Back to Blog

Top Tips for Autumn

Why Consistent Weight and Topline Matters for Saddle FitYour saddle fitter will often encourage you to keep your horse at a consistent weight and topline because even small changes in condition can alter how a saddle fits. As horses gain or lose weight, or their muscle changes through the back and shoulders, the saddle may begin to sit differently, creating pressure points or restricting movement. Seasonal shifts in pasture, workload, and coat growth through autumn can all influence body shape. ...

NSC Saddle Explainer #1

Ever noticed the stitching line across the back of your saddle panel? That’s the rear gusset. Its depth determines how much flocking can be added at the back of the panel and how much support the saddle can offer behind the rider.The type and depth of rear gusset plays a crucial role in how your saddle fits your horse and its individual back shape Deep rear gussets on a flatter backed or low withered horse can make the saddle feel perched and unstable. Not enough depth in the rear gussets on a...

NSC Saddle explainer #2 - The Gullet

When we refer to the gullet in this context, we are talking about the metal head plate within the saddle tree. This is the structural component that determines the width and shape at the very front of the saddle The gullet influences how the saddle sits around your horse’s withers and the top of the shoulder. It sets the initial framework for balance. If the gullet is too narrow, the saddle can pinch through the wither area and sit high at the front. This often leads to pressure and restricted...

NSC Saddle Explainer #3 The Gullet Channel

When we refer to the gullet channel, we are talking about the space that runs down the centre of the saddle between the panels This channel sits directly over your horse’s spine. Its purpose is to ensure there is no pressure placed on the spinal processes or the supporting ligaments. The width and consistency of this channel matter. If the channel is too narrow, the panels can press inward, creating unwanted pressure along the spine. If it becomes uneven or collapses through the middle, it can...

NSC Saddle Explainer #4 - The Front Gusset

Front gussets are the stitched sections at the front of the saddle panels, just below the tree points They create extra space at the front of the panel that allows for additional flocking to be used to create extra depth in this area. Their purpose is to influence how the front of the panel sits against the horse. On some horses, additional depth through the front gusset provides improved support and more consistent contact, particularly where there is natural hollowing behind the shoulder or a ...

NSC Saddle Explainer #5 The Tree

The tree is the internal framework of the saddle. It determines the overall shape, width and structural integrity of the saddle. Every other component, from the panels to the gussets, is built around it. A key role of the tree is weight distribution. It provides a stable structure that allows the panels to spread the rider’s weight over a broader surface area, rather than concentrating pressure in small points. The tree also helps protect your horse’s back by maintaining clearance through th...

NSC Saddle Explainer #6 - Tree Points

The tree points (often called simply 'points') are the forward extensions of the saddle tree that sit on either side of your horse’s withers. Depending on the saddle construction, you may or may not be able to see the tree points easily from the outside of the saddle. The length of the tree points makes a significant difference to how the saddle performs. Longer tree points extend further down the front of the panel. This can help provide additional stability at the front of the saddle. On hor...

NSC Saddle Explainer #7 - The panel

SADDLE EXPLAINER #7 PANELSThe panels are the padded sections underneath the saddle that sit directly against your horse’s back. They are attached to the tree and are responsible for distributing the rider’s weight evenly across the horse’s musclesWhile the tree provides structure, the panels provide contact.Panels are typically filled with wool flocking or foam. Their shape, depth and consistency influence how pressure is spread and how the saddle feels in motion.If the panels are uneven, ...

NSC Saddle Explainer #8 The Flocking

Flocking is the material inside the saddle panels that allows the saddle to make correct contact with your horse’s back. In most traditionally constructed saddles, this is wool flocking. Wool is used because it can be adjusted, redistributed and refined over time Flocking does more than provide cushioning works in partnership with the tree to distribute the rider’s weight across the long back muscles on either side of the spine. The tree provides the structure. The flocking allows that ...

Spring Look book Half Pads and Acessories

...

80% of saddle fit is the tree

80% of your saddles fit is the tree A question we are often asked is what is the tree in a particular model.This isn’t really relevantWhat is important is having a tree shape that suits the profile of your horses back  (about 80% of the fit) then we use different panel types and shapes and then girthing to provide a good fit.Trees are used to distribute the rider weight and the panel provides an interface between horse and rider to enable the best weight bearing surface.They are desi...

Did you know

Your horse can gain or loose 50kg without the human eye being able to tell How does this impact saddle fit ? a 50kg can be a whole saddle size either way, this is not ideal as although there are options to change your gullet size it is better to maintain consistency. A $10 weight tape is a great way to monitor and can be checked and recorded weekly....

Why is a saddle blanket like sox's

The best analogies are those that don’t relate to horses….. have you had those annoying sox's that just won't stay up. A saddle blanket of any type requires a good structure to sit nicely and not wrinkle under the saddle, a tired soft saddle blanket can cause rubbing and movement, this becomes even more important the longer you ride and if going up and down hills.·         Use a blanket that has shape over the wither·    &nbs...

Stirrup Leather Top Tip

If you are like me and uneven stirrup leathers drive  you crazyCheck your stirrup length Yip that’s right, even if you have non stretch stirrups, take them off and check them side by side because more often than not they are not the same lengthIf you find they are uneven and need replacing head over to Shop Home (equinesaddlefit.co.nz) and use LEATHERS to get a 10% discountUneven leathers can also make some people feel their saddle is slipping so another good reason to check them &nb...

Late Summer Tip

A question I often get late summer is “my horse has lumps on its back has the saddle caused it ?”These can often be caused by insect  bite as  they like the top of the back area bestThis can be compounded if you have kept a sheet on regularly and then decide to give them a day in the sun ( they are considered very tasty)Treat with a mild cream and give your horse a few days off riding, keep the sheet on and use flyspray if needed. Check with your vet if anything gets worse....