Once a saddle fitting problem is detected, we then can go about finding a ture solution that won't in it self become part of the problem or create a new set of problems, we want to be able to fix the problem just not cover it over.

BACK-CARE:

The care of your horses back is the utmost importance. If his back is not right, not even a well fitting saddle with back protection, will help or fix a ongoing back issue.
If you are concerned, consut your vet, and massage therapist. They will check if a problem is secondary or primary and what treatment would be needed. Once this has been taken care of, then seek out correct saddle placement for your horses back.





 

PAD CHOICE:
 

While thinking about using pads keep in mind the fairy story of the "Princess & the Pea" and that pads will not correct a major saddle fitting problem.
With many pads on the market the choice can be confusing... but you need just to know what needs attention and the best way of fixing it.
Intelligent use of pads can help with a saddle that is not quite right, and or to encourage top line growth underneath the saddle by removing any discomfort or pressure points so the horse will want to round up under you & your saddle not dip away from it.

Thick pads can interfere with the gullet & pommel clearance, decreasing the width and applying pressure along the spine, this pressure creates the majority of back soreness, by restricting surface blood flow, thus creating muscle damage, and over the years you will notice top lines decreasing instead of increasing.


SHIMMING SYSTEM:


A smart choice if padding is needed, are smaller specifically shaped pads, called "Shims". Shims can be placed under various parts of the saddle and can be added or removed as required to temporarily combat changes in balance & fit. Shims are design to help develop top line and to enhance muscle growth by encouraging the horse to round up under the saddle without the weight of heavy padding

 

Horse backs vary is shape from side to side and the pads must follow the curve to fit well, so to encourage and enable the horse to lift his back using the muscles to form a strong top line, shims can be changed and adjusted as your horse back develops and by also combating a saddle short fall of panels becoming too soft or worn.

 

As shown here A-B the saddle is too wide and tips down in front, and with the pommel making contact with the top of the spine. By placeing shims under the front section as in C-D the shims help narrow and lift the saddle off the top of spine, also by leveling out the seat and correcting the balance point to the centre.

 

 


 

For horses with conformation faults that may effect the asymmetric of the back, a shims can support one side while offering filling the other side, so to allow muscle atrophy to recover and build up.



drawings ref Joyce Harman

     Pain-Free back & Saddle Fit Book.


Benefit of a shimming system:

  • Shims are design to help develop top-line and to enchance muscle growth by encouraging the horse to round up under the saddle without the weight of heavy padding.
  • They minimize pressure points and improve saddle/back contact.
  • Offering protectionin specific areas of the back when needed.
  • Versatile for individual changes between horses with use of one saddle.
  • Great for riding schools were many riders and horses/ponies have a limited range of saddle available.


See the complete product on the EPS Therapy gear page, or purchase your own system in the on-line shop.