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Spot-On saddling

Glenyss Rae

Imagine trying to run a marathon wearing the wrong-sized shoes and a pair of tight jeans. It would cause lasting side-affects, immeasurable discomfort and, of course, reduced performance.

A horse wearing an ill-fitting saddle will suffer in a similar way. Peter Horobin, Victorian saddler of 19 years, believes a key to optimum performance lies in the fit of the saddle.

"Customers are generally poorly informed on saddle fitting, and rely on the retailer for information," Peter says.

The onus is on saddlery owners and staff to understand Peter Horobin the basics, so they sell their customers the most appropriate saddle.

Peter Horobin specialises in dressage, showjumping and show saddles, with an emphasis on correct fit.

Every saddle he sells in Victoria is fitted personally, and saddles sold interstate are made to order, according to his specific measuring chart.

Here are some rules to minimise problems with fitting a saddle.

The obvious signs of an ill-fitting saddle include bald patches, swollen spots on the withers after exercise, and patches of white hair under the saddle and withers (pressure restricts circulation to the hair, turning it white).

These symptoms can lead to more serious problems, such as muscle spasms and bruising, inhibiting the horse's extension and movement.

General back soreness will also affect the behaviour of the horse, which may become cranky and fidgety, pigroot, dip the hindquarters or hollow the back.

Peter Horobin recalled a situation which illustrates the effect of an ill-fitted saddle on a horse.

"I fitted the same horse with two different saddles; the first saddle obviously made the horse jumpy and fidgety. When I tried the second saddle, the horse calmed down and became quite manageable," he told Equine Oz.

Peter Horobin has a basic check list when it comes to fitting a saddle:
1. Make sure the rider has the correct type of saddle to suit their type of riding.
2. Look at the breed of horse and select a suitable type of saddle. It is important to view the horse while it is standing on level ground, and note the shape of the shoulders, withers and back.
3. Choose the correct sized seat and leg flap length to suit the rider. When the rider sits in the saddle, the top of their boot should rest on the flap. Comfort is the most important thing in regard to the seat, but always allow four fingers distance between the cantle and the riders bottom.
4. Fit the saddle without a blanket or girth.
5. Check wither clearance, allowing 2-3 fingers to fit between the wither and the saddle gullet. This may change after the girth is fastened and a blanket is fitted, but it's imperative there is some space under the gullet.
6. Check the balance of the saddle in relation to the horse. Look at the saddle side-on to ensure the deepest part is in the centre of the horses back. The cantle should be three centimetres higher than the pommel, except jumping saddles which are level.
7. The panel of the saddle must be in contact throughout its entire length to ensure even weight distribution. One way to check this is to use baby powder on the horse's back before riding (without a blanket). After removing the saddle, check to see where the powder has been rubbed off.
8. Be sure there are no pressure points. Run the hand under the saddle (without a girth) to check the pressure is evenly distributed.
9. Ask the customer to get in touch with you again in the future to check the fitting once more. A fee could be charged.

Peter has been addressing the problem of saddle-fitting by running seminars for Pony Clubs and Dressage Clubs around Australia.

Averaging one presentation per month, they include a live demonstration and video.

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