Davkalee Saddlery. Equine Saddle Fitter

20/07/2024

This 🙌🏻👏🏻

Your saddle is not a miracle worker. If your horse is a barrel, and there is a bit of wonkiness somewhere (you or the horse) and your saddle slips to the side… your saddle isn’t necessarily to blame. Instead, get it checked and if it’s ok, work on making the horse less of a barrel shape… and straightening them (and yourself!) up so there is less unevenness.

If your horse has big wide ribs and an itty bitty shoulder… or a girth groove that’s inches in front of the girth line… maybe your saddle slips forward. That’s physics. Your girth will always pull into the narrowest place. Sometimes changing your girth or the girthing on the saddle can help.

If your horse has massive shoulders, and hoiks them up into the air when they jump… those massive shoulders can push the saddle back. That’s physics. Again sometimes girths and girthing can help. But saddles can’t defy the laws of physics.

If you or your horse is uneven then yes we can pad/flock/shim saddles to help. But… working on evening them up is much more beneficial.

Sometimes, in an attempt to hold a saddle still, to fight against the laws of physics (and often to keep the rider happy), we can end up clamping a saddle too much. Personally I would rather see a saddle shunt forward/to the side/backwards a little bit if the alternative is to clamp it too much the other way.
What do you think?

16/07/2024

🐴😍🐴 PAINTER 🐴😍🐴

A few weeks ago i went to do a fitting and fell in love with the CUTEST little dude called Painter🥰.

He was a dream to template and try multiple saddles on, both statically and ridden and now has a brand new saddle 😁.

Such a handsome chap with the sweetest personality.....and guess what....he's for sale (damn i should've had kids sooner🤔😅).

He will make the best family member and will be a real confidence giver. 🤎

Drop me a message if you are interested and i will pop you in touch with his wonderful owner😊.

12/07/2024

Finished the day off visiting the lovely Splash and Katy this evening for a recheck on her new Wintec saddle. When i first visited Splash 3 months ago he was suffering with some muscular back pain due to his previous saddle recently being adjusted by someone else and not being suitable for him - we tried multiple saddles and found he went the best (free and comfortable in his movement) in the Wintec 500 wide. Coming back tonight and finding NO muscle spasm or soreness in his back at all was amazing 🥰.
Splash is now back living his best life winning show classes and back out jumping after 2years of not even being able to walk over a pole, bolting and riding in a tense, uncomfortable manner.

Had a little jumping sesh this eve which Splash thoroughly enjoyed...even with the crazy spectators getting in the way🤣🦆🦆🦆🦆

Katy has worked so hard to get this handsome chap going so well again😍.
Teamwork really does make the dream work! 🤩🤩

Ps: excuse the rubbish photo quality 😅

23/04/2024

A great bit of info and illustration from the fab team at Saddles Direct 🤗

18/04/2024

Yesterday was a day of learning...lots🤓.
I spent the day with Zebra Products looking at their vast range of Amerigo and Equipe saddles, fitting them to different horses with varying conformations. A really insightful day picking up some neat little tips and tricks along the way.

And what better than to do it with some of my wonderful colleagues at Saddles Direct 🥰.

Also got a look at the snazzy Mattes accessories 😍....and Finesse bridles that have a unique headpiece designed to distribute and reduce pressure on the poll.

A great day, thank you Sally at Zebra and thank you for arranging Saddles Direct.💛

28/03/2024

Before the rain came😎😅.

Lovely start to the day this morning at my first fitting...couldnt resist getting a quick snap of the some of the saddles in the (very short lived) sunshine😁🌞

17/03/2024

First day back fitting yesterday after 5weeks recovering from my foot op🥳. What a lovely start to the day fitting a new saddle to the cute Dobby🐴😍.
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all my clients for your patience whilst i get back on my feet (literally😁)....i am now booked up for the rest of March and taking appointments for April and May💐🌸.

Please drop me a message if you would like to book in or discuss you horse/pony's saddle etc.

13/01/2024

Wow look at them go😍😍 the amazing Sarah Williams - Showjumper is smashing it on her superstars 🐴🐎

13/01/2024

Big news from the fabulous ladies at Saddles Direct 🥳🥳. Cant wait to visit the new setup🤗🤗

📣 BIG NEWS 📣

We are delighted to announce that Saddles Direct are moving to Myerscough International Equine Arena.

As of 1st February our new address will be
📍Saddles Direct, Myerscough Equine Arena, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, PR3 0RY

Read the full story at ➡️ https://saddlesdirect.co.uk/blogs/news-events/saddles-direct-gallops-into-a-new-chapter-at-myerscough-international-arena

09/01/2024

Happy New Year 😁...and wow what a busy start it has been. From rechecks/ fittings on current clients to meeting lots of wonderful new 'horsey' people and their furry friends🥰 this January is certainly looking to be my busiest already🥳.
I now only have a handful of dates left for Jan and the beginning of Feb....(if you have messaged me for dates etc, i finally have a free hour tomorrow morning so it will be spent drinking lots of tea and replying to you all😁😆).

🐴🐴 Please note that due to needing an operation on the 12th Feb, i will be out of action for aprox 4 weeks from that date so if you are desperate/ looking to get seen before March please let me know asap! Once the last few dates in Jan/ beginning Feb have been taken it will be around the middle of March onwards for my next appointments. 🐴🐴

11/12/2023

New years resolution = get better at doing posts! 😅🙈

Busy last month of the year with lots of fittings and massages🤗

Visited this very handsome chap this morning for a check on his saddle. I LOVE his moustache 😍😆. A very patient 6 year old who waited for me to 'faff' with his saddle to rebalance the seat and stop it lifting at the back.
🐴 Happy hacking Remi 🐴

03/11/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays meme relates to the rider biomechanics.

Horses develop a locomotor strategy to compensate for rider asymmetry. After inducing rider asymmetry by shortening one stirrup (B), we found that horses altered their movement patterns and increased limb loading.

These locomotor strategies reinforce the importance of rider symmetry and correct rider biomechanics.

🤓

www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

02/11/2023

💚The Perfect Fit💚

The Perfect Fit Kit is a simple templating kit you can use as horse owners to monitor your horse’s back shape.
In doing so, you will quickly be able to identify changes that could affect the fit of your saddle…
All you have to do is regularly take a template, compare it to the previous month… and let me know if you spot any changes.

📸 You send a photograph of the templates and I can let you know if an urgent saddle check appointment is needed, or advise you on steps you can take to ensure your horse is comfortable under the saddle before our next scheduled appointment.

Adding regular templating to your horse care routine will help you to ensure your horse remains comfortable and happy when being ridden.

💚Let’s work together to maintain a Perfect Fit 💚

You can read more about The Perfect Fit here: www.theperfectfitkit.co.uk

Feel free to drop me a message if you are interested in the kit or have any further questions😊.

19/10/2023

Back for a recheck on the handsome Joeys saddle which is my favourite day as i get to see my best buddy Mr Bumble🥰🥰🥰.
Joey has been working hard for his wonderful rider Melissa and has shifted some timber ready for Santa to bring lots of xmas goodies😆. He has also toned up and become alot more level over his shoulders which is fantastic as he will find it easier to maintain balance through his transitions and different gaits. A quick adjustment to the saddle was all that was needed to match the changes in Joeys back🐴🐴.

17/10/2023

Had a lovely day yesterday catching up with my fellow Saddles Direct ladies at an Arena products day. Got some exciting new saddles and products coming out in the spring😁😁😁

27/09/2023

Its not just the saddle fit which can impact a horse's muscles and movement. Correctly fitting bridles are just as important! 🤗

**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/

27/09/2023

🐴🐴Had a fab day helping out on the Arena stand at Osberton Horse Trials🐴🐴.
Great to catch up with the lovely Bev, the weather held out for most of the day😎 and lots of exciting things to plan for the future😁😁.
If you're heading to Osberton over the next couple of days, make sure you pop by the stand to see the fab selection of saddles and accessories💚

24/09/2023

Such lovely words from one of my clients 🥰. I visited the sweetest little pony Sadie last week who needed her saddle checking. What was meant to be a quick gullet change turned into a 30min battle with a screw that had previously been put in and cross threaded (pleaasee if the screw doesnt going in easily, dont force it..chances are youll end up cross threading it🙈)...After some teamwork, a bit of sweat, nearly tears and a few choice words we got it loose😂 and the new gullet fitted perfectly. A quick top up of flocking and rebalancing the panels had Jess feeling alot more stable and secure in the saddle 🤗.
I have to say Sadie is one of the most patient 4year old mares i have ever met and im excited to see the progress she has made when i next visit ❤🐴.

20/08/2023

😎 OUT OF OFFICE 😎

Im off to enjoy a bit of sunshine and will be back on Thursday 24th.
Please feel free to drop me a message and i will reply on my return😊.
...now where did i put my sunglasses🤔🤔

14/08/2023

🐴👐🏻Massage Time👐🏻🐴

Back visiting this handsome chap Mr Jack this evening for his monthly sports massage. BIG improvement in his back muscles and lots of posing at the end🤎. See you next month buddy.

24/07/2023

Had THE BEST suprise today whilst visiting a client. First time visit to do a saddle check and it turns out they have my old shetland Mr Bumble who ive not seen for about 8 years😍❤❤. Thankfully Melissa was amazing and didnt think (i hope) i was a complete weirdo when i burst into tears at the sight of him 😅🤦🏻‍♀️. He is living his best life and still as handsome as ever, just with a few extra grey hairs...but still looking fabulous for 20 years old🥰.
And we also managed to stabilise the lovely chap Joey's saddle which has been slipping to the right alot due to him having one shoulder bigger than the other. Happy horses and people all round 😁🧡🐴.

22/07/2023

**THURSDAY’S RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to rider’s hand preference and rein tension.

In a group of advanced level dressage riders, all of which were right handed, we found that the left rein tension was more consistent, and interestingly, greater variation in rein tension was found for the right hand, the riders preferred hand.

Is this increased variation in the “dominant” hand (right hand) a sign of dexterity at the rider applying the subtle rein aids….

Interpreting rein tension is complex, as the horse is also a contributing factor. Full manuscript will be out later this year which will investigate further the horse-rider interaction.

www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

22/07/2023

Always keep an eye on the condition of your saddle. Checking the stitching all over is just as important as keeping the leather clean and hydrated. 🤗

When you clean your tack, you should check all of the stitching to ensure that it is not loose or broken. The stitching which holds the panel in place on your saddle, (Lacing) should be invisible, if you can see it, it could mean that it is coming loose and that will effect the way your saddle sits on your horse. Check the stitching on your girth straps and girth too, it could cause a serious accident if the girth gave way while you were riding. Stirrup leathers are often overlooked when checking stitching. (Even check the newer types of leathers which have a metal clasp rather than stitching as occasionally the leather is not inserted quite as far as it should be)

Equally the stitching on your bridle is vitally important to check, is the stitching in your cheek pieces secure? Again a disastrous accident could happen if the stitching came away and the bit fell out of the horses mouth not to mention it could bang against the horse's teeth causing at least discomfort.

Regular checks could prevent a serious accident for both your and your horse. If in doubt ask your local Qualified Saddler to check for you.

29/06/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to the change in Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs) when horses are ridden in trot compared to trotting in-hand. Studies have a described the GRFs and reported that the forelimbs are affected to a greater degree than the hind limbs with changes in the magnitude of vertical GRF, and the shape of the longitudinal GRF curve.

Adding the rider to the dynamic system (horse), increases, and alters the load on the forelimbs more than the hind limbs (the HL are still affected)- reinforces the importance of correct rider biomechanics, rider posture/balance, saddle fit and equine posture.

www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/

26/06/2023

🐴🐎Another happy customer this weekend🤩🤩.

Fitted this gorgeous chap with a new Wintec 500 SC GP. Tara was looking for something that provided both herself and Riley a comfortable ride as they like to go out exploring the countryside.

The Wintec, with its Cair System is light and supportive of Rileys back whilst keeping Tara feeling comfortable and secure in the seat😊.

Even if you just like to go for a plod round the village or a 10min walk around the arena, it is still so important to get your saddle checked to make sure your horse is feeling comfortable with what is on their back. Any presssure points from an ill fitting saddle can change the way a horse moves and if we want them to perform at their best, no matter what it is we are asking them to do, the least we can do is make sure they are feeling comfortable.

Its always better to prevent the issues than to have to try and fix the problem.

Happy Hacking Guys😁😁

19/06/2023

Saddles Direct is a fantastic company stocking a huge variety of both new and 2nd hand saddles. Working in association with SD means i have access to these amazing brands and can bring a selection of saddles to match both your horse and your own needs. If you see a saddle on their website you want to try, you can request to trial them for a couple of days via the website or if you book an appointment for a saddle fit, you can let me know and i can bring it along to the fitting (providing it hasnt been snapped up by another lucky customer😊).

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions or enquiries.

Finding the perfect saddle can be stressful, but not anymore! Here at Saddles Direct, we understand the importance of choosing the correct saddle and have put together some top tips to help you out.

Firstly, it's essential to find the right seat size that can accommodate you and your horse. We recommend hiring an experienced saddle fitter to help you make the right decision.

Next up, you need to find the right tree size, depending on your horse's width. Your saddle fitter will measure your horse to determine the correct size for your horse.
Once you have these details sorted, you can choose the style of saddle that suits your riding style. Whether you are into dressage, jumping, or general all-round riding, we have the perfect saddle for you.

At Saddles Direct, we have the most extensive collection of saddles and offer a TRIAL BEFORE YOU BUY service. That means you can trial any two saddles for up to 5 days!

We also have a network of highly reputable and experienced saddle fitters and saddle consultants to help you make the right choice.

So, why wait? We want to help you make informed decisions for the health and happiness of your horse. Head over to our website now and choose the best saddle for you and your horse. 🐴🌟

19/06/2023

🦄🐴A SIMPLE ADJUSTMENT🐴🦄

Although not every saddle check is an easy tweak here or there, it's always nice to be able to find a simple solution for one of my clients.

I visited this beautiful boy last week. His current saddle was too wide causing it to sit too low in front and lift up at the back making the rider feel unbalanced and forcing both the pony and rider's weight down onto his shoulder and forehand.
With a small change to the saddle, i was able to give the pony more space to work through his back properly which allowed him to become softer through the neck and open through his shoulders. This immediately made the rider feel level and balanced through the seat. Such a gorgeous pony😍🐴. This video shows the pony trotting after i had made the adjustment to the saddle. I will put the before video in the comments as i cant seem to add 2 to the post - technology is not my friend😂😆😅
(Permission was given to use these videos😊).

06/06/2023

Received these fabulous photos from my client Jerry Parker of her stunning boy Az in his new jump saddle that i fitted for him at the weekend.❤❤
This chosen saddle makes Jerry feel super secure and comfortable in her seat and gives Az the freedom to move his shoulders and lift through his back whilst remaining stable throughout any acrobatics he throws for his mum (he's only a baby still). So happy we found the perfect match for you both😍🤩.

02/06/2023

**THURSDAY RESEARCH MEME**

Todays research meme relates to equine back movement when trotting in-hand compared to when trotting with a saddle and rider. As a result of the dynamic effect of the saddle and rider, back movement is altered, therefore highlighting the importance of correct saddle fit, rider biomechanics and a optimal locomotor system 🤓.

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

19/05/2023

At the beginning of the week i spent an incredible couple of days at the Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd factory in Walsall. I learnt so much in those two days, from discovering the history of the brand and how the saddle industry came to be in Walsall, the way they template a horse to gather as much information to provide the best fit and each stage to seeing a saddle made from stage 1 all the way to the completed model, it was truly fascinating. I even got to have a go at covering a knee block😏.
The most accommodating people and super informative🧡. On the 2nd day, we were watching Albion's amazing and super talented saddle fitter Sophie template a couple of horses, talking through her process from the start (looking at the horses conformation) to the ridden assessment and trying on different saddles.

Below are a few pictures from the days. I will be doing other posts with a bit more educational information on but for now i'm taking the other half to the Cotswolds for his birthday....(someones spoilt🙄😅).

Big thanks to Saddles Direct for organising and inviting me to Albion. I cant wait to put into practise what i have learnt.😁😁