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| Fitting advice |
Some of the old “rules” that were traditionally adhered to for using conventional treed saddles simply do not apply to Solution Saddles innovative RigidFree™ design.
The Solution saddle system, whilst being a different concept, is easy for even the novice rider or horse owner to understand and utilise without the need for continued specialist help.
However, in the same way that you would schedule routine checks from a saddler for a traditional saddle, we recommend that you have regular reviews.
There is always help and advice on hand. Our Home Consultancy Service is available for routine checks or if you would like help with fitting to different horses or riders. |
After a simple demonstration, it should be possible
for anyone to use the system with confidence. |
Initial fitting advice from a Solution Saddles trained Advisor should enable any rider to use the saddle comfortably with confidence. The principles of fitting Solution saddles are very straight forward and enable the user to make adjustments quickly and easily without constantly resorting to professional assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact your Approved Advisor for advice as they have seen you and your horse, conducted an assessment and fitting and are in the best position to provide you with any ongoing support.
We recommend that when a horse is first introduced to a Solution saddle, you take things slowly, particularly with a horse that has had a fundamental or dramatic change in the way of going. The horse may be using different muscles in a different way and will require conditioning with short repetitions, building up, to avoid fatigue or strain.
Do you need to use balance pads?
Horses change shape constantly throughout their lives due to maturity, muscle development, fitness levels and weight fluctuations. For example, in just a 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 affect saddle fit.
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.
Saddle placement
It is unnecessary to place the saddle as far back as many treed saddles require to be placed, as the flexible Solution will not restrict the lift and swing of the horse’s shoulder, but lift and move with it. This is particularly the case with the more forward cut models (GP and Jumper), where the flap can lie comfortably on the shoulder. |
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Maisie the Mule’s upright shoulder was impossible to fit with
any jumping saddle other than a Solution |
The tree points of a traditional saddle can restrict the scapula movement if the girth is positioned correctly.
For this reason, treed saddles have to be placed further back. |
Check our Fitting Guidelines for more information |
Sizing
Solution saddles are fitted to the rider size, not horse size or shape. Correctly fitted and balanced, the rider should be able to comfortably ride in one saddle on any horse.
We recommend that a test ride with an Approved Advisor is carried out before ordering a saddle. This opportunity to feel the different sizes and models and receive advice on optimum balance and fit for horse and rider comfort will guide you towards the best saddle choice.
As a general rule, if it is appropriate for the rider to sit on the horse, their saddle size will also be appropriate.Short backed and small horses can be comfortably ridden in larger saddle sizes because the flexible seat and cantle will move with the back action, avoiding pressure and bridging at the rear; this would not be possible in a treed saddle, which should be positioned in front of the last rib.
The table below is for general guidance only as there are several factors which will affect the choice of saddle size:
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The same adult rider rides both Sean the pony
and Mac the cob in the same Solution Saddle |
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Height and weight of the rider are the factors that have most influence on the saddle size required. There are no hard and fast rules as much of the decision will be from the rider’s personal preference – some prefer to be seated snugly, others prefer a roomier feel. It is advisable to try more than one size where there is any doubt.
Hip to knee length: if longer than average, may require a longer seat to give the rider more room from the cantle to the front of the kneeflap. This is particularly important where a short stirrup length is adopted e.g. in the jumping models.
Longer legs can be accommodated by slimmer or contoured knee blocks, while a smaller rider may prefer the support of larger blocks.
Once the saddle has been fitted to the horse’s back, it can then be adjusted to give optimum balance for the rider.
It is extremely important to make any necessary adjustments, as the rider will not feel comfortable if they are not completely in balance. If the rider is not comfortable, they will not ride effectively. It is very quick and easy to fit to the horse, but takes a little more time to check that the set-up of the equipment is optimised for the rider.
The unique concept of the Solution system allows it to be minutely adjusted to accommodate any horse or rider to give the best performance, so in the beginning, it is time well spent to experiment with different fittings. Once you have established your preferences, these are unlikely to change much, if at all, when you change the saddle between horses.
Factors to consider
• Saddle model
• Saddle size
• Knee support
• Thigh support
• Rider weight
• Hip size |
• Hip to knee length
• Rider vertical balance
• Rider lateral balance
• Riding style and preferred stirrup length
• Rider personal preference
• Asymmetry |
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Checking the Fit
The fitting check is done with the rider mounted and the girth tightened. The saddle should be as close to the withers as possible without causing pressure. We are aiming for close, even
contact around the back. As the horse walks forwards, he will lift the base panels of the saddle
with his shoulders and back muscles and the whole saddle will ride higher.
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| Check our Fitting Guidelines for more information |
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