Equine Health & Fitness

26/01/2025

This is why the feet have to be balanced!

25/01/2025

Saddle Fitting: It’s More Than Just Tree Width!

When it comes to saddle fitting, many riders still focus solely on the tree width (Narrow, Medium, Wide, etc.), but proper saddle fitting goes far beyond that. A well-fitted saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort, performance, and overall health—and here’s why:

1️⃣ Shoulder Freedom: The saddle must allow your horse’s shoulders to move freely, especially during transitions and lateral work. A poorly fitted saddle can restrict motion, leading to discomfort and even long-term damage.

2️⃣ Spinal Clearance: Adequate clearance along the spine ensures there’s no pressure on the withers or spinal processes. This is key to preventing soreness and uneven muscle development.

3️⃣ Weight Distribution: A properly fitted saddle evenly distributes the rider’s weight across the horse’s back. Pinching or bridging can cause pressure points and make your horse resistant or hollow-backed.

4️⃣ Panel Shape: The shape and angle of the panels must match your horse’s topline. Horses with flat backs need different panels than those with a more curved profile.

5️⃣ Dynamic Fit: Saddle fitting isn’t static! A horse’s back changes with age, fitness, and training. Regular checks ensure your saddle fits as your horse’s shape evolves.

So, when assessing your saddle, remember: width is just one piece of the puzzle. Partner with a professional saddle fitter who can evaluate the full picture and keep your horse happy, healthy, and performing at their best.

✨ A comfortable horse is a willing partner—don’t settle for less!

13/12/2024

13/11/2024

Made just for EQ, this educational video takes you on a journey from rider mechanics to saddle mechanics, and in it, you will come to understand pressure dis...

01/11/2024

Head and neck position

25/10/2024

https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g ‘Horses and the Science of Harmony’, is an educational documentary film also embracing the emotional story of Bubby Upton, who is a rising star in the world of eventing. We had a star-studded cast, from riders, trainers, judges, scientists, veterinarians and other paraprofessionals.
The film has been released today on YouTube, free to view: https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g as well as on Smart TV platforms Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ROKU, LG, Samsung, and on-line via Equus Television Network www.equustelevision.net

Please feel free to share this widely with your friends and colleagues.
Inevitably there will be critics of what was and what was not included in the documentary, but we sincerely hope that the film projects equestrianism in a positive light and will encourage constructive discussion and debate.
Time constraints meant that we could not utilize all the wonderful footage and inciteful comments that we had acquired. However, we also plan to release bonus footage focusing on specific areas over the next several months.
As one of the facilitators said yesterday, ‘The global realisation must be that that the horse world engages with itself and its critics to demonstrate that the horse-human bond is the foundation stone upon which any form of sustainable equestrianism is based.

13/09/2024

Pretty cool!

10/09/2024

Break over! The topic of discussion for many people. Check out The Equine Documentalist
for explanation below 👇!

27/08/2024

27/08/2024

Highly recommend to subscribe to The Equine Documentalist if you would like to have better understanding of your horses feet!

23/08/2024

Inability to meet a need ≠ that the need is wrong.

The failure of modern manufacturing does not determine whether a specific need is right or wrong.

For example, if a person requires size 9 shoes, but manufacturers only provide sizes 8 and 10, does that then mean the measurements of the foot are incorrect due to the manufacturers inability to meet that specific need?

This applies to saddle fitting and the failure of the many manufacturers to not only meet the specific needs of the horse, but also in the misrepresentation of their products and misinformation spread regarding the needs of the horse.

Such misinformation as "this saddle never needs to be adjusted" or "fits every horse" or as we most recently saw was “maximum freedom of movement” as a justification of short, forward-facing tree points..

What a horse requires in a saddle is not determined by the manufacturer, but the horse, based on the anatomy and biomechanics to prevent pain, injury and compensatory postures.

To cherry-pick what is and isn't important based on what is available on the market, or what is easiest and cheapest to manufacture is inherently wrong and is what has lead to the constant crippling of horses by saddles, reps and some fitters.

Demand drives the industry, but so long as people remain uneducated about the importance and methodology behind anatomy-based saddle fitting, manufacturers have no reason to change as saddles continue to be purchased.

From independent saddle makers utilizing the CEE course for their saddle designs, to both high-level and everyday riders demanding manufacturers provide better saddle options, the industry CAN change for the better and it starts with each and every single one of you!��Comment ‘EDUCATION’ and we will select a free resource to send to you right now!

23/08/2024

Great visual representation!

10/08/2024

Horses Inside Out always has great tips !

31/07/2024

Heels !!! Trim or not to trim and to what extent ??? Master Farrier Yogi Sharp delves into answering this question. Highly recommend The Equine Documentalist to learn about shoeing, hoofs and more!