THE horse has to carry the saddle, but the saddle in turn must carry the rider, who therefore should not be an afterthought.
David Kempsell, managing director of WOW Saddles, explains that for horse and rider to work harmoniously, the saddle has to fit both.
“Every rider is different and the saddle needs to provide support, security and correct positioning for their physique and their discipline,” he says.
And it isn’t just how a saddle works with your body shape. David adds that a well-fitted saddle actively helps to correct rider asymmetry.
“Almost every rider is asymmetric to a degree,” he says. “The saddle is a tool to make sure the rider’s weight is distributed equally across the horse’s back, helping to ensure the horse’s musculature develops symmetrically.”
He adds that while riders can take steps to improve their muscular symmetry – so those Pilates classes are still important – underlying skeletal asymmetry isn’t as straightforward.
“It’s here that the use of asymmetry correction within the saddle is invaluable,” he says.
Several parts of the saddle need to be taken into account, as Ruth Spencer, the technical advisor for Erreplus Italian Saddlery UK, explains.
“If the saddle seat and twist – width between the rider’s legs – don’t suit the rider’s pelvis, this causes pain and can make the aids ineffective,” she says. “Knee rolls and flaps need to be in the correct position, otherwise they can push the rider’s leg back and bottom away from the centre of the seat, which is where they are most balanced.”
Cath Gordon, managing director at Albion, points out the importance of a correct seat size.
Esta historia es de la edición June 20, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 20, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change