Equestrian Life April 2017 Edition

eventing
SADDLES
Saddles for Eventing
– What’s the Score!
The magic of visiting a major three-day-event
comes high on the list of must do’s for most
equestrian fans throughout the year.
From Badminton to Burghley,
Bramham and Blenheim
– there is something very
special about watching horse and
rider as they tackle three very
different disciplines in such a
short space of time.
Here the Society of Master
Saddlers discusses various
options when it comes to
buying saddles for your
chosen sport.
It has to be said that Eventing
can be more expensive than
other disciplines in relation to tack
and equipment because, ideally,
most riders would prefer to have
specialist saddles and bridles for
each phase.
This initial investment may be
beyond the means of riders starting
out at unaffiliated level or the lower
stages of affiliated level with most
having to compromise and make do
with one saddle in the initial stages,
then as rider’s progress, extend
their range of saddles further.
The Society of Master Saddlers
recommends riders never to
compromise by buying inferior
‘cheap’ saddles that may involve
poor quality materials and low
standards of craftsmanship that
could impact on welfare, safety,
comfort and performance. If the
budget doesn’t allow purchase of
good quality new saddles, better
by far to consider buying a good
quality second-hand one.
A rider whose budget extends
to two specialist saddles will
probably opt for a dressage saddle
and a jumping saddle. It is with
Eventing
Saddle
the jumping saddle where some
decisions need to be made because
the saddle that will best assist the
rider in the show jumping phase
may not be absolutely identical to
the one that would be most helpful
across country.
Because they afford the rider
manoeuvrability, close contact
saddles are by far the most popular
with the show jumping fraternity!
The cross country rider also needs
‘space’ in order to adapt their
position if something goes slightly
wrong. Because of the diversity of
the fences, the rider also adapts his
position far more across country
than in the show jumping arena.
Riding across country, most riders
prefer a saddle that incorporates
some form of knee roll that adds
to their security – and it is also
important to consider the shape
of the saddle if the rider intends
adding an overgirth.
Riders starting to event at riding or
pony club level will usually choose
to use their existing saddle probably
a GP of some type. ‘GP’, ‘Event’ and
‘All-purpose’ are among the names
manufacturers give to saddles
designed to cope with more than
one discipline. In recent years, a
lot of research and development,
often working with elite riders,
has gone into the design of such
saddles. However, they all involve
compromise because no one saddle
can perfectly fulfil the needs of two
different disciplines.
Use the services of a Society of
Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle
fitter to undertake fitting checks
regularly. Always have a new saddle
fitted and recognise that it is at
least equally importance to have
a second-hand saddle fitted. SMS
saddle fitters have a comprehensive
knowledge of saddle brands and
designs. They are aware of the
rules and regulations applicable to
tack and equipment used in all the
equestrian disciplines and sports,
and offer advice and professional
services.
Information about the Society of Master Saddlers can be
found on the website: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or
telephone 01449 711642.
34 April 2017 Equestrian Life