subject: Learn How To Fit Equestrian Saddles Well [print this page] Learn How To Fit Equestrian Saddles Well Learn How To Fit Equestrian Saddles Well
You will have to select quite a few items of equipment as you get ready to go horse riding. Some of the items you may select without too much forethought, but others will take some deliberation. Equestrian saddles are quite complex pieces of equipment and must be chosen carefully, as an ill fitting saddle will make the whole experience uncomfortable not only for you, but also for the horse itself.Horse saddles have been designed and perfected over many years and there are very good reasons for their rather unusual shape. You should buy and configure your saddle according to the type of riding that you have in mind, but above all you must make sure that you test the fitment of the saddle on your horse. If you are rather new to all this, please get an experienced rider or expert to help you set it all up.The makeup of the saddle is built around a "tree," another word for the frame upon which it is all staged. Normally this tree is made of wood, but it can also be made of fibreglass. Most of the time it is covered in leather. Look for some unusual features including the cantles and pommels, which set the seat in the correct position to give you control. Legs rest against what is known as the saddle flap and the whole item has to be properly attached to the horse before you start.When you are sitting in an English saddle, you should have somebody to assist you so that you can see if it is correctly mounted. Have somebody sit in the saddle so that the appropriate weight is in place and then make sure that you can see a reasonable amount of space beneath the pommel and above the horse's withers. You should be able to insert a couple of fingers into this space if it is correctly configured. Always make sure that the saddle does not impinge upon the shoulder movement of the horse.When the saddle is fitted correctly, it should not be too snug along the horse's back and you should allow for movement appropriately. If the saddle is too long it will be uncomfortable and could even bruise the horse, so once again make sure that your measurements are taken correctly before you even "road test" the saddle in the real world. Make sure that you have an agreement with the seller of the saddle, so that you can be sure that it works for you before finalising the purchase.In recent years, Wintec saddles have risen to become very popular due to their innovative design and construction. The latest generation, called the Equileather range, features a new synthetic material which is very similar in feel and performance to leather, hard wearing with high performance. A further innovation now allows the gullet at the head of the saddle to be opened and the gullet to be changed to an appropriate size. There are six different choices and this innovation allows the saddle to be custom fitted to the horse's wither.
