64 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
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There are many obvious visual manifestations of poor
saddle fit – some of them will be deemed ‘behavioral’
issues; some of them are actually physiological. Some of
the behaviors that may be experienced and can usually
be attributed to poor saddle fit can be directly caused by
the saddle impacting some of the reflex points – resulting
in ‘negative’ or unwanted behavior. These would include
bucking, refusing to jump, stumbling, tripping, or not
rounding the back. The so-called ‘hunter’s bump’ or a dip
behind the withers (due to severe muscle atrophy) is often
seen in hunter/jumpers.
It would seem necessary – especially in hunter/jumpers,
where the ability to move freely in order to jump is key – to
have a saddle that can be adjusted over the course of
the horse’s life; as he matures and changes conformation
over the years. Instead, we find remedial fitting practices
using more and more shims and pads, or simply replacing
saddle after saddle. Even one of the most prestigious
and expensive jumping saddles on the market is (although
qualitatively superb) unfortunately not really accommodating
to the horse’s requirements – forward facing tree points,
narrow gullet channel and panels which cannot be reflocked.
Visually beautiful but functionally lacking to ensure
protection of the horse’s back and freedom of movement
to jump properly.
We invite the reader to check the fit of their saddle(s) using
our 9 point checklist and following along with the YouTube
videos at www.saddlesforwomen.com . What you learn
might surprise you and change your perception of saddle
fit!
www.Saddlesforwomen.com
www.Saddlefit4life.com
Visible
results from
an incorrectly
fitting saddle
resulting in
a hunter’s
bump from
too much
pressure
behind the
saddle support
area.
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
/www.saddlesforwomen.com
/www.Saddlesforwomen.com
/www.Saddlefit4life.com
/www.thomasoldenborg.com