Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Interview

Q. How long have you worked as a Saddle Fitting Consultant?

A. I began working with Saddles in the 1980’s, before pursuing it as a full time career in the early 1990’s.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your work?

A. Without a doubt it is seeing the wonderful changes that can happen for the horses, seeing them recover from soreness and muscle wastage in their bodies, watching the physical problems begin to repair, their movement improve and, even better than that, the changes that occur on an emotional level when they no longer have to endure the frequent discomfort that regularly accompanies being ridden in an uncomfortable saddle.

It is also really exciting to follow the progress of horses that have always been ridden using the Saddling System, that have been started in the saddles as youngsters and go on to develop the most wonderful backs.

 Q. What is the hardest part of your work?

A. I never cease to be amazed by so many saddles that I see fitted to horses. Even after all this time it still shocks and upsets me. It is so sad that the horses have had to endure wearing them, even more so knowing that the owners have always tried to do the very best for their horses.

 Q. What is the commonest problem that you come across?

A. Although I am asked to see horses for all sorts of reasons, still, in 99% of cases, the horses are being ridden in saddles that are too narrow in the tree and bear no resemblance to the profile of a healthy back. In my experience this is true of nearly all horses regardless of their shapes and sizes and is equally true of those with broad flat backs as well as those with narrow frames or with muscle wastage.

 Q. How do you deal with the fact that for every horse you help, there are so many others continually being fitted in saddles that are damaging to them?

A. I realised a long time ago that the only way to cope with it was not to be judgemental, but to try and accept that saddles are not intentionally designed poorly, or fitted badly. That no one would set out to make a horse uncomfortable on purpose and that hopefully it is down to a lack of knowledge and understanding. It is only inexcusable if someone is aware of the problem and still does nothing.

 Q. What improvements would you like to see in other saddles?                      

A. Although there have been some significant improvements over the last few years, if I could change one thing only, it would be to have many conventional tree widths discontinued and for every saddle maker to produce his or her saddles on trees that reflect the shape of a normal healthy back.

 Q. Is there a “best” approach to saddle fitting?

A. Obviously, I believe that the way I fit offers horses optimum comfort and freedom to move, as nature intended. Comfort for the rider, too. But I do realise that there are, and probably always will be, differing views on how best to fit a saddle. If someone is unsure then I would always suggest that they explore a variety of choices, if they pay attention, listen to their horses reactions and then trust their own instincts they will stand a better chance of finding what best suits them and their horse.

 Q. What does a normal working day entail for you?

A. Variety! However, if I have horses to visit then I usually have an early start. It’s quite normal to have to drive between one and three hours to a first appointment and I may see between two and five horses in one day. It can often mean a late return home or overnight stops away.

 Q. It seems you do a lot of driving, but how far do you actually travel?

A. I have clients as far north as Co. Durham and as far south as Cornwall.

 Q. Do you visit horses every day?

A. No, I couldn’t possibly as apart from the driving it is often quite draining on an emotional level when first seeing horses with problems. I organise my trips so as best to combine new consultations with follow-up visits/assessments for existing clients in that area. Plus, there is quite a lot of administration involved.

 Q. Regarding consultation, why do you choose to work the way that you do?

A. Over the years it has proven to be really helpful for owners who want to understand more about saddle design and fitting. It gives them the opportunity to try a range of saddles designed with the horse’s comfort and well-being in mind, and fitted in a way that allows for the dynamic movement of the horse. The rider has a chance to experience the differences that can occur with this approach. Owners are often genuinely interested in getting to the bottom of any problems they are having with their horse, and as I am interested in looking at the horse as a whole it is not unusual for me to suggest input from other therapists that may be able to help the owner. Even though poor saddling could have initially caused the problems, it is not unusual for there to be more issues involved by the time I am first contacted. First consultations usually last between two and three hours.

Q. Why do you do follow-up visits as well? Are they compulsory?

A. No, not compulsory, but it is a service that I offer. It can be beneficial for a number of reasons. If the horse is undergoing changes then the owner may prefer to have further advice on how best to use their saddle, they may need to alter the pads under the saddle to maintain optimum fit and comfort.

If they have lost confidence in saddles because of previous bad experiences, it can be very reassuring to know that they can call on someone for advice and to know that an established support service is in place

One of the things that I most value is the relationship that I have with my clients, many of whom I now count as friends. It is always lovely to go back and see how things have improved for them and their horses over the weeks and months, and to keep in touch for what in many cases becomes years! 

Q. So what is a typical week for you?

A. Well, I try to keep Monday as an office day. That way I can deal with anything that has come in over the weekend, too. There is a surprising amount of admin to keep up with and always lots of calls and e-mails needing a response.

From Tuesday to Friday it depends on what appointments are in my diary. If I have a long day on the Tuesday I will try and have a later start Wednesday. Basically, I try to alternate to allow for some time each day in my office

Q. Given your typical week, how much time do you manage to spend with your own horses?

A. Never as much as I would like! Obviously I have to tend to them each day which, in the winter, if I have appointments in the morning, often means a 6.30 a.m. start.

I am lucky enough to have a very understanding husband who will often fetch them in at night if he can, otherwise it can mean me trekking across a very dark field at some late hour! This never impresses the horses, especially if the weather is bad and they expect to be in the shelter of their yard by the time it gets dark.

Sadly Emblem is now semi-retired and Sequoia has some health issues, so riding is minimal. I would love to have another horse at some stage, when the time is right

I do try to spend more time with my horses and family on precious weekends, and of course in the summer there are some evenings too. Like most of us, given the chance I can easily whittle away hours pottering around with them even if we’re not riding!

 Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL
Q. How long have you worked as a Saddle Fitting Consultant?
Q. What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Q. What is the hardest part of your work?
Q. What does a normal working day entail for you?
Q. So what is a typical week for you?
Q. Given your typical week, how much time do you manage to spend with your own horses?
Q. Now that you are an independent consultant, will you still be involved with BALANCE saddles?
Q. What is involved in a consultation, and how much does it cost?
Q. It seems you do a lot of driving, but how far do you actually travel?
Q. Which areas do you travel to?

SADDLES
Q. What is special about the saddles you provide?
Q. What improvements would you like to see in other saddles?
Q. Do you have Pony saddles?
Q. How much are the saddles and do you also sell used saddles?
Q. How do I choose a saddle that is right for me as a rider?
Q. What styles of saddle are available?
Q. Are any of your saddles treeless?
Q. Do your saddles suit all horses?
Q. Do you take saddles in part-exchange?

FITTING
Q. How are your saddles fitted?
Q. Regarding consultation, why do you choose to work the way that you do?
Q. Is there a “best” approach to saddle fitting?
Q. Why do you fit saddles with pads?
Q. Will a wider saddle come down on the withers?

SADDLE-RELATED PROBLEMS
Q. What is the commonest problem that you come across?
Q. How do you deal with the fact that for every horse you help, there are so many others continually being fitted in saddles that are damaging to them?
Q. My horse has hollows behind his shoulders and although I school my horse and have lessons I cannot develop his top line. Could it be the saddle?
Q. My horse has muscle wastage, what can I do to help it recover?
Q. How long would it take to see an improvement in my horse’s back?
Q. Would I need to work my horse a lot more to achieve this?
Q. What if my horse changes shape, will he need another saddle?

BEHAVIOUR
Q. What behavioural problems could be saddle-related?
Q. My horse finds it hard to work correctly and engage his hind-quarters and is heavy on the forehand. It always takes at least twenty minutes before he starts to loosen up?

AGE
Q. Can the muscle recover in an older horse?
Q. Would it be better to start my young horse in an old saddle in case it gets damaged?
Q. My horse is young and has not yet been ridden but I want to make sure he has the correct saddle. Can you do a “fitting” for an un-backed horse?

The Answers.....

GENERAL

Q. Now that you are an independent consultant, will you still be involved with BALANCE saddles?

I will indeed maintain my association with BALANCE, and I look forward to continuing to support my existing clients.

 Q. What is involved in a consultation, and how much does it cost?

A detailed description of a consultation can be found here.

Q. Which areas do you travel to?

Whilst I am based in Wiltshire I travel widely. At present the only areas I have not stretched to are Scotland and Ireland

SADDLES

Q. What is special about the saddles you provide?

Each saddle has been designed to allow optimum comfort and freedom of movement. All of the features consider the horse’s anatomy and moving shape

Q. Do you have Pony saddles?

Yes. Ponies are often overlooked and I believe it is important to remember that they too deserve to have the same comfort and choice of saddles.

Q. How much are the saddles and do you also sell used saddles?

Prices of saddles vary. I do supply both new and used saddles, ranging from around £450 up to £1500. So I can accommodate most budgets.

Q. How do I choose a saddle that is right for me as a rider?

It will depend on a number of factors, all of which need to be taken into account.

The process that I find works best is to discuss your individual needs. These will include your riding style, equestrian pursuits, height, build, and leg length etc., all of which will contribute to an informed choice. It is very important that you are comfortable too.

Q. What styles of saddle are available?

The range includes General Purpose, VSD, Dressage, and Jump.

The full range can be found here.

Q. Are any of your saddles treeless?

No, they are built on laminated beech wood spring trees that are wider for the horse than many traditionally used trees. These wider trees mirror the natural/correct healthy shape of the horse’s back and when used in correctly fitted saddles they offer the support and protection needed to allow the back to move freely.

Q. Do your saddles suit all horses?

In my experience I find that I can work with any horse due to the choice of widths and designs. It is very important to recognise the difference between a slender-built horse and one that looks narrow due to underdeveloped muscle.

Q. Do you take saddles in part-exchange?

I am always happy to take one of my own saddles back in part-exchange. Outside of that it would depend on design, width, style, and condition.

FITTING

Q. How are your saddles fitted?

I fit to allow for the moving “lifted” shape of the horse’s back, not the narrower profile when static. This is why I use wider trees and then fit the saddles with specially designed pads

A diagram can be viewed here.

Q. Why do you fit saddles with pads?

The pads enable me to fit the saddle in a way that is more comfortable for the horse. They are soft and supportive whilst allowing the horse space to lift, expand, and engage without restriction.

Q. Will a wider saddle come down on the withers?

No, not if the overall saddle design and fitting is correct. It is important that the withers are clear.

SADDLE-RELATED PROBLEMS

Q. My horse has hollows behind his shoulders and although I school my horse and have lessons I cannot develop his top line. Could it be the saddle?

Yes, it could. If your saddle is restricting your horse then it will be very difficult for the muscle to develop due to the pressure that the saddle exerts. So often, no matter how hard you try, the muscles cannot develop. It’s a vicious circle.

Q. My horse has muscle wastage, what can I do to help it recover?

Your horse may need help in a variety of ways, but it is vitally important that we saddle in a way that encourages the back to develop.

Remedial Saddling can be viewed here.

Q. How long would it take to see an improvement in my horse’s back?

In most cases I would expect to see an improvement showing within the first six weeks.

Q. Would I need to work my horse a lot more to achieve this?

No, it is more important to think about the quality not the quantity of the work.

See Remedial Programme here.

Q. What if my horse changes shape, will he need another saddle?

It depends on a number of factors including the individual horse. I allow for as much development as possible and often the horse will stay in the same saddle for many years. Sometimes though, the development is so much that the saddle is outgrown.

BEHAVIOUR

Q. What behavioural problems could be saddle-related?

Many! If a horse is in pain or discomfort, the only way to communicate this to us is with behaviour and body language, which to us is often interpreted as being “bad”. It can range from subtle tail swishing and fidgeting when being saddled and girthed, to biting, kicking, napping, bolting, shying, not standing still when mounted, reluctance to work, rushing when ridden, anxiety, nervousness. Cold-backed, bridle lame, etc.

Q. My horse finds it hard to work correctly and engage his hind-quarters and is heavy on the forehand. It always takes at least twenty minutes before he starts to loosen up?

This is something I hear a lot. If your saddle is uncomfortable and/or restricting your horse’s movement, it will be very difficult for him to work correctly. After a period of time, though, there will be reduced sensation and he will switch off from the feeling of the saddle. Equally, if excited, adrenalin will also cause him to be less aware

AGE

Q. Can the muscle recover in an older horse?

Yes, it definitely can. The oldest horse I have worked with that showed huge improvement was 23 years old.

Before and after back profiles can be viewed here

Q. Would it be better to start my young horse in an old saddle in case it gets damaged?

It is so important that your horse’s first experience of a saddle is a comfortable one. It does not matter what age the saddle is as long as it is well designed and sympathetically fitted.

Q. My horse is young and has not yet been ridden but I want to make sure he has the correct saddle. Can you do a “fitting” for an un-backed horse?

Yes, I have done this many times. If your horse is un-backed we can still choose the most suitable saddle to begin with by assessing your horse’s shape and observing him moving either on the lunge, leading in hand, on long lines, or with ground work exercises.