Treeless v. treed: A saddle fitter’s perspective
The reason treed saddles have been around for so long is because they serve a distinct purpose – to protect, support, and provide comfort to both horse and rider.
Read more
Author: Jochen Schleese
The long and short of it: How leg length affects your riding position
When you are sitting in your saddle you should never feel uncomfortable or out of balance because you are fighting the position the saddle puts you in.
Read more
Vertical challenges: Saddle fitting for shorter riders
There are considerations for all body types, male or female, which unfortunately too many saddle manufacturers do not look at in their saddle designs. Too many saddles are still very much ‘cookie-cutter’ models.
Read more
The evolution of the saddle tree: Is yours doing the right job?
Saddle-making history shows us that saddle trees looked almost the same for 4300 years.
Read more
Spotting muscle atrophy in horses, and how to avoid it
Atrophy will occur under severe instances of constant pressure which will first damage the hair follicles (resulting in hair loss and/or white hair).
Read more
“Dressage” vs. classical training: An uphill battle for horses
The ability to connect through the back and engage the hindquarters is a fundamental requirement for any horse in any discipline.
Read more
Checklist: The nine points of saddle fit to keep your horse (and you) happy
Jochen Schleese outlines his nine points for ensuring a correct saddle fit.
Read more
A weight on equine shoulders: Saddle fit and cartilage damage at the scapula
There is no published research but much anecdotal evidence that cartilage damage results from poor saddle fit at the shoulder area.
Read more
Bridle fit is as important to horses as saddle fitting: Here’s why
No other part of the anatomy has as many sensitive areas as the head. There are many nerves in the horse’s head. Some of them originate at exactly those areas where the noseband or flash lie.
Read more
The Knabstrupper breed in profile: Spot the difference
The Knabstrupper breed is relatively new – having been established in only 1812 in Denmark.
Read more
Most horses are asymmetrical, so why don’t saddlers take this into account?
It is surprising to us that there are still saddle companies and fitters out there who claim that they can fix asymmetry in a horse in a matter of minutes.
Read more
Do you understand the dust patterns and sweat marks of saddle fit?
One of the most misunderstood indicators of saddle fit – good or bad – are the sweat marks left behind when the pad has been removed.
Read more
Quick fixes and the throwaway society: Not the way with horses and saddles
Do you invest in a saddle if you’re not sure about a horse’s future – and how can you measure a horse’s true potential without a fitted saddle?
Read more
New saddle under the Christmas tree? You need this free fitting guide!
If your generous benefactor got you a saddle for Christmas I hope they involved both you and your horse and didn’t just choose a ‘pretty saddle’.
Read more
Under pressure: Warning signs to heed when your saddle isn’t a good fit
The saddle (as interface between horse and rider) has the potential to inflict the most anatomical and physiological damage when it no longer fits.
Read more
Is it wrong to jump your horse in a dressage saddle?
There are solid reasons behind choosing a saddle which is specific to the discipline you are riding – both for you and the horse.
Read more
The balancing act of horse riding and why you need to get it right
The rider actually has quite some influence on how “straight” the horse is. And even some top riders are not straight.
Read more
Saddle fit and the heavier rider – is your horse a beast of burden?
If you’re a heavier rider and your saddle isn’t right for you, chances are it is worse for your horse.
Read more
Horse riding: Not where the boys are, but why?
At dressage shows especially, it is almost painfully obvious how few boys there are riding and competing.
Read more
Saddle fit for the rider an often overlooked piece of the puzzle
Stirrup bar placement and rider leg length the key, says Jochen Schleese.
Read more