Tips
Tipp #1
Saddle fit Check
Your saddle is a vital piece of equipment for you and your horse, and the fit should be checked on a regular basis. Young horses in particular should be regularly monitored. Changes in condition, illness, injury or a new stage of training are a few of the factors that can influence the fit of a saddle. Any signs of resistance during work, or unwillingness to be saddled can be an indication that something is wrong.
Tipp #2
What should I look for?
The saddle should sit level on the horse’s back and the panels should sit evenly. Saddles that tip forward or tilt backwards when placed on the horse indicate that the fit needs to be checked. Wool flocked panels should be equally stuffed (no lumps or dips) and not too hard. There should be adequate clearance in the wither area. The gullet should be the same width from pommel to cantle.
Tipp #3
Check your equipment!
Girths should always be kept clean, in good condition, and be an anatomical shape to avoid pressure and friction in the sensitive elbow area. Avoid using a girth with too much elastic. Any elastic used should be strong and have several layers. With soft elastic it is sometimes difficult to tell how much you are tightening the girth and this can lead to over girthing.
Tipp #4
Check your equipment!
All pads used under the saddle should be of a good, firm, quality textile, and shaped to fit the horses’ back. They should also be long enough so that the pad does not end underneath the saddle as this will cause pressure points.