FOCUSONSADDLING
In this issue we talk to TheSocietyofMasterSaddlesto find out more about the work theycarry out, howsaddleshavedeveloped overthe yearsand the real importanceofhaving acorrectly fittedsaddle.
SADDLING UP –THE FACTS!
A
saddle is without adoubt the mostimportant purchase foryour
horse.Itisa well-known fact that ahorse needs acorrectly fitted saddle to perform to the best of itsability, but is this idea
really implemented fully.A badly fitted saddle candoalot of damage,leading to behaviour problems or even lameness. The huge influencethe saddle has in relation to equine
welfare, rider comfort and the production of optimum performanceisbeing increasingly recognised by equine vets and physiotherapists,trainers, instructors and horse owners. The SocietyofMasterSaddlers(UK) Ltdwas formed
in 1966 to serveasaTrade Association forthe craft retail saddler,but has sinceembraced all aspects of the Trade. The Society’saims aretosafeguardthe qualityofwork, services,training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade from manufacturersand retailers through individual craftspeople and saddle fitters. Forhorse ownersThe SocietyofMasterSaddlersacts
as astandardthat youshould expectyour saddle fitter to be apart of.Having aSocietyofMasterSaddlesRegistered Qualified Saddle Fitter guaranteesthattheyare fully qualified, professional and haveaminimum of three years’ experience. Beforethe SocietyofMasterSaddlerslaunched itssaddle
fitting qualification, therewas very little formalised training
available.Coinciding with the introduction of the saddle fitting qualification, the SMS began an extensiveprogramme providing information and adviceabout the importanceof acorrectly fitting saddle in relation to safety, wellbeing and performance. It isafactthattoday’shorse ownersare farmore knowledgeable than their counterpartsofevenafew yearsback. In the lastcouple of decades, saddle fitting has become moreand more complicated. Firstly,whereas in the past
SADDLEDOCTORS UK MASTER SADDLERSOXFORD
SMSMASTER QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTERS SALES AND SERVICE
LARGE STOCKS INCLUDING: FAIRFAX,
BLACK COUNTRY,IDEAL, KENT&MASTERS, AMERIGO,ALBION ETC
SADDLES RE- BALANCED ON SITEQUALITY AND FIT ON ABUDGET OR TOP END
01865 244700
WWW.SADDLEDOCTORS.CO.UK 26 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER2020
mostcountrieswerelargely reliant on indigenous breeds and typesofhorse,nowadays manybreedshavebecome global. Consequently,today’ssaddle fittersneedafar more comprehensiveknowledge of the conformation of different breeds. Secondly,thereare moresaddledesigns on the market than ever before. Innovations continue to enter the market and ranges of specialistsaddlesare constantly increasing. The productknowledge demanded of today’s saddle fittersisfar greaterand morecomprehensivethan their counterpartsof20-even10–years ago.And of course,saddle fittersmusthavea goodunderstanding of the demands of the individual disciplinesand sports and the regulations applicable to the use of tack. SMS saddle fitterstakepride in the help,information
and
advicetheyprovide.Although everyendeavour is made to accommodatethe rider,the firstpriorityisto provide asaddle that affords agood fitfor the horse.
SADDLE CHECKS Horseschange considerably overtime.A horse’s‘shape’
is very dependent on the horse owner’smanagement. Ahorse canchange shape formanyreasons. Maybe
he is enjoying abreak fromwork turned out in a field with lotsofgrass.Possibly,the competition season is
Forthe latest
newsvisitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk
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