When does a saddle fitter need to be called out?
Horses and ponies often change shape throughout the year for a variety of reasons. Some are affected by seasonal changes; such as weather, grass growth, while others change with variations in their workload or feeding regime. These changes can affect how well their saddle fits and mean that although their saddle was checked at the beginning of the year or work season, it may need refitting again to adjust for the changes that have happened. Age or injuries can also have an impact on a horse or pony’s shape and how much they change. Often a saddle service every 6 months will cover the majority of changes that occur throughout the year, unless it is a young horse or a remedial fit, in which case they might need more frequent checks.
There are signs you can look for that suggest your saddle may need servicing. These may come from the horse itself or the saddle.
Signs from the saddle are usually found in the following key areas:
Tree
Panels
Stirrup bars - under the skirt or sometimes the flap.
Girth straps- under the flap.
The images below show where these parts can be found:
Exterior saddle parts
Checking key parts of your saddle.
Parts of the saddle under the saddle flap.
Checking a saddle tree
To check the tree, hold the pommel of the saddle and place the cantle against your waist. Pull the pommel towards you to test the resistance. The tree should have no or very limited give. If the saddle creaks/squeaks or flexes to create a crease across the seat, then there maybe an issue with the tree and it should be checked by a qualified saddle fitter.
Checking the panels
For panels filled with flocking, they should be symmetrical in shape and size, as well as have a squishy feeling. To check them, place the pommel of the saddle on your feet with the panels facing away from you, or on a flat surface, panel up and the cantle towards you. Place a hand on each panel and run your fingers firmly down them from cantle to pommel. Feel for irregularities, such as lumps and hollows, and compare the shape of the panels. If there are any irregularities or the panels are not symmetrical, the flocking may need adjusting by a qualified saddle fitter.
Checking Stirrup bars
When checking the stirrup bars, check:
· The stirrup bars are level and parallel to each other.
· Stirrup leathers can slide on to the bar with relative ease but not slide up and down when being used.
· The movable part of the stirrup bar should always be in line with the rest of the bar, as shown in the picture. If it is left clicked up, it can stick and prevent the easy removal of the stirrup leather in an emergency.
Checking girth straps
When checking girth straps, check:
· The holes line up across the straps so the girth is done up evenly.
· The stitching at the top of the straps is in good condition- no broken or missing stitching.
· The webbing that the straps are connected to is in good condition- no frays or rips in the webbing.
· If the straps show signs of deterioration, they should be replaced.