16 minute read
Saddlery and Tack
Your Questions Answered...
QUESTION: “Which straps should I attach my girth to?”
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ANSWER: “This is a
common question especially as saddles now can have up to five girth straps each side which makes it confusing for the rider. Traditionally there would be only three girth straps. One on a narrow web just behind the front arch of the tree and then a further two both stitched onto the same wider web set behind the first web.
“However, over the years things have changed and now there are more options including a point strap, which is attached to the point at the front of the tree and a balance web which attached to the back of the tree, often by means of a v-web system. The vweb system allows the girth strap to find its own centre and not pull the saddle forwards. These additional girth strap positions allow your Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) to assess which girth straps to use to achieve the best fit. “The girth straps must not be used to make an ill-fitting saddle stay in place, they are used to refine the fit and help with stability of the saddle. “When the saddle is placed in the correct position on the horse, the most suitable girth straps will lay vertically inline with the girth groove and therefore the girth. Ideally the girthing arrangement will help to distribute the pull of the girth over a wider area and give better stability of the saddle. If that line is not vertical and then the saddle will move forwards or backwards to achieve that vertical line and in turn will move the saddle either forwards onto the shoulders or backwards on to the lumber region. Neither of these options are desirable and will cause the horse discomfort and possibly pain. “The point strap is used if the saddle tends to slip forwards, however by using the point strap it can pull the front of the saddle down and make the back lift, move and bounce. Generally, a balance strap would also be used when using the point strap to support the back of the saddle. The balance strap can also be used to prevent saddle slip, but only if the cause of the saddle slip has been identified and can’t be corrected, eg. The rider has an injury which means that they ride twisted to one side and pull the saddle across with them. Then the balance strap can be used one side to support the saddle and prevent it from twisting, just like a balance strap is used on a side saddle to support the saddle on the side without the rider’s legs. “Your SMS RQSF will select the girth straps that they feel are most suitable after assessing the saddle on the horse and looking at the line of the girth groove. You will then be asked you to ride in the saddle to make sure that the saddle doesn’t move, is balanced and that both you and the horse are comfortable in the saddle. If the saddle is used for jumping, then you will be asked to jump a fence or two. Whilst you are riding the SMS RQSF will be assessing the saddle on the horse, the horse’s way of going and your position and balance. Depending upon what they observe they may change the girthing arrangement and then ask you to ride again, so that they can reassess everything. IN THIS ISSUE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ PRESIDENT, MASTER SADDLER, MASTER BRIDLE MAKER, MASTER HARNESS MAKER, REGISTERED MASTER SADDLE FITTER AND REGISTERED QUALIFIED BRIDLE FITTER, HELEN READER, PROVIDES ADVICE
Once they are happy with the girthing arrangement then they will explain to you which girth straps you need to use for your horse and why.“
www.master saddlers.co.uk
The Equipe Anatomic Bielastic Dressage Girth is ergonomically shaped to provide freedom of movement behind the elbows. RRP: £308.50. The Equipe Emporio Non Stretch Stirrup Leathers are tear proof and non stretch and made in hide with an anti-shock inner core. These stirrup leathers are made from the finest English Sedgewick Leather which is world renowned. RRP: £99. Both www.zebraproducts.co.uk
QUESTION: “Does the thickness of my
numnah affect the fit of my saddle?”
ANSWER: “Yes, the
thickness of your numnah does affect the fit of your saddle. If the saddle fits the horse correctly then generally only a thin saddle cloth/numnah will be required.
“There are occasions when a thicker numnah or pad maybe required, due to the horse being underweight, needing to build up muscle or condition, but these should be discussed by the Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) and the horse owner. The SMS RQSF will then take this into consideration at the time of fitting the saddle and the use of the thicker numnah or pad may be a short term solution whilst the horse gains weight, muscle and condition. With any thicker numnah or pad used you need to choose one that has a shaped centre seam to follow the contours of the horse’s back and to make sure that it does not fill the gullet (channel) along the saddle as this will put pressure on the horse’s spine. “Often horse owners put a thicker numnah or pad under the saddle in the belief that it will make the saddle more comfortable, improve the fit or simply because they like the look of the numnah or pad, however none of these reasons are advisable without first speaking to your SMS RQSF to understand the effect it may have on the fit of your horse’s saddle and therefore it’s comfort and performance. If you wish to use a thicker numnah or pad then contact your SMS RQSF, so the saddle can be reassessed to see how the thicker numnah or pad effects the fit of the saddle and if it can be adjusted to accommodate the thicker numnah or pad you wish to use. Some horses are very sensitive and certainly do change their way of going for the better when a thicker numnah or pad is used. This type of horse needs to be judged on an individual case bases and is more the exception than the rule.”
Covalliero Saddle Pads features antislip padding at the wither for comfort and belt loops with hook-and-loop fasteners to keep the pad secure whilst riding. RRP: £37. www.zebraproducts.co.uk QUESTION: “Are some horses better suited to a
close contact saddle than a standard panel saddle?”
ANSWER: “All horses
are different and will therefore suit different tree shapes, panel styles etc. It isn’t as simple as a horse just suiting or not suiting a close contact saddle, as this is just one element in the make up of the saddle.
“The horse’s back conformation will need to be assessed along with their muscle development; a close contact panel is a slimmer panel that allows the saddle to sit closer to the horse’s back, so the horse needs to have adequate muscle condition to support the saddle. “High withered horses do not suit close contact saddles because the saddle is designed to sit close to the horse, but a high withered horse needs the saddle to sit a little higher to allow clearance of the long sloping wither. “Professional riders often choose a close contact saddle as they like to feel closer to the horse, have good balance and their horses are worked to produce a well muscled back to support the panel. “The panels on close contact saddles are usually constructed with a combination of felt and foam, which although soft and smooth, is more difficult to adjust the panel to refine the balance on the horse. “Adjustments can be made to the panel but not like with a flocked saddle which can easily be done while with the horse and rider, then put straight back on for reassessment. “Due to this close contact saddles are often seen being used with thicker numnahs or pads to give lift and clearance for the horse. This defeats the point of the close contact saddle and can cause instability of the saddle. “It is always recommended that you ask your Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter for advice on the most suitable saddle for both you and your horse.”
The Equitex Polar Plus Correctional Pad is a rear rising pad with a front rise of 2cm graduating to a 4cm rise toward the rear of the pad. www.equitex.co
RRP from £169.
“I have been using Amerigo saddles for the last five years they are fantastic and I wish I had tried them years ago.”
MARY KING:
CHOOSES AMERIGO
Having won countless medals at the highest level, Mary King is one of the true stars of the eventing world, well-known for her many top rides including, King William, Imperial Cavalier, Fernhill Urco and King’s Temptress to name just a few.
Mary rides in saddles from the Amerigo stable and here we ask her why she chooses the Swiss brand to ride in. What do you particularly like about Amerigo saddles? “Amerigo saddles are so comfortable for both the horse and rider and that is of course very important as is the fit. “The leather that is used is so soft and extremely comfortable from new.” What models are your favourites? “For flatwork training and the dressage phase I ride in the Amerigo Vega Siena Dressage Special. “The Vega Saddles are made using a specially created synthetic tree with a tempered steel head iron. The ‘Special’ leather is an upgraded soft leather covering on the saddle flaps and skirts and the monoflap design helps provide the ultimate close contact feel for the horse and rider. “Then for the jumping sections my favoured choice is the Amerigo Vega Event Special Jump. “The saddle has been created for top level performance and is crafted from top quality materials. “A correct relaxed seat position allows the leg to naturally fall down into its correct position, while the rider’s weight is transmitted to the horse allowing the horse to round its back and engage its hindquarters more easily. “It is an extremely smart single flap jumping saddle which also helps make the saddle lightweight. It has a low sloping cantle and is nicely forward cut –great for cross-country riding. It sits in a very balanced way on a horse’s back, and I have yet to find a horse that it does not fit well. Also I feel very balanced and close to the horse when using it for both showjumping and cross-country.”
The new Amerigo Octave jump saddle combines a refined classic elegance with technical design, underlined by luxurious hides coming from Italy and France. RRP: £4,560. www.zebraproducts.co.uk SINCE JOINING LEADING NAMES NICOLA WILSON AND SAM WATSON IN THE AMERIGO STABLE, WE ASKED THE EVENTING LEGEND THAT IS MARY KING WHY SHE CHOOSES THE SADDLES FOR HER TEAM OF HORSES.
Suggested Products...
The Equipe Emporio Special Mono Flap Dressage Saddle has many key features and includes a synthetic saddle tree. It is made from a composite structure material which offers great flexibility. RRP: £2,970. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
The Equipe EK-EVO Special Jump Saddle is crafted with a patent-pending carbon fibre tree, comprising of carbon and three-composite fibres that can be personalised in shape and thickness. RRP: £4,370. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Amerigo Vega Jump Special saddle reflects the most popular measurements, and has produced a very flexible saddle that is suitable for many horses and riders. RRP: around £3,265. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
ELIZA STODDART:
CHOOSES EQUIPE
Event rider, Eliza Stoddart is the latest rider to choose Equipe saddles for her team of horses.
Eliza has had a fantastic season with the 7year-old, Codebreaker, and two 6-year-olds, De Pleasure and Kadans. These two put up a great effort to finish fourth and fifth in the British Eventing SixYear-Old, Young Horse Finals at Osberton in October last year. The 9-year-old, Idonna W is an Intermediate ride for Eliza who is already looking ahead to the new season. Eliza has recently set up in a purpose built yard in Rutland with seventeen stables and surrounded by beautiful parkland. Said Eliza: “I had an owner send me a horse with an Equipe saddle and really liked the feel of it. “I am fortunate to be sponsored by uvex that are distributed by Zebra Products alongside the Equipe range and approached the Managing Director, Simon Middleton to look into the possibility of riding in Equipe saddles. “It is fantastic to have secured support from Equipe, they are superb quality, feel extremely comfortable and the horses are already going really well in them. “I have been very impressed with the fit, and importantly the feel that they give me both on the flat and jumping.” Added Simon: “Eliza is develop a fantastic career in the sport of eventing and her team of horses look set for a great future and busy season in 2022.” Eliza with ride in the Equipe EKGO when jumping and the Equipe Oracle for dressage and on the flat. The Equipe EKGO jumping saddle has been developed with a carbon tree and is ideal for horses with high withers, shorter backs and large shoulders. The Equipe Oracle dressage saddle has a Vshaped seat profile that centres the rider in the correct position. The slightly wider twist gives maximum comfort and performance and is made with premium leather.
www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Simon Middleton of Zebra Products and Eliza Stoddart, new member of the Equipe team.
Scharf Freedom Soft Reins can be used in all disciplines. This training aid does not rely on the rider’s ability in order to perform effectively, so can be used safely by all levels of rider. They offer great support when training your horse, encouraging and allowing them to work over the back and into the contact. This helps with correct muscle development and the added advantage of protecting the horse’s mouth and sensitive soft tissues in the neck, poll and jaw from any additional pressure. RRP: £170. www.thecentreline.co.uk
The Equipe Oracle Special Dressage saddle has been designed with elegance in mind and it has been crafted from the finest Italian leather. The Platinum wooden tree of the saddle is manufactured in multi-layers and it is shaped through a steam process, reinforced with special steel that guarantees its strength and elasticity. RRP: £4,305. www.zebraproducts.co.uk The Equipe Kevlar Stud Guard helps protect horses from being marked by their studs when jumping. The super strong Kevlar synthetic fibre included helps to reinforce the stud guard which is cleverly designed and researched for competitors at the highest level in the sport. RRP: £467.50. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
The Equipe Wide Fender Mono Stirrup Leathers have been meticulously crafted from the highest quality full-grain leather. They have been designed for increased comfort and feel whilst jumping with the added benefit of being less abrasive to the saddle. RRP: £200. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
The new Aubourne Rolled Double Bridle features a patent and white padded noseband with a stylish browband embellished with crystals that will dazzle under the arena spotlight. RRP: from £179.99. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk The new Carbon Gel Absolute Boot by Marcus Ehning has been developed to provide the very best protection. RRP: £215 for the front tendon boots and £169 for the hind fetlock boots. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
The Equipe Rolled Anatomic Bridle is the first choice of top eventers Laura Collett and Ros Canter. Designed with a ‘No Stress’ padded and anatomically shaped headpiece that helps prevent pressure on the sensitive poll area. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Veredus E-vento Boots - Give your horse’s legs the ultimate in cross-country comfort and protection this season, thanks to Veredus EVento Cross Country Boots as used by leading riders Oliver Townend and Andrew Nicholson. Made from a flexible, lightweight material, Veredus E-Vento Boots are highly protective and shock absorbing but do not have any rigid shell that could be damaged and exacerbate injuries. RRP: £138 front/£148 hind boots. www.zebraproducts.co.uk
POPPY WEBBER Comments on...
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SADDLE FITTING
We all know you should have your saddle checked by an SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter at least six monthly… but do you know how to prepare to make sure you get the absolute best out of your fitting? Nope? Read on.
1. Have your horse in, ready. I have lost count of the hours I have spent waiting for someone to catch their horse, who has had a sniff of something ‘different’ happening and for (apparently) the first time in their life has decided NO, today is not the day they want to be caught. Precious saddle fitting time isn’t well spent watching Toffee trotting around the field with his tail in the air… Catch them in. Please.
2. If it’s raining or muddy, make sure they’re turned out with a rug on (or put in the stable for a bit) so they’re not sopping wet. Some horses really don’t like being wet under their saddle, so we don’t get a true representation of how they feel about their saddle if they’re complaining about the saddle squelching around on their wet, muddy backs. Brush off any mud in the saddle/bridle area. Again, you don’t want to pay us to watch you groom your horse. They don’t have to be ‘show ready’, but ‘ride ready’ would be fabulous. Please. 3. Get NAKED! No, not you, the saddle. Take off your saddlecloth, girth and any seat saver etc. Put them to one side, because we need to see what you use every day. But, initially we need to check the saddle without all the gumpf on. Personally I like people to leave their stirrups on because then I can see which is left/right when I take them off to QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER FOR THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS, COVERING CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NORFOLK AND SURROUNDING AREAS, POPPY ALSO WRITES ADVICE POSTS ON PEEWEE SADDLERY’S SOCIAL MEDIA.
check for evenness.
4. Does your horse need lunging before you ride? Or do they need warming up for an hour before you canter? Try and do this before we get there, if at all possible. Equally, if you need someone with you when you ride, try and have them ready too. We need to see you (in most cases) walk, trot and canter. For jump saddles we might ask you to jump too. We need everyone to be ready for that. Please. If you do all of the above AND have a cup of tea waiting, you’ll have a very happy Saddle Fitter.
