Saddlery and Tack

Your Questions Answered...

QUESTION: “My saddle seems fine and I’ve been riding in it for years. Do I still

need to get it checked regularly?”

ANSWER: “Prevention is

always better than cure. The SMS advise that your saddle is assessed every 6-9 months depending upon the horse’s age and workload.

“Young horses, those that are in hard competition work or rehabilitation will often have their saddles reassessed as regularly as 2-3 months. “A horse can change shape for a number of different reasons, for example a change of yard, the time of year or due to a change to the workload and even though the horse seems fine there may be something just starting to cause an issue. It is far better for the horse’s welfare that the issue is spotted and sorted before it becomes a major problem.”

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

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

QUESTION: “Can my saddle

fitter advise on bridles too?”

ANSWER: “A saddle fitter is trained

to fit saddles; however, some are also trained to fit bridles.

“The SMS has recently developed a Bridle Fitting Qualification with City & Guilds, an independent awarding body that accredits qualifications. As with the saddle fitting, if you go to the SMS website you can search for a SMS Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter in your area. They are trained in the anatomy of the horse’s head and mouth, suitability of different styles of bridle and adjustments that can be made to improve the fit of the bridle or take measurements to make a new bridle.”

OBITUARY

The Society of Master Saddlers has announced that wellknown industry figure Ken Lyndon-Dykes has passed away.

Ken was a visionary in the saddlery industry and a longterm supporter of the Society of Master Saddlers, holding the role of President in 2016/17. He was also one of the course leaders for the Saddle Fitting Qualification in the early years during the 1990’s. Well-known throughout the sector and with a successful career in saddle design and fitting, Ken was vocal when it came to continuing to improve standards. Throughout his life he encouraged and supported both qualified saddlers and saddle fitters to be passionate about their roles and careers, helping to ensure saddlery work and skills were maintained to high standards at all times.

POPPY WEBBER Comments on...

SEASONAL WHITE HAIRS

YIKES! It's that time of year when we can get calls to say 'HELP!' because white hairs have appeared in the horse’s coat, under the saddle area.

Often they’re first noticed as the horse’s coat changes, or when they’re clipped. Sometimes it’s a little splattering of white hairs, sometimes it’s a whole patch. What are the white hairs? They can be many things, but are often caused by an injury or excessive pressure in an area. This trauma can damage the pigment producing part of the hair follicle and cause the hair to grow back white. They CAN indicate an issue with the saddle fit, because they can mean there has been increased pressure in that area. If you find some, call your Saddle Fitter, but do not panic! Firstly, they don’t necessarily mean there is a problem NOW. The white hairs can take months to grow through and by the time they’re there, your saddle might already be sorted. Secondly they don’t always mean there is a problem with the saddle. A lot of people presume it’s something that happens with long term use of an ill-fitting saddle, but that’s not always the case - sometimes just ONE ride in a ruched up saddle cloth is enough to cause white hairs. That’s why we always need to check our saddlecloth is smooth under the saddle - no ruching, no lumps and no straps sewn directly under the saddlebearing area. The can cause a pressure point. Make sure the bit of webbing that wraps around your girth strap is not sewn on directly underneath the saddle. If it is, unpick it and move it forward; or invest in saddlecloths 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.

that have the ‘D-ring’ attachments that are attached further forwards and not under an area of pressure. Once you’ve checked for lumps and bumps, check your saddle tree (check out YouTube if you don’t know how to do that). Broken trees can cause these marks. If there is any possibility your tree is not ‘sound’, do not ride in it until it’s been checked. If the marks are uneven, check you sit evenly in the saddle and that your stirrup leathers are even. It usually implies there is more pressure on one side than the other. So, whilst it’s not time to panic, definitely call your Saddle Fitter as soon as you notice them. They will be able to advise.

www.poppywebber.co.uk

QUESTION: “How do I find a

good saddle fitter and trust they’re going to do a good job of either fitting a new saddle or checking my current one? What qualifications should I look out for?”

ANSWER: “The best way to find a

good saddle fitter is often by word of mouth from your instructor, musculoskeletal practitioner or other equestrian professional.

“However, it is really important that you check that the person who has been recommended to you is qualified. On the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) website you can search to check that the person is a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter or Registered Master Saddle Fitter (RQ/MSF) or you can search by area to find a RQ/MSF in your area if you haven’t been recommended anyone. “All SMS RQ/MSF have spent time in the trade learning not only about fitting the saddle, but also studying horse anatomy, biomechanics, saddle design, rider requirements and bringing all of these elements together to ensure the best fit and comfort for both you and your horse. They will be able to assess your existing saddle and adjust if appropriate or fit a new saddle for you and your horse. By using an SMS member you have the added assurance that they are fully insured, undertake regular CPD to keep their knowledge current and that there is a process in place to support you should an issue arise.”