Busting - Just Two - Myths

Myth 1. A horse that bucks after a jump must need to have the saddle fit checked.

Well, I wouldn’t disagree with that thought as it is one of the things to check for a horse behaving in this fashion. Possibly the saddle fitter will suggest that you put the saddle slightly back from your normal position as many show jumpers seem to put the saddle right up on the shoulders, and that could well be causing the horse to buck as he lands and tries to move away. That excess pressure pushing down onto the shoulders would be uncomfortable and could cause that reaction.

What else could cause this? Learned behaviour must never be dismissed, but always look to see if you can find a cause. An uncomfortable bit or bridle, skin in the elbows catching on the girth, saddle cloth wrinkled up under the saddle? A poorly balanced rider could upset the horse and he might show this in the only way that he knows – to buck.

Myth 2. A riding instructor can fit a saddle as well as a saddle fitter.

Please! NO!! Nowadays many instructors appreciate how much is involved in fitting a saddle correctly and call in the professionals, but there are always those that know better.  My comment about these people is that they just don’t know how much they don’t know, and they are, frankly, dangerous.

Society of Master Saddlers qualified fitters are highly qualified, having spent a minimum of 3 years training before they can even sit their assessments. 

When a Qualified Saddle Fitter looks at a horse’s conformation they are seeing many aspects that your instructor would not consider.

• They understand how saddles are constructed, know what is possible and what is not.
• Most can adjust the flocking or totally re-flock your saddle if necessary.
• They will know what types of trees are available, and what may suit your horse.
• They will know different ways that a panel can be made to facilitate a good fit.
• They can know where girth straps could be fitted to achieve maximum position and comfort.
• They will have access to a good and varied stock of saddles.
• They understand the importance of balance in the saddle and how to achieve this.
• They will understand the way a horse might change in his carriage or way of going when ridden.
• They will be able to tell if your saddle is of good or poor quality and assess its suitability for use.
• They will know how to assess all makes of saddles for fit.
• They will be able to assess all saddles for safety.
• They will understand how a horse “works” and how the use of all saddlery can affect his ability to work at his optimum level.
• They will know if your saddle is suitable for you, and the activities that you wish to use it for.
• They will be familiar with research work being undertaken, and the results of this.
• They will know which pads could help your horse and which could harm him.
• They will not be tied to one manufacturer and may sell many different brands and models of saddles. (Saddle ‘fitters’, usually only ‘qualified’ with the company that they work for, that are tied to one company are, in my opinion  saddle sellers; NOT saddle fitters!)
• Our members have to abide by a code of conduct.
• The Society of Master Saddlers provides continuous professional development for Qualified Saddle Fitters.
• Qualified Saddle Fitters regularly share ideas and solutions to fitting problems with other fitters.
• There is a complaints procedure with the Society of Master Saddlers if things go wrong.
• All Society Of Master Saddlers and Qualified Saddle Fitters have to have insurance cover.

Now, I ask you. Do you think that your instructor has all of these attributes? I think not.

Whilst you are here, do watch the short trailer below for my two-part video series specifically for  Riders and Trainer 

Kay Hastilow’s Saddle Fitting Know How For Riders and Trainers is a two part video series, giving a fascinating, practical insight into saddles, correct fit and common problems.

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