Continued from page 60
The saddle support area is on the weight bearing longissimus
dorsi (long back muscle). The advantage to having
the saddle on the saddle support area muscle is to stay
away from the reflex points that create negative behaviour
or negative conformation and health issues. Staying off the
spine, lumbar area and shoulder keeps the back muscles
loose and supple. Your horse can then articulate through
the SI joint, and use his haunches better by stretching his
gluteus maximus and hamstring, and get his hind foot closer
to the sternum. This allows the horse to carry more on the
hindleg and decreases pressure on the foreleg. With the
tree lift fit, the horse and rider now have the most efficient
way to train for maximizing both flexion (contraction) and
extension (stretching). In order to achieve this, full range of
motion is required. By reducing the pressure on the shoulder
your horse will be able to lift the base of his neck and
become supple through the poll. With the tree lift fit the
horse has every potential to develop his topline properly.
The downside is that the saddle may need to be refitted
several times a year as his conformation will change positively!
A growing muscle releases lactic acid and not every
soreness is a negative.
If the horse has been in ill-fitting saddles in the past that
have caused some back pain, don’t be discouraged if
your horse shows signs of muscle soreness after switching
to a saddle which has been fitted properly, as this is good
muscle soreness. It will help him heal, get stronger, and
develop correctly.
We recognize every saddle company and saddle fitter
wants to sell their saddles. But we now know the earth is
round.
EE
Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.
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