Fit from the start

Team Fairfax rider Sophie Wells OBE works with SMS Master Saddle itter Andy ilner to make sure her youngsters have a perfectly fi tting saddle right from the moment they start their training. ophie’s youngster Dragons ire ero is fi ve and she’s owned him with Jackie Walker since he was an unbroken three-year-old.

“Nero is changing shape all the time, even with the limited work he is currently doing,” says Sophie. “If he is going to develop into a strong and supple athlete, I need to be sure his movement is unrestricted at every stage of his training and he is not being compromised by his saddle.”

An improvement in muscle tone is often accompanied by a change in wither profi le and uite often a youngster’s template will narrow as he tones up. This is where a changeable gullet bar is so useful for the saddle fi tter in a airfax saddle it’s a uick and easy ob to ad ust the saddle in half-width increments as many times as necessary to achieve an accurate fi t as he develops. o two youngsters are the same and they all progress at diff erent speeds and in diff erent ways. As the horse’s core develops there’s sometimes a phase when the body lacks some stability and the saddle can shift sideways. airfax saddle panels are ocked with pure English wool, so any temporary asymmetry or instability can be easily addressed by removing or adding ocking on site. As airfax saddles have a shock absorbing Prolite panel lining, the fi tter can be assured that any potential pressure points are eliminated.

At the moment Nero is nicely balanced front to back, but he has a slightly forward girth groove and, at times during his development, he has tended to run the saddle up his neck. Fairfax dressage saddles are all supplied with three girth straps so the girthing can be ad usted as the horse changes and Andy can use the fi rst and third strap to increase saddle stability. or further information on fi nding a ualifi ed saddle fi tter visit mastersaddlers.co.uk

ABOVE: SOPHIE WELLS’ FIVE-YEAR-OLD OFS DRAGONS FIRE IS CHANGING SHAPE ALL THE TIME SO A CHANGEABLE GULLET ALLOWS THE SADDLE FITTER TO ADJUST THE SADDLE IN HALF-WIDTH INCREMENTS TO ACHIEVE AN ACCURATE FIT AS HE DEVELOPS. ABOVE RIGHT: STÜBBEN’S TOM SEXTON EXPLAINS THAT THE SADDLE FIT ALWAYS STARTS FROM THE FRONT, ENSURING THAT THE HEADPLATE IS THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE HORSE.

Matching long tradition with the latest techniques, Stübben explains its approach to saddle fi tting.

“As fi tters we face multiple challenges on a day-to-day basis, of which a hot topic is young horses and how we support their ongoing development.” suggests Stubben director and saddle fi tter Tom Sexton.

“At Stübben we are very proud of our spring tree which offers wither protection, shock absorption, and seat-fl exibility. “

The headplate is designed to protect the horse’s wither and is corrugated for extra strength. However, it is still possible to adjust the angle of the tree points if necessary, Tom stresses.

He describes the fi tting process: “We always start at the front. Working with a tree that hosts a headplate with a long point it is imperative that we fi nd the right size for the horse, which in a dressage saddle this should mirror the muscle development two fi ngers behind the scapula.”

This allows the rider’s weight to be distributed more evenly into the panel, avoiding putting weight onto the trapezius and supporting the distribution of weight further down over the trapezius/longissimus ‘bridge’ without causing restricted shoulder movement, he explains.

To adapt to the way that a young horse can change shape as he develops, Tom points to the importance of using fl ocked panels:

“The horse and rider can put their impression on fl ocked panels, which as a fi tter is like reading a book. It can highlight the inaccuracies of muscle development and asymmetry for the horse and balance or weaknesses in the rider. We can then rebalance the fl ocking and in some cases give fl ocked support to help horse and rider on their training journey together.”

In addition, if the horse dramatically changes the gullet iron can be resized up to two centimetres either wider or narrower.

“This must be done with one of our master saddlers or an approved freelance fi tter. Riders should work with a fi tter who has extensive knowledge and current training with the brand that they want to use, who they trust to develop a great working relationship and most importantly manage expectations.”

ALTHOUGH NUTRITION IS ONLY ONE OF MANY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE COMPETITION SUCCESS, IT IS A CRUCIAL COMPONENT OF FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE. THE UNIQUE ASPECTS OF TRAINING AND COMPETING INEVITABLY RESULT IN CHALLENGES. HERE WE’VE HIGHLIGHTED SOME OF THE MOST COMMON NUTRITION RELATED PROBLEMS FOR THE COMPETITION HORSE WITH OUR TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE THEM. potential dehydrating e ect of feeding cereals in meals dd fi bre to slow the rate of intake and passage of cereal based feeds through the gut • Limit concentrate meal sizes to 1.5kg dividing larger amounts of concentrates into 3-4 feeds daily.

• Alfalfa is naturally low in starch – but still provides a good level of energy, especially when combined with oil. Dengie Alfa-A

Oil contains the same energy level as many performance mix or cubes but with between 5 and 10 times less starch. Keeping starch levels low without compromising on energy intake is key for balancing health, condition and performance lfalfa is an e ective bu er to acidity in the gut – alfalfa is abundant in calcium and studies have shown it bu ers acidity more e ectively than grass-based forages. • Chopped alfalfa provides increased chew time which increases saliva production – saliva contains bicarbonate which also bu ers acidity Feed chopped fi bre before exercise to stop acid splash – using a double handful (200g) of Dengie Alfa-A just before exercise helps to form a fi brous mat to stop the acidic

contents splashing around when the horse moves • Omeprazole may reduce calcium absorption – this has been shown in humans and one study has indicated the same is occurring in horses. The calcium in alfalfa is highly bioavailable and so easier for the horse to absorb. Just 1 scoop of Dengie

Alfa-A Original provides a 500kgs exercising horse with a fi fth of their daily calcium requirement*.

Meal feeding has also been shown to result in transient dehydration in the gut. Researchers suggest that feeding a few large meals each day can cause su cient dehydration in the colon to result in impaction which could initiate other forms of very serious colic such as large colon displacement and volvulus. Feeding strategies to reduce the risk of colic: • Use feeds that are high in oil such as Dengie

Alfa-A Oil or Performance Fibre as part of the bucket feed to reduce the reliance on cereal based concentrates Use more digestible sources of fi bre such as alfalfa and sugar beet included in feeds like

Dengie Alfa-Beet – as they are fed soaked they have the added benefi t of taking water into the gut thereby countering the

empting the fi t, fussy performance horse is a particular challenge. If the horse takes a long time to eat up it doesn’t matter – they are trickle feeding as they would naturally. A problem exists if they won’t eat enough to maintain an acceptable bodyweight and condition and that’s when action is required. Feeding strategies for fussy feeders: • Dengie Performance Fibre has been developed to try to tempt even the fussiest horse; the inclusion of grass and spearmint oil provide a natural sweetness and tempting avour • Feeding several smaller meals can help avoid over-facing the horse er a selection of di erent feeds for the horse to choose between – cafeteria style! • Dampening the feed with Alfa-Beet can also help tempt fussy eaters, provide additional calories and aid hydration.

Contact the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or visit

REFERENCES

Hilyer et al (1997) A cross-sectional study of colic in horses on thoroughbred training premises in the British Isles in 1997. Bulmer et al (2016) The effects of a high-starch or high-fi bre diet on equine reactivity and handling behaviour, Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Jansson and Lindberg (2012) A forage-only diet alters the metabolic response of horses in training. Lybbert et al (2007) Proceedings of Annual Convention of the AAEP, Orlando, Florida, 2007. Swanhall et al (2018) Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation including Marine-Derived Calcium Increases Bone Density in Thoroughbreds. Proceedings of the Australasian Equine Science Symposium.

WE TAKE A LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS IN SADDLE ACCESSORIES WHICH CAN BE OF USE WHEN TRAINING YOUNG HORSES.

EQUITEX SADDLE PADS are handmade in Italy and were developed by an equestrian osteopath who understands the physiology of horses. While they are not the answer to a badly fi tting saddle, they can certainly help with temporary saddle fi tting issues such as muscle or weight loss. The company also offers bespoke correctional pads.

Louise Bell had already used an Equitex saddle pad on her grand prix horse and she tasked the company with making one for her young horse Zinkwazi (Ziggy), owned and bred by Alison Walton.

Ziggy is a hot and extravagant moving seven-year-old, who at 18hh will take time to fi ll out. His saddle is the right shape for him, but Louise felt that he needed additional support until he develops more topline and muscle under the saddle. To help absorb impact and to encourage muscle development Equitex created a pad with a 4cm thickness under the whole of the saddle, instead of the typical front or rear riser request.

The saddle sits ‘into’ the responsive foam and its non-slip properties ensure the saddle is secure but free from creating any pressure points. “The training pad was such a success that I had exactly the same pad made in a white dressage square. They are a game changer,” said Louise. When Zinkwazi changes shape in the future, she will be able to revert to a standard Equitex saddle pad. Available at equitex.co THE FREEDOM DRESSAGE GIRTH FROM SCHARF was developed to ensure that each part works in unison with a particular muscle of the chest without interfering with the freedom of the others. It allows for full movement of the intercostal and pectoral muscles and for rib movement when the horse breathes. Katie Bailey is currently using the girth on a four-year-old.

“A saddle must fi t correctly and I am also a great believer in giving them room for movement under the elbows and around the chest. So many young horses ‘forget’ to breathe properly when they are trying to focus on what the rider is asking them to do and having a ‘tight belt’ around them to keep the saddle in place exacerbates this. The Freedom girth leaves plenty of room for his shoulders to lift and move, while its design moves with him rather than being a solid band around his girth.” Available at thecentreline.co.uk

AN ELASTIC FEEL Fantastic Elastic reins, designed by Carl Hester, give an elastic feel from the hand to the horse’s mouth. When a half halt, directional aid or correction is made, the leather will momentarily straighten. As the rider rewards and puts their hand forward again the soft elastic contact will be resumed, helping to eliminate resistance in the mouth.

Caroline Prinz comments: “I have found the Fantastic Elastic reins to be of great benefi t whilst training young horses.”

One fi ve-year-old in particular struggled with his own balance, he had a slight downhill tendency and at times felt like he was leaning on the hand.

“I used the FE reins and he started to move freely forward through his body, moving forward off my leg.” Available at carlhester.co.uk/shop SAFETY AND COMFORT Riding youngsters can come with its hazards so safety stirrups are useful. An integrated safety arm on the LeMieux Vector Control Stirrup has a two-stage release system, preventing unintentional opening but when pressure is put onto the arm of the stirrup, the arm releases allowing the foot to come out of the stirrup and preventing it getting stuck. “I have been trialling these stirrups for LeMieux over the last few months and I can’t recommend them enough,” says freelance rider and instructor Georgia Darlington. “They are so comfortable. I’ve always struggled with pain in my ankles and hips when riding but I have had no pain with these stirrups at all. They are also really supportive and help keep your lower leg in the right position which really helps me.” Available at lemieuxproducts.com

The Star-Treka is a rear facing, horse trailer for up to two 18hh horses with luxury overnight accommodation. The living includes kitchen unit, seating for four which converts to a double bed, toilet area, 70 litre water tank and leisure battery. The horse area includes tack and grooms lockers, horse shower and padded partition.

monofl ap really is at the cutting edge of performance dressage saddles with a lightweight polyamide tree that offers controlled fl exibility. The luxurious Italian calfskin fi nish gives excellent security and has no need to be broken in. A moderately deep seat supports the rider centrally without being restrictive when combined with the soft, shaped knee roll. Independent panels contour perfectly to your horse's shape and are not restricted by gussets or stitching.

RRP: FROM £3,580 | zebraproducts.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

wooden tree and the Equipe luxury calf-covered special leather. Tradition, extreme care for detail, a passion for beauty, a precise selection of top-class Italian or French hides and leather, are all merged to elegantly 'dress' the saddle tree in beechwood. Crafted in multi-layers and shaped through a steam process, the saddle tree is reinforced with special steel to guarantee its strength and elasticity, according to the more traditional canons of great equestrian saddlery. Platinum saddles are designed to allow riders at all levels to perform in full respect of their horses’ well-being, while being assured of maximum precision in their posture. Seat sizes - 16", 16.5", 17", 17.5", 18".

RRP: FROM £4,305 | zebraproducts.co.uk

THE ADELAIDE has a refi ned look which is timeless and embodies Voltaire Design’s devotion to elegance, performance and embodies Voltaire Design’s devotion to elegance, performance and comfort. Designed for riders to improve their performance through comfort. Designed for riders to improve their performance through sensation, closeness of contact and precision for the rider’s leg, the narrow sensation, closeness of contact and precision for the rider’s leg, the narrow twist ensures comfort for the rider for even the longest sessions whilst the 'cut twist ensures comfort for the rider for even the longest sessions whilst the 'cut back' tree ensures the Adelaide is easy to adjust, gives incredible freedom of back' tree ensures the Adelaide is easy to adjust, gives incredible freedom of movement and can be customised for high-withered horses. movement and can be customised for high-withered horses.

RRP: SPECIAL OFFER £3,950 | RRP: SPECIAL OFFER £3,950 | voltairedesign.com/uk

WOW COMPETITOR Unique modular range maximises the horse’s freedom of movement while supporting the rider’s correct position. Any seat can be combined with any of our many fi xed or moveable block fl aps to suit the rider perfectly. Narrow under the rider's seat, the Academic seat shown allows the leg to drop more, assisting a position both elegant and effective. This version of our popular Giant high fl ap has softly padded blocks for a positive but comfortable feel.

PRIX owes its slender appearance to the narrow fl ap and the absence of superfl uous material. New knee pads allow the rider’s knees to lie freely for sitting comfort and it is also available with a seamless seat. Available in a variety of seat sizes and tree widths. Flap sizes can also be specifi ed. Colours are black, ebony, redwood and tobacco, but the saddle can also be customised with a range of crystal options.

RRP: FROM £3,380 | stuebben.co.uk

dressage saddle with a deep, soft supportive seat for a secure feeling. A close contact with the horse is achieved through the monofl ap design and the thigh block allows the leg to rest against it in a natural manner without interference to the knee, which encourages a quiet lower leg. The full panels are designed to suit a broader shouldered horse with an uphill build and a straighter, more level back. Patented AMS panels and siliconised synthetic wool fl ocking are softer and kinder to the horse’s back, easy for your saddle fi tter to alter and combined with the wider channel, encourage the horse to lift and use its back more effectively providing the rider with a smoother, shock absorbing ride. Built on a carbon fi bre tree, with an interchangeable gullet system that can be swapped to adjust to the horse’s shape. Available in naturally tanned and chrome-free calfskin in black or brown with patent piping on request. Seat sizes - 16.5”, 17”, 17.5”, 18”, thigh blocks in 9” or 11”.

pdssaddlesuk.com

is the fi rst saddle to be tested for back pressure, rider seat pressure plus 3D rider stability and horse movement. It benefi ts from a narrower twist, plus a seat and knee block design that improves horse and rider synchronicity by allowing the rider’s pelvis to remain neutral for longer. Due to demand new sizes have been added and it is now available in size 16.5” seat with standard and long fl ap to accommodate petite riders, plus the option of a standard or wide twist. Colours: black with croc or plain trim, sizes: 16.5-18” seat with fl ap length options.

RRP: £3,850 | fairfaxsaddles.com

The saddle has a 'unisex' tree, the fi rst tree that makes it very comfortable for The saddle has a 'unisex' tree, the fi rst tree that makes it very comfortable for both male and female riders. It is now offered with a new stitching pattern and both male and female riders. It is now offered with a new stitching pattern and patent leather inserts that visually enhance the special features of this model. patent leather inserts that visually enhance the special features of this model.

RRP: £4,100 | prestigeitaly.comRRP: £4,100 |

AVIAR SADDLES feature an anatomically designed tree which helps to free the horse from conventional long saddle points that can create discomort and pressure whilst the Pressure Relief System distributes the weight of the rider evenly front to back over a wider surface to create less interference on the horse's back. The unique memory foam blend panels help minimise rider bounce and absorb energy from the rider creating a more comfortable connection.

aviarsaddles.com/ dressage RIDE LOGIC is a one-stop shop for the supply of saddles, bits and bridles. They introduced the Fager brand of titanium bits into the UK and recently launched the Finesse Bridles from Denmark. Ride Logic is one of few saddlers to use the Medilogic saddle pressure system to assist in the fi tting of saddles.

RRP: SEE WEBSITE | ridelogic.co.uk

Looking for great quality saddlery and tack, to have a saddle or bridle adjusted or for a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualifi ed Saddle or Bridle Fitter? Using a member of the Society of Master Saddlers provides peace of mind that, whether using a Master Saddler with excellent skills or a Qualifi ed Saddle or Bridle Fitter with the highest standards, all have undertaken years of study and in-depth training. Without doubt the quality of the products made both matches and surpasses the fi nest in Europe and around the world. Explains Society of Master Saddlers’ Chief Executive Hazel Morley, “In Britain we’ve been at the forefront of saddlery developments of both fi tting and manufacture for many years and we’re proud of the history, heritage and skill that is behind the services which all of our members provide.”

NAME: Nikki Newcombe LOCATION: Aldridge, West Midlands EXPERTISE: SMS Saddle Manufacturer, Master Saddler & Qualifi ed Saddle Fitter EMAIL: contact@bliss-of-london.com WEB: bliss-of-london.com

NAME: Harry Dabbs LOCATION: Walsall, West Midlands EXPERTISE: Master Saddler & SMS QSF EMAIL: info@harrydabbs.co.uk WEB: www.harrydabbs.co.uk

LOCATION: Walsall, West Midlands EXPERTISE: Master Saddler & SMS QSF EMAIL: sales@ejeffries.co.uk WEB: www.ejeffries.co.uk NAME: Ruth Wyatt LOCATION: Buckinghamshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddler & QSF TEL: 07894 945 594 WEB: ruthwyattsaddlery.co.uk EMAIL: enquiries@ruthwyattsaddlery.co.uk

NAME: Ruth Spencer LOCATION: Leicestershire EXPERTISE: Qualifi ed Saddler and Saddle Fitter EMAIL: enquiries@rssaddles.co.uk WEB: rssaddles.co.uk

NAME: Sam Gawn LOCATION: Leicestershire EXPERTISE: Qualifi ed Saddle Fitter EMAIL: info@sgsaddles.co.uk WEB: www.sgsaddles.co.uk

NAME: Kate Clarke LOCATION: Hertfordshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddler & QSF EMAIL: sales@martinwilkinson.com WEB: www.martinwilkinson.com

NAME: Nicole Louer LOCATION: Hertfordshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddler & QSF EMAIL: sales@martinwilkinson.com WEB: www.martinwilkinson.com

NAME: Garry Garcia LOCATION: West Sussex EXPERTISE: Master Saddler and Qualifi ed Saddle Fitter EMAIL: info@penfoldssaddlery.co.uk WEB: penfoldssaddlery.co.uk

NAME: Catherine Baker LOCATION: Wiltshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, QSF, QBF TEL: 07738179008 EMAIL: catherine@cbsaddlery.co.uk

NAME: Laura Kitchiner and Kerry McBain LOCATION: Devon EXPERTISE: SMS Master Saddler and QSF TEL: 01392 877896 EMAIL: saddlery@nutwellsaddlery.co.uk WEB: nutwellsaddlery.co.uk

NAME: Howard Bowen LOCATION: N. Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire EXPERTISE: Approved Retailer & QSF TEL: 01492 544 004 EMAIL: info@thesaddlery.co.uk

NAME: Jo Beavis LOCATION: Warwickshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddle Fitter & QSF EMAIL: enquiries@nationalsaddlecentre.co.uk WEB: www.nationalsaddlecentre.co.uk

NAME: Martin Wilkinson LOCATION: Hertfordshire EXPERTISE: Master Saddler, Master Saddle Fitter EMAIL: sales@martinwilkinson.com WEB: www.martinwilkinson.com NAME: Stephanie Bradley LOCATION: N Wales, N West, Ireland & CI EXPERTISE: SMS Reg’d Master Saddle Fitter & QSF UKCCL3 & Inter 1 Dressage Rider EMAIL: steph@freedomsaddlery.co.uk WEB: freedomsaddlery.co.uk For more information on master saddlery please visit