KEN'S COLUMN - the diary and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
changes for better or worse
The topic for an after-dinner speaking engagement caused me to look at some of the changes that have occurred in the equestrian world over the previous twenty-plus years. Some relate to the fact that competition, particularly that on an international scale, has become far more professional. Others relate to fashion. Not a few concern fads. Whilst some changes are definitely positive, others have strong negative aspects.
When I was competing at international level rather more than twenty years ago there certainly wasn’t the attention to detail that exists today when every single factor that could influence performance is minutely scrutinised by federations, team selectors and trainers. This undoubtedly relates in part to the fact that, hitherto, nations without any tradition in equestrianism are getting more and more involved – and some are becoming rather good. Standards are increasingly high and the tiniest margins can make the difference between winning and being among the also-rans.
I remember that coloured horses were a rarity and admiration for them was largely exclusive to travellers who prized them beyond rubies. Today there are not only special classes for them but it would be unusual to go to say, an event, without seeing at least two or three coloured horses competing. Colour obviously cannot bestow ability – but almost always the piebalds and skewbalds (by the way – I rarely hear the terms used these days) – put in distinctly workmanlike performances.
I am no longer involved in teaching at pony clubs – at least, not on the riding side although I quite often give a saddle-related talk or demonstration. Looking back, I recall starting off with dressage – then generally referred to as flatwork – and being asked, time and again, when the jumping would start! I am told that these days there are always several children at rallies whose ponies are not allowed to jump because they only do ‘dressage’! Apparently there are growing numbers of children who dislike jumping. What a pity! Bring back the days of the all-round children and ponies that had a go at absolutely everything. So much better for developing confidence and ‘feel’ than total concentration on flatwork which, in some cases, relates almost entirely to ‘getting the head down’ with little or no understanding of how this should be achieved!
I remember when anyone training in saddlery was generally perceived as slightly dense and only doing it because they were incapable of something ‘better’! Today saddlery – and it must be said, other craft industries – attracts some very bright people, many of whom hold a degree or other qualification before they enter the industry. British saddlers are among the world’s elite – and many craftsmen and women use their leather skills in a wide variety of ways that includes commissioned work for architects, interior designers, the film and TV industries and so on. One more thing on this subject: the numbers of talented women in saddlery have grown and grown and are continuing to grow - and it was the ladies who took most of the major awards at this year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ National Competitions.
Clothing! I shall sound really ancient when I mention that I recall the days when a lot of riders wore hacking jackets and shirts and ties out on exercise! Today almost anything goes and a top bought at a market stall or a beautiful silk shirt both find favour. By and large I perceive this as an advance – but – and it’s a big ‘but’ – I dislike it intensely when I see people riding without hats and/or wearing totally inappropriate footwear. No matter what the attire, safety should always be the first consideration.
When I first began eventing – aeons ago – we generally mixed our horses’ feeds ourselves and I like to think we built up a degree of knowledge about the needs of each animal. Today the food processors employ highly qualified equine nutritionists who devise formulas for just about every type of horse and pony from birth through to death. This has to be good – but it seems to be one thing has not changed for the better. There are still hundreds of owners who see feed as representing the measure of their love for their animal and consequently insist on overfeeding. Unfortunately, the results are sometimes a noticeable deterioration in manners and performance! One other notable factor: the number of supplements to be found on feed room shelves is absolutely staggering – and I cannot help but think that at least some of them represent money wasted!
Not that long ago there was a multiplicity of ‘local shows’. These varied from big affairs that sometimes included a number of qualifiers that attracted high calibre competitors down to the tiny one-ring competitions put on at the local riding school or similar. They afforded a great way to introduce young horses to competition and they were equally splendid for riders making their debut. Such shows have diminished drastically in numbers partly, I suspect, because fewer landowners are willing to accommodate them. Principally, however, I think the numbers of individuals willing to give up huge amounts of their time to organising and running these events has reduced.
Something that has advanced – and continues to advance – is equine veterinary medicine. The diagnostic ‘tools’ and devices available to vets has moved on to the extent that some practices are equipped in ways that could be the envy of doctors and nurses treating human patients. Of course, these advances are the main reason for increases in veterinary fees and insurance rates. Equipping a modern equine veterinary practice must involve huge sums of money. Likewise, vets need more ancillary staff to take charge of the various machines and equipment – and by the same token, insurance companies must offer cover that includes paying out for some of the immensely sophisticated treatment now available.
By and large, most of the changes are undoubtedly advances - but there are a few with obvious downsides.
KEN LYNDON DYKES is a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter who specialises in fitting competition and problem horses. He is available to give demonstrations and talks and has recently returned to after-dinner speaking on a wide variety of subjects. Telephone: 01622 844440 (office) or 07973 501873 (mobile).anges - for better or worse?
