The importance of a good fitting saddle

My horses were paid a visit the other day by their saddle fitter, Kate Athanas-Wilson.  Kate and her husband, Jim, run a business called Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC www.dutchessbridlesaddle.com located in Port Jervis, NY.  Jim runs the workroom where he applies his expertise to saddle repairs.  Kate works out of her truck, fitting saddles for at least 700 clients in 6 states.  Kate is a highly qualified saddle fitter, having received her certification from the Society of Master Saddlers in the UK – the authority of English saddlery.  She comes to my stables every 6 months to make saddle adjustments.  You may wonder why this is necessary and Kate makes it very clear. 

She explained that a horse’s body changes throughout the year. During warm weather, my Friesians are outdoors grazing on fresh grass and they gain weight.  During winter, with a change in diet, they lose body mass.  But, like any physical being, there are also muscular changes that occur throughout the years.  When a saddle no longer fits a horse well, the horse will not be happy and can actually experience all sorts of physical problems.  This can also be a danger for a rider if the horse isn’t comfortable with something on its back.  Kate said that many years ago, our cavalry knew that a good fitting saddle meant that you had a good horse, and for some reason that notion had been overlooked for quite some time.  But, in recent years, things are changing and horse owners are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining a proper fitting saddle.

Here’s Kate who just arrived at my stables on a very cold morning. She’s all bundled up in her work gear.


A warm greeting from Rutger, who is most curious about his visitor.

These are Kate’s very detailed charts and her measuring devise – a flexible ruler.


This is the chart of Rutger’s back and how it’s changed during Kate’s last 3 visits. She uses a new ink color each time she comes.


Kate measures the curve of Rutger’s back in a few crucial areas with this flexible Ruler.

She also records how many fingers fit between the straightened ruler and the sway of the horse's back.


With this visit, Kate uses a green pen and draws new lines for each measurement. This visual gives her a good indication on how to adjust Rutger’s saddle  this time.

Kate is meticulous and keeps very detailed records of each horse she visits.

Sometimes she determines the changes to be rather minor and adjustments only need to be made to the Mattes Correction Pad, which is placed beneath the actual saddle. This pad has pockets for flannel shims, or inserts.


Here’s the saddle sitting atop the Mattes Pad.

If the saddle, itself, needs adjustment, Kate takes it to her workroom in her truck.

These are some of the things she uses – wool flocking material, a flocking iron, a flocking smasher, and a flocking awl.

Here’s Kate inserting flocking wool through a small seam hole into the saddle using the flocking iron.

Using the smasher, she pounds the exterior of the saddle to compress the flocking material so there are no bulges or lumps, making sure the saddle is balanced. One of her instructors used the analogy that it’s like wallpapering through a keyhole.
 

It looks like Rutger is anxious to go outdoors with me sitting atop his newly fitted saddle.

 

Comments

[Donna]

The saddle filling job was very intersting. The horse is beautiful. I liked the inside of the truck. It was very organized with lots of open space. I am so amazed that 24 hrs. a day is enough for you with all your pets,gardening,cooking, T.V.,radio and all your other endevors. Keep up the good work. Donna

[Carolyn]

I had no idea saddle fitting was so involved. Thanks for sharing!

Carolyn

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the glimpse into the world of Rutger and your other horses and how important a good fitting saddle is to them. Kate is meticulous and pays attention to every important detail in her work. Her charts, tools, and even the arrangement of her truck must contribute to her expertise in saddle repairs.
Reading your description of Rutger's world brought back memories of helping my cousin with his horse when I was young.
Speaking of memories, thanks for the beautiful memorial to your Mom in February's issue of your magazine. It was quite touching. I also enjoyed seeing your daughter Alexis and her friend Jennifer on yesterday's show.
Thanks again.
Kathy

[Andrew Ritchie]

What a fascinating process! I've only been on a horse once but it was exhilerating, and the horse really liked me. They have such beautiful eyes.

-Andrew

[KellySchwark.com]

As an artist, I have always loved the simple and elegant beauty of horses and the saddles alike. Each horse and saddle seem to be a paired together to form a perfected piece of art. Thank you for showing us the workmanship of maintaining a fitted saddle.

I used to ride as a girl and was blessed enough to go on more than a few occasions when my husband and I lived in Hawaii. This post has sparked an interest in finding some facilities here in our new town in Connecticut. Thanks!

Kelly
http://www.kellyschwark.blogspot.com
http://kellyschwark.com

[Margie]

All I can say is thank goodness for warm clothes.

[Pat]

Wow! I didn't know all that was involved in fitting a saddle. I never even thought about how horses change as they age. That is what I love about reading your blog, is learning new things. Thanks for sharing.

[Mary]

Martha, I just love reading your blog everyday! I always learn something new, or remember something from my childhood, or just simply enjoy your pretty pictures from travel or your homes. Thank you for being a nice break during my day!

[Beth]

I love it when Martha shares info and pictures about her horses! Please keep them coming!

[Trish]

Fascinating! I had no idea horses needed new saddle fittings from time to time. When I was a teen, I would ride my bike 15 miles to a horse stable, ride my favorite horse for an hour and then ride my bike home again; (oh, the good old days!). One day, the horse almost threw me; he wanted to go one way and I the other but I escaped injury. Now I wonder if he was unhappy with the saddle! You've got me thinking about that. Either way, I'm glad horse owners today realize the importance of a good fit. Thanks for an interesting blog. Trish

[Gin]

How nice of you to post this!

Too often in the horse world so i see someone say, I need a saddle for my child,will you fit her for the saddle. WHEN THE SADDLE IS SUPPOSED TO FIT THE HORSE FIRST and FOREMOST. Thank you for sharing this with your readers, it is very important that you not pinch your horses withers,etc.

Also, thank you for sharing beautiful pictures of your barn. As a horse enthusiast, I like to look at barns, like guys like to look at cars. your horse is beautiful as well!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, What a fascinating blog! I had no idea so much was involved in saddling a horse. I just thought a saddle blanket was put on the horse, a saddle was cinched up and off you went. Oh, how wrong I was! Thank you for teaching me what goes into saddling a horse. How fortunate your horses are to have someone as knowledgeable as Kate and Jim. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[theresa]

They should just make Gel saddles that can be altered wit a syringe. I saw the show where you explained your horse had an abscess in his foot. How is he? Maybe you should take off the shoes that cover the bottom of his feet. Air is healing sometimes. I am not sure tho cause I never had a horse but I think God's a pretty good designer

[theresa]

Do you have rubber mats on the floors? Is easier on their feet too.

[Iowa Cowgirl]

Martha,
Thanks for a neat entry! I always look forward to any equine info from you; Friesians are so unique and yours are lovely.

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
Thanks for another beautiful and informative blog. I love it that you have such good tradesmen to take care of the horses. It takes practice and a special touch to adjust a saddle, especially for such large ones as the Friesians. They are one of the most beautiful breeds.
Thanks also for some special memories. I think about my Doll Baby and the good times we had together and I know that tonight I'll have a good dream.
Linda Gail

[Diane]

Hi Martha,
I have a two year old Friesian and I've been looking at saddles. I do know that Friesians need special saddles to fit their large frame but I had no idea about having them fitted every 6 months. Thank you for the information. I'd like to see more about your Friesians.

Friesian lover!

[Mary Beth]

How fascinating! I never thought about the horses end of the saddle. Good thing I don't own horses. I had a painful experience with a bad fitting saddle on "my end." I couldn't sit down comfortably for 2 days:)

[fightin' mad mary]

Martha,
First I must say that it is great to get to know you on what feels like a more personal level through your blog.

Second, I love that you truly appreciate good craftsman (and women) and share them with us.

Thanks!

[BeachMama]

You have such beautiful horses. I wish I didn't have allergies, as I do love to ride.

Do you truly find time to ride in your busy schedule? I just can't imagine that you have enough time with everything that you do already.

[Susan Erickson]

I have looked and cannot figure out how to get a message to Martha so I will try here.

I too have a black horse. He is an imported Oldenburg from Germany. A wonderful mover, extremely athletic and kind.

I have long desired elegance and grace to be a part of my equestrian world. I keep photos of your barn easily within reach when ever I want to be inspired. Since I board at a public stables that affords me only a small space I do a lot of pretending.

Because of my desire I formed a group at our stables and named it Equestrian Living. It was the most elegant name I could think of. We meet once a month and our focus is, of course, our horses and how we can live our lives gracefully with them. Each month I print pages to share from your food, organization, entertaining, health and gardening section of your site. To become better horsewomen we believe that all areas of life can be improved.

This month I sent an email to the Parelli Center and signed it The Eqestrian Living Group of Northern California. It was posted, along with the name of the group, in this wee's newsletter. Parelli news is sent all over the world and has hundreds of thousands of readers and members. I thought that you would find some joy with this news. Sincerely, Susan Erickson

[Mo]

Good saddles ain't cheap
But they're worth every dime
And you'll be glad you've got one
When you're on a long ride
You know a deal and a bargain
Are often misunderstood
Good saddles ain't cheap
Cheap saddles ain't good

[lauren]

Hi Martha,

I know this is a bit off topic. :-) But, how long can you keep hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator? Is 2 weeks too long? I generally make devilled eggs from our colored Easter eggs.

Thanks and love the horses.
Lauren

[Dusti]

Good morning Martha,
I just wanted to say thank you for being such a great 'teacher'. Your desire to learn is abundantly clear and I am so grateful that you share that inspiration with us! I enjoy learning also and am so glad each day as I view your blog or watch your show that I continue to learn new things in a vast area of subjects! Keep up the good work!

[Emily A]

Hi Martha!

What a beautiful horse with such an intelligent gaze! And how lucky for him that not only does he get to reside in an exquisite stable but be ridden by an attentive owner.

Thanks for the insight!
Emily

[lucciana]

wow the horse is very pretty wow i love your animals there very pretty i would love to ride them to it would be nice they are so pretty iam glad there better to i allso love your show its great . so what kind of friut do they like . good bye Martha

[Nan Ashby]

What a great blog. I grew up training walking horses. I know how a saddle, rider, and horse become as one and that they become one syncrynized object. I think your dedication in expert dressage for you and your horses is fantastic. It pays off. There is nothing more important than having your horse feel comfortable and making his ride a positive experience. Thanks for such an important feature as this to tell people of the importance of a saddle fitter. Nan Fayetteville, Tn.

[elaine]

I am curious as to who your farrier is and do your horses require special shoes?
Thank you

[June]

Hi Martha,
Thank-you for another fascinating and very informative blog. I so love everything to do with your wonderful horses, stable, farm layout and renovations etc. Please show us around your beautiful stable a little more, tell us about designing it and how you keep it SO clean. Of course the more pictures the better! They are so inspiring and also bring back many wonderful memories of when I rode years ago.
Thank-you for sharing your experiences with us. I am so greatful to be able to see this side of your life and I love learning so many new things on such a variety of topics. Looking forward to your next entry, so
until then take care and have a great day.

[JBrennan]

Martha:

Thanks for the "horse" blog. It brings back fond memories of when I was on the Vassar equestrian team in college.

We took lessons at the Southlands farm in Rhinebeck, NY. It was great fun!

One of the first things we were taught was to always re-tighten our saddles just prior to mounting as the horse tends to bloat its stomach while being tacked. You have to catch him off-guard! It can save your life.

Rutger is a beautiful animal. I hope to see more about him and the other Fresians on your blog in the future.

God Bless,
Joseph

[patricia]

What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing this. Your horse is absolutely stunning.

[Melanie]

Hi, Martha!
This is a great post! I'm a horse lover/owner, and can just imagine what it feels like riding a good-fitting saddle on one of those Friesians! My daughter is a member of United States Pony Club, and we both have been learning a lot about proper saddle fit since she's joined. I would have never thought there was so much to it. Keep riding...and posting!

[Terry Booth]

Hello Martha
It is good to know you you really look after your horses!
I am ex Household Cavalry and a qualified Riding instructor. I have worked and trained in the UK, Germany and Italy.
I have also sold saddlery worldwide.
Stableview tv are looking to put our first camera system into a barn in the USA. This would mean you can see all your horses live from anywhere in the world where you have internet connection. Each individual stable and also riding arena. There is also a powerfull equitask sytem that enables horses records and farrier/ vet visits to be looked at or scheduled.
Obviously for you we would do it at cost as the Martha Stewart connection would be very beneficial.
We are based in the UK and would be interested to know what you feel about this proposition?
Kind regards
Terry Booth

[Scott Durkin]

What a great blog post. Kate is my saddle fitter too...and I have a Friesian too.
Kate is a wonderful technician - and has an incredible knowledge of the English saddle fit.
Thanks for sharing.