Peak Saddle Fitting

01/10/2024

Two new apex 17.5” prototypes with the high cantle options. (“low” cantle demos on order too)

01/10/2024

A couple more beautiful Ascents in. One client order in newly patterned 18.5”

12/14/2023

New summit dressage saddles in too!

12/14/2023

New altitudes in! Couple of demos and some client saddles including this new panel option that should impede less in the very large scapula horses that are still need more support at the tree point. I introduce the “elevate” panel option.

11/17/2023

Be mindful that very few pads are actually scientifically tested while ridden. Doesn’t mean that they are good or bad just we don’t know what they are doing good or bad

THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME

Todays meme relates to the use of a half pad fitted beneath a correctly fitted saddle. Using a “thin layer” (5mm) beneath a saddle can help dampen saddle pressures particularly beneath where the rider is sitting.

Whilst useful, it is essential that the use of any half pad is discussed with a saddle fitter, as using a half pad beneath a saddle that does not have sufficient space can cause an increase in pressure.

The material is an important consideration, the half pad must have a rapid recovery rate (closed cell foam or equivalent) meaning that if you apply pressure, the moment the pressure is released, the material reforms.

We must be mindful, that what feels nice and soft to touch, when positioned beneath a saddle, and a load (rider) is applied, the soft material will be compressed, deform and have no functional benefits in dampening saddle pressures.

The materials are subject to fatigue, as an example woollen pads can be useful but over time they can become hard and lumpy, with the fibres loosen their crimp and dampening ability, so important to check, clean and maintain the half pads regularly.

🤓

11/16/2023

Had about 10 seconds to take some photos of Peak Saddles newest prototype the Apex. Fitted on the flattest tree in my line-up with a lower profile more open head it is looking to be a good option for the broader flatter backed dressage horses. Pictured here with the high cantle option - a lower cantle is also available as standard.

11/14/2023

Excited to receive one of the brand new T&T Iconix dressage today and get it on the road tomorrow. This saddle features a truly adjustable (screw and plate) tree and a broad weight bearing panel flocked with jacobs wool in a true monoflap with an extra touch of style and design.

11/09/2023

Another great company I’m proud to work with.

The fact that Frank Baines Saddlery has been based in Walsall for over 40 years and remains a family business speaks to our long-standing tradition and commitment to the community. This kind of heritage signifies stability, reliability, and a deep connection to the craft of saddle-making.

Utilising local suppliers for the majority of materials is not only a great way to support the local economy but also ensures a close and reliable source of high-quality materials. It also reflects an environmentally responsible approach, as it can reduce the carbon footprint associated with sourcing materials from distant locations.

By staying true to these principles and values, Frank Baines Saddlery continues to uphold its reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and community engagement.

11/08/2023

New jump prototype in. Different tree for a slightly different fit. Still geared at the more refined type horse. This saddle features include being covered with the extra grippy Makala leather.

11/04/2023

Important reminder.
Some saddles do well to have the removable locktite blue added to the screws if you’re finding yours are always a bit backed out

It’s that time of year again, where we turn our clocks back and do our morning routines in the dark.

Fall Back should also be synonymous with saddle safety: If your saddle takes gullet plates, now is the time to ensure that all of your screws are tight, your panels have been secured correctly and the flexible tree points are not cracked or broken.

Discover a problem? Now is the best time to fix it! You’ve just had a summer of riding, let’s make sure you head into the winter safely.

Fall-Back, don’t fall off! 🍂

11/02/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays meme relates to the changes in back shape and saddle fit.

The horses back shape (posture) can alter with exercise (if ridden in a correctly fitted saddle), training, seasons etc. Important that the fit of the saddle is checked regularly to reduce the risk of back related dysfunction.

As an example - a saddle that is fitted on day 1, after 90 days of correct training and management (resulting in an improved top line) , will the saddle still be in balance and a optimal fit??

Or a saddle which was “made to measure” for a young horse, will it still fit the same as when the horse has matured??

The horses back is a dynamic platform where it’s movement and shape is influenced by multiple factors. The fit of the saddle must be checked regularly throughout the horses ridden career regardless of what it’s purpose is - hacking or sporting.

🤓

www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

11/01/2023

Excited to see my first kent and masters girths soon!

Restricted elastic at the end of a girth can help make it easier to do it up. But it’s important the inserts are equal both sides and short in length - too much elastic can cause instability or chafing.

10/31/2023

Last week I picked up my shiny new saddle trailer. I’ve been finding I need storage and the old trailer has had one too many issues so it’s being parked to store demo saddles and supplies I don’t need everyday. This new friend is a bit smaller and will hopefully stay a bit tidier (🤞) as it won’t have to be a catch all. Tremendously grateful to The Brown Pony for putting it together for me! They chose the fun floor and colors - super to have talented and creative friends in the industry.

10/17/2023

While in England last month I stopped in to the British equine associations trade fair to catch up with a couple of saddle makers and hitch a ride with a friend to the airport. I also got to meet one of the therapists that works with the equilibrium products and chatted about their newest back pad.

In an effort to first do no harm there’s a lot to like about this pad. It’s a heat and massage pad. It only covers the thoracic and lumbar areas so it certainly can’t replace your equine massage therapist!

But it has this lovely vibrational massage with a heating option that only heats to a certain temp (won’t make a hot horse hotter or worse). I’m going to start to carry them thinking of them as an adjunct for tight backs: post travel, hard work, warm up, for the stall bound recovering horse, days you don’t have extra time? I can think of a million ways to use this product (including on my couch 😅)

Anyway let me know if your interested - I’m placing my first order soon.

Based on the popular Massage Pad now with intelligent sensors that read your horses temperature and adapt to deliver consistent, therapeutic levels of heat.

10/17/2023

Do you know what your half pads are made of? Popular honeycomb pads are an open cell material too.

Open and closed cell foam in half pads, what’s the difference? 🤔

Closed cell foam has interlocking cells which prevent air passing through, this makes it relatively firm and prevents it deforming excessively, therefore improving its capability for pressure distribution.

On the contrary, open cell foam completely deforms when pressure is applied, meaning when you put a saddle on top it squashes down to nothing, therefore adding little to no benefit for the horse.

‼️Open cell foam is cheaper than closed cell, so it is often used in the cheaper half pads, but unfortunately some brands use open cell and maintain a higher price whilst not stating what foam is used, so it is a case of buyer beware, ask questions!‼️

09/27/2023

After 8.5 years of saddle fitting quite a bit I think I’m finally in that “trust me it’s complicated” upswing 😅

The Dunning-Kruger effect.

09/21/2023

A nicely draped browband is not only attractive but is horse friendly. Check that yours isn’t pulling the crown forward

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays meme relates to browband fit.

Correct bridle fit is essential. Attention is given to the fit of the noseband but, other bridle features are also important to consider.

A browband which is to small, will pull the headpiece forward and cause localised pressures at the base of the ears and in the region of the TMJ. Previously we have demonstrated the effect that increased pressures at the base of the ears and TMJ can have on equine Locomotion.

All bridle features should be considered and reinforces the importance of correct bridle fit and working with a qualified bridle fitter.

🤓

www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

09/06/2023

Good reminder

Don’t forget to check your tack before each ride! This includes all stitching on high wear pieces of leather like your billets, girths, stirrup leathers, bridles, etc.

This is 1 of 4 billets I recently replaced. The stitching had come undone and luckily it was caught before it tore off completely!

I can do billet replacements on-site, $25 per billet plus travel fee.

08/10/2023

08/04/2023

In honor of Loni turning 7 I thought it would be fun to have a little competition. Winner gets this adorable and functional saddle saver made by Sofie's Equine Design.

Rules - do we need them?
I think loni would love to see people riding or with their horses in a “barn” outfit loni style - princess rainbow sparkle tutu and such

Post your photos here and I’ll let her pick the winner. Suspect there will be bonus points given if your horse gets in on the act too.

Winner will be chosen by the end of august and I’ll get the saddle saver out to them in September.

Cute pictures included to get inspired

07/24/2023

A couple of ascents in with matching classy black patent details. One is a calf covered short flap client order.

07/18/2023

New peak pinnacle client orders and a dual flap prototype of the altitude

07/18/2023

Beautiful new orders in. One for a client and one for a sponsored rider!

07/17/2023

Knowing a couple of dear clients going through expensive difficult medical challenges that have forever changed their world has made me think of what I can do to continue to support these families.

As such I’m planning on donating $50 for each peak saddle sold directly to one of these deserving families.

Please consider making a donation too.

Our dear friends, Jen & Mike Verharen's 20-yr old son, Coulter, had a s… Kristine Dahms needs your support for Help Coulter Verharen After Spinal Cord Injury

07/13/2023

A fun review incase you missed any!

07/06/2023

Another fun option for the custom sourced shimmer snake leather!

06/30/2023

Better photos of the whiskey croc custom order

06/30/2023

Just a few more peaks in.
One new model that needs some testing and tweaking likely in the bunch. It may never get to where I would like if the tree can’t support the design right. This is the fun with starting your own line.

06/30/2023