Saddle Fitting - All types
A complete assessment of horse and rider are key to successfully choosing and fitting a saddle.
A properly fitted saddle should keep the rider in a well-balanced, comfortable position, while allowing the horse complete freedom for shoulders and back to function correctly.
I will examine you and your horse under saddle to offer the best strategies to getting you both comfortable and moving without restriction or pain.
Wool flocked saddles should be adjusted as needed and reflocked yearly for optimal results.
A charted history of your horses shape will help with future adjustments and provide valuable feedback for conditioning and monitoring your training results. I will keep this on file for you.
*****Due to the HUGE success of my used saddle program, SHTS is now even better equipped to supply used saddles to those searching.
SHTS specializes in helping you find a saddle that best suits you and your horse without the pressures of buying a specific brand. I do have some very nice used high end, superior quality saddles for sale, most of the time. (Schleese and Spirig for example) They are selected based on their generous spinal clearance, panel width and shape. If you have a hard to fit horse, who's body type dictates an experienced eye to select a properly fitting saddle, consider using an independent fitter to help you shop for the perfect saddle. I utilize saddles from other clients, local and long distance tack shops and other peers. I have a network that allows me to keep track of what is available and can help you sell your existing saddle if it meets the needs of my clients.
I also work closely and have excellent relationships with saddle makers who are able to do alterations such as add point and rear V billets, repair/replace knee rolls, adjust trees, and special customizations for the difficult to fit equine. Between myself and these professionals, you will get experienced and detailed attention to your needs that you just cannot get anywhere else!!
I have a trial policy that is second to none - where you can try different top quality saddles that would not be available to you without having to purchase first.
I do work with all disciplines (English, including hunt/jump and Western) for saddle fitting and selection, but typically only keep dressage saddles for trials and sales.
Finding the right saddle is hard! Let a pro find and fit a saddle to your horse and enjoy the summer riding season
A brief description of areas of focus include:
Rider seat evaluation:
Examine the rider’s position and center of balance in the saddle. (Seat bone’s location, stirrup bar relationship, pelvis and leg position and any asymmetries in the rider.)
Saddle Evaluation: Look at structural integrity of saddle. Evaluate overall condition.
Evaluate tree and gullet: Correct size and condition of tree (crooked, broken). Quality of leather, too loose, dry-rotted, etc.
Saddle fit to the horse:
(A dynamic assessment with rider up is most valuable)
Evaluate horses musculature for asymmetries.
Correct fit includes shoulder freedom, length and width of panels, gullet width,(Verify adequate clearance around the horse spine), panel angle, bridging or rocking of panels, girth placement.
Check that panel’s conform to horse with no bridging or rocking and are not over or under-flocked.
If wool – adjustments may be made to add or remove as needed, revive and re-distribute old flocking. (Complete re-flocks done offsite.)
Evaluate flocking, if lumpy and old - dropping the panel and replacing the flocking should be done. (the highest quality wool fibers are used) For foam filled, fit is essential as adjustments are not easily made. Recommendations can be made for lifts or special pads.
Saddle Re-flocking
Why reflock your saddle??
Flocking becomes hard and lumpy over time. It also can shift or be uneven and not match your horses musculature.
On site, I can add flocking to your exsisting flocking and help to revive it and fill areas that are lacking. If necessary, a complete reflocking may be in order: I will drop the panels of your saddle and remove all the old flocking that is in there. Replacing with the highest quality long fiber white sheeps' wool will give you the most resilient panel.
While I have your saddle opened, I can examine the type and condition of your tree and billets. I will check for a twisted or broken tree and clean and condition the internal leather. I can take pictures for you, or contact you if I see anything you should know about.
What new wool flocking will do for your saddle:
1) Softer, more resilient panel that will give, but is also firm and supportive.
2) Relieves pressure points from poorly distributed flocking, or wadded / hardened old flocking.
3) Balanced saddle (can be custom flocked to fit your horse by creating more bearing surface where it is needed)
4) Flock will mould to your horses back if you ride for first 20 hours without a pad and allow the sweat to come throught the panels and into the wool, which will form to your horses back.
An adjustment to flocking should be made after 3-5 weeks.
Check out the photo gallery below, this is what a saddle goes through when being completely reflocked. Some very interesting and informative things can be discovered about your saddle in this process, which I like to share with you when you have your saddle reflocked. See notes for each.
*** CLICK FIRST PICTURE, THEN "NEXT" AT TOP RIGHT***
LONG DISTANCE SADDLE REFLOCKING SERVICES:
Reflocking to spec or to tracings is available. Cost to reflock is between $200. - $275.00 depending on the saddle type.
Pictures and tracings help, but I recommend that you have a local saddle fitter review the fit and make and finishing touch adjustments for your horse.
Shipping costs not included.
Please call or email for details.
Lori 262-424-4747
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SPORT HORSE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
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