|
|
|
What size of saddle do I need?
Solution saddles are initially sized for the rider then fitted and balanced to the horse, this means you can buy the saddle model for yourself and fit it to any horse that you ride.
Saddle size is calculated from rider height and weight and also rider preference and style required. It is important to ensure you are riding in the correct size of saddle otherwise you could be riding out of balance, feel uncomfortable or unable to be effective in your riding. For example, a saddle that is fitted to the horse and set up for your friend, is unlikely to be the correct size or correctly balanced for you & your horse without adjustment.
Solution saddles can be easily customised for individual riders with our range of balance pads, knee blocks and thigh blocks according to personal preference.
Please refer to our sizing and fitting guidelines http://www.solution-saddles.co.uk/sssizing.html |
 |
|
Does a Solution saddle fit any horse?
Solution Saddles offer a flexible fitting system. Our RigidFree™ saddles are designed to be used with balance pads where required to ensure optimum balance for the rider and fit for the horse. It is this unique feature that allows one Solution saddle to be easily adapted to fit any type of horse.
The introduction of additional models in the development of our saddle range makes it easier to achieve optimum fit for horse and rider combinations due a variety of base options. If your horses are completely different types you may have to consider prioritising on the most important horse and the saddle can then be fitted, using our balance pad system to the others.
Once correctly fitted the saddle will allow the horse to move and grow and accommodate any change of shape. The fit should be checked regularly by a Solution Saddles Technical or Approved Advisor especially if the horse changes rider or workload and can easily be adjusted with the use of the balance pads if needed. |
|
|
Why do Solution saddles need to be fitted by an Approved Advisor if they can fit any horse?
A Solution saddles Technical or Approved Advisor will be able to demonstrate and explain the concept of your Solution saddle and advise on how to fit and balance the saddle for you as well as the horse. They will be able to guide you on the best saddle model and advise on the best accessories to use to achieve optimum comfort for both horse and rider. Correctly fitted accessories are essential and they can be the difference between a saddle fitting and working for a horse and rider or not.
Your Approved Advisor will ensure correct fit at the test ride, be on hand to discuss any queries that arise during a rental period and be available to advise you in the future if needed.
All Solution Saddles Technical and Approved Advisors own and ride in their own Solution saddles. This ensures that you deal with people who really understand the radically different concept of Solution saddles and that they are fully up to date with their fitting training and current product information. |
 |
|
Do I need to use balance pads?
Solution Saddles saddle system is designed to be used with balance pads where the horse’s back shape or conformation requires. The saddle does not permanently mould to the horse’s back, but flexes into the back shape with the horse’s movement. Some well muscled horses or those with rounded backs may not require any balancers, but those with a prominent spine or muscle wastage generally will need some support.
Horses change shape constantly throughout their lives due to maturity, muscle development, fitness levels and weight fluctuations. For example, in just one week, a fluctuation of 3-6 kilos in weight is perfectly normal. The horse carries most of his stored fat deposits over his top line, so variations in weight can directly affect saddle fit.
By choosing the correct saddle model for you & your horse, you can reduce the need for additional pads. With the Standard SMART and SMART SPORT saddle internal felts can be used to fine tune the fit. |
 |
|
How does The Solution saddle work?
Without the clothes peg effect of the tree points restricting the shoulder and surrounding musculature, the horses forehand suddenly frees up and horses can more readily find their natural balance, moving more uphill and straighter.
Young horses improve confidence and older horses become happier.
The physical changes are a result of this - improved musculature and more power, elasticity and expression. |
|
|
How do you keep the rider weight evenly distributed on the horse?
Firstly, trees do not evenly distribute weight - this is physically impossible if you put a rigid structure between two live moving beings.
The Solution saddle does not set out to provide even distribution of weight but to protect the horses back from pressure and trauma by using a unique patented shock absorbing layering system.
Our saddles are rigorously and scientifically tested using Tekscan pressure mapping technology. Tekscan software produces scientific data that enables a comprehensive and highly accurate view of the symmetry of the dynamic forces exerted on the horses' back. Solution saddles have been scientifically proved to be more dynamically stable and symmetric when compared to a wide range of conventional saddles. |
Still image taken from
dynamic video of results |
|
Why do you not need the clearance between the horse and saddle?
The Solution saddle has absolutely no rigid parts to cause injury and is completely flexible. It flexes with the movement of the horses back so does not need to be lifted off the horses back, but fitted with a close and even contact, so that it is supported by the back muscles. |
|
|
How long does The Solution saddle last?
Having been established since 1999, The Solution saddle is now thoroughly tested and proven. As with all leather products, with correct care and cleaning the saddle should last a lifetime.
|
|
|
Can you compete in The Solution saddle?
The Solution saddle is the first treeless saddle to be designed specifically as a professional riders tool. It is allowed for use in all disciplines under FEI and BHS rules. |
|
|
Who uses a Solution saddle?
Solution Saddles work closely with many professional trainers and top competition riders from a range of disciplines to gain important feedback on the saddle design working in the field. We also work with a huge range of active owners, amateurs, and hobby riders to ensure that we are able to constantly stay ahead and develop our range of designs to further enhance the performance benefits for both horse and rider.
Case study research projects run with vets, physios, colleges and equine welfare organisations, providing a wealth of valuable information on the benefits of long-term use of a Solution saddle.
A selection of testimonials and stories from our clients can be found here: http://www.solution-saddles.co.uk/ssbrowsingmenu.html |
|
|
Is the function of a Solution Saddle different?
The Solution saddle system is completely different in construction and function to that of a traditional rigid treed saddle.
The base panels are manufactured using a layering method of precision-cut high-performance materials to achieve complete symmetry.
Finally, a soft padding layer of natural latex is added and a hand-stitched base cover made from soft hide is pulled over the panels like a glove. The finished base panels are wide and soft, distributing the weight of the rider and protecting the horses’ back by absorbing peak pressures.
Occasionally, in the production process, the soft padding and the stitch lines in the seams of the cover may not be 100% in alignment and the panels or seams may not appear completely even when fitted to the saddle.
This is purely cosmetic, does not involve the weight-bearing panel construction and will not affect the performance of the saddle.
Storage or shipping in a box can also temporarily cause an appearance of asymmetry. Once ridden in, the flexible panels will move evenly with your horse’s shape and gait patterns.
|
SMART saddle base
|
