A Well-Fitted Saddle for My Horse
I am an avid horseback rider and love to go out for rides on my trusted Friesians.
A crucial part of riding is making sure the horse has a well-fitted saddle. An improper fit can cause a rider's weight to be distributed unevenly resulting in pressure points, rub marks, and soreness on the horse's back. The right saddle improves the horse's comfort, prevents injuries, and ensures a pleasant riding experience for both horse and rider. Recently, I purchased a new saddle from Freedman's, a multi-generation family-owned Toronto-based saddlery business that has been making quality harnesses, saddles, bridles, and other leather goods since 1910. I've been using Freedman's products for years and have always been pleased with the fine craftsmanship and quality materials.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- This is Bond, one of the 10-equine residents in my stable. He is a Friesian. The Friesian is most often recognized by its bold black coat color. They have long, arched necks and well-chiseled, short-eared, “Spanish-type” heads. They also have powerful, sloping shoulders, compact, muscular bodies with strong hindquarters, and low-set tails. Bond needed a new saddle that was better-fitting for his body shape and comfort.
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- I’ve used Freedman’s saddles for years. This is an older model saddle. It is at least 15-years old and is still in excellent condition.
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- In my saddle tack room I keep other equipment – bridles, saddles, collars, and harnesses – also made by Freedman’s. This bridle has the symbol of my farm on it, the great sycamore tree.
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- All of this equipment is custom made for carriage riding. Everything is always ready for the next ride.
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- A horse’s body changes through the year. During warm weather, horses are outdoors grazing on fresh grass. In winter, with a change in diet, they sometimes lose body mass. And, there are also muscular changes that occur from time to time. When a saddle no longer fits a horse properly, it can rock and wobble, and make the horse very uncomfortable. This saddle does not fit Bond well. He needs a narrower tree, or saddle structure, to fit his shoulders better.
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- This is Bond’s new Freedman’s saddle. It’s made with super grip leather to ensure no slip comfort during the ride.
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- It’s also manufactured with reinforced straps and a strong saddle tree for durability and proper rider positioning.
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- Here is the new saddle tested on Bond. This saddle fits perfectly between the back of the scapula, or shoulder blade, and Bond’s last rib.
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- Before going out on a ride, Helen grooms Bond. Grooming a horse does more than just clean the animal. It is also a good way to assess the horse’s skin and coat for any abnormalities that may necessitate veterinary care. A horse’s face should always be kept as clean as possible.
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- Grooming can be very soothing, and for many horses, it helps stimulate circulation. For young horses, it’s a good time to practice standing still, being patient, and being touched. Here, Helen wipes down his coat. Bond is secured to cross ties for safety.
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- Helen also combs the legs. Because all the horses are groomed every day, they are quite used to this process.
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- Cleaning a horse’s hooves is also very important. They should be picked daily. A hoof pick is used to remove dirt, stones, and other debris – particularly in the grooves beside the frog. Regular hoof cleaning can prevent thrush, a foul-smelling bacterial infection.
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- Now to get Bond ready for a ride. This is the saddle pad, which cushions the horse’s back under the saddle and protects it from the weight of the rider. This pad is from Mattes and has built in pockets for a cell phone and treats.
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- Next, Helen places the new saddle on Bond.
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- This Freedman’s Hunter SG saddle has a low cantle profile, which is the back of the saddle seat, making it easier to swing the leg over when mounting.
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- The front of the saddle should sit behind the shoulders, allowing good swing motion. The back of the saddle should also be the right length. And the saddle itself should rest nicely on the back.
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- The girth strap is also an important piece of equestrian equipment. It is attached to the saddle and encircles the horse’s underside securing the saddle in place.
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- The girth strap is secured with these leather strips called billets.
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- The straps should be secured equally on both sides of the horse, so the saddle sits centered on top.
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- The new saddle also has a custom name plate.
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- Finally, Helen puts on Bond’s halter. This leather halter fastens onto the horse’s head to make leading and handling easier. He is ready for a good, comfortable ride around the farm.
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- Here’s Juan on Geert and Helen on Bond. The fly masks keep the pesky bugs from biting. A well-fitting saddle gives the horse freedom of movement without any discomfort. It also helps the rider sit correctly.
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- Afterward, Bond and the rest of his herd are brought out to their paddock where they can graze, roll, and frolic.
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