Ken Lyndon-Dykes’ Column
The Experiences and Thoughts of a Saddle Fitter.
'Last week I had a couple of experiences that, if they didn't have a sad side, would be very funny indeed.'
I had never been to the particular yard before. It was really pretty. The stable block was in excellent condition and the yard itself was immaculate. The tools and wheelbarrows, all wiped clean, were lined up sentinel-like against a wall and there were hanging baskets and tubs full of wonderful spring flowers everywhere. It was picture perfect, one of the most charming yards I've ever visited.
This delightful scene was abruptly interrupted. Round the corner came a very petite lady leading - or rather, attempting to lead, one of the largest horses I have ever seen. At least 18 hands, it was a big, big animal - and even his best friend couldn't have described him as good looking. He had a huge head - and huge, huge feet, each of which he plonked down with resounding thumps that seemed to shake the yard. Obviously a past master at evasion, he swung his head round - practically lifting the petite lady off the ground - yanked - and headed for what I took to be the feed room. Sticking his head and neck through the door - he certainly couldn't get any of his very big body through the entrance - he was obviously taking snatches at some delicacy. A tirade of fairly unpleasant language erupted and the horse backed up, pushed by a broom head wielded by an irate looking groom. The lady leading the animal, looking flustered, apologised profusely and I just caught the groom's reply - words to the effect 'the third time this week. Let me know when you're bringing him in next time and we'll make certain all the doors are closed and the yard cleared ready'. I couldn't help but see the funny side.
Eventually the horse was safely ensconced in an extra large stable. Noticing me observing what was happening, the petite lady approached with a smile. 'I know you must be wondering what on earth someone as small as me is doing with such an enormous horse. He was the last horse my husband bred before he died from cancer. Although I shall never ride him, I really can't bear to part with him. He is thoroughly spoiled but, although he's very wilful when there's food around, he's actually got the most wonderful temperament. Do come and meet him.' I walked over to the stable and close up, I noticed his big, intelligent eyes. I stroked the very Roman nose the horse thrust in my direction, no doubt hoping for a titbit. Although far from being the ideal riding horse, he was still an immensely important part of the petite lady's life.
At that moment the owner of the horse I was to saddle-fit arrived. She'd been delayed in heavy traffic and, whilst I was waiting, I'd carried out a back examination, seen the horse run up in hand and so was more or less ready to start the actual fitting processes. But my heart sank! The horse was full of quality, a small hack type good enough to show - successfully - at county level and very like the description I'd been given on the telephone. Not so the client. Her description as 'medium height and medium build' didn't match the reality: in actuality, she was close to 6 ft and carrying an awful lot of weight. How on earth could I tell her that it was absolutely impossible to equip the horse with a saddle that would be sufficiently large for her considerable bulk? How could I explain that she didn't need a new saddle until she'd bought a more suitable horse?
She interrupted my thought processes 'I know what you're thinking', she said, 'he's far, far too small for me. My daughter owns him but she is away working for a charity in the Sudan. I would absolutely love to be able to ride again but it's very unlikely that I ever shall. The daughter of a friend is schooling him and she'll compete with him this year. It was her description I gave you on the telephone.'
A young woman arrived shortly afterwards, also having been delayed in heavy traffic. She proved to be a competent and attractive rider. I was able to provide the horse with a nice, straight-cut saddle that showed off his excellent conformation. I've no doubt horse and rider will have considerable success in the show ring - but I couldn't help feeling sorry for my client when we were sorting out the finances. 'I never minded being on the large side until now. I used to do a lot of competing in my younger days and then I was really slim and fit. Even if I lost four stone, I'd still be too big to ride my daughter's horse. I can only watch and envy.'
KEN LYNDON DYKES specialises in remedial and 'difficult' fittings. He is also available to give lectures, talks and demonstrations for any type of equestrian group. Contact Ken at head office: 01622 844440 or mobile: 07973 501873.
