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Yakkin' Archives
| Document Title | Type | Size | Revision | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakkin' with Jochen Archives | 88 kB | May 09, 2007 |
Stirrup Bar Position
Charlotte in Florida asks:
Q. I am confused on the correct position for an English saddle stirrup bar. Some people say to leave it down, so the stirrup leather can slip off easily in case the rider falls, catches their foot in the stirrup iron, and is dragged. Others say to leave it up, or closed, so that the leather will not inadvertently come off. Which is correct and why?
A. Most Dressage riders seem to prefer it up and locked as dressage does not generally have as much inherent danger and potentials for spills as jumping or eventing - so that there is little need for a quick release of the stirrup leather. We have a revised
jumper stirrup bar in one molded piece with a little 'hook' at the end that keeps the stirrup leather in position, yet allows it to slip over and release quickly in an emergency. Many jumpers seem to prefer to have an open position of conventional stirrup bars for safety
and quick release.
Really it's a matter of personal preference, choice, and individual feelings of security. I'm not sure there is actually a right or wrong here, although various associations may have their own rulings.
Saddles for a Lifetime...
Jennifer in Calgary, AB asks:
Q: I am interested in getting a custom fit saddle for my 10yr old anglo-arab. I ride recreationally (dressage/trail riding) and his fitness varies over the year depending on how much time I can spend with him. If I were to get a custom fit saddle now, and then change my riding style by bumping up his work load thus making him more fit(muscled) - could his shape change so much that the saddle would no longer fit?
OR: is it more likely that, if the fit is good to start with, any changes in his shape could be accommodated by changes in flocking? I'm hoping to get a saddle that will last his (and my) life time! Any comments you have on saddle fit in regards to mature horses and changing workloads would be greatly appreciated.
A: Your question is actually very easy to answer. All of our saddles are built on our patented and fully adjustable AdapTree (R) which can be changed to accommodate your horse's changing musculature over the years and over the seasons - and for various reasons. It may take a tree adjustment as well as a flocking change to fully re-fit the tree, but it can definitely be done.
So many horses, so few saddles...
Andras S. from Florida asks:
Q: What saddle would you suggest for a professional who rides 10 different horses a day? Or someone who rides for a sale barn with a high turnover? Surely, you can't expect each horse to have a custom saddle. Also, what would you suggest if someone's horse is not ridden for a month or two and loses muscle - and then the horse is back in training again?
A: We have several trainers in your position. We suggest first of all that they make sure the saddle (whatever make, style or model) is properly fitted to themselves, since if the rider doesn't sit comfortably then it doesn't matter how well the saddle fits the horse, because the rider's discomfort will translate down and impede performance. Then we fit the saddle generically to the top 3-4 horses that are being ridden (if they have similar conformation) and use pads to make up any discrepancies in fit. Obviously you can't have a saddle for each horse - unless you sell it along with the horse (which some do, but it's obviously a question of money). Main thing to watch is that the saddle fits 'somewhat' and is too big if you're going to correct with pads; a too tight saddle fitted with a pad to try and adjust fit is like wearing another pair of socks in shoes that are too small and hoping that makes the shoes fit better. With foam or felt panels you're pretty well resigned to making pads work as the fitting agent in any case, but ideally of course, yes, each horse should have his own saddle. We realize this is not reasonable or feasible, so you try to address the reality of the situation as best you can and do what's right for the maximum number of horses you can.