KEN'S COLUMN - the diary and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
Despite all the advice about the need to have the fit of saddles checked regularly in line with changes in the horse’s shape, I have recently undertaken a lot of checks that really should have been arranged some weeks earlier. Interestingly, most related to event horses coming towards the end of a demanding season – not surprisingly, they had become leaner and fitter as the season progressed. In some cases this was resulting in a fair amount of unwanted movement in the saddle and a couple of horses in particular had developed sensitive areas around the wither and under the back of the saddle. Yes, of course, to have the saddle checked costs money but it really is an inconsequential sum when considered in welfare terms – and any horse that is uncomfortable – or worse, in pain – cannot perform at optimum level. And, of course, if things are allowed to go from bad to worse, it is highly likely that remedial practices will involve veterinary and physiotherapy fees. Most horses change their shape during the busiest competition periods. It really is worth keeping an eye on the situation. Paraphrasing – ‘a stitch in time’ is the best maxim.
I find there is still a lot of misunderstanding about the differences between a SADDLER and a SADDLE FITTER. A saddler is craft-based and he or she will have trained for a minimum of four years in order to achieve the City and Guilds certification that fulfils the Society of Master Saddlers’ ‘Qualified’ status. A Master Saddler is someone who has been Qualified for at least three years and whose craftsmanship is further inspected by the SMS and their work deemed to be worthy of the title ‘Master’. It takes a minimum of three years to train for SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter status. Assessment involves a fair amount of understanding of the horse’s structure, musculature and movement and basic knowledge of human anatomy. Candidates must have a good knowledge of any breed idiosyncrasies – for example – some native pony breeds lack wither definition which can result in saddles moving forward. It’s impossible to offer good saddle fitting services without in-depth knowledge of all the major disciplines and the rules that apply and, of course, the Saddle Fitter must have comprehensive knowledge of the ever increasing ranges of saddles available today and keep up-to-date with new developments and innovative designs. It stands to reason that a Saddle Fitter must be able to handle all types of horses – the well mannered, the nervous, the excitable, the inexperienced youngster, the ticklish – and just occasionally – plain bad tempered.
I would like to add one more important prerequisite to successful saddle fitting. Occasionally the Qualified Saddle Fitter must have the ability to persuade an owner to think again! Every now and then a rider makes up their mind that they want a particular brand and type of saddle. Often they have been persuaded by recognition that the saddle is favoured by an elite rider or it might have been recommended by their trainer or instructor. The Saddle Fitter must be able to explain, in tactful terms, that another brand and/or type of saddle affords a superior fit and is a far better choice.
At this time of year quite a lot of second-hand saddles come on the market. Some of them are in excellent order. Others are not. It’s worth bearing in mind that the cosmetic appearance of the saddle isn’t necessarily an indication of what is happening inside – for example, the tree may be broken or cracked. Whilst I would always encourage riders to opt for a high quality second-hand saddle - properly fitted, of course – over an inferior new saddle, I cannot emphasise the need for caution too strongly. Of course, a lot of owners who do opt for second-hand do so in order to save money. In that case it’s worth bearing in mind that most Saddle Fitters fit new saddles free of charge but a callout fee is payable in the case of a second-hand saddle.
Anyway, whichever option is selected, the most important thing of all is to have the saddle fitted by a Qualified Saddle Fitter. By the same token, saddle refurbishment, re-flocking and repairs should always be undertaken by an SMS Master or Qualified Saddle Fitter. When I visited a big yard recently I was asked to examine a saddle because the rider found it uncomfortable – there seemed to be something hard in the middle of the seat. I took a quick look, confirmed something was amiss and arranged for a Qualified Saddler to open the saddle up. Lo and behold, the hard lump was a hoof pick! And the saddle had been re-flocked with old pairs of tights! This little story does indicate the importance of selecting services carefully! The SMS has a good little strap-line ‘Look for the Badge’. Sensible advice.
I would just like to mention that I need more saddle fitters. I shall be especially interested to hear from anyone who already holds the SMS saddle fitting qualification or is a Qualified or Master Saddler or holds a BHS qualification or degree or similar in Equine Studies. I am also happy to interview someone without formal qualifications providing they have in-depth equestrian knowledge. Please contact me on either 07973 501873 or 01622 817319.
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.
