Expert Tips: Ensuring Proper Saddle Fit for Horses
Carolyn Cohen, an expert in equine biomechanics and saddle fitting, shares insights on proper saddle fit for horses. A well-fitting saddle allows horses to move naturally, reducing discomfort and enhancing performance.
Cohen explains that a horse's back and topline should lift the saddle during motion. Too much padding behind the wither can restrict blood flow to the brain, causing soreness. Experts recommend special clearance jobs or trees for horses with large hollows behind the shoulders. These clearance jobs should have an appropriate tree width, panel shape, and padding to evenly distribute weight without pressure points in the hollow area.
In some cases, using a half pad may not be necessary if there's adequate clearance while riding. However, adding paneling behind the wither to accommodate a horse's hollows can increase pressure on the spinal column and limit shoulder movement.
Cohen, an unaffiliated professional saddle fitter and certified equine massage therapist, emphasizes the importance of proper saddle fit. She recommends having two fingers' clearance between the saddle and the wither while riding, as horses can lift the saddle further in motion. A well-fitting saddle ensures comfort and optimal performance for the horse.
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