Recorded: January 2022

Part of the Online Lecture Series on Saddle Fit Assessment for Equine Veterinarians

CONTENT DESCRIPTION

This module will start with how to recognise a good fit of English-style saddles in a horse. Keeping in mind the anatomy of a saddle tree (Module 1), the taught method will allow you to assess if an English-style saddle is well-fitting or if it is at risk of interfering with the horse’s movement.

The next section will focus on taking templates and measurements to illustrate how the horse’s withers/back conformation, muscling, body condition and possible asymmetries should be interpreted and factored into an English-style saddle’s fit.

The following lecture on rider influence will show how a rider’s bodyweight and/or asymmetric weight distribution due to lack of riding skills can adversely affect a horse’s performance.

The final lecture on ‘trouble shooting’ will highlight some of the problems that are encountered when fitting an English-style saddle and will offer solutions on how to best address them.