Does it fit?

Saddle Fit Overview

Why Saddles Don't Fit

1. Static object atop a dynamic and asymmetrical body that varies in condition.
2. Financial costs and poor consumer information.
3. Traditional saddle design methods do not utilize the science of ergonomics and fail to accommodate the biomechanical requirements of equine locomotion.

Impact of Poor Saddle Fit:

It inflicts direct trauma & pain. To lessen or avoid pain Equine compensate movement that cause indirect traumas: secondary injuries, performance decline along with undesirable and sometime unsafe behavior.

How do I know if my saddle fits?

1. Read through the 50 issues listed on the ‘Does it Fit' display. If there is something that does not look or feel to fit the criteria described, you could have a poor saddle fit.
2. Read through the following lists of Direct and Indirect Trauma. If your equine has one or more of these issues that are not a direct result of another known problem or origin, you very well could have a poor saddle fit.
3. Get an evaluation from a saddle fitter or body worker.

What is the most common problem?

The head of the tree is too narrow and rigid panels along with incorrect shape obstruct the locomotion of the shoulder. As well, this causes sustained pressure resulting with back muscle spasms, vertebral misalignments, atrophy of key muscles that weakens the front limb stay apparatus, muscular asymmetry and lamenesses.

Can shoeing cause poor saddle fit?

YES! Low heels can cause the scapula to increase its inclination angle resulting in over development of shoulder related muscles and asymmetry.

Indirect Trauma

Secondary Injuries Acute & Chronic Muscle Injuries Tendon/Suspensory strain Navicular syndrome Bruised heels Ringbone & Spavins Degenerative Joints Disease Chiropractic problems
Performance Decline Short striding Lead change difficulty Poor engagement Reduced impulsion/power Stiff or lateral resistance Altered ROM Gait Abnormalities	Behavior Bad and/or Unsafe Girthy, bites when saddling Avoidance to rider Difficult to groom Head tossing, Tail switching Resistance to aids or work Dips back when mounting Flinches, kicks when groomed

Direct Trauma

Muscles Pain Atrophy Spasms Hypertrophy Hyperesthesia Hypoesthesia Altered reflex patterns	Skin Pain Galls & Wounds Broken Hair White Hairs Heat bumps Dry spots Scarring

Does it fit? A Four Step Process

1. Equine Posture
   1. Top Line
      1. Skeletal - Lordosis, Scoliosis, kyposis (roachback),
      2. Back Musclular - Atropy, symetrical
   2. Croup
      3. Skeletal - Pelvic Outflar, Rotation, Shear
      4. Muscxle asymetry - gluteals
   3. Withers
      5. Skeletal - Broken, exceptionally tall or low,subluxs
      6. Muscular - Atrophy, Hypertrophy
   4. Scapula
      7. Inclination angles bilateral equal. Low Heel/Club Foot
      8. Scapula to withers transition is even/smooth
   5. Skin
      9. Hair loss, galls, scars, white hairs, hypersensitivity
   6. Neck/Head Carriage
      10. Straight midline or crooked, cervical subluxs/rotations
          
          
2. Saddle Off the Equine Back
   7. Tree
      11. Head - symmetrical
      12. Gullet - adequet width and height
      13. Bars - recessed without protruding through panel
      14. Tree is not broken or warped, overall symmetrical
      15. Cantle Pitch - symmetrical
      16. Stirrup Bar - recessed and adjustable
   8. Panels
      17. Surface area provides maximum load bearing and contact with shelf of ribs (not overstuffed or rolling-pin shaped)
      18. Loft and filler is balance and pliable
   9. Rigging/Billets
      19. Symmetrical side to side
   10. Leather
       20. Recessed stitching and soft condition
           
           
3. Saddle On the Equine Back

   11. And Goldielocks said “...

       ...these panels are lumpy asymmetrical and don't provide even support...it hurts!”

       ...these panels are like rolling pins and poorweight distribution...muscle atrophy!”

       ...these are just right: flat, smooth, match back pitch and ideal weight distribution!”

       Tree
       21. Length - behind shoulder & forward of the last rib.
       22. Width - bars/panel atop shelf of ribs
       23. Panels - provide 2 inch clearance from spinal processes
       24. Cantle Pitch - matches shelf of rib inclination
       25. Top Line - no rocker or bridge effect
       26. Balance Point - cantle/pommel without tilting
       27. Head Shape - matches withers profile
       28. Sits symmetrical and evenly on back
   12. Panels
       29. Edges are rolled/tapered with soft contact (forgiving)
       30. Surface contact is even across shelf of ribs.
   13. Rigging/Billets
       31. Aligned with sternum arch
       32. Girth/Cinch hardware lies above costal cartilage
   14. Gusset
       33. Seams or stitching are not in contact with back
   15. Skirts & Fenders
       34. Do not obstruct shoulder/elbow or hit tuber coxae
           
           
4. Saddle with Rider Mounted

   16. Why is it important that weight distribution is forward of T18?

       Panel shape and placement need to provide maximum weight distribution on the shelf of ribs which starts behind the shoulder and ends at the last rib T18. The interlacing of ribs and various muscles supports the shelf area. This creates a ‘frame-like structure’’ that can carry the rider’s weight. The ribs join the vertebra at a articulating joint thus providing some movement between the shelf and the vertebral column. When weight is behind T18 and applied to the loin area (atop the lumbar vertebra), the vertebra can twist. This twisting occurs whereby the lumbar vertebras large transverse processes act as a mechanical lever twisting (rotating) the vertebra(s) around the spinal cord. The result can cause strain on the nerves emerging from the spine through the vertebral foramens resulting in pain and sometimes trauma to the spinal cord and nerve branches.

       Seat
       35. Balance point centered - no chair or crotch seat
       36. Seat size with adequet space at pommel & cantle
   17. Stirrups
       37. Bar location positions knee correctly
   18. Saddle Interface to Back
       38. Weight distribution is forward of the last rib and does not dig-in at the shoulder
       39. Panels do not bridge or rocker effect
       40. Pommel/withers & Gullet/Spinal (no contact)
   19. Blocks & Knee Rolls
       41. Placement and size correct for rider
   20. Skirts, Fenders and Panels
       42. Suitable protection for rider - size, stitching, etc.
   21. Rider Posture & Skill - Biomechanics
       43. Collapsed hip
       44. Shoulder forward
       45. Shoulder high
       46. Leg forward or turned out
       47. Piano Hands
       48. Hand to bit line
       49. Shoulder,Hip,Heel line
       50. Rides centered