gel pad the saddle fitter must be informed at the time of the original enquiry - and always before the saddle is fitted. Adding a numnah under a saddle which fits well without it is akin to putting thick insoles into shoes that fit perfectly without them.


Each horse should have its own saddle. Just as a pair of shoes adapts to the wearer's foot, so the saddle adopts the contours of the horse. Ill-advised riders use one saddle on several horses ('it cuts down on tack cleaning'…'I ride better in that particular saddle'…) without pausing to consider possible consequences.


It may be possible to adjust your existing saddle to fit your new


Southam Saddles


horse - but the advice of a qualified saddle fitter should always be sought.


Your horse changes shape regularly. The frequency of these changes will relate to his age, training, management and so on. Try to develop an eye to recognise these changes. Viewed on a daily basis, the changes may seem inconsequential but over a period of just a week or so they can be surprisingly substantial. Have your saddle checked regularly - and any necessary adjustments made.


o find your local registered qualified saddle fitter and for more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.


T


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


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Professional saddle 昀tting throughout Warwickshire and surrounding areas


n Saddle sales & service including on-site rebalancing


n Wide range of new & 2nd hand saddles - Bates specialists - Fairfax - Albion - Arena - K & M - GFS - Wintec - Prestige - Ideal n On-site 昀tting available


Telephone: 07780 462258 E-mail: info@southamsaddles.co.uk


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


Midlands agent for


www.southamsaddles.co.uk Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020 41 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,


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