Precision Saddle Services

01/13/2024

Learn about the technique and timing of this mainstay in conservative management of equine leg injuries.

08/06/2023

08/06/2023

Reposting this diagram, as there’s a few posts around at the moment about lunging to encourage a horse to be supple… 🫣

From this super diagram from Gail William’s book, you can really appreciate how limited the lateral flexion ability of the thoroacolumbar and sacral portion of the spinal column is very restricted. So when we’re asking a horse to lunge, and they’re not strong enough in their core and gluteal muscles, the likelihood that they will overflex through their neck in compensation and fall in through the shoulder is high. Will constantly straining the body in circles whilst the weak muscles aren’t able to switch on make this any better? Not likely.

This is where specific groundwork patterns and exercises come into play in order to develop the correct muscles, so that when a horse executes a turn they are prepared in their body to do so in good balance without detriment to joints.

This leads me onto why lunging is classically not good for an arthritic horse. The repetitive strain on joints isn’t good, but (especially in chronic cases) compensatory muscle patterns create the development of negative postural muscles which mean that a horse isn’t able to engage the correct ones during lunging, leading to almost a double negative effect on pathological joints.

In these cases, consider a groundwork programme that includes low intensity mobilisation exercises at the guidance of your veterinary physiotherapist to develop key postural muscles for positive posture and engagement. I talk about this more in the groundwork programme I’ve produced on the website via the online shop. Link here: https://vetphysiophyle.co.uk/product/stage-1-groundwork-programme-e-book/

08/06/2023

Saddle companies get away with offering only one tree in one (maybe two) sizes because they’ve convinced consumers to shop for the OUTSIDE of the saddle, instead of the inside.

The TREE does all the magic of fitting the horse. When it matches the horse’s shape and is balanced, stability happens.

When the tree is the wrong shape, or is unbalanced, it does not make even contact with the horse’s back and becomes unstable. It will rock, lean, and/or move diagonally/side to side.

How do you know if it is the tree causing the problem? Your Fitter has tried everything to make the saddle work for the horse: overflocking/underflocking, tree width changes, half pads, shims, different girths… and the problem still persists.

A saddle with a tree that fits the horse will be stable DESPITE not being the “perfect fit”, much like well-fitted shoes can be a 1/2 size off and still be comfortable.

Shoes that don’t match your foot’s shape can be the exact right size, and you’ll be uncomfortable no matter what socks/inserts/pain killers you use.

If you’re shopping for a saddle, even used, it’s worth it to have several Brand Reps out to ride in their saddles. Which brands/models does your horse seem happiest in? Which saddles were the most stable while still affording ample wither and Trapezius clearance? Which Rep is the most knowledgable about their product and the horse’s anatomy? The fit of your saddle depends on the Rep’s competence and knowledge of their product.

07/17/2023

07/13/2023

How to create still hands?

Coordination, control and balance are all components that go into creating soft hands in the saddle.

The more unbalanced we are, the more we require the reins and our hands to balance.

The better you can control your body and each part independently the more you can separate things.

Hands that are moving and being used to balance are typically symptoms of a balance and strength problem.

If you only focus on the symptom, you aren’t addressing the root cause. And this creates a bandaid. To really make improvements it’s always about getting to the root cause of the symptom.

This is where building strength and coordination comes in because we need a base of strength to build upon and create that coordination from. Your core strength and balance is vital for soft still hands.

The more balanced you become and the more stable and ‘grounded’ you feel the less you will require your hands for balance and the more you can soften them.

Try this experiment and walk around your house off balance( tipping forwards, backwards, sideways) note the role your arms and hands play in keeping you balanced. This is just human nature to use your arms and hands to balance. It’s a protection mechanism.

However, the more you can balance through your core and torso and the more stable you are through the saddle, the less you will need to balance with your hands.

Always address the root cause of the problem to gain the long term fix 🤓

Have you downloaded our FREE guide yet?

👉Learn all about our DRT system and discover the four key elements to improving your riding.

Check it out here 🔗 https://dressageridertraining.com/guide/

07/13/2023

07/13/2023

07/07/2023

**NEW RESEARCH PUBLISHED**

A new study “Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics”, published in Animals Open Access

Rachel Murray, Mark Fisher, Vanessa Fairfax and Russell MacKechnie-Guire

Link to read full study: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/13/2127

There is increasing interest in the effect of saddle design on horse kinematics, but little evidence of the influence on rider–saddle interaction and how this affects horse movement patterns.

We aimed to investigate the effect of changing the design of the saddle’s thigh block on the interaction between the rider and saddle and the effect this has on rider movement and horse movement.

To do this, we used a seat pressure mat between the rider and the saddle and tracking technology to analyse horse and rider movement. Elite level sports horses, ridden by elite level riders, were trotted in well-fitting dressage saddles that were identical, except for the thigh block design.

During straight-line locomotion when in sitting trot, results showed that a thigh block with a more deformable face (thigh block F) resulted in a greater contact area and more pressure between the rider’s seat and the saddle as well as a more upright rider position when the horse’s limbs were on the ground. An association between thigh block design, horse spinal movement, and forelimb flexion was also seen. These findings illustrated the importance of optimizing rider–saddle–horse interaction.

07/03/2023

Improve your strength for riding with these 7 key lower body dressage exercises for riders. Create better posture and balance for dressage .

06/20/2023

Good one

This week’s featured video is all about leg-yielding. FEI L4/5* judge Janet Foy discusses how the leg-yield should be executed. Watch it here: https://yourdressage.org/2023/06/19/from-the-judges-booth-with-janet-foy-leg-yield/

06/19/2023

Carrots and apples aren't the only fruits and veggies you can share with your horse! In fact, there are many more that offer numerous health benefits.

06/16/2023

Good to know

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to bit fit. A certain brand of bit features an arrow on one side of the bit. It is important for correct bit fit, that the arrow is on the left and pointing forwards. Arrow on the left ensures that the smooth rounded surfaces of the bit are comfortable, and smooth on the bars and palate. If using a bit, important to check it is fitted correctly to ensure optimal intra-oral comfort. 🤓

For more information www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/