Taxonomy term

This issue’s focus on equine back problems is an opportune time to examine the relationship between equine back disorders and saddle fit. The issue of “kissing spines,” or overriding dorsal spinous processes, is of concern to many riders.

caring for horse tack, how to clean a saddle, how to clean horse tack, leather shampoos, leather cleaning equine

For anyone born with the horse-crazy gene, the tack room is ground zero. This isn’t just a place to park the saddle. This is the room where riders lay out their plans, craft their goals, and visualize their dreams all amid the trappings that help make it happen.

saddle fitting, short person saddle, short legs saddle, schleese, saddlefit4life

Shorter riders need specific changes in saddle design and fit to accommodate their body types. As obvious as it may seem, just shortening the flap will not create a better saddle fit for someone who is of smaller stature. When the knee roll or the leg support of the saddle hits the knee, it can turn the leg out from the horse, making it difficult to keep the lower and upper inner leg against the horse.

half pad, saddle fitting,  jochen schleese, schleese saddle fitting, equine ergonomist, saddlefit for life, schleese, saddle balance, schleese saddle, pommel to cantle

Question: I frequently see half pads being used under saddles, made of either gel, memory foam, or leather. Do you think these pads are necessary or is a properly fitted saddle sufficient to cushion a horse’s back? Answer: There is an old wisdom that a well-fitting saddle should not need anything underneath it, save perhaps a thin cotton pad to protect the saddle from the horse’s sweat.

Easy Fit Saddles, western saddle, adjustable saddles, lightweight saddles

Traditional on the outside, innovative on the inside. Easy Fit Saddles, based in Millarville, Alberta, caters to horse people who want a saddle that truly fits both horse and rider.

riding helmets, horse helmets, equine helmets, horse safety, equestrian safety, horseback safety

It is commonly said that if you ask ten riders a question, you will get ten different answers. But there is one thing we should all agree on - you should never ride a horse without a helmet. Horses are inherently dangerous due to their natural flight instinct. Even the quietest lesson horse is capable of spooking at an unusual object, and even the most experienced riders have falls.

saddle fitting, short person saddle, short legs saddle, schleese, saddlefit4life

If you’re in the market for a new turnout blanket for your horse, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a great selection to choose from. Blanket technology has come a long way from the days of those heavy New Zealand rugs; today’s blanket shopper can select from a range of features and options to find the blanket that fits both their horse’s winter wardrobe needs and their budget.

saddle soap, clean horse tack, care for horse tack, Jochen Schleese, Equine Ergonomist, care horse leather, cleaning horse leather

Taking proper care of your leather goods will greatly enhance their appearance and lifespan. One of the greatest misconceptions in leather care has been with the correct use of saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are basically just what their names imply: soaps, and as such are to be used for cleaning only. In fact, sweat, which is acidic, and soap are the two greatest enemies of leather if they are not removed.

organize horse tack room, horse tack, equine tack, organize equine tack room, horse tack

You’ve finally arrived at the barn after a busy day at work, looking forward to clearing your mind and enjoying some quality horse time, when you open the door of your tack room…. There’s your saddle pad, still damp from yesterday’s ride, in a lump on the floor. Now you’ve located one glove but the other is nowhere to be found.

Jochen Schleese, saddle support, horse saddle fitting, horse dominant side, symmetrical gullet plate

Do you understand the natural asymmetry of the horse and its implications for saddle fit? Most horses are left-handed – or what we refer to as dominant on the left-hand side – and it is usually very obvious. There are many theories as to what causes this predisposition.

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