Sue Dyson & Line Greve Although sports horses are becoming increasingly valuable, there has been little objective investigation addressing the horse-saddle-rider interaction, particularly the potential
Sue Dyson and Line Greve Correct saddle-fit is important for optimal function of the equine back. A saddle that does not fit the horse may
Sue Dyson & Line Greve Recommendations concerning saddle-fit are empirical and based on anecdotal information. We know that the saddle needs to fit the horse
A great article by Dr Deb Bennet: “Owners and trainers need to realize there’s a definite, easy-to-remember schedule of fusion – and then make their
Dr. Kerry Ridgeway Take time to educate yourself because an ill-fitted tree will cause permanent, long-term damage to your horse. And there are no pads,
By Dr. Sue Dyson A British study has raised the possibility riders are saddling their horses with problems, many may not be sitting well in the
By Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA Being attentive to horses’ behaviour and postures can help improve both the horse’s welfare and the human’s safety. With all we’re
Anne Bondi, October 2016. Today, considerably fewer people grow up with the horse as part of their daily lives and many of today’s horse owners
New Mexico State University Study revealed Ill-fitting saddles can cause training and behaviour problems as well as unsoundness in the horse’s back. While many riders
Don’t Forget the Feet! Equine conformation and more particularly pathology of the feet affect greatly the way the saddle is going to sit on the
Manifestations of laterality or crooked horse syndrome Dr. Kerry Ridgway Dr. Kerry Ridgway had, in the last three years, been working both as a veterinary clinician
Low Heel / High Heel Syndrome Dr. Kerry Ridgway Introduction The commonly observed condition where the heel of one front foot is higher than the
Part IV: Confounding Variables Dr. Joyce Harman of Harmany Equine Clinic presents a four-part series on saddle fitting. Correct saddle fitting is as important to
Correct saddle fitting is as important to the equine athlete as correct shoe fitting is to the human athlete. The present design of saddles has
Correct saddle fitting is as important to the equine athlete as correct shoe fitting is to the human athlete. The present design of saddles has
Dr. Joyce Harman introduces us to the basics of fit. Correct saddle fitting is as important to the equine athlete as correct shoe fitting is
By Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA It’s the equine back that might seem most essential to the rider. It’s where we put all our weight, where we place
Optimal saddle fit is the key to equine performance. Dr Kerry Ridgway made key observations in the relation of the heel height asymmetry to optimal
By Erica Larson Your horse’s diminished performance has you worried. He’s not lame, he’s not injured, but something’s just not right. After watching you ride,
By Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor If you’re a runner, you’ve probably noticed that after a 45-minute jog your calf muscles seem a bit
Wearing boots or shoes that don’t fit properly can be both uncomfortable and painful. So much so, in fact, that few of us will tolerate
By Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor
Exercise’s Effects on Horses’ Back Dimensions and Saddle Fit
If you’re a runner, you’ve probably noticed that after a 45-minute jog your calf muscles seem a bit swollen or enlarged. They are responding to post-training fluid shifts, fiber hypertrophy (thickening), and the general strain of exercise. Horses’ muscles, particularly along the back, respond to exercise in the same way. Have you ever thought about what effect this might have on your saddle’s fit as your horse works?