4 Other features
The overall design of and methods used to make saddles have changed very little. Most saddles are handmade by highly skilled craftsmen, many of them in the UK. What has changed is the development of clever modern features that enhance the fit of the saddle. The aim of these is to make sure you and your horse are as comfortable as possible so you can both concentrate and enjoy yourselves.
Altering the fit
Picking a saddle with a changeable gullet is worth considering. It allows the width of your saddle to be altered quickly and easily by your saddle fitter if your horse changes shape. Essentially, this could mean that one saddle will last your horse a lifetime, or if you buy a new horse, it’s highly likely that your saddle can be altered to fit him, saving you money on buying a new saddle.
Many of the well-known saddle brands produce saddles with changeable gullets, including Wintec, Thorowgood, Bates, Fairfax, John Whitaker International, Tekna, GFS, Collegiate and Kent & Masters.
Albion Saddlemakers has developed the Adjusta-tree, believed to be the first British precision-engineered adjustable wooden saddle tree. The Adjusta-tree has been specifically designed for adjustment using pressure by any Albion saddle fitter. The fitting can be altered without damage or distortion to the headplates or rivets of the tree using Albion-approved pressure systems, while remaining within the saddle.
Enhancing fit further
The Platinum range from Albion Saddles goes one step further with an interchangeable tree and a switch panel that allows the width and the saddle panels to be changed for improved fit. These can only be changed by an approved Albion stockist.
The Easy-change Fit Solution is available for Wintec and Bates saddles. This system allows you to select the optimal tree width for your horse’s current shape and muscling with the Easy-change Gullet System, or make adjustments to the saddle panel for optimal balance and clearance with the Easy-change Riser System. Together, these systems offer unparalleled scope of adjustment for a total fitting solution that’s not only easy but also measurable and completely reversible, giving total confidence to be able to make changes to the saddle easily. You can find out more about this system at easychangefitsolution.com.
Modern flocking
Wool is the most widely used material for flocking saddle panels. Flocking can easily be added or removed to ensure a good fit by a qualified saddle fitter.
However, there are a few alternatives. The CAIR Cushion System replaces the traditional filling with two independently sealed air cushions in each saddle panel. The CAIR Cushion System is available in Bates and Wintec saddles, and the concept is that air offers the ultimate in cushioning for your horse.
Being a fluid medium, air constantly adapts to your horse’s muscles as they work. Once you are in the saddle the air moves to hug your horse’s shape and distribute your weight evenly over the entire bearing area of the saddle panel.
This eliminates pressure points, supports the muscles during work, absorbs shock and aids correct muscle development. For more information, visit caircushionsystem.com.
Flair panels is a system of four adjustable air bags (two at the front, two at the back) that replace the flocking your saddle. These provide a soft, flexible and even weight-bearing surface and can be fitted to all conventional saddles. Each individual air bag can be altered to give a customised fit.
Flair panels give your saddle a constant flexible layer of air that absorbs shock, allowing your horse to move more naturally because the muscles of his back and shoulder aren’t restricted. Head over to their website flair.uk/com for more details.