- Port Lewis -
Saddle Fit Impression Pad
Would you like to know without a doubt if it does? And would you like to know what can be done about it if it doesn't - without having to go look for another saddle? Unless it's a very poor fit to begin with, the Port Lewis Saddle Fitting System can help you with that.
Horses will illustrate saddle fit problems in subtle and progressive ways; flinching or laying back their ears while being groomed along the back, reluctance to pick up hind feet for shoeing, refusing to stand while the saddle is placed on his back or while being mounted, inability to bend, wringing and carrying their tails off to one side. The horse will exhibit shortened gaits that become choppy and disjointed and higher than normal head carriage. Tell-tale sweat marks and white hairs arrive long after the irritation begins. Changes to the horse's whole attitude can progress to refusals , bucking and unruliness as they become more intolerant to the pain. Too often it can reach a level where a sore-backed horse is incapable of performing or is dangerous to ride.
A few things to check for:
~ Generous clearance between withers and pommel (3 fingers' worth).
~ Should not touch the spine anywhere - should see daylight through the gullet.
~ Setting only the saddle on the horse, you should be able to slide your hand along the length of it easily - with no feeling of pinching your hand.
Benefits of a properly fitted saddle...
A properly fitted and positioned saddle brings comfort and grace to a horse. He will lower his head, and round his back. He will be more capable of engaging his hindquarters. And he’ll be more athletic and eager to work.
A saddle is there to:
1) PROTECT the horses delicate spine
2) To EVENLY displace weight across the horses back at:
A) ALL GAITS
B) ALL DIRECTIONS
C) DURING USE OF ALL MUSCLE GROUPS
That is why The Impression Pad is such a useful tool. It does not lie, it will tell you EXACTLY what is going on under your saddle.
Benefits of a properly fitted saddle...
A properly fitted and positioned saddle brings comfort and grace to a horse. He will lower his head, and round his back. He will be more capable of engaging his hindquarters. And he’ll be more athletic and eager to work.
Remember, horses are creatures of habit...
Some horses will anticipate the pain of a poorly fitting saddle long before it arrives. Subsequently, a better fitting saddle may have to be used a number of times before any positive reaction is evident.
Hudsonville, Michigan
Phone: 616-889-8754
