saddle stuff 1
If horse is asymmetrical and at a trot he has a big drop in right hip, what will saddle do?
slip to right
what might cause saddle to shift to the right and forward?
a larger left shoulder - tree hits it and keeps saddle from gliding over shoulder - blockage bumps it to right
Name 5 conformational challenges that you will run into that will impact the fit of a saddle
high withers
short back
asymmetrical shoulder
loaded shoulder
deep wither pockets
How might the fitting change with a dynamic fit?
horse's back changes
NAME 4 FEATURES OF A DRESSAGE SADDLE
PANELS BROAD AND FLAT; CHANNEL NEEDS TO BE WIDE; USUALLY REAR GUSSETS; RIDER POSITION FORWARD OR CENTER; DEEP SEAT; VERY STRAIGHT FLAP; LONGER FLAP THAN JUP SADDLE; HIGHER POMMEL AND CANTLE; STIRRUP BAR EXTENDS FARTHER BACK; KNEE ROLLS TEND TO BE LARGER; LONG BILLETS
What are the consequences if you miss a saddle safety issue while at a fitting (for you, horse, rider)?
sued, reputation
horse injury, act out
rider injury
Saddle fits fairly well, but is being pulled down close to wither. Which billets should you use?
Not point billet
A client asks you out to work with her new saddle and it needs strip flocking. Why can't you do the work?
It will void the warranty if done by a non-rep
Name 5 parts of a saddle that directly relate to fitting evaluation
tree; panels; billets; stirrup bars; panel shape; channel width
If panel is more compressed on right side of cantle area than the left, which way will the saddle slip when the horse is worked in the canter to the left?
to the right
WHY SHOULD ENDURANCE SADDLES HAVE BROAD , FLAT PANELS THAT CONFORM TO HORSE'S BACK?
TO DISTRIBUTE RIDER'S WEIGHT SINCE IN SADDLE FOR LONG TIME
When changing billets, when is it likely that you have to drop the panels?
When billet is sewn too close to top of saddle and you can't reach it
What would you expect to happen if channel is too narrow on horse's back
back sore; horse unable to bend easily; saddle slip
Name benefits of being an independent saddle fitter?
not locked into a brand; no quota; you are your own boss; clients trust you more
When fitting a young horse, what 3 things should you consider?
he will grow and fill out
his back will lift and come forward
he might trash saddle
WHAT PART OF SADDLE MIGHT CAUSE MUSCLE ATROPHY BEHIND SCAPULA
TREE POINTS
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A TREE IN A SADDLE
DISTRIBUTES RIDER'S WEIGHT; ACTS AS INTERFACE BETWEEN RIDER AND HORSE'S BODY
What can you do if rider is tipping forward on a croup high horse?
add shims/wool front
what are 5 adjustments that may compensate for an asymmetrical shoulder or wither pocket. Whether done by a fitter or another professional
shoe/trim; chiropractor; shim; adjust tree; body work, flocking
if billets are sewn on unevenly, what might happen?
one leg might be farther forward or longer causing unevenness in hips/seat body
Where is the girth line generally located?
a hand's width behind elbow
WHAT MIGHT CAUSE WHITE SPOT ON HORSE'S BACK
TIGHTNESS OF SADDLE TREE OR PANELS
Name 4 things to look for when assessing symmetry on a saddle.
tree twisted; bars even; tree points even length; panels sewn on evenly; gussets even lengths; girth straps even length on both sides; front of panel level;
How should you billet a jump saddle that is sliding off to left
use billets 2 and 3 or 3 and 4 on right; use billets 1 and 2 on left.
What would you do to check for a twisted tree?
sight from cantle to pommel; look for uneven stitching; take apart
what might cause saddle to shift to the right and forward?
a larger left shoulder - tree hits it and keeps saddle from gliding over shoulder - blockage bumps it to right
WHAT MIGHT CAUSE FRICTION RUBS IN HAIR BEHIND CANTLE
AN UNSTABLE SADDLE
NAMES 4 FEATURES OF A HUNTER SADDLE
THIN PANELS; MINIMAL KNEE ROLLS; THIN LEATHER FLAPS; DEEPEST PART OF SEAT FARTHER BACK TOWARD CANTLE; FLAPS ARE SHORTER (12.5-14"); SHALLOW SEAT; LOW POMMEL AND CANTLE; MAYBE SMALL KNEE AND THIGH BLOCK; STIRRUP BAR IN FORWARD POSITION; NARROW TWIST; SHORT BILLET STRAP; SQUARE CANTLE; NO D-RING
What 4 things should you check for saddle safety?
billets intact; billets sewn on evenly; tree not broken/twisted; panels sewn on tightly; no protruding nails; tree points intact; stirrup bars not loose; webbing ok; symmetrica
What type of panel is good to use for a short-backed horse
short or upswept pane