 |
 |
|
You may be surprised to know that quite a
large proportion of horse owners, including some who ride at a very high
level, have little understanding of the facilities the saddle fitter will
need on the day of the fitting. It isn't unknown for the saddle fitter to
arrive at the client's premises to discover the 'facilities' consist
entirely of an extremely muddy field … a paddock that is totally dried out
and rutted…or a wonderful menage that is already occupied because the
client omitted to pre-book! |
|
Planning ahead and providing the 'right'
facilities helps the saddle fitter to give the best possible services.
Ideally you should fulfil the following criteria : |
 |
|
A FLAT, HARD SURFACE where the horse can be
stood up and run up in hand.
AN AREA WHERE THE HORSE CAN BE RIDDEN.
When the horse is kept at livery or in training yard or similar this may
mean pre-booking the use of the school or manege. Saddle fitting can take
a considerable time and the saddle fitter is likely to want the horse
owner to ride in a number of short-listed saddles, an essentially
important part of the fitting procedure. It is better to overbook than to
find time is running out. Make certain the arena is ready on time and in
good workable condition.
SHOW JUMPS/CROSS COUNTRY FENCES. If you
are opting for a saddle designed specifically for dressage, polo or
showing it is very unlikely you will be wanting to use the saddle for
jumping! If you are considering purchasing a saddle that will involve
jumping, it is essential to ride over a few fences. Make certain that
these are erected before the arrival of the saddle fitter : it is an
irritating waste of time if jump stands and poles have to be moved during
the fitting processes.
RIDER'S PRESENCE. Although this will appear
remarkably obvious to the vast majority of riders, it is a fact that some
believe their presence isn't a necessary factor! Occasionally horses are
'shared' or ridden regularly by more than one person and, in this case,
both riders should be present. (In such cases the saddle fitter will have
in mind a list of priorities : the horse followed by the larger/taller
rider. When riders of substantially differing physiques are involved there
is necessarily a degree of compromise but fitting the horse will always
remain the top priority - and will NEVER be compromised.)
BE
SUITABLY ATTIRED. Sometimes clients are unsuitably dressed. Jeans and
trainers are always inadequate and they certainly aren't the most
comfortable clothes in which to try out short-listed saddles! .
(Nb The
Society of Master Saddlers always advocates that riders wear a correctly
adjusted and well fitting riding hat.)
|
 |
|
EXAMPLES OF NUMNAHS, GEL PADS, ET CETERA. The
Society of Master Saddlers generally cautions that the well fitting saddle
does not require the addition of anything under it with the possible
exception of a thin saddle cloth. There are, however, exceptions to every
rule. When there is a valid reason for using a numnah or gel pad the
saddle fitter will need to allow for the addition in exactly the same way
that you take into account wearing extra thick socks or in-soles with a
pair of well-fitting new shoes. Many dressage riders like to make use of a
riser pad under the saddle. While occasionally being temporarily
beneficial, in general a riser pad tends to unbalance the well-fitting
saddle and, in extreme cases, can be the cause of serious problems. Always
discuss possible use with the saddle fitter concerned.
HAVE YOUR
OWN STIRRUP LEATHERS AND GIRTH AVAILABLE. The saddle fitter will be
carrying girths of various types and sizes but it is a good idea to have
your own available (although, in some instances, it may not be the correct
type and length for the saddle you are purchasing). Using your own stirrup
leathers is generally more comfortable and avoids the possibility of the
saddle fitter's new leathers becoming marked and therefore difficult to
sell.
PRESENTING A WELL GROOMED ANIMAL ISN'T MERELY A COSMETIC
EXERCISE .The saddle fitter would obviously prefer to preserve the
condition of his new saddles but, in addition, the marks left on the well
groomed horse's back after removal of the saddle are significant because
they indicate bearing surfaces and further identify unwanted movement.
When the horse is ill-groomed the marks left by the saddle may be blurred
or indistinguishable.
|
 |
USING A SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS' QUALIFIED SADDLE
FITTER ASSURES KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICS OF THE HIGHEST
STANDARD. THE SOCIETY INSTITUTED AND CONTINUES TO OPERATE AND MONITOR THE
ONLY PROFESSIONAL SADDLE FITTING QUALIFICATION AVAILABLE
WORLDWIDE.
YOUR SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS' QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER
WANTS TO PROVIDE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BASED ON KNOWLEDGE AND INTEGRITY.
PURCHASING A SADDLE INVOLVES CONSIDERABLE EXPENDITURE AND SOME IMPORTANT
DECISIONS. THE SADDLE FITTER IS THERE TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE, ADVICE, HELP
AND INFORMATION.
|
|
|
UK/World Map
|
Counties |
Countries |
Search |
Adv.Search |
Add your Business |
Join US |
Admin. |
Advice/Tips |
Email Us |
6th September 2010
