Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book: Ensure Soundness and Comfort with Back Analysis and Correct Use of Saddles and Pads
A comprehensive study of the impact of saddle fit on horse and rider health and performance.
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When a horse suddenly develops a performance problem or bad attitude, and neither seem to be remedied by training techniques or medical care, the owner often faces months—even years—of frustration and career limitation. Dr. Joyce Harman, veterinarian and respected saddle–fitting expert, claims that 75 percent of horses with such problems are simply reacting to pain caused by ill–fitting saddles. And, as she explains in this thorough, highly illustrated book, poor saddle fit can be corrected with patience and know–how. Here, she teaches the reader: how to determine if a saddle is sound and properly accommodates both horse and rider; how to individualize saddle fit or find a new saddle appropriate in size and style; and how to treat pre–existing back pain and prevent its future occurrence. Dr. Harman (DVM, MRCVS) owns and operates Harmany Equine Clinic, a holistic, primarily equine veterinary practice in Washington, Virginia. Tack N Togs An understandable explanation of how conformation impacts the selection of a saddle tree, pomel, seat panels, gullets and other consideration.
AcknowledgmentsxiPrefacexiiiChapter 1Why Saddle Fit Matters1When Saddle Fit is Correct2When Saddle Fit is Incorrect2The Function of the Horse's Back3Belly Lifts5Evaluating Your Horse's Posture and Use of His Back5Checklist: Horse Evaluation14Chapter 2Recognizing Saddle Problems15Physical Symptoms15Behavior or Performance Problems17Chapter 3Saddle Construction23Parts of the Saddle: An Overview23Interior23Surface25Underside27Parts of the Saddle: Specific Areas28Tree Construction28Panel Construction29Seat and Twist Construction32Billet Construction34Stirrup Bar Construction35Stirrups35Leather36Saddle Innovations37Treeless Saddles37Partial-Tree Saddles39Flexible Bars39Adjustable Panels39Chapter 4Saddle Evaluation41Saddle Prepurchase Exam-Checking for Structural Soundness42Assessing Trees in New and Used Saddles42Checking for Symmetry43Checklist: Saddle Evaluation50Chapter 5Saddle Fit on the Horse51Horse Examination51Riderless Saddle Fit Examination52Position52Tree Fit55A Level Seat66Panel Fit66The Gullet73Stirrup Bars75Billets and Girthing76Checklist: Riderless Saddle Fit Evaluation82Chapter 6Saddle Fit for Horse and Rider: Ridden Exam83Seat Bone to Stirrup Bar Relationship84Seat Considerations89Pommel Considerations95Saddle Flaps97Checklist: Rider Fit Evaluation100Chapter 7Synergy: Rider Balance and Saddle Fit101Assess Mounted Saddle Fit for the Horse102Assess Mounted Saddle Fit for the Rider104Checklist: Rider Balance and Saddle Fit111Chapter 8Confounding Variables: Fitting Saddles to Every Horse113Challenging Conformation Variations114Well-Sprung Ribs115Slab-Sided115Narrow or Steeply Angled Back116Wide Back and Flat Withers117High Withers119Long Withers122Thickly Muscled Withers122Large Shoulders123Uneven Shoulders123Uneven Back Muscles126Uneven Hips127Swayed Back127Roached Back128Croup High129Problematic Breeds and Types129Saddle Fit Accessories131Chapter 9Sensible Use of Saddle Pads135Evaluating Saddle Fit with a Pad137Types of Saddle Pads143Temporary Problem Solving149Saddle Pad Care155Chapter 10Measuring Your Horse's Back158Measuring Back Shape158Measuring Saddle Fit162Chapter 11Saddles for Various Sports165Hunters and Jumpers167Dressage168Eventing169Endurance and Trail Riding171Foxhunting174Pony Club Games and Gymkhanas174Polo175Chapter 12Fitting Multiple Horses: Professionals, Riding Schools and Camps177Chapter 13A Practical Approach to Finding Your Saddle181Borrowing Saddles181Trading Saddles182Used Saddles182New Saddles: Working with Tack Shops182Custom Saddles185Working with Saddlers and Saddle Fitters185Caring for Your Saddle186Chapter 14Caring for Your Horse's Back189Stretching190Massage Therapy193Physical Therapy194Professional Physical Therapies197Nutritional Therapy201Shoeing for a Healthy Back203Conventional Medicine203Problematic Management Practices206Resources211Index215
\ USDF ConnectionAdd The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Bookto your equestrian library. Your horse will thank you.\ \ \ \ \ Chronicle of the HorseHarman's saddle-fitting book seems like a good place to begin in the quest to help your horse achieve more, comfortably.\ \ \ Horse IllustratedWhatever English discipline you ride, you will find The Horse’s Pain–Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book is a good tool for making your horse more comfortable, which ultimately improves your riding.\ \ \ \ \ Sport Pony MagazineThis book represents a basic education in saddle-fit which all riders should have. This book is an excellent primer on saddle fit and the complications that arise from poor fitting tack. Covering everything from saddle construction to saddle evaluation and saddle fit, this book is perfect for those without access to a professional saddle fitter.\ \ \ \ \ Horse ConnectionThis book will help steer you in the right direction and save valuable time and money.\ \ \ \ \ Appaloosa JournalEvery rider needs to read this book.\ \ \ \ \ Tack N TogsAn understandable explanation of how conformation impacts the selection of a saddle tree, pomel, seat panels, gullets and other consideration.\ \ \ \ \ Horse CountryAll riders should read this book!\ \
