TIBO Equestrian: saddle/ bit/ bridle fitting, Spain

20/03/2025

Don't overtighten the girth!!

When girthing up a horse, it’s important not to over-tighten the girth. An over-tightened girth may pinch or bruise the muscles, especially those in the chest (pectorals), the neck (trapezius), the side of the ribcage (serratus ventralis), and the lower back (latissimus dorsi), which are shown in red on the diagram bel. Similar to how a tight belt can cause discomfort or bruising in a human, an overly tight girth can cause soreness in these areas. It may also lead to bruising of the ribs and the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs), restricting movement and causing pain. Additionally, the tightness will cause the saddle to put more pressure on the horse’s back muscles, leading to further discomfort.

Think of it like wearing a belt that’s too tight around your waist: it presses into your skin and muscles, causing discomfort, restricting movement, and potentially causing bruising. Just as you wouldn’t wear a belt so tight that it hurts, it’s crucial not to over-tighten the girth to avoid these issues for the horse. Always ensure the girth is snug, but not excessively tight, to keep the horse comfortable and prevent injury.

28/01/2025

When fitting a saddle, it’s important to understand how a horse’s body supports weight and moves. We can look at a horse’s back as being made up of two main types of structures: 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, which can carry weight, and 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, which are important for movement and stability.

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨
- 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 like the ribcage and the m. longissimus dorsi (a large and thick back muscle).
- 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, such as the spine, the shoulder blade (scapula), and some muscles and ligaments. They help the horse move, move the scapula, keep the spine stable, and support the neck.

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
A saddle must place the rider’s weight only on the horizontal structures. These are strong and able to support weight. The vertical structures should not carry weight because they are needed for movement. If a saddle puts weight on these vertical structures in front, it can stop the horse from moving properly. This can cause discomfort, pain, or even long-term problems.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖: 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚
The wither area is a unique and sensitive part of the horse’s back. In this area, the bony parts of the spine (spinous processes) are longer than in other regions of the back. These vertical structures are crucial for attaching muscles and ligaments that help the horse move and stay balanced.

If the saddle applies too much pressure in the wither area, it can cause discomfort and restrict the horse’s movement. A good saddle should provide enough space around the withers to avoid this pressure and keep the horse comfortable. This requires tree points that are long enough to ensure the saddle loads on the horizontal structures, along with the correct tree width.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
By understanding the difference between horizontal and vertical structures, we can make sure that saddles are fitted correctly. The saddle should put weight only where the horse can safely carry it. This helps the horse move freely, stay comfortable, and perform at its best.

24/12/2024

Feliz navidad 🎄🌟 !!

22/12/2024

Merry Christmas 🎄 Feliz Navidad! ¡
TIBO Equestrian les desea a todos unas felices fiestas! 🌟🎄🌟

11/12/2024

10/12/2024

Sometimes I want to scream it;
STOP MESSING AROUND WITH FLOCK!!
By using flock to compensate for a tree width that isn’t correct you can really damage a horse 🐴.

Panels and flock should always be soft and smooth and function the way they’re supposed to; in a symbiotic flow with the muscles which contract and relax.
The tree is meant to be the firm party here, it provides stability and strength and should match the horse’s shape and size.

First alter the tree, then finish the job with nice soft and giving panels.

When the saddle you’re working on isn’t adjustable, MAKE it adjustable.
Our TreeClix system fits to most saddles on the market.
🐴 🧡

30/11/2024

20/10/2024

ASKHQ: WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE CHOOSING TO BACK THEIR HORSES LATER?

A: In recent years, many people are choosing to back their horses later than was traditionally done. This shift is largely influenced by growing awareness of the horse’s physical and mental development in these key areas:

1. Joint and skeletal maturity
Horses’ bones, joints, and ligaments are not fully developed until they are older. The horse's spine, in particular, continues to grow and mature up to five or even six years of age, depending on the breed. Riding a horse too early can place stress on immature joints, potentially leading to long-term orthopaedic issues like arthritis or joint injuries.

2. Muscle development
Giving a horse time to build its muscles naturally before introducing a rider helps prevent injuries. Early riding can cause strain or incorrect muscle development, which could affect the horse’s balance and performance later in life.

3. Mental maturity
Horses that are backed later often display better focus and willingness to learn. Younger horses may not yet have the mental capacity to cope with the pressures of training and riding, leading to frustration, confusion, or resistance. By waiting, trainers allow the horse to mature mentally, making the training process smoother and less stressful and the horse’s association with riding more pleasant.

Ultimately, then horses that are backed later may have longer, healthier careers, as their bodies and minds are better prepared to handle the physical demands of riding. Waiting allows for more sustainable development, potentially improving longevity and performance.

12/10/2024

Er is een meta-studie gedaan over 58 eerdere gepubliceerde onderzoeken naar rollkur/rijden achter de loodlijn. 75% van die studies zegt dat rijden achter

05/10/2024

30/09/2024

19/06/2024

Super excited 👏👏💖

18/06/2024

The What, Why, How of Dressage. A systematic, logical, and comprehensive approach to Dressage training that places the horse’s well-being and happiness as the top priority.