JillA
Well-Known Member
Okay, I'll 'fess up - I spent a small fortune on a Schleese saddle, made for both me and my horse. Fully adjustable tree, and was fine - at first. They are supposed to be adjusted twice a year, but along with other similar owners found out that the UK fitter had given up and no-one else could adjust them. Finally yesterday I had a visit from a fitter, trained by Schleese but self employed, and all I can say is wow! Every other fitter, qualified or not, I have met so far has only just scratched the surface, looking at wither clearance and possibly shoulder clearance.
Her knowledge of anatomy was detailed, and she could explain all the soft tissue and skeletal elements which must be cleared for the comfort of the horse.
Ligaments along the spine, movement of the scapula, negative reactive points, muscles over the ribs and under the scapula - as well as the balance of the saddle. When she had adjusted it I felt as though I was riding in a different saddle, my shoulder/hip/heel line was much much better and most of our problem - lateral movement - was all but eliminated by flocking to his shape (he is, er, rotund, and also blows himself out for England!!) I rode in it 3 times for her - once before, once after than a further time after a little more flocking.
When I read posts about some of the so-called fitters on here, well, they sound like amateurs in comparison (not all, I am not intending to tread on any toes here, just pointing out what the gold standard really ought to be). She had had 3 months training with Saddle Fit 4 Life in Canada, and it showed.
And if anyone is interested in educating themselves to know some of that stuff, problems arising from poor saddle fit and balance, she is intending to come and run a clinic here next year. And can reflock most makes, although most trees can't be adjusted, if anyone wants to bring their horse and saddle next time, between 4 and 6 months on.
Satisfied customer here - it wasn't cheap but it was worth every penny.
Her knowledge of anatomy was detailed, and she could explain all the soft tissue and skeletal elements which must be cleared for the comfort of the horse.
Ligaments along the spine, movement of the scapula, negative reactive points, muscles over the ribs and under the scapula - as well as the balance of the saddle. When she had adjusted it I felt as though I was riding in a different saddle, my shoulder/hip/heel line was much much better and most of our problem - lateral movement - was all but eliminated by flocking to his shape (he is, er, rotund, and also blows himself out for England!!) I rode in it 3 times for her - once before, once after than a further time after a little more flocking.
When I read posts about some of the so-called fitters on here, well, they sound like amateurs in comparison (not all, I am not intending to tread on any toes here, just pointing out what the gold standard really ought to be). She had had 3 months training with Saddle Fit 4 Life in Canada, and it showed.
And if anyone is interested in educating themselves to know some of that stuff, problems arising from poor saddle fit and balance, she is intending to come and run a clinic here next year. And can reflock most makes, although most trees can't be adjusted, if anyone wants to bring their horse and saddle next time, between 4 and 6 months on.
Satisfied customer here - it wasn't cheap but it was worth every penny.
