TreeClix

06/09/2024

🐴 The five things I always do when fitting a saddle!

1️⃣ I measure the horse 5 cm behind the scapula, where the treepoints sit, with a flexible ruler.
2️⃣  I open the saddle and measure treepoint-to-treepoint (or steel-to-steel) for the right size.
3️⃣ I compare steps 1 and 2 to determine the perfect treesize, usually 1-3 cm narrower than the horse’s measurement. Then I adjust the treesize if necessary!
4️⃣ I fine-tune the flock for optimal comfort and support.
5️⃣ I check the saddle on the horse and of course have the rider ride in it to see how the saddle fits in movement.

Happy saddlefitting!

02/09/2024

Let’s Stir Things Up! 🐴

As riders, horse owners, and saddle fitters, one of our biggest fears is when a horse suddenly doesn’t perform as expected. Why? Because it’s so tough to pinpoint the cause. Is it the back, neck, legs, hooves, or even something internal? Maybe it’s just an off day, or perhaps something new. Is it the bit, the saddle, the girth? And sometimes, riders even wonder if they’re part of the problem (and let’s not underestimate the influence of the rider, dear readers).

We often start by looking at the most recent change (usually the saddle or something in the horse’s routine) or by calling the vet. I’ve been called for saddle issues that turned out to be a horse problem—and vice versa. When it’s the latter, it’s definitely more cost-effective to call your saddle fitter before the vet. **Not only that, but any treatment by the vet is ineffective if the saddle problem isn’t fixed.**

This is why good management is so important. Plan regular checks with your saddle fitter—just like you would with your farrier.

Want to learn more? Check out our latest video on YouTube! (Link in our Insta bio) 🎥

31/08/2024

Can’t be anything but super proud 🤩
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Op de openingsdag van CDI Crozet werd Quinty Vossers al eerste en tweede in de Intermédiaire II en vandaag herhaalde ze die prestatie in de Grand Prix

28/08/2024

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
TreeClix empowered combination 😍

Quinty Vossers is sterk begonnen aan CDI Crozet waar voor de U25-combinaties vandaag de Intermédiaire II op het programma stond. Met Inferno (v.

27/08/2024

So proud of this collaboration 👏🏻
Great saddles are even greater when they’re adjustable ♥️🐴❤️

Unmatched Precision for Saddle Fitters
Why do we love working with TreeClix, and how does it benefit the saddle fitter, the rider, and the horse?

Here's why:

TreeClix provides unparalleled accuracy and precision, far surpassing traditional methods of altering treewidth. The technology allows for endless adjustments as the horse's shape changes, with wedges that can be altered in small increments from 5mm to 35mm. This ensures a perfect fit every time, enhancing comfort and performance for both rider and horse.

Upgrade your saddle fitting approach with TreeClix and discover the benefits of precision and adaptability.

Contact us now to learn more and start offering the best in saddle fitting technology to your clients.

25/08/2024

🎉 Tomorrow is our next TreeClix Masterclass and I’m excited!

This time, we’re welcoming mainly newly certified saddle fitters from the Dutch Equine Saddlefitting Specialists .saddlefittingspecialists . 🌟 I’m thrilled that their course emphasizes the importance of saddle fitting, something often overlooked in other programs. Now, we’re ready to explore how tiny tweaks in tree size can make a big difference in a horse’s movement. 🐴✨ Get ready for some exciting insights!

23/08/2024

Behind the scenes of a TreeClix saddle fitting! 🔧✨ Having the right tools is essential for a job well done. Here’s a sneak peek into my toolkit:

1 A3 paper

2 Flexicurve or flexible ruler

3 Soft measuring tape

4 Pen

5 Spring compass/wing divider

6 Screwdriver, manual or electric

7 Screws (35mmx14, 35mmx15, or 35mmx16)

8 Scissors

9 Waxed thread (1.0-1.4) and needles (curved and blunt-pointed straight)

10 Pliers (ideal for pulling thread/needle through)

11 Economy staple lifter (used as a shoe horn, to pull the pocket around the treepoint)

12 Clicker knife (curved and straight) with spare blades

13 Hammer (for removing and flattening hardware)

14 Wooden mallet, to use together with the destapler

15 Destapler

Other tools that might come in handy are:
- Nail puller/nail claw
- Revolving punch plier
- Electric stapler (and extension cord)
- Various sizes of straight knives
- Quilting needle
- Awl (curved, straight and pointed)

Have fun! 💼🐴

19/08/2024

Did you know this? I often hear people say that the tree should be wider for the horse to move freely! NO! 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞.

Only the horizontal muscles can carry weight as they are supported by the ribcage. A too wide tree places weight on the vertical muscles. This leads to problems, such as restriction in movement and atrophy. If you want to know more about this, check research done by Centaur Biomechanics. (https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/saddles-fitted-slightly-wide-not-better-horses-backs-research-finds-hh-plus-705020)

Ask your saddlefitter to open the saddle, measure horse and saddle and if necessary adjust the treesize every time your saddle is checked! It is very hard to tell from the outside of a saddle if the treesize is set correctly. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝟑-𝟒 𝐜𝐦 (𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟐 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬!

14/08/2024

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕗𝕚𝕥 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕤𝕖!

I often hear from saddle fitters and riders that they are concerned about saddle movement at the back. This leads to a preference for very straight trees over more curved or shaped ones.

However, it’s a common misconception that a tree must lie perfectly flat on a horse’s back. In fact, a slight curve in the tree design can improve the horse’s comfort and performance by allowing for natural movement.

While the part of the horse’s ribcage where the saddle sits on is generally flat, many saddle trees are designed with a gentle curve to match the horse’s natural shape. A well-designed saddle also accommodates shoulder movement, which is crucial since a horse’s shoulder moves about 4-5 cm backward. Our goal as saddle fitters is to create a stable weight-bearing surface from front to back while still allowing for natural movement.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐨-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
- 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬: An overly straight tree can shift the saddle’s centre point too far back, increasing pressure on the horse’s lower back and affecting the rider’s position. There is little to no margin for a horse to change posture or condition, as this has an immediate effect on the balance point.
- 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: A saddle with an excessively straight tree can limit the horse’s movement due to increased pressure on the lower back or pressure in front. Scientific research shows this can impact wither lift and hind leg engagement, potentially causing heat, friction, or a sore back.

𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: We shouldn’t be too scared for a slight movement under the cantle of the saddle. This gentle rocking helps the horse lift its back comfortably.

𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: The challenge for saddle fitters is to find the right balance—allowing some slight movement without excessive rocking or pressure points. Proper fitting helps the horse’s freedom of movement and overall performance.

13/08/2024

Size matters, but you should also aim for the sweet spot! 🐴🔧

Discover how the right saddle tree size can make your horse happier and more comfortable. 𝘈 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗩-𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀,and why saddle fitting is more than just U or V shapes. Read our latest blog on TreeClix.com (see link in bio) to find out more!

12/08/2024

𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞? 🌳🐴

We’ve heard the rumors, and we’re here to set the record straight: 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞.

TreeClix works by setting the treesize to the correct width—just like how a saddlefitter would order the right fit from the factory or adjust the treepoints with leather or felt. This is a practice that saddle makers have used for decades.

But here’s why TreeClix is even better: it’s rigid for more stability, precise in small adjustments, and can be easily replicated on-site. Plus, you can test ride with different settings to ensure the best fit for horse welfare!

TreeClix is designed with care and precision. It’s a synthetic flat piece secured with three screws, and it functions independently of the tree’s structure. The wedges that click onto TreeClix do not affect the tree’s structure. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

We rigorously tested TreeClix to ensure it’s both safe and effective. If you’ve got any questions or hear otherwise, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Thank you for your support! 🐎✨

12/08/2024

𝐍𝐨𝐠 𝟑 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐛𝐚𝐚𝐫!

Wil jij ook meer leren over hoe TreeClix werkt in de praktijk? Wil je meer ervaring op doen met het installeren van TreeClix op een bestaand zadel, of ben je heel erg benieuwd naar wat een kleine verandering in de boommaat nu echt doet?

Kom dan op

𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠 𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

naar de

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬:
- We werken in een kleine groep
- ‘s Ochtends is beginnen we met een stukje theorie en een demo.
- In de middag ga je zelf aan de slag in kleine groepen onder begeleiding van een aantal van onze TreeClix Experts!
- Naast het testen van verschillende TreeClix settingen gaan je ook TreeClix installeren op zadels waar dit nog niet op zit.
- Uiteraard verzorgen wij de lunch en snacks!

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦:
Maandag 26 augustus

𝐓𝐢𝐣𝐝:
9.30 - 17.00 uur

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞:
Manege de Schutskooi, Laar 6, Berlicum

11/08/2024

𝙀𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙊𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚

“I truly believe that if we ensure horses are as comfortable as possible, they will always want to do what we ask from them.” 🐴✨

This belief drives our mission to improve horse welfare at every level. By focusing on precise saddle fitting and proper adjustments, we can enhance the comfort and movement of horses, making them more eager and willing partners in their work.

Real change starts with us working together, sharing knowledge, and being proactive in our approach. Let’s commit to putting the horse’s comfort first and create a positive impact in our sport.

Join us in making a difference! 🌟

05/08/2024

𝘼 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙙𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚’𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩. 🐴✨

Last year at the TreeClix masterclass in the NL, saddle fitter Marina initially had doubts about our system. But after seeing the incredible fine-tuning possible with the correct tree size, her opinion changed! The difference in the horses’ movement was a game-changer.

Don’t miss out on experiencing these results for yourself. Sign up for our next masterclass now!

31/07/2024

We are thrilled to officially announce that TreeClix is now sponsoring Dutch dressage riders and sisters Aniek and Femke de Laat. Both and are incredibly hardworking and passionate about their sport, and we are convinced that their mindset and work ethic align perfectly with what TreeClix stands for. Together, we look forward to achieving great things (with TreeClix adjustments).

📸: Wilma Frentz

21/07/2024

Some combinations give you goosebumps, like Dutch U25 rider Kim Noordijk and 10 year old stallion Joep. This week they were competing in the European Championships in 🇦🇹 and we were proudly supporting them.

Her way of riding and the entire management is amazing, happy and healthy horses 😍

Kim is riding with TreeClix in all of her saddles from day 1 as part of her management and we couldn’t be more proud of all she’s achieving.
Very much looking forward to a great future!
❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️

14/07/2024

**Fixing a Slipping Saddle**

A slipping saddle often results from an incorrect tree size. Most saddles are set too wide, causing excessive movement, but a too-narrow saddle can also slide sideways or forward.

First, open the saddle and use the horse's template to determine and adjust the tree width. This typically resolves most issues, ensuring the saddle sits stably and stays in place.

If the saddle still slips forward, critically evaluate the freedom around the vertical structures and the balance point of the saddle. Check for excessive pressure on the loins and whether the saddle needs additional support at the back.

If the saddle slips sideways, consider if the horse has less muscle volume behind one shoulder. Correct this by placing a thicker wedge on that side. If the volume difference is at the rear, use an underlay or integrated shim. Horses with torsion often require an asymmetrical pad to align the saddle and rider properly.

Never use wool for these corrections as this stretches the leather and makes the saddle as a whole uneven over time!

12/07/2024

🇳🇱Op maandag 26 Augustus organiseren we de volgende TreeClix Masterclass in Nederland, ditmaal in Berlicum.

Hoe gaat deze dag er uit zien?
o Met een kleine groep gepassioneerde collega’s gaan we kijken hoe kleine aanpassingen in de pasvorm een aanzienlijke invloed hebben op de ligging van het zadel.
o 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣! 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙟𝙞𝙟 𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙪𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙟 𝙬𝙞𝙚 𝙟𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙚𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙭 𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣? 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙟 𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙖𝙣! (𝙥𝙨. 𝙙𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙖𝙠𝙩 𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙥 𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙯𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙚𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙭 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚).
o Hands on! Je gaat deze dag ook zelf aan de slag met installeren en aanpassen van zadels met Treeclix.
o Gebruik van TreeClix op verschillende zadelmerken en paarden.
o Ervaar de impact van een verandering van 5mm in de boommaat op de beweging van een paard.
o En nog veel meer!

Ook als je eerder een van onze Masterclasses hebt gevolgd, we beloven dat het wederom een leerzame dag gaat worden!

Voor deze datum zijn nog maar beperkt plaatsen beschikbaar, VOL=VOL.
Schrijf je nu in via: [email protected].

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲: Manege de Schutskooi, Laar 6, Berlicum
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿: 26 Augustus 2024 – 9.30 uur-17.00 uur
𝗞𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻: €275
𝘐𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯: 𝘌𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘫𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩, 𝘬𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘦 𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴.
𝗧𝗮𝗮𝗹: Nederlands

08/07/2024

We get this question a lot: Can you use TreeClix to widen the saddle? Unfortunately, no, you can't. However, contrary to popular belief, we often find that horses in training tend to narrow down around the withers.

If you'd like to learn more about this topic, please send us a DM. We're more than happy to help!

If you're using TreeClix on a new saddle and expect the horse to widen (for instance, if the horse is currently underweight or has atrophy around the withers), you could order a TreeClix base and one of the thinner wedges. This way, you can easily remove the wedges once the horse has broadened.

01/07/2024

I remember those early years as a saddle fitter vividly. I was mostly swimming, I think. I always had a solid understanding of horses and their movement. However, what I felt lacking in saddle fitting was knowledge of which part of the saddle affects which aspect of the horse’s movement.

Sometimes everything seemed fine, but it just didn’t work out as expected, even though you put a lot of work in it and checked all the details. The uncertainty affected both my work as a saddle fitter and my relationship with clients. No matter how hard I tried, the results didn’t satisfy me.

My perspective changed when I started working with a brand that taught me to open saddles, measure the tree length and width, and make precise adjustments. And all of a sudden, I could actually predict and achieve the desired results consistently.

This experience made me realize how crucial it is to know the exact treepoint measurements and the saddle’s width. Working with TreeClix, I discovered that a mere 5mm difference in treesize could significantly impact a horse’s comfort and performance.

We, and with that I mean both riders and saddlefitters, must start understanding that without the treesize set correctly, everything else you do to a saddle is pointless!

19/06/2024

I’ve been working with Quinty Vossers, a Dutch U25 dressage rider, for a couple of years now. She rides with different saddle brands. But all saddles have in common that they are adjustable with TreeClix.

Everytime I check her saddles it’s always great to see how small changes can make such a great difference for both Quinty and her horses.

She is happy her horses have been developing so well over the last years and I’m happy I can help riders with finetuning in their training. :-)

14/06/2024

𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘁!

I often hear riders saying they want a wider saddle for their young horses, believing it allows their horse to “grow into” it. While this idea seems logical at first, it’s actually potentially harmful. Why?

1. **Misinterpretation of Growth:** The belief that horses “grow into” saddles overlooks a key fact: horses don’t always become wider as they mature. Of course their muscles develop and change based on factors like training, exercise, and diet. But, due to training their posture might change as well. What we often see is that horses, when properly trained, lift their withers more, and become narrower in this area.
2. **Excessive Pressure:** A wider saddle causes discomfort as it puts too much pressure on the horse’s back, pinching the withers and behind the shoulder. This causes the horse to sink the withers downwards. Biomechanically speaking this also means a horse can’t engage the hind legs as much as we would like him to. Incorrect movement patterns put additional stress on certain joints, tendons, and ligaments, increasing the risk of injuries.
3. **It leads to atrophy:** When a saddle is too wide, it fails to be properly supported by the rigid parts of the horse’s back (the ribcage). Instead, it puts pressure on the (vertical) muscles in an attempt to find support. This can lead to strain and impairment of these muscles, resulting in atrophy—a decrease in muscle mass due to lack of use.

In essence, the idea of “growing into” a saddle is a misconception that can harm your horse. Instead, a saddle should be adjustable, so it always matches the horse’s width. A properly fitted saddle will help a horse move correctly and develop in a positive way.