/ Saddle Fitting
A properly fitted saddle is the foundation for a successful riding. It is the tool that enables the rider and the horse to move in harmony.
Your challenges
Incorrect saddle fitting can be the SILENT cause of various types of training difficulties. Here are some examples:
A horse that doesn't move clearly forward
A horse that moves its head in the transitions
A horse that tends to be more comfortable in a four-beat canter
A horse that kicks in the transitions to canter
A horse that tends to stop in front of the fences
A horse that doesn't easily bend
Or even more direct physical or behavioural issues:
A horse that puts its ears back when you approach with the saddle
A horse that is sensitive in the withers area
A horse that abruptly lifts its head or even tries to bite when you tighten the girth
A horse that moves when you're about to mount
Your needs
Do you want to avoid movement restrictions for your horse? Do you want to feel comfortable, secure, and completely connected with your horse at all times?
Initiate a process where you incorporate regular saddle checks to prevent slowing down training progress because of stiffness, discomfort, or misunderstandings from your horse due to a poor interface.
So, how often should you check?
Once a year for an adult horse
Every 3 to 6 months for a young horse under training
After a long training interruption period
After castration (can cause significant body changes)
3 months after a change in training methods
3 months after a change in the horse's diet
Why?
To find a way to communicate more easily with your horse, start by adapting your saddle. You'll save yourself some issues and enjoy more.
Most of the time, an ill-fitted saddle goes unnoticed as the cause of tensions and stiffness during training.
Saddle fitting is the easiest yet most effective way to eliminate the mobility restriction from the equation.
Choosing a saddle that can constantly readjust to your horse's body is a crucial step for better understanding, better health, comfort, and performance.
Results
A horse free from pain or discomfort due to the saddle
A well-developed back, if accompanied by proper training
Better communication between horse and rider, avoiding misunderstandings, potential behavioural issues, and unnecessary exercise repetitions
Increased performance thanks to greater freedom of movement
More enjoyment for both the horse and you during training sessions
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1. Questions about current difficulties, training intensity, lifestyle, past injuries
2. Palpation of the horse's back
3. Templating the major lines of the horse's back for record
4. Checking the mobility of the hips and shoulders on hand
5. Verifying the soundness of the saddle
6. Assessment of the fitting of the saddle on the horse in a static position
7. Rider up: assessing the fitting in movement for both
8. Saddle fitting modification advices or
9. Tryout of a new saddle, measurements, and templating for order if required, depending on the brand
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Navarra: €150 - Minimum of 2 horses
Basque Country: €160 - Minimum of 2 horses
La Rioja: €150 - Minimum of 2 horses
Cantabria, Asturias: €210 - Minimum of 3 horses
Burgos: €180 - Minimum of 2 horses
Community of Madrid: €210 - Minimum of 3 horses
Zaragoza: €170 - Minimum of 3 horses
Catalonia Norte: €220 - Minimum of 4 horses
Departments 64, 40, 33 (France): €170 - Minimum of 3 horses
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- Calculate approximately 1h30/2h for the first consultation
- In the stables: we need a dry and safe place to work, with flat ground and sufficient light to evaluate your horse and the saddles
- Please ensure that the horse is clean and dry for the visit
- Have the bridle and the current saddle of your horse ready, including stirrups, girths, and saddle pads
- Get ready to ride: boots, helmet! And be prepared to jump a small cross or vertical if you are a jumping rider
- Have a stool ready on the track for mounting.
Bad Weather
If you don't have an indoor arena and bad weather is on the way, we will work out to schedule a suitable appointment on the day and earliest time slot possible. The goal is to ensure that we can provide an accurate and comprehensive saddle fitting examination or test of a new saddles.
Not to mention that no new or demo saddle deserves to be soaked during a test ride.
Cancellation Policy
I understand that horses get injured, and circumstances outside of our control arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I would appreciate if you could give me as much notice as possible.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will incur a 50% charge.
Languages Spoken: French / Spanish / English / German (interm.)
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ERREPLUS
FOCUSED ON PERFORMANCE, ERGONOMICS, AND QUALITY MATERIALS.Pros: This brand specifically addresses the needs of top horses and riders. Crafted with the finest Italian leather by master saddle makers, these saddles are also at the forefront of the ergonomic innovation.
Cons: Very detailed, so any changes require some work.
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BATES
FOCUSED ON INNOVATION AND VERSATILITY.Pros: Ergonomic features for both horse and rider, all adjustable on-site! Bates saddles adapt to life's changes. Made with adjustable gullet plates, and panels made of air combined with a breathable foam, to work together, in addition to saddle wedges when required. Plenty of onsite adjustable options. A wonderful playground for any Saddle Fitter to explore together with the rider and the horse.
Cons: No U-shaped gullet plates and no wool. However the air system panels revisits the concept of pressure point itself as it is directly diluted horizontally in the whole air pocket. Absorption vs dilution, that is the question.
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FOCUSED ON ENDLESS TAILOR MADE POSSIBILITIES - APPROVED AND USED BY SOME OF THE SHARPEST TOP RIDERS .Pros: Fabulous material and multiple options. Great service. Handmade wood-leather-bamboo tree (PS tree) and synthetic tree, both with adjustable gullet plates. Panels filled with synthetic wool and a thin latex lining for comfort and evenness. Two different panel shapes for straight or more curved horse backs.
Cons: Not an option if you're in a hurry to have a new saddle.
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WINTEC
FOCUSED ON OFFERING THE BEST INNOVATION TECHNIQUE AT THE BEST PRICE TO BENEFIT THE LARGEST NUMBER OF HORSES.Pros: Ergonomic features for the horse, all adjustable on-site! CAIR system ensures a "forgiving" fit. Very reliable manufacture in terms of quality and symmetry.
High-quality synthetic material for the top range of the brand. Super affordable price for all that! Just remember to have it fitted, otherwise you lose all the benefits.
Cons: No U-shaped gullet plates. Standard panel shape, which is less ergonomic than the options of its big brother Bates.
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SMART
FOCUSED ON WELLNESS AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: AN INNOVATION YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER IF YOU'RE READY.Pros: used by Vets in the clinical evaluation of back-related problems as a diagnostic tool. It flexes with the movement of the horses’ back to allow unrestricted lift, bend, stretch and flex through their body and across their backs during exercise, encouraging full freedom of movement and healthy back muscle development. A real shift when it comes to improving locomotion and behaviour!
Cons: You may feel less supported when riding, but you'll learn to stabilise yourself from your own body. You might decide to do some Yoga or Pilates to follow your horse's movements without losing fluidity. But perhaps that's not really a "con."
