Whether you are working in the equine industry or riding is your hobby, your horse will not achieve its maximum potential if a poorly fitting saddle is causing discomfort or pain. Time and money can be wasted training a horse and rider if the horse is limited by back pain. This applies to not only high-performance competition horses, but also a child and their first pony, or a weekend hack. Many horses behavioural or performance problems are in response to discomfort or pain, which an incorrect saddle or saddle fit, can be responsible for.
An ill-fitting saddle can have a profound effect on your horse’s performance. In particular, he may become reluctant to work. If you do dressage, for example, he may become unwilling or unable to engage his hindquarters as well as he used to. If you do cross country or show jumping, he may begin to refuse, continually knock down or run out at fences. This can lead to bad habits being picked up that can continue to haunt you, even when the saddle is corrected.
Your horse also changes shape on a regular basis, and the frequency of these changes will relate to his age, training, management and so on. It’s always a good idea to recognise these changes. Viewed on a daily basis, the changes may seem inconsequential but over a period of just a week or so, they can be surprisingly substantial.
Not to be confused with any other organisations and qualifications, using a Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddle fitter, assures knowledgeable and professional services of the highest standards. The society instituted and continues to operate and monitor the only professional saddle fitting qualification available worldwide.
Nutwell Saddlery boasts 3 SMS qualified saddle fitters, with a combined experience in this specialist field of over 35 years. We are able to offer thorough, complete saddle checks of existing saddles, fit new from our studio range, or offer advice to customers throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. This can be either at your location or at our bespoke facilities at Nutwell Saddlery. With a Master Saddler also on hand to assist with any leather repairs, our experienced friendly team are always on hand to offer advice so please do not hesitate to contact us on 01392 877 896 or email the office on info@nutwellsaddlery.co.uk
