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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

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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....

Basic External Tree Check

How to carry out a basic tree check (without taking your saddle apart). This provides some insight into what to check for, and is helpful when purchasing a second hand saddle, checking your own saddles, and the first check after an accident with your saddle. (This does not replace an internal tree check) If you are concerned with the amount of flex in your saddle, you are hearing sounds from your saddle when you are riding, or have had an accident in your saddle it is recommended that you have a...

Saddle blanket and shim pads considerations

What to think about when you next saddle up. What causes pressure and discomfort, and what to look for when buying saddle blankets and half pads/ shim pads.As we head into the competition season again, it's a good time to talk about saddle pads and half pads, with 'new season' colours out, the horses body shapes change with the grass influx and work load increase, and for some of you, the desire to have a half pad under your saddle comes into play. Considerations in brief for saddle blankets Is ...

Girth Buckle Placement

How comfortable is your girth for your horse....