Saddle Fitting and Measurement
Fitting a new Equinefit saddle:
No two Equinefit saddles are the same. Each is unique because they are fully custom made-to-measure and designed to accommodate each rider's requirements. Equinefit only crafts fully custom saddles.
An initial fitting session begins with an evaluation of the horse. Equinefit assesses the animal’s condition, muscle tone and contours of its back. Your Equinefit representative will inquire about your horse’s work regime and exercise program. The horse is then examined while being ridden with its current saddle.
We also discuss veterinary issues and possible schooling problems with the trainer, vet or other specialist, to ensure that all considerations are taken into account before the design is chosen.
Equinefit then measures the horse and prepares a template from the horse’s back. After this process, the rider’s measurements will also be taken. Once all of the specifications of your saddle are finalized, our master saddlers will commence the crafting of your made to measure saddle. The saddle is usually delivered to you within 8-10 weeks of your order.
An appointment for delivery will be made at which time the saddle will be checked on the horse and the rider encouraged to take their time to enjoy the new sensation of sitting in total comfort. The remaining balance is then paid and an appointment for the first check-up is discussed.
"A new made-to-measure saddle designed to meet your height, weight and specifications will encourage riders to sit up and feel more part of the horse," explains Equinefit founder, René. "It will also allow the horse to move more freely, so it might take you a while to get used to this new feeling. You and your horse need time to adjust to a new saddle and so ridden work must be done sensibly within the first few weeks so muscle tone, weight and balance are all considered."
Equinefit also offer a full range of saddle services including repairs and flocking. Ask your Equinefit representative for details.
Saddle Check and Flocking:
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Flocking Adjustments
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If your saddle requires adjustments in flocking, Equinefit will carry this out on-the-spot, using best quality pure wool, paying careful attention to detail to ensure that your saddle remains in good balance.
"Many of the issues reported by riders are frequently caused by a saddle which fails to fit the shape of the horse," René says. "Incorrectly fitting tack can cause physical problems for horses and affect temperament and training issues, which is why it's essential to ensure that your saddle is correctly flocked using the best available materials."
Young horses will change shape as they grow, while older horses will alter muscle and tone according to their levels of training, both on the flat and over fences. The needs of the horse are ever changing. Not only because of size, build, age and even veterinary issues, but also because ever increasing levels of training. The benefits of Equinefit saddles mean that they can be adjusted to accommodate change.
Because riding relies so much on remaining in a correct balance, it's important that you feel supported, both over fences and on the flat, which in turn allows your horse to move with ease creating a harmonious picture. With comfort a key feature, more and more disabled and Paralympic riders are also choosing Equinefit as the best solution, and it's not just the riders who benefit. According to Rene, loss of performance and a change of temperament in horses can often be attributed to ill fitting tack.
Saddle Fitting Clinics
 Saddle fitting Clinic |
"Having attended one of Equinefit's clinics I left with a whole new perspective on what goes into fitting a saddle, Equinefit's knowledge of the subject is matched by their enthusiasm to share it" - Dave and Lesley, Paso Fino owners from Huntingdon.
More on saddle fitting...To find out about clinics in your area please contact us for details.
Checking the saddle fit