Solution saddles - Unique RigidFree saddle system

Developed due to demand for a performance saddle from smaller equines and riders.

The size 6 SMART™ saddle has always been popular with taller or larger riders who often struggle to find a saddle to fit both horse and rider comfortably.

Unveiled at HOYS 2012, the new SMART™ Show saddle has been very well received and is now available for test ride and purchase directly from Solution Saddles, or through our network of Approved Advisors.

This versatile saddle accommodates changes in back shape throughout the season and can be changed easily between several horses.

The classic-look RigidFree™ saddle is made in Derbyshire, UK, from premium quality English leather. Specifically designed for the show ring, this luxury saddle comes with soft suede seat and knee rolls as standard. The stylish cut of the knee flap shows off the horse’s shoulder and movement to greatest effect. The low profile seat and cantle support the rider, creating an elegant overall picture.

Incorporating all the advantages of our unique fully flexible saddle system, the SMART™ Show saddle provides security and comfort for the rider, ensuring freedom of movement and optimum fit for the horse.

The saddle is available in standard SMART™ models for most riding type horses and the SMART™ Native, suitable for low wither, flat backed Mountain & Moorland, Iberian and Arabian breeds and types. In addition to our regular saddle sizes, the saddle is now also available in child size.

A wide range of objective scientific testing methods has been used in the research and development of all our patented saddle designs, achieving heightened levels of equine welfare and performance. SMART™ saddles are free from any rigid parts and are completely flexible. The unique, patented shock absorbing system protects the horse’s back from peak pressures and trauma.

An initial home consultation visit from a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor will enable any rider to use the saddle comfortably and with confidence.

Product info
The SMART™ RigidFree saddles are made from premium quality English leather in Derbyshire, UK.
Leather: Black or Havana. Customisations are available.
Size: range from 2 (child) – 6 (large adult)
Rental: All saddles are available for rental to enable extended trial periods.
Finance: Our easy payment plan terms are available from 0% (UK only).

Has the treeless saddle come of age?

When treeless saddles started to appear on my radar a few years ago, I was interested in the concept but all the saddles I had seen looked unconventional to say the least and, sometimes, not particularly well made.

When I looked into what was available only a couple of brands stood out in any way and the Solution was one of these. It was, and I believe still is, the only treeless saddle suitable for use when jumping any great height plus it looked conventional enough to be used for showing and affiliated competition. However, at the time I had no issues with any of my horses in treed saddles and, although I tried another brand of treeless saddle on a youngster who was rapidly changing shape, I didn’t feel it worked well so I abandoned treeless for the time being.

Since then, in the course of my work as a spinal therapist, I have come across more and more horses ridden treeless and they are certainly not the one-size-fits-all panacea that some people would have you believe. Both treed and treeless saddles can cause back problems in horses when not fitted correctly and so I asked Solution Saddles if I could trial one of their saddles and if one of their Technical Advisors could give me some advice on treeless saddle fitting pointers.

First Impressions

The saddle I trialled was a Smart GP which is the most conventional looking saddle in the Solution range. It is made from lovely quality leather and has an amazingly soft, cushioned seat which I fell in love with at first feel, and until you start handling it you would be hard pushed to tell it apart from a treed saddle. Once you pick it up, however, there are surprises at every turn. Emily, the Technical Advisor who came to answer my endless questions, demonstrated how flexible the saddle is by bending it half both lengthways and across (I tried this later in front of someone who didn’t know it was a treeless saddle and their eyes almost popped out of their head!). She then showed how movement at one point in the saddle was not transmitted to the other end of the saddle thus eliminating rocking and pressure transfer issues from uneven movement.

It has a W girthing system, which means that the girth can be correctly positioned for virtually any variation on conformation and pressure is distributed evenly. The saddle panels are beautifully soft but firm enough with their layered construction to spread out the weight-bearing area over the whole length of the panels rather than transmitting pressure points from seatbones and stirrup bars straight through to the horses back. This is clearly a very well thought out and thoroughly researched product.

The Fitting

Emily demonstrated the different fitting requirements of several different shaped horses with this saddle. This involved lots of assessment of balance from pommel to cantle and also lateral balance where the horse had asymmetries followed by adding pads where necessary to correct. This was followed by a ridden assessment and further fine tuning of the pads to get the perfect fit. The things I found most striking were a) there is no need to sit the saddle behind the shoulder blade as there are no tree points to interfere with free movement of the shoulder (this fact was especially appreciated by the big-shouldered cob we tried it on), b) only the tiniest amount of clearance is required between saddle and spine as there are no rigid structures to keep away from the spine and c) how much difference a tiny adjustment in padding can make to the horses way of going.

The Trial

Emily fitted the saddle to both my horses and left me to play with it…. I have to say I found the pads a bit of a fiddle to get right the first couple of times but after a little trial and error and talking it through with Emily I got it sorted. I found the most dramatic change initially with my mare: she started stretching down and taking the rein freely out on hacks which she had never done before. She also stopped fussing with her mouth and accepted the bit quietly and softly which was something I hadn’t expected. The associated areas of tension in her back which were “normal” for her then also vanished. My gelding (who is much more easy going) didn’t seem to notice much difference until it came to jumping. He doesn’t tend to jump upright fences well and will often knock them but after a couple of jumps in this saddle he seemed very free and happy so I felt confident enough to take him hunting. After the first jump he didn’t knock anything all day. In fact he felt so good that we jumped a metal 5 bar gate and thought nothing of it, not to mention some really tricky fences with no take-off and difficult approaches, all cleared effortlessly. I was worried I would feel less secure in a treeless saddle but not a bit of it, and it didn’t slip all day.

With both horses I really noticed that I could give much more subtle aids in this saddle and they would respond instantly. This also made my own asymmetry glaringly obvious and, after being incredibly sore following the first session, improved my riding no end.

After the Trial

I was very sad to return the saddle at the end of the trial but, oddly, I only noticed some things about it after returning to my old saddle. Firstly it felt like sitting on an ironing board compared to the Smart and secondly I felt like I was “shouting” at the horses as I was having to give aids with what now seemed like unnecessary force but must have been normal a month ago. I also missed the much more effective position it put me in and the softness in my mares mouth which vanished with the Smart saddle.

The Verdict

Put it this way, I am now saving up to buy one! I love this saddle and so do both my very differently shaped horses. The real positives are the quality of the structure of the saddle, the obvious comfort it provides for both horse and rider, and the backup support that is always there if you need it. The fit on my severely asymmetric gelding was better than any other saddle I have ridden him in. On balance this is an excellent product sold by a company that cares about its customers but it proved one thing without a doubt: treeless saddles still need to be fitted correctly and carefully just like any other saddle.

Solution Saddles are pleased to announce the introduction of the SMART™ SPORT saddle to their RigidFree™ performance saddle range.

Product details
The SMART SPORT™saddles will be launched at the Solution Saddles display stand in the World of the Horse Pavilion, Badminton Horse Trials from May 3rd – 7th, when Approved Advisors will be pleased to demonstrate the unique patented features to visitors.

The full range of Solution Saddles will also be available to see at other events throughout 2012 (visit www.solution-saddles.co.uk for further details).

The SMART™ RigidFree saddles are beautifully made from premium quality English leather in Derbyshire, UK.
Available to order directly from Solution Saddles or through Solution Saddles global network of trained Approved Advisors.

Leather: Black or Havana. Suede optional.
Size: range from 3 - 6

Rental: All saddles are available for rental to enable extended trial periods.

Poor saddle fit is among the major causes of back pain among horses. (Jeffcott et al 1999)

Most people experience problems with traditional saddles and it is common to hear of frustrated riders spending large sums on saddle after saddle that for one reason or another just don’t work.
It is also common to hear of made to measure saddle trees failing, although this is not as surprising as it sounds as the tree may well fit in theory on a static horse, but becomes a problem as soon as the horse actually moves.
And, as we are all aware, horses change shape constantly throughout their lives.
Native breeds are very prone to carrying stores of fat deposits over their top line, so even small variations in weight will immediately affect saddle fit.

Symptoms of saddle problems
One gets used to a wide range of routine problems encountered in the training and development of the horse under saddle. Most horses are fairly stoical in their role as people-carriers, and will put up with an astonishing amount of pain and discomfort, sometimes displaying symptoms that are too subtle to be readily diagnosed.

Indeed, many experienced riders who do not believe that their horse is experiencing saddle issues at all, have been surprised at the improvements to performance that working treeless have demonstrated. Often, blame for poor performance is apportioned to the rider’s poor skill, or the horse’s bad temperament: Sometimes, it becomes obvious to the rider that there is a saddle-fitting problem, which could be causing some of the symptoms described.

The typically wide shoulder of the native’s conformation usually means that there is a lot of bulk around the back of the shoulder which will push against the tree points of the saddle and cause rolling; the whole saddle may even slip out of position.

The rolling effect also causes twisting to the rider’s lower back and strain to their lumbosacral joint. A large number of riders suffer chronic lower back problems with associated arthritic and sciatic pain.

The saddle can also be pushed forward over the shoulders and, in extreme cases, up the neck. This is caused by the tree being pushed forward by the croup, particularly in canter when more thrust is created by the hind limbs. The shoulder blocks the forward push of the rigid saddle tree, instead lifting it upwards, where it slides unhindered over the top of the shoulder instead.

Because of these instability problems, riders are usually more aware of a poor fit, but often remain frustrated because wide horses offer more of a challenge to conventional saddle-fitters.

Wide horses are often over girthed to help hold the saddle in place and it is common to see tree point girth straps used in an attempt to provide stability. Conversely, it is not uncommon to see narrow horses being ridden with a very loose girth.

In either type of conformation, there is a torque point from the lateral branches of the tree, usually where it either starts to narrow at the gullet waist, or at the point where it is at its narrowest. The tissue can become pinched between the tree and top of the spinal processes; it is common to see muscle or ligament inflammation at this point.

Because it is extremely difficult to check the fit in this area, this problem often goes unobserved.

So why do we use trees?
Asked this question, the majority of people will say that the tree protects the horse’s back and makes him more comfortable by distributing the weight.

Trees were first developed from the need to hold the stirrups in place and provide lateral stability – this remains the case today in a traditional craft handed down through generations.
Trees were never developed for the comfort of the horse – padding is necessary to help protect the horse from the tree.
Trees do not evenly distribute weight – this is physically impossible if you put a rigid structure between two live, moving beings.

So why does treeless work?
Without the clothes peg effect of the tree points restricting the shoulder and surrounding musculature, the forehand is freer, horses can move straighter and more readily find their natural balance. The physical changes are a result of this - improved musculature and more power, elasticity and expression.
Native pony and cob riders are increasingly seeing the benefits of alternative saddle systems.

Applying Science to Saddles
Observations made during recent independent scientific studies with a range of horse and rider combinations working in a traditional treed saddle and a Solution RigidFree™ saddle showed the treeless saddle to be consistently improving performance. Significantly, both saddles and riders sat straighter on the horses’ backs, and the horses moved straighter under them.

To find out more about scientific studies into saddle performance, go to www.saddleresearchtrust.co.uk

The SMART Native saddle - A new design specifically for wider-fit Native, Spanish & Arab breeds.

The SMART™ Native saddle from Solution Saddles incorporates all the advantages of our unique RigidFree™ saddle system, but has a low profile base more suited to the rounder breeds. The base gives discreet support along the dorsal muscles with subtle additional lift over the wither area, sitting much closer to the horse than the other competition models in our SMART™ saddle range.

This newly developed base shape makes this saddle ideal for use on the wider fit or traditional types such as Mountain and Moorland, Arab and Spanish breeds, giving enhanced horse fit and providing maximum security and comfort for the rider.

The SMART™ Native is available to order with a GP style flap suitable for all round riding and jumping or a straight cut knee flap for dressage, showing and flat work. A customised shorter pony sized flap is also available – suitable for adults or children on smaller breeds.

Available to order through our network of Approved Advisors or directly from Solution Saddles.

An initial home consultation visit from a Solution Saddles Approved Advisor will enable any rider to use the saddle comfortably with confidence. All saddles are available for rental or to purchase on payment plan terms. More details can be found on our website.

Available in black or havana English leather, suede optional.
Size: range from 3 - 6

Solution Saddles TACK PACK – a handy pouch containing Bee Natural all-in-one leather cleaner & conditioner and a sponge for easy tack cleaning on the go.

The TACK PACK was launched at the start of the 2011 competition season. It contains Solution Saddles tried and tested Bee Natural, a no mess, no fuss, all-in-one leather cleaner that really works to waterproof, strengthen, protect and clean all leather tack.

Leather is a natural material and needs to be protected from drying out and cracking in order to optimise performance and increase longevity. Bee Natural all-in-one leather cleaner & conditioner contains leather soaps that float out dirt and grime leaving no residue. Each leather fibre is coated with a protective blend of the finest leather oils and waxes which also aid in resisting dirt.

Bee Natural all-in-one cleaner and conditioner will keep your leather tack in peak condition and protect it from the elements.

Available to order through our network of Approved Advisors or directly from Solution Saddles.

The distinctive SMART™ RigidFree™ close-contact saddle design from Solution Saddles now comes with the option of the Suprabloc knee block system.

The new saddle feature, launched in February 2011, positions the knee block on the top of the saddle flap. The adjustable Suprabloc allows the rider to easily customise the position of the knee block to individual requirements and ‘tailor make’ the fit for a secure feel. This is of most benefit to the competition rider that requires extreme precision and accurate result.

The SMART™ saddle system has been developed through investment in scientific research in the quest to develop the most technologically advanced saddle available. A wide range of robust and objective scientific testing methods have been used to improve equine welfare and performance.

The SMART™ close-contact saddle not only includes all the unique features of the original SMART™ saddle design launched in 2009, but refined seat and base panels enable the rider to feel even closer to horse.

Solution Saddles have absolutely no rigid parts to cause injury to the horse and are completely flexible. This unique feature makes it possible to fit the saddle to any horse or pony, even if they are usually difficult to fit. This also allows for the horse to change in shape through the seasons or the saddle can be used between several horses easily. The saddles are designed to protect the horses back from pressure and trauma by using a unique patented shock absorbing system. The SMART™ close-contact saddles are beautifully made from the highest quality materials in Derbyshire, UK. When combined with the new Suprabloc system, the rider will feel the benefit of Solution Saddles unique patented saddle design, as much as the horse.

The SMART™ saddle is the first saddle system to apply state of the art technology to promote horse and rider synchronisation

“Talk to the manufacturer and designer, and if you can’t, don’t buy it. You must know how the thing you strap onto the horse’s back will behave on the horse’s back…”

A saddle is probably the most expensive and important purchase you will make for your horse, but is also perhaps the most likely to cause serious problems if you get it wrong.

Doing your homework is extremely important, but the saddlery market now offers such a bewildering number of options that it is extremely difficult for horse owners to gain sufficient information about a saddle’s design to make an informed decision.

Saddle Design
It is impossible for any professional saddle fitter to have sufficient knowledge of all the different makes and designs that are currently available to be able to give up to date, accurate advice. The best way to research saddle design is to speak directly to the manufacturer as they alone know exactly how their product is constructed, the materials used and the limitations of its use. If you cannot speak to the manufacturer, or they cannot satisfy you with logical and technical detail, fitting and usage advice, and a guarantee of after sales support and service, do not purchase from the company.

Customers should be able to ask the manufacturer questions that satisfy areas of concern, for example:

- What is the framework inside the saddle comprised of and what is it specifically designed to do?
Some trees are said to be flexible, either in part or they may be made wholly of a plastic such as polyurethane. These may distort in some conditions, e.g. under heavier weights, when they become hot, if used on a crooked horse or by a crooked rider.

- If it is not a conventional tree, are there any rigid parts and if so, what is their function?
Most so-called treeless saddles have a single rigid pommel arch to give the appearance of “wither clearance” but which leave the stirrup hanger assembly and girth strap attachments unsupported, usually causing severe pressure over the back.

- Are there any limitations to the design?
One very honest manufacturer states that their saddles are “not recommended for riders over 90kgs/14 stone, for prominent withered horses or novice riders who rely on a saddle to remain on a horse.” Another advises that the saddle should not be ridden in for more than 2 hours. In neither case was there any detail given about the design fault that led to these limitations, but the inherent fault is bound to cause problems in the long term with any type of use, not just the specific use advised against.

Internet Sellers
It is a cause of great concern that saddles can be sold mail order, without hands on fitting and advice from a trained fitter.
There is a great misconception amongst the horse owning public that so-called “treeless” saddles will fit anything.
This is far from being the case and anyone who straps anything on a horse’s back should take responsibility for knowing how it is constructed, what it is designed to do and the limitations of its use.

Research
There has been very little research done on the effect of saddles on horse performance. Much of the information we have is assumed knowledge rather than science-based fact. For example, we all know that our horses change shape and that this affects saddle fit, but this has never been studied until now. The Saddle Research Trust (www.saddleresearchtrust.co.uk ) was founded in order to carry out multi-disciplinary research projects into back, saddle and performance issues.
Computerised pressure mapping systems are increasingly being used to test saddle performance.

The Saddle Research Trust has carried out comparative studies between different types of sensor mat and has found that there are significant differences in the results, highlighting the need for further investigation of these systems before they can be usefully employed to test saddles in the market place.

The use of impression pads to check saddle fit is not advised – they are simply too crude to be a useful indicator of peak pressure or force. They are usually too thick and will therefore change the saddle interface and in the case of flexible saddles, the results will show where there is greater flexion, not pressure.

Competition rules
None of the governing bodies of any of the disciplines endorse any make of saddle. Some manufacturer claims are misleading, with one company even stating that their saddle is “approved by British Dressage” when it is not.
In fact, British Dressage rules specify that saddles must be of “English style” but updated its rules to specifically allow treeless saddles. Confusion arises because there is no definition of what “English style” is or what “treeless” is.

British Eventing rules state that an “English style” saddle is compulsory, whilst British Show Jumping Association simply states that saddles must be worn.

The Pony Club stands alone in prohibiting treeless saddles, but only in Mounted Games and Polocrosse. The Pony Club is also the only governing body to state that saddles must be well – fitting, but none of the disciplines offer any guidance or advice on what is considered to be suitable for the purpose.

It is commonly believed that all treeless saddles have a similar construction and that they can be used on any horse without the need for correct fitting and balancing, but this is far from the truth. The rider has a responsibility to know how the saddle will behave on the horse’s back. A badly fitting or poorly designed treeless saddle will cause just as many, if not more problems in the long term as a badly fitting traditional saddle.

A rapidly growing number of non - traditional saddles are sold under the general heading of “treeless”, but what does that really mean? The saddlery market now offers such a bewildering number of options that it is extremely difficult for horse owners to gain sufficient information about a saddle’s design to make an informed decision.

It is impossible even for the professional saddle fitter to have sufficient knowledge of all the different makes and designs that are currently available in order to be able to give up to date, accurate advice. Although experienced saddle fitters should always be consulted in the fitting of any saddle, very few traditionally trained fitters will have undergone training in treeless saddles.

A treeless saddle, by definition, should be free of any rigid parts, but actually, this is rarely the case. Misleadingly, both manufacturers and retailers can use this term when the saddle is in fact, part-treed. Any rigid parts in the structure or frame of the saddle should mean that it is part-treed, or even half-treed, but in an unregulated industry, anything goes. A more accurate descriptive term for non-traditional saddles would perhaps be alternative saddles.

	1) Bareback pad Basically just numnahs with stirrups attached (some have handles for extra security), these have no gullet and offer no lateral stability or support for the rider’ seat. They should not be used for long periods as they will cause pressure over the spine and standing in the stirrups, particularly by heavier riders should always be avoided. They can be useful for quiet horses, assisting riders to learn feel and balance, or as an interim measure in saddle fitting problems.
	2) Leisure pad This is the largest category and the one that contains the most diverse range of designs and internal framework. In general, they will assist rider security with stirrups, shaped seats and knee blocks but are unlikely to offer a balanced seat. Some, but not all will have better stability with a gullet and spinal clearance. Most are sold as “one size fits all” meaning that caution should be exercised in their use as they may cause pressure points. They can be useful where there is a tight budget and where fitting issues have forced a change away from traditional saddles.
	3) English style At the top end of the market, you will find rigid free saddles that are designed as professional rider tools and look like traditional models, but have been developed from extensive research. The use of new technologies has moved saddle making away from a traditional craft to a level where they can be scientifically proven to work well in terms of welfare and performance over a long term.

There are plenty of poor quality imports and copies; caution is recommended when purchasing as you will usually get what you pay for.

Alternative design concepts
If it is not a conventional tree, are there any rigid parts and if so, what is their function?
It is important to understand what the framework inside the saddle is comprised of and what it is specifically designed to do. Most alternative saddles have some form of rigid structure to support the shape and stop it collapsing onto the back, but it is these components that can cause pressure and damage the back.

There is often a single rigid pommel arch, which although it gives the appearance of “wither clearance”, can leave the stirrup and girth attachments unsupported, causing peak pressure points over the back. The rigid arch is sometimes removable and interchangeable with different width fittings. Some models have a complete pommel piece, often made of fiberglass or wood. The cantle is often similarly designed as a removable insert. Some part-trees have a rigid cantle and seat support for the rider.

The method of stirrup attachment and how the rider’s weight in the stirrup is supported is probably the most important aspect of saddle function and varies widely from very crude to highly sophisticated. The majority are attached by a simple band over the spine, which, if not used with carefully fitted balance pads, will cause uneven pressure. Some manufacturers have produced variations in an attempt to address the problem – one uses a webbing strap that runs the length of the seat, while another has extended the rigid pommel arch to incorporate the stirrup bar attachment. Another attachment method is fixed to the body of the saddle with the weight taken by the base panels.

Currently, the only model to have been rigorously tested with pressure mapping systems is a patented design based on flexible weight bearing fins that fully support both the stirrup and the girthing attachments.

Limitations of alternative designs
It is essential to select an appropriate design for the demands that will be placed on it.
One very honest manufacturer states that their saddles are “not recommended for riders over 14 stone, for prominent withered horses or novice riders who rely on a saddle to remain on a horse.” Another advises that the saddle should not be ridden in for more than 2 hours. In neither case is any detail given about the design fault that leads to these limitations, but the inherent fault is bound to cause problems in the long term with any type of use, not just the specific use advised against.
Some trees are said to be flexible, either in part or they may be made wholly of a plastic such as polyurethane. These may distort in some conditions, e.g. under heavier weights, when they become hot, if used on a crooked horse or by a crooked rider. Some flexible trees can also be returned to the manufacturer for width adjustment.

Trying an alternative saddle
There are some excellent designs of alternative saddle becoming available and technology is assisting a rapid development of function and performance. The serious rider now has real alternative to traditional saddles, but if you are thinking of trying one, be prepared to do your homework first. Talk to the saddle manufacturer and designer, and if you can’t, don’t buy. Make sure that a professional fitting service for that specific design is available - you must know how whatever you strap onto the horse’s back will behave on the horse’s back.

The government and the NHS are actively campaigning to reduce the incidence of obesity in children. The latest statistics suggest that over one third of children are either overweight or obese.

The veterinary profession is similarly concerned about the high incidence of obesity in companion animals and most practices now hold slimming clinics for household pets.

But a team of US researchers has recently determined that horses are also facing serious health risks because of obesity. Fifty-one percent of horses evaluated during the pioneering research were determined to be overweight or obese. In the UK equine population, around 15 years ago fewer than 10% were overweight. This figure has now risen to an alarming 32%.

When weight increase is gradual, it is difficult to pick up the changes and then the changes become ‘normal’. Many horse owners are influenced by the shape and weight of horses around them. Condition means different things to different people. An event rider and a showing judge will have different perceptions of good condition. Although it is possible to have a fit, well-rounded horse, for many show competitors striving for the perfect topline, it simply means overweight.

Causes of obesity:
Changing Lifestyles
We have changed the way we ride and keep horses and there are a growing number of owners with little or no experience of equine management who may not recognise problems. Natives and cobs were traditionally worked from the field, but nowadays there is an obsession with caring for our horses that is wholly unnatural. The array of products available to today’s discerning horse owner, from tasty looking feed mixes and fluffy bedding materials to high tog value duvets make it is easy to pamper far beyond healthy, natural boundaries.

Improved forage
Many pastures have been fortified with the goal of improving weight gain and productivity of cattle and other food animals, with little thought given to how this might affect horses, which can often share the same types of pastures. Even on average grazing, horses in light work will usually eat far more calories than they need for maintenance.

Lack of exercise
The horse evolved as a free-roaming grazer on sparse pasture types, later serving primarily as a work animal for transportation and draught power. Vigorous exercise in the forms of hacking and hunting used to be the norm, but there are now increases in low impact equestrian pastimes and today, most horses serve as companions and light performance animals.

Weight Management
The ideal situation, obviously, is never let your horse get fat in the first instance, but it is not always easy to recognise when a horse is becoming overweight or to know what the correct weight for an individual should be. World Horse Welfare has launched The Right Weight project to help owners manage their horse's weight. The project advises owners what the correct condition is, how to assess it and provides practical ways to control weight.

In humans, accumulation of fat in the abdomen is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If the fat is more widely distributed it tends to cause fewer problems. Similarly in horses and ponies, it is the accumulation of fat depots in the abdomen and crest that is of more concern than a generalised obesity.

You can assess your horse’s condition by body condition scoring and using a weigh tape regularly. Ideally, this should be done weekly, as this enables you to take action quickly if a rapid change is noted. Horses are designed to lose weight over the winter months and can often safely gain some weight from the spring flush of grass. Although special vigilance is required in spring when the most rapid grass growth occurs, we must also be aware of warm wet spells during the summer and into the autumn when grass growth may be unusually boosted.

A horse carrying excess weight will often feel lazy or lack energy but feeding a higher energy feed means feeding more calories, and giving an overweight horse more calories won’t give him more energy for work. Instead, it is preferable that he loses the excess weight and increases fitness.

Saddle Fitting – the shifting problem.
When the horse’s weight changes, his saddle will no longer fit, but the problem is that horses change shape constantly throughout their lives. For example, in just a week, a fluctuation of 3 kilos in weight is perfectly normal. The horse carries most of his stored fat deposits over his top line, so even small variations in weight will immediately affect saddle fit.

An ill-fitting saddle can cause a whole raft of problems, many of which can go unnoticed even to the experienced owner. A scientific research study has shown that around ¾ of horses showed significant saddle pressure on the back, with over ½ showing back pain and muscle atrophy from saddles with serious multiple fitting problems.

If the loin area also has excessive fat deposits, the saddle can be pushed forward over the shoulders and, in extreme cases, up the neck. This is caused by the tree points being pushed forward into the back of the shoulder by the croup, particularly in canter when more thrust is created by the hind limbs. The shoulder blade blocks the forward push of the points, lifting them upwards instead, where they slide unhindered over the top of the shoulder.

Wide, overweight horses are often over girthed to help hold the saddle in place. Tree point girth straps are frequently resorted to in an attempt to provide stability. Because of these instability problems, riders are usually more aware of a poor fit, but often remain frustrated because wide horses offer more of a challenge to saddle-fitters.

The twisting of the saddle causes a torque point from the lateral branches of the tree, usually where it starts to narrow at the gullet waist. The soft tissue of the back can become pinched between the tree and top of the spinal processes; it is common to see muscle or ligament inflammation in this area. Because it is extremely difficult to check the fit in this area, this problem often goes unobserved.

Friction to the horse’s back associated with tree movement can cause disruption and breakage to the hair or even bald areas at the back of the saddle. Skin integrity can also be damaged, leading to inflammation, infection and lumps.

Many owners find themselves in an impossible situation when their horse starts to gain weight – more work is needed to keep him in shape, but the saddle no longer fits and the horse is off work with a sore back or worse. Recent advances in saddle design have eased some of these problems and in particular, well-fitted treeless saddles have proved very useful in accommodating even the roundest of barrels.

When fitting any type of saddle, however, care is necessary and flexible saddles are not a substitute for monitoring your horse’s shape and the way the saddle interacts with the horse’s back. Saddle fitting is a very specialised field and although your vet, therapist or instructor may be able to offer pearls of wisdom gained from vast experience, it may not always be completely up to date or accurate.

Even dedicated saddle fitters will not have the all round experience required to fit any type of saddle that one can currently find in today’s minefield of a market. The best advice on saddle fitting should be from the manufacturers as they alone know exactly how their product is constructed, the materials used and the limitations of its use.

2008 was a difficult year for eventing: in the spotlight both for Olympic success, and for the latest fatalities in rotational falls. Having personally experienced the classic rotational fall, I feel very lucky to be alive. None of us believe we are going be injured when we leave the start box, otherwise we would not do it. We all accept there is risk, but have confidence in our own and our horse’s ability to react to the questions.

How is the sport perceived by those outside it?
Eventing has evolved over the years, but in terms of welfare and safety it has to keep pace with the developed world’s ideas of what is acceptable. After 2 horses died on the cross country at Boekelo 3 day Event in 1997, the Dutch government considered banning eventing.

Princess Haya, FEI President and member of the International Olympic Committee has said that “There is no guarantee that horse sports can survive in the Olympics beyond 2012 – or even get that far. We have a huge fight to even get to London 2012. Anyone who thinks that equestrian sports are secure for London is mistaken. The IOC has very reasonable and legitimate concerns about eventing safety. Walking away and saying “Thank God nobody died,” isn’t good enough.”

Presenter Clare Balding has worked at four Olympic Games and believes that the safety issue in eventing is key to public opinion. “This risk needs to be minimised otherwise we’ll be out of the games. We have to move with the times and make the sport more palatable.”

What are the statistics?
Whilst the efforts that are now being made to make the sport safer are commendable, there has little effect on fall statistics. In the UK there has been:
1 death in rotational falls in 2008
15 deaths in last 2 years
23 deaths in last 25 years
In one year there were: - 1,873 falls - 55 rotational falls - 17 serious injuries in rotational falls Internationally, there have been 11 fatal accidents in 13 months.

What are the risk factors involved in falls?
In 2004, a large independent study into the risk factors for horse falls revealed that a number of course, obstacle and rider variables were significantly and independently associated with the risk of falling:
- obstacles sited downhill - obstacles with ditches in front - increasing numbers of obstacles - jumping efforts later in the course - amateur riders (20% more likely to fall than professionals)
It was also found that: - ascending spread fences give a four fold reduction in risk - combination fences may decrease risk.

How influential is course design?
Rider skills have improved, the technicality of tracks has increased and there are many more completions nowadays than there used to be, but course designers still feel that they have to over-compensate for riders’ lack of education.

The idea of a filter fence early in the course to test rider skill has so far been rejected.

Falls can happen at all speeds, but an increase in clusters of fences to improve spectator viewing has caused riders to go slower in combinations and faster between fences, or over single fences.

Although not scientifically supported, riders have called for accuracy combination fences to be kept in a straight line for safety as they believe that slowing and turning are contributing factors in falls.

Fences used to be made from spindly rails which broke easily and regularly and were in effect, frangible, but they have become progressively more solid. This effort to be safer may have been counterproductive and deformable fences are now being encouraged.

There is a gulf in terms of course safety between the UK and the rest of the world. There are frequent reports of substandard, poorly designed or unsafe courses at overseas events which may be attributed partly to lack of funding, but also to an apathetic attitude from some national federations to training in construction and design skills.

Can rules prevent accidents?
There is current debate concerning remounting after a fall.
Officials have the power to award penalties or stop a competitor on the course but this is rarely, if ever, used. BE uses a unique “heads up” informal system of spotters who log incidents in order to keep riders under review. This is also done for horses that are considered to be lacking education or are unsafe.

A new FEI system to monitor falls and dangerous riding will be the first step towards mandatory rider licensing. Although the idea of licensing is generally acceptable to riders, it is felt that the current qualification system is virtually a licence in itself.

This year, all FEI qualifying results must include a clear cross country round, where previously a stop was allowed.

Can training and experience eliminate error?
It has been suggested that some riders who experience falls are competing beyond their ability, but many of the fatalities have been well qualified, experienced, successful riders.

Most serious accidents occur at one and two star level, but this is statistically because there are more starters at that level the percentage of falls goes up at higher levels.

Christopher Bartle FBHS, German team trainer and Badminton winner, says “Even the most experienced riders can make a mistake in terms of preparation coming into a fence. A horse at any level of experience can, similarly, make a mistake that can lead to a fall.”

Mark Phillips maintains that the common denominator of fatal falls is that the rider has “missed”, but there is evidence to the contrary. He also believes that “nanny” classes at lower levels allow riders to get away with doing nothing; horses progress to a level where effective riding becomes key because the horse can no longer get the rider out of trouble. There has been discussion of rider registration with an accredited trainer and certification before competition.

Can learning how to fall save lives?
Although not supported by leading riders, Christopher Bartle believes that “By developing a reflex to roll with a fall and get out of the way, numerous lives could be saved” and wants tuck and roll training to become part of mandatory training.

However, he admits that “Tuck and roll won’t help every rider in every circumstance. There will be times when there is simply nothing the rider can do to change their fate.” I know that I only had time to understand what was going to happen. In a rotational fall, there is no question of throwing yourself clear or rolling into a ball because the force of the horse drives you down under it.

Can lameness cause a fall?
One of the most common causes of a fall is when the horses “puts down again” or “chips in a short one”.

A horse working in a degree of pain or discomfort will often do this, either through a weakness rendering it impossible for him to lengthen normally to a fence, or through a lack of concentration or confidence. Anticipation of pain on landing will also cause a horse to back off.

After any fall, a rider has to be seen by a doctor, who may force a riding ban, but there are no mandatory follow up checks carried out on horses.

Can saddle design increase the risk of falls and the severity of injury?
No mention has ever before been made of the impact of the saddle in rider injuries – there are no statistics recorded to analyse this. The rider is unlikely to be thrown out of the saddle impact area, but this is not being analysed. Research into safer saddle design and construction should be considered a priority to help protect the rider – and the horse. A standard (e.g. EU or kite mark) should be considered for saddle design and construction.

Flatter saddles and shorter stirrups are believed to make it easier for the rider to be thrown clear, but this is not substantiated by fact, and would have no influence in a rotational fall. In 2000, the Hartington Committee report pointed out the possible danger of using knee blocks or padding on the saddle, behind the rider’s leg. It was recommended that should study of the effect of saddle types in accidents but there has been no progress. The FEI Safety Forum, January 2008 highlighted a need for education of riders in the use of saddles. But how is this to be implemented and what are the objectives?

Can one type of horse be safer than another?
There has been debate concerning the type of horse used and concern has been expressed that horses bred for dressage may not be reliable jumpers suited to eventing. In the dressage world, a brilliant moving dressage horse is not usually thought to also have a sharp brain.

Jack le Goff, former US trainer, believed that highly trained dressage horses lost their initiative cross country. However there is no evidence that rider deaths are the result of horses more suited to dressage. Most trainers believe that good training produces a better partnership.

Could the collection, analysis and application of current data be improved?
BE has a huge database that includes all horse and rider falls. The FEI database is working to improve national data collection but some countries fail to return reports.

Are current investigative methods effective?
The current BE accident report form does not require detail of what injured the rider, only how or why the fall happened. It is completed by volunteer jump judges who may not have any specific equestrian knowledge, with no rider or witness statements included. Photos, video evidence and eye witness reports are usually available at any event, from spectators and professionals and appeals for information following an accident could easily be made.

Is research providing answers?
The Hartington Committee report, which was produced after 5 fatalities in 1999, concluded that everything should be done to prevent horses from falling.

The Transport Research Laboratory investigations have shown that rotational falls happen when a horse hits a fixed obstacle between the knee and elbow. Below this point, the horse is able to scrabble over, above and the horse remains behind the fence with the rider still seated, or ejected over the fence. The development of the frangible pin has so far, seemed to be the only way of protecting the rider when things go wrong, but the pins are costly and little seen outside the UK.

However, there is debate about whether pins may cause the horse to be in contact with the fence for longer, thus contribute to a fall. In 2008, a study into the forces exerted when a horse hits a fence was carried out using data collected from a test fence fitted with sensors and a high speed video camera. Work is currently being done on the development of deformable fences. Since 2002, the Netherlands has only used breakable fences in national competitions and no fatal accidents have occurred.

The newly formed Saddle Performance Assessment Group in partnership with Solution Saddles is carrying out a broad ranging scientific investigation to assess the influence of saddles on horse welfare, performance and safety. There is evidence that saddles can cause physiological and psychological damage, with different designs causing different types and degrees of damage.

Veterinary Referral Scheme
Launched in 2006, the scheme is designed to facilitate all equine veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis, treatment and management of back problems in ridden performance and leisure horses.

The first centre to use the scheme was The Equine Centre at The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket.
Solution saddles are available for loan to equine veterinary practices and their clients on application to participate in case studies. The length of the term of the study will vary for individual cases, based on veterinary recommendation.

“It has been my experience that some horses with back pain benefit tremendously by the use of The Solution treeless saddle.” (Dr. SJ Dyson 2006)

Dr Sue Dyson at the Animal Health Trust
“Clinical assessment of a horse with a performance related problem working in The Solution treeless saddle helps me to determine if such a saddle might benefit the horse long term, although this may take several days assessment to determine”

Sue’s main clinical interests are improving lameness and poor performance diagnosis by combining imaging techniques with comprehensive clinical evaluations. She has published extensively and lectured world wide on the diagnosis and management of orthopaedic injuries in the horse. Because Sue has also ridden at top national level in both eventing and show jumping and has produced horses that have subsequently competed at the Olympics and World Championships, she is in a unique position of understanding performance related problems from a rider and trainer’s point of view as well as that of a veterinary specialist.
The Equine Clinic at the AHT specialises in lameness and poor performance in horses from all disciplines, taking an integrated approach to diagnosis and management.

In one AHT case study, a horse that had appeared lame in front when ridden in its own saddle moved markedly better when The Solution was used and it was then possible to observe subtle hindlimb lameness.

Several case studies undertaken at the AHT have involved kissing spines syndrome (IDSP) and all have shown marked improvement with the use of The Solution saddle.

“…The horse was reassessed in The Solution treeless saddle and was more comfortable. He was less strong, and had a better quality contact with the bit, working in a longer neck outline, less peacocky. He generally seemed more relaxed.”

“…The horse was ridden bareback and no lameness was detectable. The horse was then ridden with a saddle (the owner’s) and showed consistent right forelimb lameness on the right rein and a lot of resistances.
The horse was then ridden using The Solution treeless saddle. The horse was prepared to stretch down much more by the head and neck and was less lame.”

“I have investigated a number of horses previously with forelimb lameness that is only apparent when ridden and in many of these have failed to reach a diagnosis.”

“…It is suggested that The Solution treeless saddle is tried to see whether use of this on a more prolonged basis results in any improvement.”

“ …A horse that had a weird history of plaiting in front as soon as it is tacked up, with intermittent forelimb lameness and sometimes not right behind. I have spent many days investigating but don’t have a definitive answer, but it does go much better in The Solution Saddle.”

Solution saddles is proud to be associated with such a high profile charity as the TRC whose passion is for horse welfare. This is The Solution’s reason for starting our company – the welfare of the horse. We believe that saddle issues are not only poorly understood, but that they are one of the biggest welfare issues of our time. It is essential that we work together to raise awareness of back, saddle and performance issues in order to promote a better understanding worldwide, and also to continue to research and develop our range for the good of the horse.

The treeless Solution Saddle has proved itself to be a very valuable tool in the retraining and rehabilitation process at the TRC.

Julie Robinson, BHSII is the resident trainer who supervises the work programme for all the horses. She has used the saddle extensively, with particular success where there have been existing back or attitude issues.

Julie says, “ This horse has taken very well to The Solution Saddle and it has helped him enormously in his rehabilitation. His previous owners were astounded at how well he is looking and working. He is more responsive, feels freer, not as twitchy at his wither or as swishy in his tail.”

She continues: “There has been a marked improvement in the way of going of all the horses on which we use The Solution Saddles. The saddles have been a tremendous help when dealing with the problems that we routinely encounter in retraining ex-racehorses. The horses free up in their backs and consequently have fewer back problems.

We are now seeing some really positive results where there have been existing or chronic problems. Much of the time, the problems remain in the memory of the horse, but with the treeless saddle, they feel the difference straight away, and quickly learn to trust that it will not hurt or restrict them.”

When loaners first come to the TRC they have a ridden assessment in order to determine their level of experience and to match their ability with a suitable horse. They ride this schoolmaster on The Solution Saddle and always remark on its comfort and the unusual feeling of being directly connected to the horse’s movement through The Solution Saddle – a connection they do not feel with their conventional saddles.

Carrie Humble, MBE, founder and director of the TRC says: “I have an intense dislike for heavy rigid saddles and as so many horses arrive at the Centre with chronic back problems it is wonderful to be able to work with a light, supple saddle that allows the horse and rider such freedom of movement and connection.”

If you would like to find out more about the long term loan of a TRC horse, or would like to donate to this very worthwhile cause, please visit their website www.thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk

Back to top of page.

About Landmarks
Since 1995 Landmarks, a registered charity, has provided vocational education and training for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. It has become the foremost independent provider of non-residential education, training and day care facilities for people with special needs.

The charity provides a caring and stimulating environment where people with disabilities can discover their potential and develop personal skills which will equip them for a positive role in the wider community.

The facilities are based at a 20-acre working farm and an adjacent farm of 220 acres, both in Creswell.
A range of courses in animal care and practical land-based activities related to the running of a farm, conservation and horticulture are offered.

There is an extensive Skills for Life programme covering literacy, numeracy and e-learning, with extended work experience options.

All of the courses, normally designed for three years, are accredited with City & Guilds, Essential Skills (MENCAP), NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) or OCN (Open College Network).

Through practical activities students develop their basic skills, self-awareness and confidence to prepare them to achieve their goals and to move on to another college or into employment.

Landmarks is funded through the Learning and Skills Council, Chesterfield and North Nottinghamshire Colleges, Social Services, parents and other charities. About 80 students attend each week and there is great demand for places which are restricted in order to maintain the high standards of quality.

Solution Saddles assisting Landmarks Charity
When Solution Saddles discovered that a local charity had all their tack stolen in a burglary, the company stepped in to help. Landmarks College in Derbyshire helps young people with special needs gain work experience in land based courses. Horses are being used very successfully at the Cresswell centre to encourage those with a broad spectrum of learning and behavioural disorders to build confidence and communication skills. Learners are able to choose their own programmes and riding is the most popular selection.

The Solution saddle has a unique RigidFree™ design that allows it to be fitted to different horses’ back shapes. This made it an ideal choice where funds were limited and the centre was unable to replace all the saddles that were stolen.
But what the staff and students at Landmarks did not expect, was the huge impact their new saddle would have.

Landmarks college with Billy
Anne Bondi, Solution Saddles Managing Director, took a saddle along to the stables to demonstrate its usefulness to Rebecca, a member of the Learning Support staff.

Billy the elderly Dales cob was the guinea pig for the occasion, but he had not been ridden since his saddle “disappeared” and the lack of exercise had unfortunately contributed to serious weight gain.

Billy suffers from a metabolic disorder that makes his weight very difficult to manage and can result in bouts of the painful condition, laminitis, which in turn leads to more time off work.

The naturally broad shoulders and wide back shape of the native Dales breed makes it extremely difficult to fit the rigid frame of a conventional saddle to; combined with his tendency to carry excessive fat, Billy was a real challenge to saddle fitters.

Rebecca explained that Billy’s old saddle had been holding back ridden activities because its poor fit caused it to roll around on his back, causing lack of stability and loss of security for riders.

As this was unsafe, it was deemed necessary to have two assistants hold the saddle in place while students were trying to learn balance skills for riding – a most unsatisfactory arrangement, particularly when many of the learners were quite capable of balancing unaided and would have clearly benefited from the opportunity of greater independence to build confidence and self-esteem.

Rebecca was not only impressed by how quickly and easily the flexible Solution saddle was fitted to Billy, but was amazed at the transformation in the cob’s ability to move more freely. She felt him able to turn more easily: “not like a plank”. His trot steps were less choppy and he stopped slipping and stumbling.

Since receiving their Solution saddle, Landmarks has been able to give very positive feedback on its use and have supplied case studies to help raise awareness of the benefits for other special needs groups.