It is impossible to separate saddle fit from Equine Body Work sessions when evaluating the ridden horse.
The saddle is the interface between the horse and the rider. It can unfortunately be a torture device for the horse, the rider or for both.
The goal of the saddle fitter is to select a saddle that will provide a comfortable and pain free interface that allows the horse to easily and athletically perform in its current ridden discipline be that happy hacking or grand prix dressage.
The goal of the saddle fitter is to provide the rider with security, comfort and a balance that allows them to achieve a harmony of movement with their horse.
The challenge of the saddle fitter in fitting a saddle is that the traditional tree saddle is a static object on a dynamic surface.
The horses musculature and the saddle
Direct trauma problems are caused because the pressure applied by the saddle on the surface of the tissue is not distributed evenly throughout the tissue, where the saddle sits close to bone it is exerting 3 to 5 times more pressure. Pressure damage does not start at the surface it is the result of pressure over time the damage travels inwards to outwards.
Pressure over time = pathology.
It directly affects the musculoskeletal system in the horse which the Equine Body Worker supports through their work to remain in balance.
Damage results in:
- Muscle Sensitivity
- Muscle Hypertrophy
- Muscle Spasm
- Hypoesthesia
- Muscle Atrophy
The muscular pain causes altered and compensatory posture and it’s this referred pathology, suspensory and tendon strain, bruised heels, navicular syndrome, degenerative joint disease arthritis, ringbone, spavin, chiropractic and kinesiology problems that lead to lameness in varying degrees.
Performance problems can provide a clear indication of muscular pain:
- Cold –backed during mounting.
- Slow to warm up or relax
- Shortened stride
- Difficulty with lead changes
- Poor engagement of hind end
- Poor impulsion in upward transitions, or collected gaits
- Stiff resistant to one side
- Refuses jumps
- Jumps flat or off forehand
- Bucking both flat work and landing from jumps
- Wide on turns or ducks out of turns
- Resistance to aids
- Bolting
- Rearing
- Swishing tail
- Bites ears back when girthing up
Equine Body Work in partnership with correct Saddle Fitting can work toward eliminating muscular pain from direct trauma and referred pain and in turn alongside rehabilitation trainers remove performance problems.
Saddle Fitting
The saddle fit has five clear stages:
1a) The Equine Body Worker examines the back and related factors including conformation, farriery, working condition, muscular imbalances etc.
1b) At this point a template is created for a saddle if required.
2) An evaluation is made of the saddle off the horse.
3) An evaluation of the saddle is made on the horse.
4) An evaluation on the saddle is made and of the rider when mounted and stationary.
5) An evaluation on the saddle is made and of the rider when moving.
The five stage process considers a multitude of factors and provides the horse and rider partnership with the “best fit” saddle at that point in time removing any direct trauma and referred pain pathology or symptoms.
As time passes both the horse and rider will change shape and size and expectations partnerships may change too. The saddle will need regularly checking replacing or adjusting as necessary to ensure the performance and health of the musculoskeletal system of the horse is met.
Adjusting the Saddle Fit
In adjusting the saddle the a wool flock within the saddle panels can be altered to lift the front of the saddle if the points are slightly too wide, the flock can be regulated to remove bumps and lumps that can cause pressure points. The gullet can be slightly widened, quilting can take depth out of the panels allowing room for the scapular to move beneath the panel. Saddle panels can be dropped and re stitched, girth straps replaced, point or balance straps added to accommodate forward or back girth lines.
A saddle pad or numnah serves as a protection, a buffer to absorb and dissipate the concussive forces exerted by the rider upon the saddle.
Saddle pads are increasingly being developed and used as a quick fix solution to a poor fitting saddle as a temporary measure this can be a short term solution, prolonged use is not recommended.
You are “making badly fitting shoes “fit” with more socks” Kerry Ridgway DVM,.
Correct pad or numnah fitting goes alongside correct saddle fitting as incorrect pads numnahs can cause an increase in pressure, overheating of muscular tissues, saddle slippage, wrinkling, rubbing and sores.
Dawn Clow is qualified and experienced in both saddle fitting and saddle re flocking and repairs.
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