Gammack's saddlery

13/08/2024

Very proud of this young lady Iona O'Loughlin getting team bliss rider yet again, she’s a dedicated lovely rider and owner of Prince. Well done Iona

13/08/2024

Gullet bars, there are so many different ones!
Changeable gullet saddles have become more and more popular over recent years but these saddles still need to fit properly and correct gullet bars are a must.
Before attempting to change your gullet bar make sure you have the right tools and correct gullet bar. As you can see from the pictures this gullet bar (wintec wide) does not fit this saddle (thorowgood Rbar) this will void any warranty on the saddle and could break or damage the tree. Getting the holes to line up must have been some chore for the rider with this one, as you can see the gullet bar has a huge gap between the gullet bar and pommel and the purple bar is far shorter than the white which is the correct one for this saddle plus only have 1 lot of screw holes to secure the gullet.

06/08/2024

This is worth a read

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Something strange happened yesterday when I was riding my pony, Holly, on the road on the way home.

A cyclist said "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆" as she passed us on the road.

Holly is my 21 year old 12.2hh pony. I'm 31, 5ft 2 and I often ride her without a saddle which makes the overall picture look a little strange. Admittedly, there was a time I'd have given my right arm for Holly to be even a hand taller, but in the 13 years we've been together we've had countless amounts of fun and now I don't pay her height much mind.

For a long time I have accepted that by dancing on the upper percentiles of her weight carrying ability I need to be extra considerate and sympathetic about the type of work we do together. We largely hack, but we have previously done dressage and showing. We never jump, and we are picky about anything faster than a walk.🏇💨

The 2020 study by Sue Dyson truly focused my mind, and I lost almost a stone in weight and Holly also lost 50kg (7.8 stone). We became a lot healthier but our rider:weight ratio decreased.⬇️

Now I sit 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 under the elusive 20% rider:horse weight ratio with full tack, which is great. However, we all know that current studies suggest we'd be better off sitting at around 15% which isn't obtainable for me when my pony weighs just under 300kg.😵‍💫

The biggest misconception about horse weight carrying capability is that in having a heavier horse you gain more weight carrying ability.⚖️

This is largely 𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘.

Yes, the basic maths would suggest a heavier horse weight = a bigger rider allowance but it is nonsensical to keep your horse overweight just because you feel better by having more underneath you or sitting "within" a percentage. Furthermore, there is nuance which means some horses carry weight more easily than others, and this nuance isn't solely down to breeding. Draught breeds are often considered weight carriers, but the majority of their strength comes from their ability to pull not carry so many have backs too short for a large saddle. Thoroughbreds are often considered only for light riders but fitness, musculature and their history (raced or unraced) can play a huge part in their weight carrying ability to the point where they can surprise you.

I will admit, I did feel less underhorsed when Holly was a heavier weight, but now she's lost almost my full bodyweight she feels more capable carrying me around which is great. The overall picture, however, is still a little strange with an adult riding a very small pony.

I appreciate this can be a hard subject to broach but I'm really keen on keeping the rider weight conversion going. I think it is a key piece of the welfare puzzle which we need to address.

If 7 out of 10 horses are overweight and 64% of UK adults are also overweight (Source: OLS) we could end up with a notable strain on our horses' muscles and joints before we've even stepped foot in an arena.

I do believe horses should be accessible to everyone but when we are asking a horse to take our weight under the saddle we need to be considerate of our overall weight as a combination. Find the right horse for YOU at your current weight so you have room to spare.

There was a time where my BMI was nearing 30 and I still rode my little 12.2hh in ignorance. But when the ignorance passed I realised I owe it to Holly to try to keep my weight stable or to stop riding her if this isn't a possibility (something I am perfectly comfortable doing and have done in the past). I am, however, at the extreme end of the scale with very little to play with as Holly is so diddy. With my other horse, I don't have as much of a worry as 15% of her healthy body weight is 20kg over my own body weight- but in being aware of the numbers I can remain focused on doing the best for my pony.

So remember everyone, calculating your horse to rider weight allowance can be uncomfortable , but it's a proven way to help the ridden soundness of your horse.

A photo of Holly and I following a hack:

01/08/2024

Thank you Fairfax Saddles for making this lovely bespoke browband for my client. How smart do they look

31/07/2024

To follow on from my post last night here is a photo of my own ‘flock’ being sheared ready to be made on to flock for your saddles ☺️🐑

30/07/2024

What’s in your saddle?? Flock flair foam cair???
How many of you know what is actually in the panels of your saddle? I often get messages from clients telling me their saddle needs reflocked because it’s flat I always ask some questions and often find that the saddles may actually be foam flair or cair saddles none of which can be flocked. Foam saddles generally have no adjustability at all bar some of the John Whitaker saddles which had foam and could have flock added under it to help with fitting I know of no other foam that can be altered but someone might tell me I’m wrong 🤣
Flair is air filled panels 2 panels either side which can be altered by adding or removing air
Cair cushion system air panels, which is often mistaken for being the same as flair is a soft foam which is sealed in a plastic panel trapping the air inside 2 panels each side these cannot be pumped up or let down but instead use a shimming system.
Flock 🐑there are many different types of flock and for those who know me I am VERY fussy about flock, every one has different ideas about flock but for me you just don’t mix wools, most Walsall based manufacturers use jacobs sheep wool flock which is the grey flock pictured, it’s nice and bouncy and easy to work with, some manufacturers use white sheep wool which was the traditional flock used (it’s the cream coloured wool) the white wool pictured is siliconised synthetic wool generally this wool is used in other countries it’s slightly trickier to work with as it’s quite slippy but gives a soft panel. I like to keep several wool types in the van so I can use the correct flock when I’m out and about 😁🐑🐑

24/07/2024

The sun is finally shining 😁 loving all the pretty pink in my van, why do I have a gelding 🤦🏼‍♀️

22/07/2024

Working from home on the 31st July and still have a couple of spaces available for existing clients AB38 9SL

19/07/2024

My friend is selling her ponies

12/07/2024

What do we all think of this girth? Nice looking leather girth double elastic but what about the shape and the symmetry??? Comment when you see it 🤔🤦🏼‍♀️ people often say to me but why do they make one sided elastic girths if they are so bad, well the answer is the people who design these things have no clue on the impact they can have on the horse. Picture of how this should be in the comments.

11/07/2024

Caroline Rios and myself have both been nominated for awards at the Equestrian Business Awards so if any of our clients would like to come join us for what I can only imagine will be a great night, the tickets are now on sale to the public 🥂🍾🍹🍸🍷💃🏼🕺🏼🪩

Tickets now available for The Equestrian Business Awards 2022 evening. Don't miss out!

07/07/2024

This is a very interesting one for anyone with a horse with hind end issues, we really have no idea what’s going on under the surface

06/07/2024

Panels panels panels something most people probably don’t even thinking of when choosing a saddle but it can make all the difference to the fit of the saddle

05/07/2024

2 days, nearly 1000 miles covered and I’m home 😅 what a fab day at classic dressage Glebe farm in Warwickshire learning more about the Erreplus saddles with Lorenzo Asola, these saddles are so adaptable and they are such an innovative company always researching and developing their products.

02/07/2024

Has anyone used Equigate with any of their horse professionals??
I am looking in to using this app to try and get my ducks better in a row 🤦🏼‍♀️ it would mean having all the info in one place making.
🐴All notes would be shared via the app for you to check back 
🐴 all appointments would be booked via the app, so all in one place and easier for me to find plus it gives reminders
🐴 all your info would be in the app making it easier if I need to call you if I’m running late 🤦🏼‍♀️
🐴 invoicing would be done via the app so no more lost invoices
The questions is how do people feel about downloading an app to make an appointment?????

28/06/2024

This is very interesting especially for anyone with an ex racer 😢

26/06/2024

Huge well done to Aimee Paxton David Harland and Sophie Paxton what a great result and a great write up 🥂

‘I can’t believe it’: epic-jump offs lead to historic hat-tricks for two riders

Read more via link below

25/06/2024

Finally a smart affordable dressage saddle for the cobs 🎉 £1190

The perfect dressage saddle for all low-wither conformations, regardless of width, including compact and short-backed types. The low head and slimline panels combine ensure a good fit and great stability on flat-back, low-wither types.

21/06/2024

Here’s a picture of a saddle I saw last week it was a good age and looked like it had had a busy life, the owner hadn’t been happy with the horse so she’d had the physio out who agreed getting the saddle checked was next on the list, this saddle had been checked a year ago, not by me, this is why it’s so important to have your saddle checked, you can clearly see how twisted it is. There are many reasons a saddle may become twisted so it’s good practice to check them over when you’re cleaning tack. We tried several different saddles on this horse and he was much happier, he started to relax once he realised it was comfy. They truly are the most amazingly forgiving animals so we need to listen to them carefully and fortunately this owner knows her horses well. 🐴💕

18/06/2024

You always wanted to give PIKEUR breeches a thorough test? Then we're looking for you! 👀

We are looking for testers who would like to test selected breeches, give us feedback and share it on their own social media channels. To become a tester, please send an email to [email protected] telling us why you are the perfect tester. Please include your size and the name of your social media channels in the email. The closing date for applications is 02.07.2024 🐴

If you are one of the lucky ones we will contact you by email.

We look forward to your mail 🤗

11/06/2024

Due to my current wait list being longer than both my arms and legs I am going to try and run weekly clinics from home for those people happy to travel to me in beautiful speyside (AB38 9SL)
My first clinic date is Thursday 13th finger crossed summer shows its face soon. If you want a slot please message me. Picture of a recent bespoke ideal saddle for a gorgeous lad just in time for the highland 😍

06/06/2024

I feel so honoured 🥰 thank you to all my lovely clients

⭐Saddle Fitter of the Year Finalists 2024 sponsored by The Perfect Fit Kit ⭐
Headline Sponsor: Bloomdfields Horseboxes

We had 101 saddle fitters nominated for the accolade this year. We would like to say a huge congratulations to:

Katie Eaton-Master Saddler
Liz Pears - Buckets Saddlery
Nigel Bexon - Balmoral Equestrian
Anne Marshall - Gammack's saddlery

25/05/2024

There is still time to vote and every vote matters 🥰

Shine a light on the heroes of equine fitting with the prestigious Equine Fitter of the Year Award! 🏆

It's time to honor those who truly make a difference in your horse’s or pony’s well-being! 🌟 Sponsored by the Equine Fitters Directory this award recognizes the outstanding professionals who go the extra mile for their customers and their equine partners.

Do you know a saddle, bridle, or bit fitter who goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort and performance of both horse and rider? Now is the perfect time to give them the recognition they deserve! 🎉
Nominations are open to both BETA members and non-members alike because excellence knows no boundaries! 🌟

Whether it's exceptional customer service, unparalleled expertise, or unwavering dedication, we want to hear about it! 🗣️

⏰ Don't miss out! The deadline for entries is June 16th, 2024.

Ready to nominate? Click the link below to access the nomination form and let's celebrate the best of the best in equine fitting! 🏇✨
https://bit.ly/49gKkjg

24/05/2024

Can’t quite believe it I have been nominated for Equine fitter of the year. Thank you for everyone who has voted for me

06/05/2024

Would be fab to get this facility back 😁

We are looking to apply for funding to improve our indoor school by replacing the roof, improving the lighting and parking area and installing a small unit containing toilets, showers and a changing area to allow the space to be booked for community use. We would love to hear from the community on how this space would benefit you or a community group if we were to be successful.

Please click no the link below and fill in the survey. Closing date Monday 20th May 2024. Thank you for your support.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2YVXRSL