Saddle Fitting Shropshire
A balanced and correctly fitting saddle is an essential prerequisite for the success of any treatments ,training and performance.
Assessment of the saddle fit is an integral part of Abigayle's overall assessment of horses prior to treatment.
Abigayle's extensive experience as a competitive rider, BHS qualified instructor and knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the equine musculoskeletal system, combined with the application of specialized saddle analysis and saddle fitting skills, brings a unique approach to horse assessment and identifying problems affecting both the horse and rider's performance.
Saddle fitting related back problems are commonly identified as affecting performance levels. Abigayle's knowledge and experience as a trained saddle fitting consultant, is incorporated into her analysis of each individual horse's physical symmetry, muscular development, performance development, behavior, and unique saddle fitting requirements both in saddle suitability and saddle fit. Her understanding of the interaction between horse, saddle and rider, also enables Abigayle to identify and resolve saddle fitting problems.
Abigayle completed her saddle fitting training with one of the world's leading saddle fitting experts and a British based market leader in international saddle design and manufacture. Abigayle gained experience in fitting saddles for British equestrian team members, as well as international and Olympic riders, prior to setting her own saddle fitting consultancy over 10 years ago.
Symptoms of incorrect saddle fit:
- Hollow back posture on mounting
- Dislike of girthing up saddle
- Muscle wastage in the saddle area
- Back pain/soreness
- Sudden change in behavior ie; aggression: biting, bolting
- Bucking/rearing/bolting
- Tripping
- Not going forward/short strides
- Refusing to jump
- Reluctance to turn/ bend
- Lack of engagement
- Decline in performance