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| Bridlepath Saddles | Neue Schule Bits | Land Rover Saddles |
| Laura Bourne - Qualified Master Saddler and Harness Maker, S.M.S. Qualified Saddle Maker contact us email: enquiry@bridlepathinternational.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1359 269813 |
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Don't forget!!!! Just like humans, horses also change in shape and size. |
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| Kathryn Dutton BHSII riding Alfie Photo by kind permission of Neil Fortescue |
| The importance of a correctly fitting saddle |
Many people under estimate the importance of a correctly fitting saddle. Not only is a well fitting saddle crucial to the movement and comfort of the horse and rider, it is important for the safety of all concerned. An ill fitting saddle can result in: A) For the horse: If the rider's weight distribution is not low and distributed over the whole of the weight bearing surface of the panel, pressure points with very high weight loadings can occur. Great discomfort to the horse can be caused, resulting in behavioural issues, such as bucking due to pain and discomfort. Movement of the horse can be restricted which can inhibit correct muscle development, impair the natural paces and effect balance. It can also lead to a variety of veterinary problems. B) For the rider: If the saddle is not fitting correctly and sitting in balance, it becomes very difficult for the rider to sit still and balanced, i.e. with their shoulder above their hip knee and ankle. Movement is inevitable if the rider cannot sit in balance, which in turn causes problems. An out of balance rider is compromising not only their safety and that of the horse, but it also makes it difficult for the horse to move correctly. Over time the horse may be unwilling to move forward, possibly leading to the development of a variety of vetinary problems. An out of balance rider will not be sitting in the correct part of the saddle. Consequently the weight distribution of the rider along the weight bearing surface of the saddle is not low. Pressure points once again arise negatively effecting the horse as described above. Bridlepath International Ltd offer a saddle fitting service which assists you with choice of fitting your saddle. Also an aftercare service on all saddles purchased at the time of saddle fitting. Contact us by clicking on the "contact us email" link at the top of this page or by telephoning +44 (0) 1359 269813 |