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Riding Wide-Backed Horses

Q: How can I avoid feeling ‘pulled apart’ when riding my wide-backed horse? A: The twist of the saddle is crucial in determining this type of issue coming up. Because of the female pelvic structure and our muscles, most women will need a fairly narrow, upside-down ‘u’ shaped twist. The twist is defined as being that part of the tree that you will feel between your upper inner thighs…

Saddle Fit and Bumps and Blisters

I often come across this issue when I am fitting saddles. I have included a couple of pictures of various horses that I have worked with – all of whom developed these funny looking bumps or blisters after I fitted their saddles! That was always really strange to me, until I actually researched the phenomenon and spoke to several veterinarians about the causes and reasons behind these irregularities. Fluid bumps can develop when the horse is ridden hollow and the transverse processes of the spine touch each other or rub (as in kissing spine), or the withers are not in alignment with the spine. Fluid bumps can also come when the ligaments have been injured previously from saddles with gullets that were too narrow. A saddle that sits on the shoulder and on the ligaments of the spine (instead of behind the shoulder and on the muscles of the saddle support area), will carry most of the rider’s weight on the cartilage of the shoulder and on these spinal ligaments. The fluid does not develop if you press on the injured ligaments or on the spinal transverse processes, since the horse is being impeded from its full range of motion by the placement and pinching of the saddle. Therefore, the false assumption may develop that it is better to have the saddle sitting on the spine and shoulders as then there are no bumps and the horse does not show discomfort. This is only temporary respite, as deformity has not set in yet.

Sabine Schleese: On a Mission to Help Horses

For nearly 30 years, Jochen and Sabine Schleese, founders of Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. in Canada, have worked with enthusiastic dedication to help as many horses and riders worldwide as possible. Unique for relying on a global network of saddle fit technicians to sell and service their saddles, they are proponents of education in order to best serve the needs of equestrians. “Helping horses and riders is Jochen’s passion and why he loves to teach others what he knows,” said Sabine. “He isn’t just talented with design, research and development. He’s also our best salesman and teacher, which is why we formed Saddlefit 4 Life, so he can lecture all over the world and certify equine and saddle ergonomists.” …

Muscle Atrophy and Muscle Definition

What exactly is muscle atrophy and how is it different from good muscle definition? When a muscle has been trained for more than it would have normally developed naturally, and then not used for a while, it will naturally ‘atrophy’ back to its shape as nature would have determined it. It takes four times longer to develop a muscle than it does to lose muscle, which is why illness resulting in bed rest can have such a drastic effect on your leg muscles when you start to move around again. Muscle atrophy also occurs when an unbalanced saddle puts too much pressure on a particular muscle, and the horse tries to remove or avoid this pressure. He goes into ‘defensive mode’ by contracting the muscle in the area (as well as the surrounding muscles) and can even alter his gaits…

The Sense of Touch

Question: Is it alright to shave my horse’s whiskers off? Answer: No. This really isn’t okay at all – for the following reasons, with thanks to Wikipedia and Paul McGreavy as references. Whiskers or vibrissae are actually a type of mammalian hair that are typically larger in size than normal hairs, have a large and well-innervated hair follicle, and have an identifiable representation in the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Horses use their lips and whiskers to explore and identify things. A horse’s brain contains cells that receive information from these whiskers. Each time the horses’ whiskers touch something, the nerves fire off an electrical impulse to the brain to help determine what it is that is being touched.

Schleese Saddlery Service and Saddlefit 4 Life® – Dedicated to Improving the Comfort and Well-Being of Horse and Rider

“In 1984 after qualifying for the European Championships I had to retire my beautiful Hanoverian gelding for lameness and my riding career came abruptly to an end,” says Jochen Schleese owner, with wife Sabine, of Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. in Holland Landing, Ontario. “I wish I knew then what I have learned in the past 30 plus years as a Certified Master Saddler consulting with equine professionals around the world. At the very least, I know Pirat would have been sound a lot longer. At best my riding career would have gone much farther… The stressful and unhappy experience with Pirat drove Schleese to launch Saddlefit4Life® in 2005 as a global network to include top trainers, physiotherapists, veterinarians, chiropractors, massage therapists, farriers, and saddle fitters. His goal was to share expertise and knowledge with clients on products, systems, and training methods, and protect horses and riders from long term damage caused by ill-fitting saddles. Saddlefit 4 Life® Certified Saddle Ergonomists and Independent Saddle Fitters provide onsite diagnostic saddle fit analysis, solving horse and rider issues for clients worldwide.

Lameness Causes Saddle Slip? Or Vice Versa?

These thoughts are in response to a recent article appearing in several magazines concerning the international conference put on by the Saddle Research Trust with one of the topics being the interaction between equine lameness as a cause for saddle slip. Although my experiences and personal examination of this phenomenon seems to indicate that the causative factors are actually the other way around (i.e., saddle slip causes lameness issues), there were several good points coming from this conference that are consistent with what I know and teach about saddle fitting: • Saddle fit must include fitting the rider correctly • Saddle slip is due to “asymmetries of the horse, the rider or the saddle” • Rider crookedness is more likely a result than a cause of saddle slip • More frequent (than annually) evaluations may be needed because a horse’s back changes with seasons, body weight, and workload • Riders ride (foot pronation or not) as they walk (we ride as we are, so it would follow we ride as we walk too) • Riders need good core strength and should be symmetrical in order to make their horses symmetrical • Early detection of saddle slip is important. What I don’t necessarily agree with …

The Sense of Touch

I recently returned from a very successful teaching clinic in Germany for Saddlefit 4 Life® and had the opportunity to once again work with some excellent Equine Ergonomists and some stunning horses. What I found really interesting is the amount of animal welfare concerns that have become the basis for some mainstream changes in law for various governing bodies. Beginning with the equivalent of the Kennel Club, where it is against the law to dock any breed’s tails or clip their ears. Mind you – it is strange seeing a Rottweiler with a long tail or a Doberman with floppy ears and a long tail – but without a doubt it is a much more humane practice. I think these restrictions are slowly gaining favour in North America as well. So how does this relate to horses? Well, for one thing, it is against the laws of the FN to clip horse whiskers (any facial hair for that matter). It is sometimes really noticeable how hairy the horses are, but even more so in contrast to what we generally see at North American competitions. And then I had my staff start doing some homework by checking out conversations around horse grooming on various equine chat rooms. It seems that the majority consensus seems to be that it’s okay to cut/shave the whiskers, the ear hair, and sometimes even the eyelashes on horses when getting ready to show! There have been articles on ‘how to get your horse ready for shows’ that are full of tips of how to get the closest shave in all these areas, which truly made me angry. So – it really isn’t okay at all. For the following reasons…

Ein neues Berufsbild – A New Job Description

BRAUNSFELD. Einen Sattel braucht man, wenn man ein Pferd reiten will. Doch wie wichtig diese „Schnittstelle“ zwischen Pferd und Reiter ist und was sie, wenn sie weder zum Tier noch zum Menschen passt, allesanrichtenkann,das wissen die wenigsten. Von Lahmheit, Arthrose beim Pferd bis hin zu Wundstellen, Rückenschmerzen und Verspannungen reichen die Auswirkungen eines ungeeigneten Sattels. Gerade für Frauen sind viele Sättel ungeeignet: Denn die werden in der Regel fürMänner hergestellt. (Aus eigener Erfahrung weiß Angelika Schleese genau, was einen anatomisch passenden Frauensattel ausmacht. (Foto: Sprünken)

Saddles Soar with Schleese

This year renowned North American saddle manufacturer Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. Is celebrating its 30th year in business. Here is the story of how Certified Master Saddler Jochen Schleese first started his company, and several of the highlights of these past 30 years as a key player in the equestrian industry.

Saddle Fit and the Changing Three-Dimensional Back of the Horse

From the measurements which we have accumulated over the last 30 years from about 150,000 different horses, we have determined that about 70% are more strongly muscled on the left as in a); about 10% are even as in b), and about 20% are bigger as on the right (c). What I can conclude with certainty based on my observations, is that a good 70% of those horses which were measured over the years have a more strongly developed shoulder and shoulder muscles, with a more forward right shoulder. This is what we call ‘the natural asymmetry’ of the horse. Our general methodology in working with horses would also seem to underline the affinity we have with the left side of the horse. We lead on the left, we saddle from the left, and we mount from the left. Many horses demonstrate ‘uneasiness’ when approached from the right; even when brushed on the right. Perhaps it is because they instinctively want to protect their right side, which houses the digestive organs. This seeming anomaly will also be seen when observing horses fighting. The horse will turn its left shoulder towards the aggressor. When riding it is also seemingly easier to ride to the left, canter with the left lead, and most horse races go to the left, or counter clockwise – perhaps because the horse’s ‘natural asymmetry’ is almost always stronger to the left. It is a very important point to train and ride the horse straight. In the German training scala it clearly comments and describes the methods that define the rider and provide procedures on how to train and ride their horses to become straight. It is possible for the rider to counteract the ‘natural asymmetry’ of the horse by training in such a way that the serratus and the pectorales muscles …

How Do You Know Your Horse is Happy?

WHILE THIS QUESTION MAY ALMOST RANGE INTO THE FIELD OF ANTHROPOMORPHIZATION (ASCRIBING HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS TO AN ANIMAL), YOUR HORSE’S ‘HAPPINESS’ OR BEING COMFORTABLE IS PROBABLY OF CRITICAL INTEREST TO YOU AS HIS OWNER AND RIDER. You know your horse better than anyone – instinctively, you know immediately when something is amiss, even if you can’t immediately diagnose where the problem lies or what is causing it. We can put words to what you already know – how do you tell when your horse is happy? What is below may be considered a little controversial, but if you are truly honest with yourself, you may realize that there is lot of truth in what I am about to share.

Saddle Fit and the Changing 3-D Back of the Maturing Horse

‘Tis the season for buying young horses. Along with bringing the new prospect home come questions of when to start the youngster, and whether it makes sense to invest in a custom saddle. First, I will clarify the term “custom saddle.” I believe that true adjustability in a saddle is more important than whether it is “custom.” An adjustable saddle can be changed to accommodate the horse’s conformation as the horse matures, and that saddle is a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, you will likely have to buy several saddles over the course of your horse’s lifetime to make sure the fit remains optimal.

QandA: Where Should the Saddle Be Positioned on the Horse’s Back?

There are many opinions where exactly a saddle should sit correctly, and it may depend somewhat on the discipline you are riding in. The fact remains the saddle should stay off the shoulder and be placed before the 18th thoracic vertebra. This is what is called the ‘saddle support area’ (SSA) and is relatively simple to find on your horse. It’s sometimes surprising how small this area actually is even on what seems a long-backed horse, and as the horse matures, it can actually grow smaller as the shoulder muscles grow larger and move the shoulder blade further back. The SSA begins about four fingers behind the base of the withers (making sure that the tree points are always behind the back edge of the shoulder blade) and ends at the 18th floating rib. You can easily find this if you follow the hair line up to the spine and feel where the lumbars begin and the ribs end. You want to make sure that your cantle is …

Proper Care of Your Saddle and Leather Accessories

Taking proper care of your leather goods greatly enhances their appearance and lifespan, no matter the brand. Nowadays, saddles are considered investments, with proper “tune ups” extending lifespans to 15-20 years (for a good quality, adjustable saddle that fits the rider and can be re-fitted to the horse as necessary). Maintenance includes repairing stitches, replacing billets, and addressing fit issues. One of the greatest misconceptions has been about saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are exactly what their names imply: soaps, and should be used for cleansing only. Soap and sweat are the two enemies of leather if not removed…

Neue Perspektiven als Sattel-Experte (German article)

Der beste Reitunterricht und das tollste Pferd der Welt nützen selbst dem talentiertesten Reiter nichts, wenn sein Sattel nicht optimal liegt. Das zu erkennen erfordert besondere Fachlichkeit. Die sattlefit 4 Life Akademie in Köln bietet hier Ausbildungen an, mit denen Reiter ihr Wissen erweitern können, Berufsreiter, Trainer, Osteopathen lukrative zusätzliche Betätigungsfelder erlernen oder Sattler und Reitsportfachhändler mit dem neuen Beruf Sattel-Ergonom buchstäglich aufsatteln…

How Do You Know if Your Horse is Happy?

While this question may almost range into the field of anthropomorphization (ascribing human characteristics to an animal), your horse’s ‘happiness’ or being comfortable is probably of critical interest to you as his owner and rider. You know your horse better than anyone – instinctively, you know immediately when something is amiss, even if you can’t immediately diagnose where the problem lies or what is causing it. We can put words to what you already know – how do you tell when your horse is happy? What is below may be considered a little controversial, but if you are truly honest with yourself, you may realize that there is lot of truth in what I am about to share. A horse is not able to lie, to ‘act’ like he’s feeling comfortable, happy, or relaxed, when he’s not. Watch for the feedback your horse gives you and it’s easy to see what his state of mind is. We all know the usual signs; the eyes, the ears, the tail. In nature, the horse – a ‘flight’ animal – can run full out at a moment’s notice. There is no necessity for the thought process “Okay, I’m being chased by a wolf, I’m going to have to run fast in about 3 seconds, so perhaps I should warm up a bit so that I can go full tilt”. By that time, the horse would be lunch…

Proper Care of Your Saddle and Leather Accessories

Saddle Fitting 101 – A Master Saddler Shares Advice on the Practical Science of Saddle Fitting

Your horse’s conformation will change many times over the course of his life. Think of a circle surrounding him (or her), one divided into equal pieces with a minimum of eight at any given time. Only one of these pieces represents the rider; other components include the trainer, the veterinarian, other body workers, nutrition, the blacksmith, the horse’s age and condition and the tack—including bits, bridles, girths, saddles and pads. The saddle and the work of the saddle fitter must never be considered in isolation, since all of the pieces of this circle of influence are interdependent. If the training methods or the horse’s nutrition are altered, the horse’s conformation will change. It follows logically that the saddle will no longer fit – and the reason is not because the saddle fitter did a bad job but because the shape of the horse’s back has been altered.

Saddle Fit for the Changing Horse

There’s a misconception that if you purchase a custom saddle, or have your saddle fitted to your horse, it will fit for life. This is incorrect! Your horse’s conformation will change over the course of his life due to many influences, the least of which are his age and level of training. To illustrate some of these influences, consider a circle surrounding the horse and divided into eight equal pieces (as shown in the accompanying picture). Only one of these pieces represents the rider; the others represent the trainer, the veterinarian, other body workers, nutrition, the blacksmith, the horse’s age and condition, and last but not least, the tack – including bits, bridles, girths, saddles and pads. The saddle, and the saddle fitter’s work, must never be considered in isolation,…

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Published Articles

View The Articles Index

Riding Wide-Backed Horses

Saddle Fit and Bumps and Blisters

Sabine Schleese: On a Mission to Help Horses

Muscle Atrophy and Muscle Definition

The Sense of Touch

Schleese Saddlery Service and Saddlefit 4 Life® – Dedicated to Improving the Comfort and Well-Being of Horse and Rider

Lameness Causes Saddle Slip? Or Vice Versa?

The Sense of Touch

Ein neues Berufsbild – A New Job Description

Saddles Soar with Schleese

Saddle Fit and the Changing Three-Dimensional Back of the Horse

How Do You Know Your Horse is Happy?

Saddle Fit and the Changing 3-D Back of the Maturing Horse

QandA: Where Should the Saddle Be Positioned on the Horse’s Back?

Proper Care of Your Saddle and Leather Accessories

Neue Perspektiven als Sattel-Experte (German article)

How Do You Know if Your Horse is Happy?

Proper Care of Your Saddle and Leather Accessories

Saddle Fitting 101 – A Master Saddler Shares Advice on the Practical Science of Saddle Fitting

Saddle Fit for the Changing Horse

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