Saddlery Shop Information

Welcome to Fearns farm Saddlery Shop where we have lots of information about selecting the right saddle for you. We hear you saying: which saddle should I choose? How do I know which saddle? Our saddle shop not only has quality saddles you can purchase but a great saddlery guide to ensure you pick the best saddle.
The Saddle Saddlery shop

Safety in the Saddle

One of the most important safety factors of riding is that which concerns good quality saddlery, which is carefully selected, fits the horse well and is subsequently maintained to a high standard. Accidents occur when equipment fails as a result of neglect or misuse, or when the components and the process of manufacture is below an acceptable standard. An obvious safeguard is to purchase from established saddlers, many of whom are members of the Society of Master Saddlers and are committed to maintaining high standards in respect of materials and workmanship. Nonetheless,the responsibility for safety belongs as much to the consumer as it does to the manufacturer and/or retailer.

The saddle and its mountings

The leathers, stirrup irons and girth - are items of equipment which, if cared for, will last almost a lifetime. But there are points of potential failure which need to be checked regularly. On the saddle itself the most vulnerable area is concerned with the girth straps and their attachment. The stitching securing the girth straps to the webs passing round or over the tree will wear or perish in time and will need to be replaced. Girth straps, however good the quality of the leather, are also subject to wear. When the holes stretch - and the leather is in danger of splitting between the holes - new straps should be fitted. (The girth straps on cheap saddles, are frequently of poor quality and their attachment to the tree (sometimes only by tacks) may be so insecure as to be unsafe.
The so-called safety" catch on stirrup bars should at all times be kept in the open position. A closed catch can prevent the leather being freed in the event of a fall and May result in the rider being dragged.

Buckles

"A Stitch in Time" is a good maxim to observe when it comes to girths, leathers and bridles too, but when purchasing any of those items the buckles and in the case of the bridle the hook stud fastenings, deserve particular scrutiny.

Avoid the buckle which is obviously poorly finished with the edges left sharp and the tongues loose and perhaps bent. The former cut into the leather and the latter are likely to prove unreliable. Replace bent or loose hook studs immediately.

Stirrup Leathers

Stirrup leathers receive the most wear at the point where they turn through the eye of the stirrup iron. It is for this reason that stirrup leathers are made with the tougher "grain" side (the outside) facing inwards, since the dressing etc. makes it more resistant to friction. A wise precaution is to have leathers shortened every so often so as to move the point of contact with the iron. A better insurance is to replace leathers regularly with best quality new ones.

Stirrup Irons

Buy stirrup irons made from stainless steel, nickel ones are cheaper but are liable to bend or break. If using a conventional pattern iron choose a heavy one big enough to slip off the foot in an emergency but not so big as to allow the whole foot to pass through and become trapped. Always wear boots or heavy shoes rather than flat-soled footwear.

Regular cleaning with a glycerine-based soap and reliable "leather food" preparation is essential if equipment is to be kept soft, supple and serviceable.

When leather is neglected or is subjected to constant immersion in water (particularly hot water) or dried over heat, it becomes brittle and will snap in use.

Fit For Safety

The fitting of saddlery is as important an aspect of safety as its proper maintenance. Saddles (and bridles, also) which for any reason cause the horse discomfort and inhibit his movement can create an unnecessary stress situation which inevitably leads to a lowering of the safety threshold. To ride safely it is always best to have a new saddle fitted by a reputable saddler and to consult him about any subsequent adjustments to the fitting.

How often should a saddle fit be checked?

We recommend that a professional assessment of the fit is carried out at least twice a year, three times for competitions horses, to allow for seasonal condition, diet and work changes in your horse's life, which can result in changes to the fit of the saddle.
Flocked panels should have a complete change of wool at least every two years to maintain an even and absorbing contact. For horses in competition this may well be reduced to eighteen months. This is outside of normal adjustment and management of the fit of the saddle.
It is particularly important to have the fit of the saddle checked if there is a major change in how you use your horse, if you progress from light hacking to competition, your horse will increases fitness his muscle structure will alter accordingly, thus altering his shape. The opposite also applies, a competition horse that is changed to light hacking, or a stabled horse that is turned out, will lose condition which will change the fit of his saddle.

Factors that affect the fit of the saddle

Always mounting from the ground, on the same side can cause the saddle to sit unevenly over time. It is always preferable to use a mounting block.
Some riders sit more heavily to one side or collapse a hip putting more weight on one side of the saddle; this can cause the saddle to settle unevenly.
Changes in type, frequency and amount of work the horse is doing.
Changes in diet, grazing and turnout.
Changes in weight and size of the rider, the type of rider, the experience of the rider.
Seasonal weather changes, horses gain condition in the spring and early summer and lose condition in winter.
Remember to care for your saddle and use a leather feed or balm regularly. Ensure that the underneath panel leather is not ignored, it is crucial to keep this area supple so that the panel is able to adapt fully to the shape of the horse, this will minimize the risk of pressure points.
Numnahs & Pads need to be large enough so that the edging is clear of the saddle at all times, to avoid rubbing or chaffing on the bindings.
Its important to use at least a basic thin numnah at all times to keep the saddle clean, this will stop the panel leather and flocking from absorbing perspiration and dirt, causing the saddle panel to become hard and uncomfortable on the horse.
When girthing your saddle ensure you use the two outside girth straps, keep the middle strap as a spare. In most circumstances this will ensure the best girth line and keep the saddle more secure.
Avoid using elastic ended girths on big rotund/fat type horses; one of the best girths to consider for these horses is the humane type which have self levelling buckle ends.
If you are using an elastic girth, make sure the elastic has 3 layers of elastic thickness, 2 layers rarely provides enough tension when the girth is tightened. Weak or insufficient elastic can pull saddles off centre and such girths are best avoided.
Ensure stirrup leathers are even in length

Indications of a badly fitting saddle

Changes in the horse's behaviour often indicate a sore back, which may be caused by a badly fitting saddle. Signs of back pain include:

Normally sensible horses may start rushing over jumps, become strong in the mouth
Reluctant to jump, or canter.
Bucking is often a sign of pain caused by a badly fitting saddle, as is tail swishing.
A horse may react when approached with a saddle, or try to nip as it is tacked up.
Normally easy to catch horses may become difficult or evasive in the field.
He may 'sink' suddenly when mounted or rush away from the mounting block
Previously easy loaders suddenly become reluctant to go up the ramp when loading
Some horses become agitated or nervy when mounted and set off on a hack or to start work.
He may feel slightly uneven, pottery or obviously worse on one of his leads.
Excessive movement and poor balance in the saddle

Indications of a well fitted saddle

With the rider mounted and without a numnah or pad, there is a minimum of 3 to 4 cm clearance between the underside of the pommel and the top of the horse's spine.
The points of the tree are parallel to the horse's side
The points of the tree sit about two to three fingers' width behind the horse's scapula, not on top of it.
The gullet is wide enough so that the panels sit on either side of the spine, not on it.
The panels should be smooth and symmetrical and follow the contours of the horse's back to spread the rider's weight evenly.
The saddle should ride and sit evenly either side of the spine with the riders weight centred.
The saddle is stable. It does not bounce excessively or slip to one side.
A well-fitting saddle moves with the horse's motion. A saddle that rocks will often "chase" the rider's seat on a rising trot. That is, the cantle will actually move up faster than the rider and the action of the horse's hip.

Saddle Storage

Avoid storing your saddle on the common frame type of saddle rack, they crease the panels and distort the pressure immediately behind the shoulder, the most important area of contact in the fit of your saddle. We suggest you consider for example a pole rack or saddle horse.
It is important to carry out routine checks of your saddlery and tack, not only for the benefit of your horse's comfort but also to ensure safe riding. If your saddlery or tack fails any of the checks below then have it repaired or replaced before you ride.