KEN'S COLUMN
the experiences and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
This month: I thought I’d seen it all!
I've been involved with horses - and been a part of the equestrian industry - for a very long time, so much so that I tend to think I've seen it all - twice over. Recent experiences prove to the contrary.
I was saddle fitting in quite a large yard recently when I witnessed what I think was something quite remarkable. A young lad - I later discovered he was twelve - was riding a dark bay pony in the manege. About 14 hands, she was probably a New Forest cross. Pretty, alert but steady, she was the type of pony any parent would go miles and miles to buy. A small course of jumps had been erected and I stopped to watch because boy and pony made such a pleasing picture. No rushing. No cutting corners. The boy was supple and he had wonderful hands over the fence. A lady was also standing watching and I remarked on the pony's superb temperament and the boy's ability. 'I suppose', I said, 'they've been together for a long time'. 'No. Actually, my son only began riding just over a week ago. One or two people have said he's a natural.' What an understatement. Of course, the pony was an enormous help but even allowing for her, the boy was undoubtedly far and away the most naturally gifted rider I've ever seen. Later, in conversation, I gathered he had a lot of interests and was very keen on all sorts of sports including skiing and gymnastics, both of which demand balance. It will be a loss if other commitments mean he hasn't sufficient time to devote to riding.
Another strange incident: I was called out to fit a saddle for a horse that had just been bought. A six year old, he was a superb looking animal. He behaved well whilst I was trying various saddles and we had reached the stage where I wanted the rider to try those I'd shortlisted. I always prefer the rider to use a mounting block - so much better for the horse's back - but one wasn't available in this yard. The rider was small, the horse a big animal and, trying to get her right leg across the saddle, she gave him a kick on the rump. I have never seen a horse move so quickly - he was off - the rider still wasn't properly mounted and she fell quite heavily. I suggested we leave trying more saddles and that I would return two or three days later. Much to my amazement, the client insisted she liked the saddle and would pay for it straight away. It concerned me that I had not had opportunity to see the horse ridden in the saddle. It also concerned me that she wouldn't allow me to return another day to carry out full saddle fitting procedures but, although I tried to persuade her to delay purchase, she was adamant. I really do advocate using a mounting block. I wish the BHS and other bodies would do the same and I would like to see it included in examinations and riding tests. I have spoken to the lady concerned and she and her horse are fine - but this could so easily have been the start of a problem. A lot of so-called 'cold backs' - and horses being difficult to mount - originate in this way and incidents of this type certainly don't benefit saddles. I hope, when I next see this charming lady, a mounting block will have been installed in the yard - and she will be using it.
Most people I come across in the course of my work are very nice. The other day I met a rare exception - and she was only eight years old. A blue eyed blonde, she would have been very pretty if she stopped pouting. I gathered she was an only and much longed for child of older than usual parents. She got out of the car leaving the door open which then banged against the vehicle in the adjoining park space. Mother rushed round to close the door and inspected both cars to see if there was any damage. Child walked up the yard banging a stick on every stable door en route causing several animals to exhibit mild panic. I waited for the mother to remonstrate but nothing was forthcoming. We reached a pony box near the end of the row and the mother opened the door and I glimpsed a sweetly pretty grey Welsh section A. I asked if the pony could be stood up outside and the mother began to put on a headcollar. At this point the child reappeared and screamed at her mother 'I'm not going to ride today. I hate that pony. I fell off because he stopped at a jump. You'll have to get me a better pony.' Her mother pointed out that the pony hadn't so much stopped as been stopped by the child pulling on the reins. 'Well, I changed my mind about which fence I wanted him to jump and he should have known.'
I proceeded to examine the pony and check out his back (here I should mention that, although 'sore backs' are quite common in horses, in ponies they are a relative rarity). I asked the mother if I could look at the current saddle and was surprised when what was obviously an almost new saddle was brought out. 'Yes, we only bought it three weeks ago from the saddler who recommended we get you to fit another saddle.' (I can totally understand why the original saddle fitter, a friend of mine, didn't want to return!) I tried the existing saddle and pointed out that, although I hadn't seen the child ride in the saddle, unweighted it fitted well. 'Yes, but my daughter doesn't like the colour.' Things didn't improve. I shortlisted three saddles that, apparently, were the 'right colour'. The child point blank refused to use a mounting block and heaved herself into the saddle. She proceeded to bounce and bang - in what I assume she thought was sitting trot - around the arena. The pony, saint that he was, behaved impeccably. She then informed me 'I'll have this saddle'. No asking her mother. No please - or thank you.
The mother was a really lovely lady - her daughter was the most unpleasant little girl I've ever encountered. I left the yard feeling disgusted and dejected. Later I rang the friend who had fitted the original saddle. His description of the child was rather more vivid and considerably less restrained!
KEN LYNDON-DYKES can be contacted on 01622 844440 (head office) or 07973 501873 (mobile). Ken is available to give lecture, talks and demonstrations for any type of equestrian group.
