Back to Blog

Why do we need Saddle Fitters?

I'm fortunate enough to work with a big team of fitters around the country, some are SMS qualified, some are training under SMS and some are qualified under different fitting training providers, but we all agree on choosing someone who has spent some time with a training establishment....

Lets talk about Panel Shapes

Another often confusing concept in the world of saddles, is panel shapes. So why do we have different shaped panels? And why is it so complicated?Well this area of saddle fit alone has a few sub categoriesPanel shapesGusset typesPanel fillsPanel materials...

Navigating Personal Finance for Horse Saddles and Accessories in New Zealand

As equestrians, we understand the profound bond between rider and horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a passionate newcomer, investing in quality saddles and accessories is essential for both comfort and performance. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of personal finance, exploring smart strategies to acquire the perfect saddle while keeping your budget in check....

Saddle Fitting Technology

Saddle Fitting has been around as long as saddles have been used on horses. Surprised? Don't be, it wasn't really horse welfare that created the need for it, but because horses were used for warfare, and sore slow horses had a negative outcome for the riders, there was a human survival need for it.Not so long ago, mounted cavalry were all trained in the basics of saddle fit because they found that as the miles increased the horses would lose condition and needed support to rebalance their saddle...

FAQ's about the Tapestry Comfort Girth

With all girths it is so important that the girth isn't over-tightened. The elastic in our girth is meant to help the horse breathe and relax so it's paramount to not over-tighten it. We have a great video on our Youtube page that illustrates how tight the girth should be. Conversely, the girth has to be tight enough so the saddle doesn't slip....

Lets talk about Topline

If you haven't worked with a saddle fitter before, you may think that we just focus on the saddle, but this isn't the case (life would be easier if it was).Previously we have talked about girthing and panel types to fit horse's conformation, but let's talk about the topline.Why? Because this is what we sit the saddle on. It’s the part of the horse that fluctuates and contributes to most of the fitting changes we see. It’s what we record when we template and body score, and what we are a...

Scharf - The Freedom Girth (Features Data Sheet)

The exclusive design of the Scharf Freedom Girth, was designed such that each part of it, work with a particular muscle of the chest without  interfering with the free functioning of other muscle....

Correct Girth Fitting - A Key Issue for Overall Comfort of the Horse

There is a growing interest in the topic of anatomical bridles, bits, and girths, along with increased rider awareness of the importance of correct fit to meet the needs of both horse and rider. And while saddle and bridle fitting have been discussed in many publications and it seems obvious to everyone that these tack items require proper fitting to the horse (and of course the rider), less attention has been paid to the issue of adjusting the girth.The girth, a key element of the equestri...

How does the Winderen Saddle Half Pad Work?

Horse riding is one of the few sports in which two living beings interact, and each movement of the one has a direct impact on the other. The pillars of this collaboration are mutual trust and understandable communication. In order to become a great couple, both partners need to feel relaxed and comfortable. Find out how the Winderen saddle half pad works and what it can do to improve your and your horse’s comfort....

Winderen Stirrups - Unrivaled Shock Absorption

Riding is a discipline that is primarily based on the cooperation of the horse and rider. The rider's legs play a key role in communication with the horse, as their stable and correct placement in the stirrups is the basis for a good balance in the saddle.At the same time, to keep the rider balanced, the legs work hard and have to endure very heavy loads, mainly due to dynamic interactions with the horse (directly) and the ground (indirectly) while riding. The rider's knee joints, which are resp...

About ThinLine

Not just the next saddlepad!  ThinLine incorporates a unique, open-cell technology which moves shock, weight, and heat laterally along the pad without compressing. The result is 95% shock absorption.✓  Improves horse movement✓  Superior shock-absorption as no other!✓  Keeps your balance in the saddle✓  Amazing feel for rider & horse...

ThinLine Technology

Historically, equine products work on a compression basis, meaning they compress then spring back or, like gel, move away from pressure.What makes ThinLine unique is its technology. ThinLine is an open-cell foam which moves shock, weight, and heat laterally along the pad, boot, or girth.Beginning as a liquid, microscopic cells are poured into a mold then polarized so each cell lies end to end creating a tunnel. Another layer is poured in the mould and polarised in a new direction. In each T...

Girthing

This is quite a complicated subject and a topic that many people have a varied view on.The overview of girthing is that it is what we use to hold the saddle onto the horse's back. So why is it so complicated? Firstly there is a variety of girthing options available on saddles. Some saddles have 2 straps, some have 3 or even up to 5 straps, some have straps that can be moved by moving a strap on a loop, some have to be stitched on in a new place, and some can't be moved at all.Secondly, where the...

Pravin's Stirrup Leathers

Elevate Your Riding ExperienceLooking to improve your riding experience? Look no further than Pravin's Stirrup Leathers. Our stirrup leathers are designed to offer both style and comfort, and provide enhanced safety and security during your rides.Unparalleled Quality and CraftsmanshipCrafted with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, Pravin's Stirrup Leathers are made from top-quality materials and handcrafted in France. The leathers are made from chromed, tanned, and pre-stretched leather, kn...

Tapestry Girths

Looking for a girth that can provide unmatched comfort, exceptional quality, and improved performance for you and your horse? Look no further than Tapestry Girths. These innovative girths are designed to maximise your horse's comfort, ensuring an unparalleled riding experience. Here's why Tapestry Girths are the perfect choice for you:Unmatched Comfort for Your HorseTapestry Girths prioritise your horse's comfort above everything else. Made with premium quality leather, neoprene, and elastic, th...

Sedelogic Saddle Pads

Are you looking for a saddle pad that provides the ultimate comfort and protection for both you and your horse? Look no further than Sedelogic Saddle Pads. Our innovative saddle pads are designed with cutting-edge technology to ensure an unparalleled riding experience. Here's why Sedelogic Saddle Pads should be your top choice: Advanced Pressure Distribution for Ultimate ComfortSedelogic Saddle Pads are engineered with a unique moisture-wicking three-layered design that incorporates state-o...

Thinline Girths

Looking for a girth that offers superior comfort, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance? Thinline Girths might be just what you need. These innovative girths are designed with your horse's well-being in mind and can revolutionize the way you think about equestrian gear. Here's why you should consider Thinline Girths:Unmatched Comfort and Pressure DistributionAt Thinline, your horse's comfort is our top priority. Our girths use the revolutionary Thinline material, lined with Italia...

Scharf Freedom Girths

Are you tired of traditional girths that restrict your horse's movement and cause discomfort? Look no further! Introducing Scharf Freedom Girths, a game-changer in the world of equestrian gear. These innovative girths have been specifically designed to work with your horse's specific muscle groups, prioritizing their comfort and enhancing their performance. Here's why Scharf Freedom Girths should be your top choice:Unparalleled ComfortYour horse's comfort is essential. That's why Scharf Freedom ...

Meet Spinalis, the Forgotten Muscle in Saddle Fitting

If you have had a saddle fitting with me, then you will probably have heard me talk about making sure we have freedom over the trapezius muscle- which is just as IMPORTANT at the front of the pommel as it as at the back/ waist area. The reason for this is that when pressure is applied to the trapezius, the Spinalis has to take over and is often seen as a lump/ thickening at the base of the wither. Remove the pressure and it disappears.https://thehorsesback.com/spinalis-muscle/?fbclid=IwAR0ZegyJa...

What is Saddle Fitting?

SADDLE FITTING IS THE ART OF:A) Selling a saddle to youB) Fitting the saddle to the horses backC) Fitting the saddle to the horse and the riderD) Looking at the horse with a holistic overview to look at what choices are best for now and the short term vs medium term, what physical challenges the horse and riders have (injury/conformation/current fitness, size needed vs size appropriate) and assessing this both static and in motion while  considering who else in the horses team needs to be ...

Saddle Fit for the rider- Part 3

Final parts for rider....

Saddle Fit for the rider - Part 2

...

Saddle Fit for the riders - Part 1

Saddle Fit for Riders part 1, starting the discussion about parts of the saddle and how they relate to rider comfort....

Q & A 1 Is there a saddle that fits all horses?

Q & A series 1....

Gullet Plates

A small overview of gullet plates in saddles- the difference with an interchangeable gullet and fixed gullets, and when can they be adjusted....