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As a result of the increasing interest in the subject of
saddle fitting, the Society of Master Saddlers has recently commissioned
Take One Productions Ltd. of Horsham, West Sussex, to produce a video
entitled "Saddle Fitting Explained", which is now available from members
of the Society.
The video is designed to make the horse-owner aware of the
importance of a correctly fitted saddle - a saddle that is comfortable for
both horse and rider - enabling the full potential of the chosen
discipline to be realised.
Presented by Alice Plunkett, with contributions from
Jeremy Michaels and William Fox-Pitt, the video includes a brief history
of man's relationship with the horse, a description by Stewart Hastie
MRCVS of the horse's skeleton and moves on to show the construction of the
saddle and explain the factors that control its correct fitting.
The video is available in VHS format at the recommended
price of £10.95. It runs for approx. 25 minutes.
Copies are also available in NTSC format (prices available
from the Society's office). If you are interested in the NTSC format or
have difficulty in finding the VHS format, please ring the office on Tel:
01449 711642. |
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Only a few years ago 'saddle fitting'
was something in which, by and large, the horse owning public had little
interest. It was generally only when something went wrong that riders
called on the services of their saddle fitter - and often that was
somewhat reluctantly!
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Things have changed - and for the
better. The riding public is generally far more aware of the importance -
to both their horses and themselves- of having saddles which are well
deigned, well made and well fitted. The Society of Master Saddlers has put
enormous effort into creating awareness amongst horse owners and riders.
The Society's endeavours include the launch of what was, and remains, the
only professional saddle fitting qualification available worldwide. Now
over a hundred of the Society's members have achieved qualified status and
they are required to re-register annually and to undertake a refresher
course every two years. The knowledge and expertise demanded from those
attaining SMS qualified saddle fitting assessment is comprehensive, the
qualification is well recognized by other professionals in the equestrian
industry and highly regarded by horse owners.
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More recently, in conjunction with
the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the Society launched a
foundation course to promote greater understanding of the basic principles
of saddle fitting amongst vets, physiotherapists, farriers, registered
Fellows and Instructors of the British Horse Society and so on. It is
hoped that these courses will help to promote a more holistic
understanding to the benefit of all horses and riders. Last year the
Society advanced a further step in an effort to benefit the welfare of
overseas horses and riders. Society trade members involved in the
manufacture of saddles were invited to recommend carefully selected
overseas customers for inclusion on a professional saddle fitting course.
Thus it is hoped the 'export' of British expertise will promote a greater
understanding of saddle fitting in countries throughout the
world.
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The Society has played the major
role in educating horse owners about the importance of a correctly fitting
saddle and SMS sponsored advisory articles regularly feature in most
sections of the equestrian media. There can be few horse owners who now
fail to recognize that the saddle, and the way in which it fits, is
fundamentally important to the welfare, comfort and success of both horse
and rider. There is greater understanding that horses 'change shape' for a
variety of reasons and so the saddle which provided an acceptable fit when
it was purchased may require adjustment, alteration and even - in some
cases - exchange at a later date. More and more horse owners are electing
to have their saddle checked regularly on a basis similar to making an
appointment with the equine dentist to check their horse's teeth.
Prevention is better than cure!
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There is an underlying factor
causing concern. The increased interest and publicity has resulted in
others stepping on the bandwaggon and the 'second opinion' is something
with which registered saddle fitters - and others who may not hold SMS
status but who are qualified by years of experience - are besieged. The
'second opinion' may emanate from a variety of sources, some of which are
more unlikely than others! The recently qualified BHS assistant
instructor, the horse owner's best friend, the vet, the physiotherapist,
the farrier and so on. Without doubt, an overlap in the services each of
these provides is an important factor but there is considerable difference
between overlap and expropriation. Professionally qualified Society of
Master Saddlers' saddle fitters wish to offer the best possible advice and
service but this can only be achieved if they are allowed to employ their
expertise to the full and without hindrance.
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The Society jealously guards its
professional profile in the knowledge that the welfare and safety of
horses and riders benefit from the expertise and services provided by
members. 'LOOK FOR THE BADGE' is much more than a clever
catchphrase!
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Recently the Society published a
small booklet providing advice for horse owners considering purchasing a
saddle. The booklet explains the vital information the saddle fitter will
need when the initial inquiry is made, the facilities required when the
saddle is being fitted and the saddle fitting procedure itself as
advocated by the Society. Copies of this booklet are available at £1. 50
each (inc. p and p) from Crawford Messenger Publicity, 3, Rock Farm Oast,
Off Gibbs Hill, Nettlestead, Kent. ME18 5HT. Cheques should be made
payable to the Society of Master Saddlers.
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10th March 2010
