There are many myths that have been going around with regards to saddlery and the use thereof. In this series of posts, I endeavour to show most of them are without foundations and can, in some cases, be the opposite of the actual facts.
Pictured left is author Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter.
In days of old before saddle fitting was a common thing, people would often ring the saddler and tell them that this was what was needed, take the saddle in to said saddler for this to be done and pick it up a few days later. The saddler never saw the horse, and in many cases wouldn’t have known one end of it from the other as their skills lay in the work that they did on the bench. I dread to think of the results of some of these requests as the rider is often totally off the mark with this, not understanding the results of an unbalanced saddle on their position.
It may well be that the saddle is low at the front, sitting too close to the spine and giving you a platform to sit on that is tipping forward. Surprisingly, a saddle that is tipping back will also cause you to tip forward in an effort to keep your balance and to prevent getting ‘left behind’ or tipped out the back. Just your interpretation of your ‘feeling’ really isn’t enough.
If your saddle is out of balance it is best if your SMS qualified saddle fitter comes to see both you and the horse. An initial view will give them an idea of what is wrong, and they may well use a pad to balance it so that you can ride and check that this is how you need it. They might just adjust the flock on the spot before seeing you ride but it is better not to do the work until seen ridden as many horses change considerably in work, some ‘lifting’ their back into the saddle and some dropping away from it. Having decided what is wrong most fitters will then adjust the saddle on site for you although some still prefer to send the saddle away for alteration. Whichever method is chosen, the saddle must be seen ridden in after alteration so that you can check that the balance is correct in all paces, that it is staying square longitudinally and is not lifting or bouncing.
With some horses I have found that you cannot have the saddle level when static as the horse lifts so much into the saddle when working that, if level static it will be tipping them on their nose once the horse is engaged and working. I can think of a few where the saddle looked to be totally tipping back at stand – no one would have believed that this was a fitted saddle, but it was exactly as the horse needed it. This is why it is essential that we see the horse ‘dynamic’ (working) as well as static. No fitting is complete without this.
If for any reason you can’t get the saddle fitter to see the saddle initially (long waiting times for an appointment for instance), then sending photos and a video clip of the problem can be very helpful. The fitter should know from these if the problem is something that they can fix on site or if it is another problem entirely. Do just remember to take your photos and video close enough that it is possible to see the saddle clearly – a horse whizzing about in the distance really isn’t going to show us anything!
Another good use of photos is to keep track for yourself as to how your saddle is fitting and balancing. If the saddle starts to tip back, for whatever reason you will probably just accommodate it as it happens slowly. It’s only when the saddle fitter lifts the back, either with a pad or by just sliding a hand under the back of the saddle, so lifting you that you realise just how wrong the saddle is. Re-balancing the saddle can be a real relief for both the horse and for you.
This is a problem that instructors don’t seem to pick up on very often. They will tell their pupil to ‘get your legs back’ without realising that they are forward to brace you and keep you in the saddle which is tipping forward. Likewise, ‘sit up!’ heard so often becomes an unnecessary command once the back of the saddle is lifted to put the rider in to the centre of the saddle. If the balance is perfect the rider should be able to sit in the correct position at all paces without stirrups, although I suggest you try this only with reasonably competent riders and most certainly within an enclosed school!
Video, so easy to take with a phone, is in my opinion an under used tool. Taken from within the school with the horse going on a straight line and on both reins, you can see your position clearly. Likewise, with the ‘cameraman’ standing in a corner you can film the horse going away from you and towards you so that you can check firstly if the saddle is coming back to square a few strides out from the corner, and also if the rider is straight and central to saddle and horse. Something that we should all try to do occasionally I think as bad habits creep in, and we just don’t notice.
So, the message to take away from this is that regular saddle checks from an SMS qualified saddle fitter not only make your horse more comfortable but can really help you as well.
Who knew?
Like many riders and trainers, you've probably thought at some point that understanding more about saddles and saddle fitting would have the potential to help you improve your horse's comfort, performance and also long-term soundness - and not only are you right, you can now do that online, whenever and wherever fits into your busy lifestyle.
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If you are working as a saddle fitter or in training for a career in saddle fitting, Kay's 8-part video series titled Fitting Saddles: The Essential Guide will support your learning and help you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the subject and include invaluable insights into running a successful business as an SMS qualified saddle fitter.
Watch
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Buy securely online for unlimited streaming or downloading to your device at
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