Saddlery and Tack

When using saddles and bridles on a daily basis, the rigours of riding puts them to the test so regular cleaning, care and attention is vital to ensure you are still using them in many years to come. As we all know, investing in good quality tack is likely to be one of the most expensive and important purchases you make for you and your horse. Once you have the right saddle, bridle and other tack accessories it is then over to you to ensure they remain in good condition and last for years. Your saddle and bridle should be checked each time you tack up and a more in depth look taken when cleaning. In general leather should be supple and free from cracks. If allowed to dry out, leather becomes brittle and weak, making it prone to splitting. Pay particular attention to straps which are subjected to a lot of stress e.g. girth straps and stirrup leathers. Make sure stitching is secure, metalwork e.g. buckles are not damaged and that holes have not become enlarged. If the tack is in poor condition it can injure you and your horse or cause a serious accident. Checks to tack should be thorough; this will involve turning your saddle upside down to check underneath it and lifting up all flaps. To check a bridle properly it will need to be taken apart as buckles often hide cracks in the leather. Steps to maintain leather must be taken to ensure it stays supple and safe. Ideally tack should be cleaned every time it has been used, but this is not always possible. At the very least bits should be washed in clean water and dried with a clean cloth after they have been used. Also if tack gets wet and muddy it should not be left or it is likely to become brittle or may stretch. Remove mud and dirt with a warm damp cloth and allow it to dry at room temperature, and then apply a leather conditioner. It is advisable therefore to thoroughly clean your saddle and bridle at least once a week. The aim of thorough cleaning is to remove all dirt and grease and then to feed and condition the leather. There are numerous products available on the market for conditioning leather such as sprays, wipes, soap bars, creams, oils and balms. Always read manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure the product is suitable for your particular type of leather. Whether you use a sponge, brush or cloth to clean and apply product make sure it is not too abrasive so that the leather isn’t scratched. To clean metalwork you can use a metal polish, this will leave buckles and stirrups etc looking brighter and clean. Never use polishes on bits though as they may be harmful to your horse. Even if you think you have washed a polish off it is likely a residue is left behind which you cannot see. If a saddle is good quality and well cared for it should last for years, and if it still fits your horse there is no need to replace it. You might like to replace certain parts though such as the girth straps and stirrup leathers. Stitching may also need redoing on certain parts of your saddle or bridle after a few years.

QUESTION: “What is the best way to find a Qualified Saddle Fitter? Are there

ANSWER: “There are many people out there claiming to be saddle fitters but in my opinion there is only one qualifying association that you should turn to for a properly qualified saddle fitter and that’s The Society of Master Saddlers. “The qualification was started in 1995, so they have 25 years’ experience in training, bringing on and assessing fitters under the auspices of the City of Guilds qualification board. “Having attended the Introductory course run by the Society, trainees (known as trainee saddle fitters) will continue fitting under the watchful eye of their Mentor for a total of three years, at which time they can attend the Qualified Saddle Fitter’s course. This is followed by a stiff assessment that includes a written paper, completely reflocking a saddle, adjusting the flock in a saddle, assessing conformation and movement, back assessment, templating, identifying materials used in the manufacture of saddles, checking saddles for safety and soundness and then fitting two saddles, including ridden assessment of suitability for both the horse and rider – one a dressage saddle and the second (on a different horse) a GP or jumping saddle. Most certainly not everyone passes, many achieving their qualification on the second attempt. “Once qualified, SMS RQSFs have to achieve CPD points through the year to keep their registration (that’s the R in the title) so that standards are kept high and new information can be shared. “In addition to the RQSF Qualification there are Registered Master Saddle Fitters – those that have practiced in this field for many years to a very high standard and undertaken further confirmation as to their abilities.

The Effect of Different Stirrup types on rider’s foot, leg and body stability is a collaborative project with biomechanics specialist Dr Russell MacKechnieGuire (Centaur Biomechanics), Master Saddler Mark Fisher (official Master Saddler of London 2012 Olympic games), Di Fisher, (Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddle Fitter), Dr Roberta Godoy (Senior Lecturer Veterinary Physiotherapy / Equine Science Writtle University College) and Dr Maria Terese-Engell who specialises in posture and movement analysis (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). This research project will be carried out in two stages at Writtle University. The first phase will focus on studying rider responses to differing stirrups in a rider simulator setting, followed by the same study but addressing the changes on a ridden, rather than simulated horse. The initiative, one of the most comprehensive studies of stirrups ever, will review how different stirrup designs affect rider position, knee angle and rider-saddle horse pressure and the findings are likely to stir up significant interest within the equestrian community. Commenting on the study, Dr David Martin said, “I am fortunate enough to be able to work with the best in the field to conduct independent trials to provide science-backed evidence to horse owners and riders which will impact on their decision making – and ultimately their horses’ comfort and therefore performance. Our research is not funded by any equestrian brands and we have no vested interest in delivering a preferred outcome, everyone involved in each of these studies is only motivated by the potential to identify impartial facts which will be shared to benefit the equestrian community.”

“Please do not confuse a Master Saddle Fitter or Qualified Saddle Fitter) with a Master Saddler or Qualified Saddler. These qualification holders are highly skilled at making saddles, bridles and leatherwork but are not necessarily saddle fitters. Each is a separate skill set and, whilst some QSFs or MSFs are also Qualified or Master Saddlers this is not a given. Please choose the skill that you need. “To find your nearest qualified saddle fitter visit The Society of Master Saddlers’ web site, www.mastersaddlers.co.uk where you will be able to see those in your area and their qualifications. I am sure that you will find someone good near to you who can help you with all of your saddle fitting needs.”

“If you decide to use a pad (and these are a very useful piece of kit to have in your tack room anyway) choose carefully. Look at any research work done on the pad and check on the methods used in the testing. Any claims made about any products should be verified as being based on solid and verifiable research. “Make sure that the pad does not have any filling through the centre seam – there should be a good 4 to 6cm space to allow room for the spine. If the filling/fleece continues over the spine this will exert pressure and compromise the horse’s comfort and ability to move.”

QUESTION: “Could a

ANSWER: “Some half pads with shims can be an excellent short-term solution for a horse which changes shape, but in your situation, with a nice 4-year-old to bring on I would be inclined to look instead for a for a well-designed adjustable saddle, fitted by an SMS qualified saddle fitter rather than relying on pads. “Many horses will keep changing shape for several years and that’s a long time to be using such a pad to try and achieve a good fit. Better to have regular visits from your saddle fitter who will be delighted to monitor and adjust the fit as necessary through the horse’s development. “Also, whilst the pad can adjust the fit, if the saddle is a bit wide to start with it can’t do anything if the saddle then becomes too narrow for the horse. “Choosing a saddle that is too wide to start with and blocking it up with shims may appear to work but the pressures involved won’t be so easily distributed and there is a high risk that the saddle will be less stable, both in movement side to side and front to back.

The Equitex Close Contact Saddle Pad is totally non-slip and has been proven by the Italian manufacturers to reduce the impact and concussion that a rider can impart through the saddle. It has also been shown to help encourage muscle development under the saddle. Equitex have developed a unique TechVelvet combining it with a shock absorbing foam, both of which allow for total freedom of movement for the skin and muscles under the saddle. RRP: from £229. www.equitex.co

The new Ludford Snaffle Bridle is made from premium black leather, the bridle features a sparkling, clear crystal browband and a crocodile and patent padded crank noseband. The throat lash is fully adjustable on both sides and the cheek pieces attach with traditional billet fastenings. Available in sizes Full, Cob and Pony. RRP: £108.99. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk

QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTER FOR THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS, COVERING CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NORFOLK AND SURROUNDING AREAS, POPPY ALSO WRITES REGULAR ADVICE POSTS ON PEEWEE SADDLERY’S SOCIAL MEDIA.

Horses tell us in a multitude of ways that their saddles aren’t fitting them, or that it’s time to get the saddle fitter out. So, what are the signs we’re looking for? We might think ‘bucking’ and ‘rearing’ are the things to look for; but there are many other, often more subtle signs. Any change in behaviour needs to be looked at, but the main things that we look for as saddle fitters are: • Suddenly not wanting to be caught or brought in to work • Hiding in the back of the stable when the saddle comes out • Unusual swishing/ kicking/biting when the saddle is put on or girthed up. Or even just a crinkling up of their little velvet noses • Moving away from the mounting block/reluctance to stand still when mounted • Rushing straight off when the rider mounts • Humping or hollowing their back on mounting • Unusual bucking, nappy or rearing • Throwing head up in upwards transitions • Reluctance to canter on one or

both canter leads • Started ‘stopping’ at jumps, or clipping poles with front feet • Rushing forward when rider leans forward to dismount All of these signs CAN be your horse telling you, in their own special way, that they’re uncomfortable. And all of them can be related to the saddle fit. Obviously, they can also indicate many other things (sore back, acid-y tummy, sore teeth etc), but saddle fit is often a good place to start. Remember, horse’s aren’t usually ‘naughty’ for no reason. I mean, yes, some have more, um, cheeky personalities. My daughter’s Dartmoor pony likes to empty his grooming kit on the floor, and I swear he giggles as he watches you pick it all back up again. But usually a CHANGE in behaviour has a reason. And yes, whilst the reasons above can indicate it’s time to get your lovely Saddle Fitter out… it can also mean a call to the physio, chiropractor, dentist, farrier, or even vet. So, listen to your horse, and make sure you hear them when they ‘talk’ to you in their own little way. A list of all Qualified Saddle fitters can be found at www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

While it is generally accepted that horse riding carries certain risks, the latest findings underpin the potential hazards for horses and humans, associated with handling horses on the ground. The online survey was conducted by renowned equine scientist Dr David Marlin, Dr Jane Williams, Head of Research & Associate Professor at Hartpury University, and Dr Kirstie Pickles, Clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Medicine, University of Nottingham. It was carried out in 2020 and revealed that a third (31%) of the 5,615 respondents had experienced a horse being injured as a result of wearing a headcollar, with 15% of respondents reporting an additional injury to a person. In addition, 134 headcollar-related incidents were referenced resulting in a horse sustaining a fracture, while a staggering 167 equine fatalities were cited which were attributed to headcollar usage. The risk of an injury increased by 70% when horses were tied up although 20% of incidents occurred whilst horses were turned out. The frequency of injury was highest amongst owners using webbing headcollars and lowest amongst those opting for a leather product. The use of either leather or synthetic safety headcollars significantly reduced the likelihood of injury. Commenting on the study, Dr David Marlin said, “Headcollars are the most commonly used piece of tack, yet ironically, there is very limited information available to owners regarding how to fit them correctly, how to use them safely and which safety features to look out for at point of purchase. This is definitely a topic which would benefit from improved education amongst horse owners to help them understand and mitigate against the potential risks linked to headcollar usage. Owners also need to be made aware of the research which suggests that leather headcollars represent a safer option. As always, we should be guided by the science that provides the evidence to dictate the best choice of headcollar, rather than allow ourselves to be swayed by the latest designs. More studies are required on this subject and we are hopeful that further research will be undertaken relating to headcollar function, leading to industryapproved guidelines for headcollar fit and use.”

whilst being a bit safer as, should the horse catch a leg on a fence going crosscountry, you are more likely to be pinged clear of the falling horse. “Whilst your budget will dictate what type of saddles you can buy, you do not have to spend a King’s ransom to get both. There are some excellent welldesigned synthetic saddles on the market as well as various price points as you go into leather saddles. “A Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified or Master saddle fitter (one local to you can be found on the SMS website where they are listed by county) will be able to guide and advise you within your budget, knowing what might suit your horse and you, and what will not. “Not all saddles fit horses or their riders well and you really don’t want to make a mistake with this so please take their advice, as they want a satisfied client who will return to them year after year. They won’t be retained by one manufacturer so will have an open mind as to what will work for you and will also be there to care for your saddles as you progress. “Good luck with your eventing adventure!”

QUESTION: “I am looking at moving from

ANSWER: “If you are moving up to affiliated eventing it would certainly help your performance if you could buy more specialised saddles, and this needn’t cost you a fortune. I think that a dressage and a jumping saddle will suffice for now – specialist crosscountry saddles are needed for more advanced levels but to begin with these will serve your purpose. “A well-designed dressage saddle will position you in a way that makes your riding more effective in this section as well as giving a more pleasing picture to the Judge. A jumping saddle will enable you to ride with a shorter stirrup which will help you to stay in position over a fence

The new EquiAmi Lunge Line is soft and padded and has markers to indicate when the horse is working on 10m, 15m and 20m circles. The markers are even positioned to take into account the lower arm of the user so that the circle sizes are as accurate as possible. This ensures the handler knows they are working the horse on a consistent circle size on either rein or can easily judge if the circle is collapsing in. RRP: £24.99. www.equiami.com

The new BootProtect spurs from Sprenger protect riding boots thanks to the rubber coating on the inside of the spur. Invisible from the outside, the rubber coating also assist with a non-slip fit and the spur also impresses with their slim, stylish appearance. RRP: £42. www.zebra products.co.uk

QUESTION: “I am new to horse ownership and was

ANSWER:

“The best advice is to ask a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Bridle Fitter to come and advise you. “Although this is a recent addition to our qualifications it has been keenly taken up by many members and we are now building a good pool of such qualified people. These can be found on the SMS website. “It has become more and more obvious that the fit of the bridle is as important to the horse’s comfort and welfare as the fit of its saddle so it is not something that you should just guess at. Understanding of the anatomy of the horse’s head, the position of the many nerves in the face and other factors are far better understood now thanks to a great deal of research work that has been carried out, and a QBF will have studied this in detail. “Some factors to watch out for though, starting at the top of the head is that the headpiece must fit correctly both in length and shape around the ears. “Cheek pieces should sit in about the fourth or fifth hole from the top and be level with the eye, but please remember that new bridles will stretch a bit. “Therefore, don’t buy one which is on the top or second from top hole each side. “The cheek pieces should be of even length and be fastened as closely as possible to even each side. “Nosebands - a real minefield here but the one that is best avoided is the flash with a separate flash strap as these really affect the nerve endings around the face and are very uncomfortable for horses. There are alternatives that are better fitting if you need better communication with your horse. The noseband, headstrap and cheek piece must not sit on the edge of the cheek bones. “Likewise, if you use a high ring grakle it must be capable of being fastened so that the rings lay flat against the cheek, not at the edge. With many this isn’t possible. “Now the above are just a few of the factors that need to be taken into consideration –there are many more, so I ask you to please ask for guidance from a qualified fitter. If, however, you decide to just buy a specific make of bridle that you think looks good please check that it has been thoroughly researched as to the design and in use, and that the research is validated and available for you to see. Sometimes all that glitters is not gold!”