An introduction to how saddles influence movement and soundness

• Understanding the necessity of saddle fit – basic anatomy and biomechanics
• Signs and results of incorrect saddle fit – key indicators: musculature, posture, behaviour and movement
• Ten essential points of saddle fitting
• Breed or type-specific fitting issues – the ‘hard to fit horse’

The variations in saddle manufacture and fitting to horse conformation

• How conformation determines saddle choice and fit for the horse
• Fitting the hoop-shaped horse
• Fitting the A-framed horse
• Fitting uphill and downhill horses
• Fitting the short-backed horse
• Saddle design variations for the rider – how to get it right!

• Change of career means changing musculature requirements
• How to fit a saddle for a changing horse to enable muscle build and postural change
• Using correction pads
• Circle of care

Instructors, Gear Checks and Parents, Educating Coaches and Kids

• Understanding the necessity of saddle fit – basic anatomy and biomechanics
• Ten essential points of saddle fitting that every horse owner/rider should know
• Key Indicators of incorrect saddle fit on horse and rider – musculature, posture, behavioural and movement.
• Temporary solutions
• Fitting the growing rider for safety and correct riding posture.

Advanced Topics – How to recognise potential fitting issues affecting horse and rider biomechanics

• Understanding the necessity of saddle fit – basic anatomy and biomechanics in the performance horse.
• Advanced Key Performance Indicators of incorrect saddle fit on horse and rider - musculature, posture, behavioural and movement.
• Ten essential points of saddle fitting
• Circle of care

• Identifying asymmetry
• Issues that create asymmetry
• How asymmetry effects horse biomechanics and performance
• Fitting issues created by asymmetry and solutions
• Saddle fitting solutions
• Circle of care