Mayer Cattle Company Report

Sa d d l e te c h

Mayer Cattle Company SADDLE FITTING CLINIC Houston, Texas - May 4 - 6, 2001

A Confidential Report By

Robert Ferrand Inventor

2995 Woodside Rd. Suite 400, Woodside, CA 94062 877-SADDLETECH (723-3538)

$

WWW.SADDLETECH.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. SCOPE OF THE PROJECT .........................................……

3

2. THE SADDLE FITTING CHALLENGE........................................ 4 3. HOW MUCH PRESSURE IS TOO MUCH .................................... 5 4. A FEED BACK LOOP IS THE SOLUTION.................................... 7 5. MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS & METHODS .......................... 8 6. HORSE MEASUREMENTS .........................................……… 10 7. SADDLE MEASUREMENTS...................................………….. 11 8. HORSE & SADDLE MEASUREMENTS ………………………..

13

9. SUMMARY OF HORSE / SADDLE ACCURACY......................... 15 10. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS AN EXAMPLE OF A “GOOD FIT” . 17 11. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “ANDANTINA” ................... 18 12. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “BUBBA” ......................….. 19 13. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “JACK” .......................…… 21 14. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “NINA” .......................…..

24

15. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “NOCHI” ......................…..

25

16. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “PONCHO” ................……

27

17. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “PULGAR” ......................... 28 18. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “RENA” .......................…… 29 19. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SCAT” .......................…… 30 20. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SKIPPER” ..................….. 31 21. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SMOKIE” .........................

32

22. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “TRIXY” ......................…...

33

23. CONCLUSIONS – DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER………….

34

24. RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS…………………………………

36

25. FOOTNOTES…………………………………………………… 37

2

1. SCOPE OF THE PROJECT THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO MEASURE 13 OF THE MAYER CATTLE COMPANY HORSES’ BACKS AND 24 ASSOCIATED SADDLES, TREES AND EXPERIMENTAL SADDLE “SHELLS” EMPLOYING SADDLETECH MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY. IN ADDITION, SADDLETECH WAS REQUESTED TO ASSIST PARTICIPATING SADDLETREE MAKERS AND SADDLEMAKERS ON HOW THE “FIT” OF THEIR SADDLES, TREES, AND SHELLS MAY BE IMPROVED BY EMPLOYING SADDLE MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOLGY. THIS REPORT DETAILS THE FINDINGS FROM THE DATA ACQUIRED CATTLE COMPANY RANCH IN HOUSTON, TEXAS ON MAY 4-6, 2001 PARTICIPANTS

CLARENCE MAYER – MAYER CATTLE COMPANY ROBERT FERRAND – SADDLETECH BRET HADLOCK – HADLOCK AND FOX EDDIE STEELE – STEELE SADDLE TREE COMPANY BLAKE KRAL – KRAL SADDLES

3

AT THE

MAYER

2. The Saddle Fitting Challenge For centuries, people have ridden horses with a multitude of different saddles, but with very little scientific understanding of the effect of the saddle on the horse. The issue of saddle fit is not only important in the context of the humane treatment of the horse, but has even greater importance to equestrians who participate in sports that demand greater athletic performance from the horse and ranches that depend on their horses to move their livestock.

Signs of saddle related trauma include behavior problems, tenderness, loss of hair, white hairs, open sores, and certain forms of lameness. The problem is that horsemen cannot determine this damage until it is to late to return the saddle, because the saddle will show signs a wear before the horse will show signs of trauma.

SO THE REAL CHALLENGE IS: HOW CAN A HORSEMAN DETERMINE WHICH SADDLE “FITS” BEFORE THE DAMAGE OCCURS? FIRST, WHAT IS SADDLE FIT? A saddle THAT “FITS” MEANS THE SHAPE OF THE SADDLE THAT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE HORSE’S BACK IS THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MOUNTED HORSE’S BACK.

QUITE SIMPLY, THE GOAL OF GOOD SADDLE FITTING IS TO ADJUST THE SHAPE OF THE SADDLE IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE SADDLE CREATES AN EVEN PRESSURE THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH OF THE CONTACT AREA WHEN THE RIDER IS MOUNTED.

If the shape of the panel is FLATTER than the shape of the horse's back, the saddle will "BRIDGE", touching only in the R o c k , F it, B r id g e e,, tw ist front and the back on both sides of the spine. If the shape of the panel is MORE CURVED than the shape of the horse's back, the saddle will "ROCK", touching only in the middle, on either side of the spine. If the saddle only touches front and back on either side of the horse it is "TWISTED." Current methods of saddle fitting include using baling wire, flexible curves, cardboard templates, plaster casts, and pegboards. The disadvantage to these devices and methods is that they claim to be able determine the “mirror” image of the horse’s back. These methods, even if it were actually able to determine the three-dimensional shape, cause a significant error, because the effect of the weight of the rider on the shape of the horse’s back is not considered.

To make matters even more difficult, even if the horsemen were able to determine the three-dimensional shape of the horse’s back with one of these devices, the saddle industry only labels saddles with relative terms like, narrow, regular or wide or “Quarterhorse fit” or “Arab fit”.

Even if one assumes that there is only one “quarterhorse fit”, how do you determine what that “quarterhorse fit” is and if your horse is a “quarterhorse fit”. If it is not that shape then what do you do?

To simply illustrate why it is mathematically impossible for two or even three sizes of saddles to fit the multitude of different horse back shapes: if one takes cross sections of the horse’s back in only three places 1, 2, & 3 and then only considers two different sizes at each cross section and then only considers two angles A & B between each cross section the permutation would be 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 = 32 different combinations. With over 80 breeds of horses and as many cross breeds there is no way that one, two or even three sizes could fit the majority of horses backs.

4

HOW MUCH PRESSURE IS TOO MUCH ?

GOOD SADDLE FIT IS THE MANAGEMENT OF PRESSURE IN A MANNER THAT PREVENTS INJURY. There is no way to eliminate the pressure under the saddle; however, there is a need to understand what the horse's tissues need to remain healthy. With that knowledge we can learn how to INTELLIGENTLY ADMINISTER PRESSURE to the horse's back. As a practical matter, if we do not see any damage to the horse’s skin we assume that the saddle fits, but is that an accurate assumption?

Skin and muscle tissue require a constant intermittent flow of blood to remain healthy.i In strenuous exercise the muscles require significantly more blood flow to maintain a healthy metabolism. This exchange of oxygen and waste products occurs in the capillary bed.

The saddle fitting problems occur when the saddle causes continuous excessive pressure on the capillaries that exceeds the blood pressure and structural strength of those vessels and 0.5 PSI the capillary vessels collapse. This collapse leads to the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients brought by fresh blood and the removal of waste products.ii CAPILLARY CLOSING PRESSURE IS THE CRITICAL ISSUE IN PREVENTING SADDLE0.25 PSI RELATED TRAUMA Physiologically the mean arterial pressure in the horse is between 0.5 - 0.75 PSI and venous return pressure is between 0.25 - 0.33 PSI. The venous capillaries are several times as permeable as the arterial capillaries. For determining fluid movement through the capillary membrane the lower venous capillary pressures of 0.25 PSI are much more important than the higher arterial capillary pressures.

SO HOW MUCH EXTERNAL PRESSURE DOES IT TAKE TO STOP THE FLOW OF BLOOD? This can be determined by measuring the amount of a radioactive isotope 133 Xe. that is present in the capillary as external pressure is applied. One can observe that as external pressure increases .25 PSI the blood flow reduces. What is most notable is that pressures as low as 0.25 P.S.I. can reduce the flow by as 1 PSI much as 60%.iii AT 1 PSI THE BLOOD FLOW IS VIRTUALLY STOPPED. NUMBEROUS CLINICAL STUDIES CONFIRM THAT AS LITTLE AS 1 PSI FOR 1 HOUR CAN CAUSE NOTICABLE PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN MAMMALIAN TISSUE. Serious saddle fitting problems develop particularly on "bridging" saddles in a few hours, because pressures can easily reach 4 PSI. This excessive pressure not only cuts off the blood supply, but can additionally traumatize the muscle tissue itself. Muscle is far more susceptible to trauma than skin.

In all cases pressure release is followed by reactive hyperemia and the parts originally starved of arterial blood are instantly flooded with oxygen. The extent and duration of the blood in flow is proportional to the needs of the tissues.iv In another study performed at University of Georgia on a horse using a ultrasonic pressure sensor and a compression bandage, one can observe that the blood flow decreases significantly with the application of pressure, however, when released the v This blood flow increases beyond the original base flow. is a clinical verification of reactive hyperemia and reveals what happens to the tissue when the saddle is removed i.e. heat bump.

For a given pressure applied to the surface of the skin (interface pressure) capillary closure pressure will vary from horse to horse, as well as location to location on the horse, 5

depending on the amount of fat, location of adjacent bone, status of the vascular system, systemic blood pressure and general health and age of the animal.vi A critical discovery in tissue research was that in a given location, pressure is not even throughout the tissue. Clinical studies have established that the internal pressure close to bones is three to five times higher than on the surface.vii Since the back muscles of the horse lie adjacent to the spine, internal pressure can traumatize the muscle tissue and not be seen.

This principle is easily demonstrated with a simple sponge as illustrated in this example. One can observe that when two different size areas are pressed towards each other, the smaller area will create higher pressures. Weight divided by surface area equals interface pressure. This is shown by the lines moving closer together nearest the smaller surface.

This explains why “bridging” saddles cause such high pressures. By significantly reducing the contact area between the saddle and the horse, the weight is transferred onto a very small area on the wither and the loin of the horse – significantly increasing pressure.

The most important issue to remember with tissue trauma is that higher pressures do damage in shorter periods of time, however, even low pressure for long periods of time can do damage.viii This graph illustrates the pointix This is significant to saddle fit because the fit of the saddle relates to how much time one can ride before causing trauma to the horse.

Obviously if the saddle fits one can ride the horse longer without sustaining damage than a saddle that bridges and causes high pressures.

However, even a saddle that fits well can do damage if the pressure is not relieved every few hours.

SO WHAT DO WE "REALLY" KNOW ABOUT PHYSIOLOGY? The clinical research on a variety of mammals has established the following factors to give us a better understanding of the issues relating to saddle fit.

Tissue damage is a function of pressure over time.x Pressure is not distributed evenly throughout tissue.xi Pressure on the surface of the skin increases 3 - 5 X close to bones.xii Muscle is more susceptible to pressure damage than skin.xiii Low pressure for long periods of time is more damaging than high pressure for short periods of time.xiv Microscopic pathological changes have been noted in mammalian tissues subjected to as little as 1 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) for one hour. xv

SO HOW FAR CAN A PUSH MY LUCK? THE GOAL OF GOOD SADDLE FIT IS TO ACHIEVE UNIFORM SADDLE PANEL PRESSURES BELOW 1 PSI. THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT MOST SADDLES BRIDGE CAUSING PRESSURE OF 3 - 4 PSI. “BRIDGING” IS DIGITAL - MEANING THAT MORE BRIDGE DOES NOT CAUSE MORE PRESSURE, ONCE THE SADDLE BRIDGES YOU WILL CAUSE HIGH PRESSURE, IF UNLRELIEVED FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS SOME DAMAGE WILL PROBABLY OCCUR – THE ISSUE IS PRESSURE OVER TIME. EITHER IT FITS OR IT DOES NOT FIT. SO DO NOT PUSH YOUR LUCK? DEMAND SADDLES THAT FIT.

6

A FEED BACK LOOP IS THE SOLUTION While the current commercial understanding of saddle fit assumes that the shape of the mirror image of the horse’s back is the preferred saddle fit, objective interface pressure measurement has proven this not to be true. The degree of this error is relative to the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the horse. The degree of damage is proportional to the degree of this error and the length of time the saddle is ridden on the horse.

By employing the Saddletech Computer Saddle Fitting System it has been revealed that the weight of the rider causes sufficient deflection to the animal’s back to cause the saddle not to fit. The reason for this is that the horse’s back sags a little bit under the additional rider weight, which is significant enough to cause “bridging” meaning that the saddle only touches on the wither and the loin of the animal.

A more significant disadvantage to all prior devices and methods to fit saddles is that these devices and methods do not provide any numerical or calibrated measurement. Without numerical values the error in these devices or in the saddles cannot be determined or corrected. More importantly without measurement quality control is virtually impossible, making it difficult to duplicate or correct for any errors in the saddles fit.

However, by employing this interface pressure measurement Ferrand’s Formula device in conjunction with a three dimensional measurement gauge, the amount of deflection in the horse’s spine caused by the weight of the rider can be determined and reduced a formula and the formula RW - C Z - HW WCF = ----------------- + --------------can be adjusted to compensate for additional factors. By employing a B Y mathematical formula any hysterisis or errors in the measurement instruments themselves or the saddles can be corrected by calibration.

By using the Saddletech Gauge, Saddletech Adjustable Jig and the Saddletech Computer Saddle Fitting System to measure and build saddles a feed back loop is created permitting true quality control.

Weight Compensation Factor

Patents Pending

Quality control

Measure Horse

Weight Compensation

Adjust Jig

Glue Panel

Shape Panel

Clamp Panel

Secure Fork

Verify Measurements

Verify Saddle Fit

7

Rider Weight

Established Rider Weight

Incremental Weight

Established Horse Weight

Incremental Weight

Horse Weight

3.

MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS & METHODS

THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO MEASURE 13 OF THE MAYER CATTLE COMPANY HORSES BACKS AND 24 ASSOCIATED SADDLES EMPLOYING SADDLETECH MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY. The horses backs were measured using the

SADDLETECH WESTERN GAUGE

Western Measurements

Angles

90 0

110 0

15 0

120 0 50

Wither

140 0 10 0

Back

140 0 10 0 Arcs

Loins

The Saddles, Trees and Shells were measured using the

SADDLETECH WESTERN ADJUSTABLE JIG

Adjustable Jig

8

The interface pressure created by the saddles with the weight of the rider on the horse’s backs was measured with the

SADDLETECH COMPUTER SADDLE FITTING SYSTEM.

The “High” Tech Solution

“Objective” Saddle Measurement

This permits an objective method to determine which saddles do or do not fit.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS TECHNOLOGY PERMITS A METHOD TO VERIFY AND/OR CALIBRATE THE THREE DIMENSIONAL GAUGE AND FORMULA IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE SADDLE FIT.

The Buck Stops Here

Saddle Fits

Saddle Bridges

9

4. HORSE MEASUREMENTS AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF HORSE’S & MEASUREMENTS Weight

HORSE

Wither

Shlder

Back

Loin

Angle

Arc

Angle

Arc

Angle

Arc

Angle

Arc

Angle

775

ANDANTINA

A

95

15

95

25

110

0

117

15

120

1100

BUBBA

B

100

30

105

12

118

0

125

8

130

1100

JACK

C

100

18

100

30

120

15

125

4

132

1050

NINA

D

105

30

120

10

125

7

130

22

130

1000

NOCHI

E

95

27

100

27

115

0

120

12

130

1000

PONCHO

F

90

24

95

30

120

7

125

17

125

900

PULGAR

G

90

23

100

22

117

5

120

15

125

850

RENA

H

105

25

117

25

130

7

120

10

130

1100

SCAT

I

85

25

95

23

120

4

125

6

130

1000

SKIPPER

J

105

30

100

22

125

10

130

20

130

1100

SMOKIE

K

90

32

100

20

120

3

130

12

130

1150

STAR

L

85

30

95

35

115

0

125

10

130

950

TRIXY

M

95

20

100

30

120

6

125

16

127

HORSES MEASUREMENT SORTED BY SIZE Weight

HORSE

Wither Angle

Arc

Shlder Angle

Arc

Cntr Angle

Arc

Back Angle

Arc

Loin Angle

1100

SCAT

I

85

25

95

23

120

4

125

6

130

1150

STAR

L

85

30

95

35

115

0

125

10

130

900

PULGAR

G

90

23

100

22

117

5

120

15

125

1000

PONCHO

F

90

24

95

30

120

7

125

17

125

1100

SMOKIE

K

90

32

100

20

120

3

130

12

130

775

ANDANTINA

A

95

15

95

25

110

0

117

15

120

950

TRIXY

M

95

20

100

30

120

6

125

16

127

1000

NOCHI

E

95

27

100

27

115

0

120

12

130

1100

JACK

C

100

18

100

30

120

15

125

4

132

1100

BUBBA

B

100

30

105

12

118

0

125

8

130

850

RENA

H

105

25

117

25

130

7

120

10

130

1050

NINA

D

105

30

120

10

125

7

130

22

130

1000

SKIPPER

J

105

30

100

22

125

10

130

20

130

10

5. SADDLE MEASUREMENT

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF SADDLES 1

80

30

90

15

120

4

140

16

135

ABERCRMBIE

2

85

35

100

20

130

1

140

10

140

ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00

3

85

40

100

20

120

7

140

10

140

ALLAN RANCH 6-132-97

4

80

30

90

15

120

5

130

20

130

B&C 2 - MOD

5

85

40

100

13

122

7

120

15

125

B&C 5404

6

85

40

100

13

125

0

140

18

130

B&C BARREL 7435

7

85

35

95

15

120

9

130

12

130

B&G

8

85

28

100

20

135

3

130

14

140

BIG HORN 824

9

85

33

100

13

120

2

140

12

145

BIG HORN 828

10

80

35

90

20

130

5

145

10

140

DOUBLE J

11

80

30

90

20

125

5

130

15

130

GENE KRAL

12

80

32

90

20

120

3

140

20

135

ORTHOFLEX C MAYER

13

80

37

100

15

122

4

140

15

140

ORTHOFLEX SN AO

14

80

30

95

13

125

4

140

20

140

SHARON SARE

15

85

33

110

14

130

8

140

10

140

SHELL # 2

16

85

32

100

20

120

5

130

5

135

SHELL # 5

17

85

36

105

24

135

4

145

10

145

SHELL # 6

18

85

38

105

28

135

8

145

12

145

SHELL # 6 High Arc ?

19

85

30

95

18

125

0

135

22

140

STEEL AQH

20

85

20

90

18

130

0

130

20

120

STEEL FY16

21

85

25

94

25

140

4

140

23

145

STEEL SQE

22

80

30

90

17

120

4

140

20

135

TEX FLEX

23

75

35

90

22

125

2

140

15

130

WILSON CUSTOM

24

85

40

100

13

125

0

140

18

130

WOOPIDOO REINER

11

SADDLES SORTED BY SIZE

23

75

35

90

22

125

2

140

15

130

WILSON CUSTOM

1

80

30

90

15

120

4

140

16

135

ABERCRMBIE

4

80

30

90

15

120

5

130

20

130

B&C 2 - MOD

22

80

30

90

17

120

4

140

20

135

TEX FLEX

11

80

30

90

20

125

5

130

15

130

GENE KRAL

14

80

30

95

13

125

4

140

20

140

SHARON SARE

12

80

32

90

20

120

3

140

20

135

ORTHOFLEX C MAYER

10

80

35

90

20

130

5

145

10

140

DOUBLE J

13

80

37

100

15

122

4

140

15

140

ORTHOFLEX SN AO

20

85

20

90

18

130

0

130

20

120

STEEL FY16

21

85

25

94

25

140

4

140

23

145

STEEL SQE

8

85

28

100

20

135

3

130

14

140

BIG HORN 824

19

85

30

95

18

125

0

135

22

140

STEEL AQH

16

85

32

100

20

120

5

130

5

135

SHELL # 5

9

85

33

100

13

120

2

140

12

145

BIG HORN 828

15

85

33

110

14

130

8

140

10

140

SHELL # 2

7

85

35

95

15

120

9

130

12

130

B&G

2

85

35

100

20

130

1

140

10

140

ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00

17

85

36

105

24

135

4

145

10

145

SHELL # 6

18

85

38

105

28

135

8

145

12

145

SHELL # 6 High Arc ?

5

85

40

100

13

122

7

120

15

125

B&C 5404

6

85

40

100

13

125

0

140

18

130

B&C BARREL 7435

24

85

40

100

13

125

0

140

18

130

WOOPIDOO REINER

3

85

40

100

20

120

7

140

10

140

ALLAN RANCH 6-132-97

12

6. HORSE & SADDLE MEASUREMENTS SORTED BY WITHER ANGLE HORSE

Wither

Shoulder

Angle Arc

SCAT

STAR

Angle

Back

SADDLE

Loin

Arc Angle Arc Angle Arc Angle

23 1 4 22 11 14 12 10 13 20 21

75 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 85 85

35 30 30 30 30 30 32 35 37 20 25

90 90 90 90 90 95 90 90 100 90 94

22 15 15 17 20 13 20 20 15 18 25

125 120 120 120 125 125 120 130 122 130 140

2 4 5 4 5 4 3 5 4 0 4

140 140 130 140 130 140 140 145 140 130 140

15 16 20 20 15 20 20 10 15 20 23

130 135 130 135 130 140 135 140 140 120 145

I

85

25

95

23

120

4

125

6

130

8 19

85 85

28 30

100 95

20 18

135 125

3 0

130 135

14 22

140 140

L

85

30

95

35

115

0

125

10

130

16 9 15 7 2 17 18 5 6 24 3

85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85

32 33 33 35 35 36 38 40 40 40 40

100 100 110 95 100 105 105 100 100 100 100

20 13 14 15 20 24 28 13 13 13 20

120 120 130 120 130 135 135 122 125 125 120

5 2 8 9 1 4 8 7 0 0 7

130 140 140 130 140 145 145 120 140 140 140

5 12 10 12 10 10 12 15 18 18 10

135 145 140 130 140 145 145 125 130 130 140

PULGAR

G

90

23

100

22

117

5

120

15

125

PONCHO

F

90

24

95

30

120

7

125

17

125

SMOKIE

K

90

32

100

20

120

3

130

12

130

ANDANTINA

A

95

15

95

25

110

0

117

15

120

TRIXY

M

95

20

100

30

120

6

125

16

127

NOCHI

E

95

27

100

27

115

0

120

12

130

JACK

C

100

18

100

30

120

15

125

4

132

BUBBA

B

100

30

105

12

118

0

125

8

130

RENA

H

105

25

117

25

130

7

120

10

130

SKIPPER

J

105

30

100

22

125

10

130

20

130

NINA

D

105

30

120

10

125

7

130

22

130

13

WILSON CUSTOM ABERCRMBIE B&C 2 - MOD TEX FLEX GENE KRAL SHARON SARE ORTHOFLEX C MAYER DOUBLE J ORTHOFLEX SN AO STEEL FY16 STEEL SQE BIG HORN 824 STEEL AQH SHELL # 5 BIG HORN 828 SHELL # 2 B&G ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00 SHELL # 6 SHELL # 6 High Arc ?

B&C 5404 B&C BARREL 7435 WOOPIDOO REINER ALLAN RANCH 6-132-97

7. HORSE & SADDLE MEASUREMENTS SORTED BY WITHER ARC ANDANTINA

A

95

15

95

25

110

0

117

15

120

JACK

C

100

18

100

30

120

#

125

4

132

20

85

20

90

18

130

0

130

20 120

TRIXY

M

95

20

100

30

120

6

125

16

127

PULGAR

G

90

23

100

22

117

5

120

15

125

PONCHO

F

90

24

95

30

120

7

125

17

125

21

85

25

94

25

140

4

140

23 145

SCAT

I

85

25

95

23

120

4

125

6

130

RENA

H

105

25

117

25

130

7

120

10

130

NOCHI

E

95

27

100

27

115

0

120

12

130

8

85

28

100

20

135

3

130

14 140

NINA

D

105

30

120

10

125

7

130

22

130

BUBBA

B

100

30

105

12

118

0

125

8

130

14 1 4 22 19 11

80 80 80 80 85 80

30 30 30 30 30 30

95 90 90 90 95 90

13 15 15 17 18 20

125 120 120 120 125 125

4 4 5 4 0 5

140 140 130 140 135 130

20 16 20 20 22 15

140 135 130 135 140 130

SKIPPER

J

105

30

100

22

125

#

130

20

130

STAR

L

85

30

95

35

115

0

125

10

130

12 16

80 85

32 32

90 100

20 20

120 120

3 5

140 130

20 135 5 135

K

90

32

100

20

120

3

130

12

130

9 15 7 10 2 23 17 13 18 6 24 5 3

85 85 85 80 85 75 85 80 85 85 85 85 85

33 33 35 35 35 35 36 37 38 40 40 40 40

100 110 95 90 100 90 105 100 105 100 100 100 100

13 14 15 20 20 22 24 15 28 13 13 13 20

120 130 120 130 130 125 135 122 135 125 125 122 120

2 8 9 5 1 2 4 4 8 0 0 7 7

140 140 130 145 140 140 145 140 145 140 140 120 140

12 10 12 10 10 15 10 15 12 18 18 15 10

145 140 130 140 140 130 145 140 145 130 130 125 140

SMOKIE

14

STEEL FY16

STEEL SQE

BIG HORN 824

SHARON SARE ABERCRMBIE B&C 2 - MOD TEX FLEX STEEL AQH GENE KRAL

ORTHOFLEX C MAYER SHELL # 5 BIG HORN 828 SHELL # 2 B&G DOUBLE J ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00 WILSON CUSTOM SHELL # 6 ORTHOFLEX SN AO SHELL # 6 High Arc ?

B&C BARREL 7435 WOOPIDOO REINER B&C 5404 ALLAN RANCH 6-132-97

8. SUMMARY OF HORSE SADDLE ACCURACY EACH

PERCENTAGE POINT IS ONE DEGREE.

ACCEPTABLE OVER AN HOUR IN THE

90% IS A MARGINAL SADDLE, IN TWO HOURS

FIT.

ANYTHING

LESS THAN

90%

OR MORE YOU SHOULD EXPECT SOME

TRAUMA, IN FOUR HOURS IN THE SADDLE IT WOULD BE SURPRISING NOT TO DO SOME DAMAGE.

Horse #

1

2

3

4

5

6

Name

Saddle Saddle # Overall Chose Accuracy

Angle

Arc

Accuracy

Accuracy

ANDANTINA STEEL FY16 STEEL SQE BIG HORN 824

1st 2nd 3rd

19 20 8

68 % 49 % 54 %

52 11 27

83 86 80

BUBBA BIG HORN 828 B&G SHELL # 2

1st 2nd 3rd

9 7 15

71 % 78 % 66 %

48 68 43

94 87 89

JACK BIG HORN 824 STEEL FY16 STEEL SQE

1st 2nd 3rd

8 19 20

82 % 70 % 61 %

70 65 44

94 75 78

NINA SHELL # 2 SHELL # 5 SHELL # 6

1st 2nd 3rd

15 16 17

64 % 60 % 45 %

45 50 25

82 69 65

NOCHI SHELL # 5 BIG HORN 828 STEEL AQH

1st 2nd 3rd

16 9 18

78 % 64 % 64 %

70 50 50

86 78 78

PONCHO SHELL # 5 STEEL FY16 BIG HORN 824

1st 2nd 3rd

16 19 8

72 % 72 % 67 %

75 70 55

68 74 79

15

IS NOT

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

PULGAR SHELL # 5 BIG HORN 824 STEEL FY16

1st 2nd 3rd

16 8 19

76 % 71 % 70 %

72 52 57

79 90 83

RENA BIG HORN 824 SHELL # 5 STEEL FY16

1st 2nd 3rd

8 16 19

61 % 60 % 52 %

38 38 33

84 81 71

SCAT SHELL # 5 BIG HORN 824 STEEL SQE

1st 2nd 3rd

16 8 20

88 % 75 % 65 %

85 65 49

90 85 81

SKIPPER STEEL AQH BIG HORN 828 SHELL # 6

1st 2nd 3rd

16 9 17

73 % 61 % 56 %

70 50 35

76 72 76

SMOKIE ALLAN RANCH 6-132-97 ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00 SHELL # 6

1st 2nd 3rd

3 2 17

83 % 79 % 68 %

75 65 45

90 93 91

STAR SHELL # 5 STEEL AQH ALLAN RANCH 4-86-00

1st 2nd 3rd

16 18 2

82 % 71 % 67 %

80 70 55

83 71 79

SHELL # 5

1st

16

72 %

77

66

BIG HORN 824

2nd

8

67 %

57

77

BIG HORN 828

3rd

9

60 %

57

62

TRIXY

16

9. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS EXAMPLE OF “GOOD FIT” The following scan is an example of a “GOOD FIT”. This saddle is a 150 year old Australian design used by the author on his Missouri Fox Trotter, Ace, for trail use. The unique feature of this design is that the panels in contact with the horse are ADJUSTABLE. This is accomplished by a horse or cow hair panel that is covered by a wool surge. The initial fit can be accomplished by moving the horse hair with an ice pick inserted through the wool surge cover into the panel. By employing the Gauge and then Computer Interface Pressure Measurement subtle corrections can be made to refine the “fit” of the saddle to the individual horse to achieve the results illustrated below.

This horse and saddle were measured with an “English” Gauge” with 8 wings as opposed to the 10 wing Western Gauge which was used in the test described in this report.

Nonetheless, the principal is the same and the scan is representative of the low pressures below 1 PSI that can be achieved even with over 200 lbs. of rider and saddle on a 1100 lbs. horse. Please note the uniform blue color from the front to the back of the saddle.

Horse Measurement

100

130 25

Horse Lbs

140 10

1100 WCF

=

140 5

Rider Lbs. 3.67

220

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 130 140 140 29 10 9 Saddle Measurement

100

130 29

Saddle Variance 0 Angle 0 0 Arc

140 10

9

0 0

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 100 % 100 %

17

140

0 0

Arc 99

%

10. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “ANDANTINA”

Horse Measurement 95 95 110 15 25 Horse Lbs

120 15

Rider Lbs. 5.6

775

WCF

117 0

=

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 95 110 117 120 21 25 0 15

#

Saddle Measurement 80 90 120 30 15

?

130

5

130 20

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang -5 10 13 9.42 -10 5 Arc

10 5

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 59 % 47 % 71 %

Horse Measurement 95 95 110 15 25 Horse Lbs

775

WCF

=

117 0

120 15

Rider Lbs. 5.6

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 95 110 117 120 21 25 0 15 Saddle Measurement 0 0 0 0 0

#

?

0

0

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs 0 Ang 0 0 0 0 0 Arc 0 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 0 % 0 %

18

0 0

0 0

Arc 0 %

7. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “BUBBA”

Horse Measurement 100 105 118 30 12 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

125 0 Rider Lbs. 2.3

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 105 118 125 32 12 0 Saddle Measurement 85 105 135 38 28

130 8

#

200

130 8

18 145

8

145 12

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang 0 17 20 16 8 Arc 5.67

15 4

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 33 % 66 % 50 %

Horse Measurement 100 105 118 125 30 12 0 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF =

130 8

Rider Lbs. 2.3

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 105 118 125 32 12 0

200

130 8

Saddle Measurement # 4 80 90 120 130 130 30 15 5 20 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -15 2 -2.3 3 5 Arc Percentage Accuracy Overall 68 %

19

5

0 12

Angle Arc 58 % 78 %

SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “BUBBA” CONTINUED

Horse Measurement 100 105 30 12 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

118

125 0

130 8

Rider Lbs. = 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 105 118 125 130 32 12 0 8 Saddle Measurement 80 90 35 20

# 130 5

Saddle Variance - Angles &Arcs -20 Ang -15 12 8 5 Arc 2.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall 53 %

Horse Measurement 100 105 30 12 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

10 145

140 10

20

10 2

Angle Arc 23 % 82 %

118

125 0

130 8

Rider Lbs. = 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 105 118 125 130 32 12 0 8 Saddle Measurement 80 90 35 20

# 130 5

Saddle Variance - Angles &Arcs -20 Ang -15 12 8 5 Arc 2.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall 53 %

20

10 145

140 10

20

10 2

Angle Arc 23 % 82 %

8. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “JACK”

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF =

Rider Lbs. 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 20 30 15

132 4

Saddle Measurement # 17 85 105 135 145 145 36 24 4 20 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang 5 15 20 -6 -11 Arc 15.7

16

Percentage Accuracy Overall 42 %

%

Angle Arc 32 % 51

13

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. 2.3

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 20 30 15 Saddle Measurement 80 90 120 30 17

21

200

132 4

# 22 140 135 4 20

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -10 0 15 -13 -11 Arc 9.67

16

Percentage Accuracy Overall 51 %

%

Angle Arc 52 % 50

3

SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “JACK” CONTINUED

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. 2.3

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 20 30 15 Saddle Measurement 80 90 125 30 20

200

132 4

# 11 130 130 5 15

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -10 5 -10 -10 Arc 9.67

5

-2 11

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 59 % 58 % 59

%

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. -2

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 16 30 15 Saddle Measurement 80 90 125 30 20

132 4

# 11 130 130 5 15

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -10 5 -10 -10 Arc 14

5

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 58 % 55 57 %

22

135

-2 11

%

SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “JACK” CONTINUED

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

Rider Lbs. = 4.7

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 23 30 15 Saddle Measurement 80 90 120 30 15

# 130 5

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -10 0 -15 -10 Arc 7.33

235

132 4

4 130 20

5

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 57 % 63 % 52

-2 16

%

Horse Measurement # C 100 100 120 125 132 18 30 15 4 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. 4.7

Weight Compensated Measurement 100 100 120 125 23 30 15 Saddle Measurement 85 105 135 36 24

23

235

132 4

# 17 145 145 4 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang 5 15 20 -6 -11 Arc 13.3

6

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 48 % 32 % 64

%

13

9. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “NINA”

# D

Horse Measurement 105 120 125 30 10 7 Horse Lbs

130

130 22

Rider Lbs. 2.8

1050

WCF =

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 120 125 130 130 33 10 7 22 # 18 145 145 12

Saddle Measurement 85 105 135 38 28 8

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -15 10 15 15 5.17 18 1 -10 Arc Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 45 % 25 % 66 %

Horse Measurement 105 120 125 30 10 7 Horse Lbs

1050

WCF =

# D 130

130 22

Rider Lbs. 2.8

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 120 125 130 130 33 10 7 22 Saddle Measurement 0 0 0 0

0 0

# ?

0 0

0

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -105 Ang -120 -125 -130 -130 -10 -7 -22 Arc -33 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 0 % 0 % 0 %

24

10. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “NOCHI”

Horse Measurement # E 95 100 115 120 130 27 27 0 12 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF =

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 115 120 130 30 27 0 12 Saddle Measurement # 12 80 90 120 140 135 32 20 3 20 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang -10 5 1.67 -7 3 Arc Percentage Accuracy Overall 63 %

20

5 8

Angle Arc 45 % 80 %

Horse Measurement # E 95 100 115 120 130 27 27 0 12 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF =

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 115 120 130 30 27 0 12 Saddle Measurement # 12 80 90 120 140 135 32 20 3 20 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -15 Ang -10 5 1.67 -7 3 Arc Percentage Accuracy Overall 63 %

25

20

5 8

Angle Arc 45 % 80 %

11. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “NOCHI” CONTINUED

Horse Measurement # E 95 100 115 120 130 27 27 0 12 Horse Lbs

1000

Rider Lbs. WCF = 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 115 120 130 30 27 0 12 Saddle Measurement # 19 85 95 125 135 140 30 18 0 22 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -10 Ang -5 10 -9 0 Arc -0.3 Percentage Accuracy Overall 65 %

15

10 10

Angle Arc 50 % 81 %

Horse Measurement # E 95 100 115 120 130 27 27 0 12 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF =

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 115 120 130 30 27 0 12 Saddle Measurement # 19 85 95 125 135 140 30 18 0 22 Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -10 Ang -5 10 -9 0 Arc -0.3 Percentage Accuracy Overall 65 %

26

15

10 10

Angle Arc 50 % 81 %

12. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “PONCHO”

Horse Measurement 90 95 120 24 30 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF

=

#

F

125 7

125 17

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 95 120 125 125 27 30 7 17 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 15 10 15 -16 1 Arc 5.67

15 -7

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 55 % 40 % 70 %

Horse Measurement 90 95 120 24 30 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF

=

#

F

125 7

125 17

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 95 120 125 125 27 30 7 17 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 15 10 15 -16 1 Arc 5.67

15 -7

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 40 % 70 % 55 %

27

13. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “PULGAR”

Horse Measurement 90 100 117 23 22 Horse Lbs

900

WCF

=

#

G

120 5

125 15

Rider Lbs. 4.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 100 117 120 125 27 22 5 15 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 10 13 20 -8 3 Arc 5.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 58 % 37 %

Horse Measurement 90 100 117 23 22 Horse Lbs

900

WCF

=

15 -5

Arc 78 %

#

G

120 5

125 15

Rider Lbs. 4.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 100 117 120 125 27 22 5 15 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 10 13 20 -8 3 Arc 5.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 37 % 58 %

28

15 -5

Arc 78 %

14. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “RENA”

# H

Horse Measurement 105 117 130 25 25 Horse Lbs

7

130 10

Rider Lbs. 4.8

850

WCF

120

=

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 117 130 120 130 30 25 7 10 Saddle Measurement 85 105 135 38 28

# 18 145 145 12

8

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -12 5 25 8.17 3 1 Arc

15 2

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 23 % 86 % 54 %

Horse Measurement 105 117 130 25 25 Horse Lbs

850

WCF

=

# H 120 7

130 10

Rider Lbs. 4.8

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 117 130 120 130 30 25 7 10 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang -7 0 20 -11 1 Arc 3.17

10 0

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 64 % 43 % 85 %

29

15. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SCAT”

#

Horse Measurement 85 95 120 25 23 Horse Lbs

4

130 6

Rider Lbs. 2.3

1100

WCF

I

125

=

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 85 95 120 125 27 23 4 6 Saddle Measurement 80 90 130 35 20

# 145 5

130

10 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang -5 10 20 -3 1 Arc 7.67

4

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 50 % 67 %

Arc 84

%

#

I

Horse Measurement 85 95 120 25 23 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

10

125 4

130 6

Rider Lbs. 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 85 95 120 125 27 23 4 6 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

5

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs 0 Ang 15 10 15 -9 1 Arc 5.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle 65 % 50 %

30

130

10 4

Arc 80 %

16. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SKIPPER”

Horse Measurement # J 105 100 125 130 130 30 22 10 20 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 100 125 130 130 33 22 10 20 Saddle Measurement 85 100 135 28 20

# 130 3

8 140 14

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang 0 10 0 -2 -7 Arc -5.3

10 -6

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 70 % 60 % 80 %

Horse Measurement # J 105 100 125 130 130 30 22 10 20 Horse Lbs

1000

WCF

=

Rider Lbs. 3.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 105 100 125 130 130 33 22 10 20 Saddle Measurement 85 105 135 36 24

4

# 17 145 145 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -20 Ang 5 10 15 15 2 -6 -10 Arc 2.67 Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 35 % 79 % 57 %

31

17. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “SMOKIE”

Horse Measurement 90 100 120 32 20 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

=

#

K

130 3

130 12

Rider Lbs. 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 100 120 130 130 34 20 3 12 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 10 10 10 -6 5 Arc -1.3

10 -2

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 55 % 86 % 70 %

Horse Measurement 90 100 120 32 20 Horse Lbs

1100

WCF

#

K

130 3

130 12

Rider Lbs. = 2.3

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 90 100 120 130 130 34 20 3 12 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -5 Ang 10 10 10 -6 5 Arc -1.3

10 -2

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 55 % 86 % 70 %

32

18. SCANS & MEASUREMENTS OF “TRIXIE”

Horse Measurement 95 100 120 20 30 Horse Lbs

950

WCF

=

#

M

125 6

127 16

Rider Lbs. 3.8

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 120 125 127 24 30 6 16 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -10 Ang 10 10 15 -16 2 Arc 9.17

13 -6

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 54 % 42 % 67 %

Horse Measurement 95 100 120 20 30 Horse Lbs

950

WCF

=

#

M

125 6

127 16

Rider Lbs. 3.8

200

Weight Compensated Measurement 95 100 120 125 127 24 30 6 16 Saddle Measurement 85 110 130 33 14

8

# 15 140 140 10

Saddle Variance - Angles & Arcs -10 Ang 10 10 15 -16 2 Arc 9.17

13 -6

Percentage Accuracy Overall Angle Arc 54 % 42 % 67 %

33

19. Conclusions - DON’T SHOOT THE MESSANGER There were 24 saddles, trees and shells measured and tested. About 10 of these saddles were owned by the Mayer Cattle Company. The majority of Mayer Cattle Company’s saddles have been converted to the Hadlock and Fox new “Shell” design, so the focus of these “Conclusions” will be on this design.

The question was raised about the calibration of the sensor mat. It was calibrated and found to have shifted about 15% more sensitive, which is far better than the opposite. However, that noted, the issue in this test was to find a saddle that creates an “even pressure” on the horse back. The exact amount of pressure is not as important as “even distribution”, because if it is not evenly distributed there is not sufficient surface area and the saddle will create pressures well over 1 PSI. Comparing the mechanical Gauge measurements to the Sensor Mat, reveals the advantage of a “feed back loop”, by triangulating on the measurement we find a correlation which validates both measurement systems.

That said, generally, there were no saddles that we would find acceptable for use for extended time. The best of the lot was the original Orthoflex saddle on Poncho, but even that was marginal. Part of the problem was rather obvious, except for “Scat” and “Star” with Wither o o o angles of “85 ” all the other horses wither measurements ranged between “90 ” and “105 ”. In o o contrast, the saddles’ wither angles ranged from “75 ” to “85 ”. So we were in trouble on this test from the start, because all the saddles were too narrow for this string of horses. This is revealed in section 6. Horse and Saddle Measurements – “Sorted by Wither Angle”.

Now the new Hadlock and Fox “shell” design presents a new set of issues. While there have been a number of testimonials as to the superiority of this design, and common sense would lead one to assume that a larger bearing surface would provide lower pressures – the data does not support the conclusion. The reason for this is that this conclusion is based on the assumption that the “shell” is contacting the horse “evenly”, therefore, this larger bearing surface has to provide a better fit.

There are a number of reasons why this assumption is not valid. The first problem is that we found by measuring the same size “bare shells” against the same “shell with felt” there was some discrepancy. We also found that measuring the same shell once it is attached to the saddle also changes the shape of the shell to some degree. Another significant issue is the effect of putting one shell on top of the other. While it may not cause distortion, on the other hand it may well cause significant distortion to the shell because of the thickness of the felt.

Therefore, there is a significant challenge in establishing a direct correlation between a “bare” saddle shell and the actual effect that the “shell with felt” after it is attached to the tree will have on the horse.

We did, however, identify a number of opportunities for improvement.

34

1. The gullet over the spine of the horse needs to be relieved so the spine has no contact with the shell padding. This was actually easily accomplished in a matter of minutes and did reveal an improvement on the computer scan.

2. Another issue was the opportunity to relieve the scapula area. Due to the length of the shell, the scapula is obstructed by the forward part of the shell. This can be accomplished in the molding process, by cupping that area of the shell 3. The most significant observation was the requirement for more “arc” in the shell shape.

Even if one assumes that the shell is even close to a mirror image of the horse’s back, it still will bridge due to the weight of the rider. This was actually demonstrated very vividly with the before and after scans between the Shell #6 and Shell # 6 after an additional ½ inch of “arc” was added with bondo. While that was not enough arc to correct the fit, it did prove the point.

The most significant challenge to this “Shell” design is how to determine the correct shape for the variety of horses at the Mayer Cattle Ranch in particular, and even more challenging, in the general horse population. Taking plaster casts of the horse and then actually making a part that will fit the horse is a rather involved process.

HORSE

PLASTER CAST

FEM ALE M OLD

FBRGLS PLUG

FRBGLS PART

PART & PAD

Even is you have reduced labor costs, there are finite number of molds that can be made and still make money. So the real challenge is how do you choose what shapes those o molds should be and how many different molds are required? The computer can detect a “10 ” o variation. Using the Saddletech Gauge, every “10 ”, it can be established that there are over 1000 different back shapes. Then the question arises how do you choose which mold be make and then how do you know which mold fits which horse? Without measurement of some sort the whole process is an exercise in futility.

I do appreciate that old traditions die hard, but let us be real. The polyform shape of the horse of the horses back is a very complicated shape. To make matters even worse that shape changes under the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the horse. So you are actually trying to hit a moving target – literally.

Now there are those who maintain it is to complicated to figure out, so we just go for it.

If the horse does not buck or break down then the saddle must fit. The whole point of mathematics and engineering is to manage a variety of complex issues simultaniouly. Rocket science is just that, but it is achievable. Compared to going to the moon, Saddle Fitting is child’s play, but it does require a mathematical approach to be successful.

35

20. Recommended Solutions The Mayer Saddle Company has a number of options to find a set of saddles that will fit the string. One option is to continue doing what you have been doing. Every saddlemaker will tell you a different story and explain how that is correct. You can hire a number of prominent veterinarians to provide another story. However, I propose that you need an objective standard or you will spend a fortune on saddles with no success.

Solution 1. is to continue with Hadlock and Fox and see what they come up with.

Maybe Bret learned enough from this test to build a new set of shells that will fit your horses.

However, I would recommend testing to be sure.

Solution 2. is to use one of the other saddle makers in the Saddletech Stable, such as Hadlock and Fox, Blue Ribbon Tack, Vic Bennet, Roohide Saddlery or Ritter Tree Company. All these companies have Saddletech Gauges. If you order a tree and/or a Saddle and we do not like the results - we can give them a new measurements “based on the feedback loop” which they should be able to accommodate.

Solution 3. is to employ a “quality control loop”. It works for ISO9000, it should work for you. I propose that you try Bill Huston’s saddles, made using the Saddletech Molded Plywood Bars. This tree permits a direct relationship between the measurements on the horse and the saddle bars. If we find that the tree does not fit, with the Saddletech Computer Saddle Fitting System we can back track and correct for the error. This “feedback loop” provides repeatability.

This means once we have proven that we can do it once, then you can order additional saddles with some assurance that you will get an acceptable fit. Additionally, I should point out that Mr. Huston is a true artist that can provide a beautiful saddle which also fits.

I would recommend that you permit Bill to measure the horses himself. Bill Measures using the 8 Wing Gauge and we measured with the 10 Wing Gauge. I am not comfortable with converting the measurements. When we measured we did get off my “standard” method and on to the position of the first wing perpendicular with the leg and the second wing at the heart girth.

In all fairness to Bill, if we are going to put him under the microscope we should at least give him the opportunity “do it his way” first. We might find that there is a correlation, but I am not aware of how to convert the measurements because the two gauges actually measure different places on the horse because of the different sizes of the gauges and the saddles.

Solution 4. is to purchase a set of saddles made with wool surge panels such as the saddle used by the author described in section 9. This would require shifting from “Western” to “English”, however, this would permit “infinite adjustment” by one of the ranch hands or local saddlemaker using the Saddletech Gauge.

Solution 5. All strategies should include the purchase of a Saddletech Gauge.

FIT HAPPENS WITH MEASUREMENT 36

21. Footnotes i

Guyton, Arthur C., Acute Control of Local Blood Flow, Text of Medical Physiology, 1986, pg. 349 Burman, M.S. Paul Using Pressure Measurements to Evaluate Different Technologies, Decubitus, Vol 6 No. 3, 93 pg. 40 Holloway, Allen, Effects of external pressure loading on human skin blood flow measured by 133Xe clearance, Journal of Applied Physiology Vol. 40, No.4 April 1976, Pg 598 iv Husain, Tafazzul, An Experimental Study of Sore Pressure Effects on Tissues, with Reference to the Bed Sore Problem., J. Path. Bact, Vol LXVI, 1953, pg. 354 v Allen, Doug, Blood Flow Restriction caused by bandaging and equine in vivo study conducted at the University of Georgia, March 1996, Kimberly-Clark Clinical Study-Flexus 3 vi Chow, William, et al, Effects and Characteristics of Cushion Covering Membranes Kenedi, R.M. and Cowden, J.M. Bedsore Biomechanics, University Park Press, London, 1975, pg. 96-97 vii Le, Khanh M., et al, An In-Depth Look at Pressure Sores Using Monolithic Silicon Pressure Sensors Microvascular Research, Vol 17, 1979, PG 748 viii Husain, Tafazzul, An Experimental Study of Sore Pressure Effects on Tissues, with Reference to the Bed Sore Problem., J. Path. Bact, Vol LXVI, 1953, pg. 356 ix Kosiak, Michael, Etiology and Pathology of Ischemic Ulcers, Arch. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 59, pg. 62 x Kosiak, Michael, Etiology and Pathology of Ischemic Ulcers, Arch. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1959, pg. 62 xi Le, Khanh M., et al, An In-Depth Look at Pressure Sores Using Monolithic Silicon Pressure Sensors Microvascular Research, Vol 17, 1979, PG 748 xii Le, Khanh M., et al, An In-Depth Look at Pressure Sores Using Monolithic Silicon Pressure Sensors Microvascular Research, Vol 17, 1979, PG 748 xiii Husain, Tafazzul, An Experimental Study of Sore Pressure Effects on Tissues, with Reference to the Bed Sore Problem., J. Path. Bact, Vol LXVI, 1953, pg. 355 & Groth, K.E. 1942, Acta Chir Scand.,lxxxvii,suppl 76 xiv Husain, Tafazzul, An Experimental Study of Sore Pressure Effects on Tissues, with Reference to the Bed Sore Problem., J. Path. Bact, Vol LXVI, 1953, pg. 356 & Groth, K.E. 1942, Acta Chir Scand.,lxxxvii,suppl 76 xv Kosiak, Michael, Etiology and Pathology of Ischemic Ulcers, Arch. of Physical - 6 - Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1959, pg. 62 ii

iii

37