KEN'S COLUMN - the diary and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
This month: technology and commonsense
can both make a big contribution
Recently there has been a lot of comment in the equestrian-related press about the Pliance Saddle System. Developed in Germany, it is the most sophisticated technology so far available for testing saddles and the way they fit. The British Equestrian Federation purchased a system as an aid to the preparation of our teams for the Olympics and other international events. The BEF then asked the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) to undertake the tests on their behalf. I have been asked many times to voice my opinion about Pliance and my reply has always been unequivocal: we should take advantage of any technology or other means that helps us to provide horses with the best possible saddles. It stands to reason that a horse that is uncomfortable cannot produce optimum performance. From what I have seen, Pliance is very complicated and a great deal more research and experimentation needs to be undertaken before it can be used to its absolutely full potential. Tests made by the SMS have thrown interesting light on some treeless saddles but I don’t see this as a negative result for one good reason. The more information available the better because that will assist clear-sighted manufacturers to research and develop their products. Amongst the arguments and discussions taking place, there is one indisputable fact about which all parties agree. Whatever the type or brand of saddle used, it must provide the horse with the best possible fit. The best designed, most beautifully crafted saddle in the world is a useless tool if it doesn’t fulfil that criteria.
‘Fashion’ that sometimes amounts to ‘fad’ has as much influence in the equestrian world as in any other. Sometimes there is concrete reasoning for a product catching on and taking a large share of the market but on other occasions the success has a lot more to do with clever marketing. This situation applies as much to choice of saddle as anything else and some horse owners can develop serious tunnel-vision in their desire to have a particular saddle brand and model. The saddle may well be superb – but that does not mean to say it is necessarily suitable for the horse in question – nor may it provide the best solution for the rider. By all means take an interest in market trends - but at the same time be aware that the latest ‘must-have’ may actually hinder rather than help horse and rider to produce optimum performance. Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitters need to have an in-depth knowledge of the widest possible range of saddles. Equally, it is imperative we keep up with new developments and investigate innovative ideas. Only this way can we provide clients with the best advice and guide them towards making a sensible decision that is logic rather than whim based.
Whist on the subject of fashion: it does concern me that I regularly pass riders hacking out on roads wearing unsuitable footwear. Trainers were designed to fulfil a completely different job and they just aren’t suitable for riding. Every now and then I notice the possibility of an accident occurring increased by the use of stirrup irons that are far too large. The chance of a flat-soled trainer sliding straight through an over-large stirrup iron is a terrifying prospect - and the results could be very serious indeed. I am also concerned when I pass what I assume are crocodiles of riding school ponies with small children wearing hats that patently do not fit or which are incorrectly adjusted. I assume most of the hats are ‘borrowed’ from the riding school’s collection of ‘spare’ hats but it does seem that only token effort is put into protecting the child in the event of an accident. Indeed, sometimes a hat quite obviously fits so badly that will quite likely add to - rather than prevent – injury. Riding is a dangerous sport and it behoves everyone involved in teaching novice riders to ensure procedures relating to safety are properly fulfilled – and this must surely include making certain riders are wearing well-fitting, correctly adjusted safety helmets. Commonsense should be the order of the day.
Continuing on the subject of safety, I am amazed how many horses I see that refuse to stand still to be mounted. The owners appear to consider this lack of equine manners as perfectly normal and acceptable. On several occasions I have witnessed riders struggling half on board when the horse launches forward. Almost always the same animals barge and won’t back up or move over in the stable. I feel sorry for the horses – and despair of the owners. Any horse can be taught good manners providing the owner is prepared to put in the effort. A horse with good manners is a pleasure to handle. One with bad manners endangers the safety of everyone who handles him. I saw one fidgety horse break a couple of the rider’s toes when he trod on them with a nasty grinding action. I had a friend who truly adored all her horses, none of which had any manners whatsoever! She learnt a hard lesson when one animal tried to barge past her when she was standing in the stable doorway – she suffered really nasty bruises resulting from being squashed tight against the wall! Manners maketh man – and horse!
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).
