Taxonomy term

Fitting the Saddle to the Rider

Updated:

August 15, 2014

Jochen Schleese, Equine Ergonomist, buying a horse saddle, fitting a horse saddle to your horse, gender correct horse saddle, horse empathy

When you are in the market to purchase a saddle, you want to ensure that the saddle you are investing in will not only fit your horse, but will also fit you. If you have ridden in more than one saddle in your riding career, you probably noticed that there were subtle or major differences in each saddle. When you spend your dollars, you want a saddle that you and your horse will enjoy for years to come.

Meeting Riding Helmet Safety Head-On

Updated:

August 8, 2014

horse safety, equine safety, horse helmet, equestrian helmet, horse rider safety, horse helmet expiry, horse helmet expiration, horse helmet fit, riding helmet safety, Equine Guelph, horse helmet fitting tips, purchasing equestrian helmet

Experienced riders know that riding is risky business. Falls and other horse-related injuries are a real possibility, and even top riders cannot prevent all riding-related accidents.

9 Points of Saddle Fit

Updated:

March 13, 2014

9 Point Saddle Fit, Jochen Schleese, proper horse saddle fitting, Withers Clearance, Gullet width, channel Width, horse saddle tree angle, equine saddle fitting

Saddle fit has become a huge buzzword in the equestrian industry over the last 20 years or so as saddle designs slowly evolve to better accommodate the needs of the horse. Saddle fitting is a truly comprehensive art and science that involves getting the fit right for both parts of the equation – horse and rider.

Tips for Choosing Quality Leather Tack

Updated:

January 28, 2014

Tips for Choosing Good Quality Leather Tack

By Anna Carner Blangiforti - Tack made from hides that were poorly tanned in caustic solutions, made from hides given bad dye jobs, made using leather cut from the stretchy belly portion of a hide, or made cutting any other manufacturing corners cannot be improved by after-market cleaners or conditioners. If you buy tack at a bargain price, be prepared to get what you pay for.

Winter Leather Care

Updated:

January 13, 2014

By Ceileidh Sager - The cooler temperatures that accompany the arrival of winter should be a reminder that the season’s rain, wind, and snow can wreak havoc on your tack. Saddles, bridles, and other leather equipment represent important investments, and preventing leather from cracking, drying, or becoming moldy is crucial to its longevity. Here are some guidelines for keeping your tack in tip-top shape throughout the winter.

Used or Abused? When to Keep Old Tack

Updated:

November 27, 2013

When to keep horse tack, Anna Carner Blangiforti,

You’ve taken your bridle apart for a thorough cleaning and notice that the leather seems squashed and the edges are a little cracked where the rein ends wrap around the bit rings. Is it time for a new pair of reins or are these good for a while longer?

Saddle Pad Dust Patterns & Saddle Fit

Updated:

November 25, 2013

When it comes to using saddle pad dust patterns to determine saddle fit, the dirt should accumulate in the areas of the saddle pad that experience the most movement: at the front of the saddle (where the shoulder moves up and back) and at the back (where horse’s back swings). No dirt should show in the areas where the saddle doesn’t come in contact with the horse’s back, such as the gullet or at the transition between sweat flap and panel.