DECEMBER 2022 THE RIDER/ 7 Beyond the Wither Tracing


A Saddle-Fitting Series by Holly Barnett, REMT, CSF – You Are Your Horse’s Saddle-Fitter


Saddle-fitting is both


simple and complex. There are certain guidelines that require adhering to, yet each horse has a different sce- nario to accommodate. When it comes to selecting a saddle, the industry is flooded with options, mar- keting and (at times ques- tionable)


designs.


Unfortunately, it’s also lack- ing in truly knowledgeable saddle professionals. It’s no surprise then that far too many horses are being rid- den in inappropriate tree shapes. Most equestrians I


meet are aware saddles come in different sizes and widths (not the dot-to-dot myth which means ab-


solutely nothing but the ac- tual tree width – the distance between the bottom of the two tree points which re- quires dropping the panels to measure) and familiar with the A-plate vs U-plate vs Hoop Tree for different breeds and conformations.


So, what else is there to know?


Tree configura-


tion is my key to my success as a saddle-fitter. Focus on the gullet plate size for the horse and seat size are com- mon fitting criteria and fall short for long term fit, com- fort, and performance. I can’t stress enough the im- portance of observing your horse’s back on a regular


basis and carefully consider- ing how it feels to your horse under the saddle. If the saddle manufacturing in- dustry truly prided them- selves on the exceptional fit of their products, we’d see more research and education around the shapes and styles of trees they use and sell. Saddles are big business and protecting intellectual prop- erty means this information isn’t shared, nor do all sad- dle manufacturers grasp the full concept of a well fitted saddle. Tree


configuration


refers to every angle that in- teracts with horse and human from pommel to can- tle. It also dictates how pres- sure


and forces


tree shape doesn’t match the horses shape are too often overlooked and misunder- stood.


The best way to utilize are


distributed. If the skeleton of the saddle doesn’t match the skeleton of the horse, the horse literally becomes a punching bag when ridden. Short pommels on long withers destroy horses. Wide trees on full bodied horses that flute in for rider comfort in the twist damage horses. Scenarios where the


this message is to start with your horse’s posture. (Con- formation isn’t as easily as- sessed unless a horse is in neutral posture) Make ob- servations, document them on a regular basis and get your hands under your sad- dle – feel how it’s interact- ing with your horse’s back. Have a bodyworker out and compare how your saddle feels in your hand over areas they highlight as sore, tight, or atrophied. Analyze where your saddle positions you on your horse’s back in relation to their centre of gravity. (If you’re not sure where that is look it up!) All this to say you,


can’t always rely on the in- dustry alone to provide the best fit – you need to take an active role in learning what works for you and your horse. Take riding videos in slow motion, watch your horse’s facial expressions


Merry Christmas from The Rider!


We wish everyone a healthy,


successful and Happy New Year!


while being tacked and rid- den, slide your hand under the panels. Remember, every time you tack up… you are your horse’s saddle fitter.


About the Author: Holly Barnett is professional fitter and equine therapist for 20 years. She’s worked with horses of all breeds and rid- ers of all levels and disci- plines throughout North America. Founder of August Equine, located in Camp- bellville ON, Holly now fo- cuses on education and advocacy for horses and riders – She is the creator of Saddle Assessment 4 Equine Bodyworkers (SA4EB-2023) offered annually in March. Holly works with a small team of saddle-fitters serv- icing clients across Canada. For upcoming clinics and educational events www.augustequine.com.


see


Do you have a special occasion or announcement to make? Consider putting it in The Rider!


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