Is it neccessary to get saddles fitted?
For the comfort and well being of both horse and rider, and to achieve best performance from both horse and rider, we recommend custom fitting of saddles. The tree of a saddle is made of wood and metal, to be fitted on horses which are each of unique shape. Thus, if the saddle tree is ill fitting, it will restrict the horse's movements within their shoulders, causing them discomfort and impede their performance. The balance of the saddle also needs to be considered - the rider must be in the correct position on the saddle so that they distribute their weight evenly across the right areas. An unbalanced rider will also impede the performance of a horse.
Is it neccessary to get
saddles regularly checked?
A horse's shape constantly changes with the
passage of time, but the tree of a saddle will not, as it is solid.
Although the change in a horse's shape is a natural occurence, it is
heightened when the horse is in work, building up certain muscles, and
filling our or falling away in certain areas. As well as their work load,
the horse's shape is dependant on its diet, thus as a horse's diet will
change over the year, so too will its shape. Thus in most cases, saddles should be
regularly checked by a saddler, who will be able to alter the flocking of
the saddle, to ensure that the correct fitting and balance remains
throughout. Regular checking will also make sure that there are no
uncomfortable lumps within the flocking, which can be rectified by the
saddle being restuffed.
How is a Saddle
fitted?
Templates are taken of the shape fo the horse
on the day of the fitting, which are matched with the correct fitting
trees. The rider and the saddler can then discuss the most suitable make
and model of saddle. When the right saddle has been found, the saddler
will fit it to the horse and alter any stuffing to get the correct balance
for the rider.
Buying Saddles: New or Second
Hand?
The benefit of buying
a new saddle is that, provided it fits correctly with the right shaped
tree and right amount of padding, it will perfectly mould to the shape of
the horses back. It is not unlike buying a new pair of shoes but with more
factors to consider - make, model, tree size, and padding. On the other hand, buying a second hand
saddle will ensure that the saddle is broken in and thus is more
comfortable to ride in. It will also be cheaper than buying a new one.
However, a second hand saddle will rarely fit perfect without the saddler
having to re-balance it, which can still be easily done, and is common
practice. Obviously, good fitting and good quality second hand saddles are
not readily available as new ones, which can be made to measure to fit you
and your horse prefectly to cater to both your needs.
Although it costs more, many riders regard new saddles to be an investment rather than an expense, as it enhances the performance, well being, comfort and enjoyment of both rider and horse.