Is your saddle event ready?

So, you’ve been building up your fitness work and training over the winter to ensure that you and your horse are ready for the eventing season but have you had your saddle checked? And why do you get your saddle fitter out?

Perhaps you’ve had your horse’s back checked and they’ve flagged up an issue or is this something you always have scheduled in your diary at this stage of the year?

A saddle check is essential at the beginning of the season because your horse will have certainly changed shape since his winter break or reduced work/change of work and as the season progresses your horse will again certainly change shape as he builds size (through muscle and in some cases – good grass!) or at the other end of the scale, drops off weight due to the level of travelling/competing being undertaken.

One of the key signs we always look out for when speaking to riders is their feedback on how their horses are going. If your trainer is noticing a difference in your horse or the way you are riding or that your horse is suddenly going differently on one rein than the other or your saddle is slipping to one side and staying there are all signs something has changed. Also, if you’ve noticed behavioural differences in him: from a dislike to being tacked up through to being ‘naughty’ under saddle. If you haven’t ruled out your saddle fit, then you need to book an appointment!

Make a point of booking appointments in the diary with your saddle fitter well ahead during the season to ensure you don’t forget or a problem arises that can’t be solved quickly. This is important for any rider as, just like you, everyone else is busy getting out there so no doubt your saddler won’t be able to book you in at a moment’s notice so be organised!

As well as the signs to watch out for above, you should also ask yourself:

Is it sitting still when you put it on before girthing up

Does it lift at the back when you girth it?

Does it look in balance?

Does it move forward or backwards, side to side?

Getting your event saddle checked is imperative for your performance, your safety and your horse’s well-being!

Childéric Saddles are a bespoke saddlery brand offering the ultimate in fit and performance for both horse and rider. Providing the highest level of care and service to all their customers, their portfolio of professional riders at top international level spans across all disciplines and includes event riders such as Gemma Tattersall, Caroline Powell & Austin O’Connor, Jonty Evans to name just a few.

www.childericsaddles.co.uk

0788 680 2553