Books and online ressources for saddles
Focusing solely on saddles, there are specialized resources, including books and online platforms, that provide in-depth knowledge on choosing, fitting, and maintaining saddles. These resources can be invaluable for riders of all disciplines, ensuring the comfort and health of both horse and rider. Here’s a curated selection specifically tailored to those seeking comprehensive insights into saddles.
Books
“The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book” by Joyce Harman
This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding how a well-fitted saddle influences your horse’s comfort, behavior, and performance. Harman provides practical advice on evaluating saddle fit and solutions for correcting poor fit.
“Saddle Fitting Essentials: For Horse Owners & Professionals” by Kay Hastilow
Hastilow, a master saddler, shares her expertise on choosing the right saddle for various horse shapes, sizes, and riding disciplines. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of saddle fit and function.
Online Resources
- Schleese Saddle Fit (schleese.com)
The Schleese website offers extensive educational content on saddle fitting, focusing on the importance of proper fit for both male and female riders. They provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of saddle fit and its impact on horse and rider.
- Saddlefit 4 Life (saddlefit4life.com)
This platform offers educational resources, workshops, and seminars dedicated to promoting awareness of saddle fit. It’s a great resource for learning from certified saddle fitting professionals.
- The Society of Master Saddlers (mastersaddlers.co.uk)
As the authority on saddle making and fitting in the UK, their website offers resources, advice, and a directory of qualified saddlers and saddle fitters worldwide.
Forums and Online Communities
- Horse & Hound Forum (forums.horseandhound.co.uk)
The saddle section of this forum is a treasure trove of discussions, advice, and personal experiences related to saddle fitting and brands.
- Chronicle Forums (chronofhorse.com)
A go-to forum for equestrians, with specific threads dedicated to tack and equipment, including saddles. It’s an excellent place to seek advice and share experiences.
YouTube Channels
SmartPak has a series of educational videos on their YouTube channel that include saddle fitting advice among their comprehensive horse care and product reviews.
Their YouTube channel provides detailed videos on saddle fitting, addressing common fit issues and demonstrating how a proper fit should look.
Apps and Tools
- SaddleFit ([iOS & Android App)]
- Though more scarce in the app world, there are tools like SaddleFit, which help in measuring your horse and providing recommendations for saddle sizes and types.
Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your understanding and management of saddles, a critical aspect of equestrian sports. From selecting the right saddle for your discipline to ensuring a perfect fit for your horse, these books, websites, forums, and tools offer a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.