| Saddle Fitting |  |
Measuring Your Horse for a Saddle |
|
Template / Tracing Instructions
Templates are not only taken to confirm a permanent record of the horses’ condition at the time of ordering a saddle, but will aid the manufacturer in the construction of a custom built saddle or semi custom fit saddle.
You will need:
- Large sheet of paper
- Flexicurve (architectural measuring tool)
- Camera
- A helper
- A rider and horse!
|
Step 1
Stand your horse on a flat solid surface and make sure that he is stood in as “square” position, as possible. |
Step 2
Take 2 photographs
a) side profile of the horse.
b) symmetry of the horse, taken from above and behind, remember most horses are not symmetrical. |
| Step 3
Template 1 – Tree Width
Ensure the horse is standing square with a straight neck.
Identify the back edge of the scapula (shoulder blade), mark this if necessary and then place the flexicurve laterally 2.5”(5cm) behind this point.
This is the position that the points of the tree will lie parallel against the horse. Ensure a firm and even pressure is applied to mould the flexicurve (on both sides), ask your helper to hold down the left side if necessary while you move to repeat on the right. Then lift from the middle and place flat on your paper and draw along the inside curve. Be careful not to twist the flexicurve around in the process (Left to right) or to knock the outline.
Template 2 – T18
Identify the line of the last rib running up to the junction of T18 (the last thoracic vertebrae), mark if necessary, then place the flexicurve laterally in a horizontal position across the point of T18 and repeat the process of profile to paper. Be clear to indicate Left and Right side on the paper.
Template 3 – Horizontal Profile
With a flat flexicurve, place one end on the withers and shape along your horses back to create a profile. Lift off at both ends to avoid any distortion and trace on the paper, indicating the crossing points of Template 1 & 2. This will help us to determine the shape of the tree, gusset depths and the maximum length of panel.
It is recommended that all profiles are repeated to confirm their accuracy.
You should now have 2 photos and a set of 3 templates.
If there is anything else that we should be aware of ie, existing lumps or white marks that may effect the fit of the saddle, it is advisable to provide clear photographic evidence of this also.
|
|
Step 4
If you already have an existing Black Country Saddle or have one on trial is it also useful for us to have pictures of this.
a) on the horse, girthed but with no rider, showing the clearance at the front and the balance from the side.
Please ensure that no saddlecloths are used.
b) on the horse, with the rider in the saddle showing the clearance. It may also be necessary to show the leg position if alterations to flap and blocks are required.
|
Saddle Fitting
|
|
Sundance Saddlery is proud to offer the convenience of on site saddle fitting and saddle fitting clinics, in addition to our quality saddle re-flocking, repairs and sales. Sundance Saddlery is also certified to offer Flair air system adjustments as well as instructional training on how to adjust Flair system saddles. In order to accurately evaluate a saddle fit issue, a "hands-on", on site approach is best. We are happy to look at the fit on any brand of English saddle. Donna is a trained saddle fitter and certified WOW FLAIR saddle fitter and installer. Donna's strong links with members of the trade in the UK enables many remedial fitting issues to be dealt with, in addition to more standard saddle fittings. Call (403) 933 7707 now, to book an appoinment.
In addition to this, all staff own horses and over the years have had many a different and difficult horse or pony to fit a saddle to. As riders, we also recognize the need for a saddle well suited for a particular persons body type.
Educating the owner/rider and taking them beyond just fixing a saddle fit problem and into the understanding of the essential part a good saddle plays, in the communication and effectiveness between horse and rider is an added value of having us to come and fit your horse for you.
A saddle fit evaluation appointment includes a full history taking of the horse, rider and saddle, a full set of tracings, and saddle fit evaulation. Flocking adjustments or repair work is charged in addition to the stable call fee. All work will be discussed at the time the appointment is made. Appointments can last up to two hours and can require the rider to ride the horse.
|
 |
Sundance Saddlery can help you in achieving the successful partnership you and your horse are striving for. Your equipment should help in every aspect of partnership together. |
|
CONVENIENT ON-SITE SERVICE
|
• Serving the Alberta equestrian community from border to border and surrounding, bordering provinces (BC and SK - please contact to see if within traveling distance and phone if not sure)
• Saddles and accessories sales and service, convenient on-site saddle selection and trial with follow-up service and maintenance
• On-site saddle fit evaluation and flocking of all brands of English saddles
|
STABLE CALL FEES
|
includes mileage and up to 2 hours of time
|
From Okotoks to ...
|
Individual* |
Group* |
| Within 45mins of Okotoks |
$100 |
$65
|
Within 45mins - 1 1/4 hours of Okotoks
|
$125 |
$75 |
Within 1 1/4 - 2 hours of Okotoks
|
$125 - $150 |
$90 |
Within 2 - 3 hours of Okotoks
|
$150 - $225 |
$100 - $140 |
| Within 3 - 4 hours of Okotoks |
$225 - $300 |
$140 - $160
|
|
Please contact us by calling (403-933-7707) or emailing (donna@sundancesaddlery.com) for availability. Let us know what type of appointment you need (evaluation of current saddle and/or sales), where you are located, how many horses and saddles will be looked at, how many people are interested (if for group) and when you would like the appointment. A typical appointment takes up to 2 hours and includes taking a history of rider, saddle and horse, wither tracings, saddle fit evaluation and/or looking at new saddles for purchase and riding the horse. Horses should be able to be ridden.
*INDIVIDUAL: one person/horse in one barn (then see group rates.)
*GROUP: per person/horse in a group of 2 - 10 people/horses at one barn - not divided among group
All fees are due at time of booking of appointment - cash, debit,VISA or MC. Flocking (minimum $180) and/or repair work is charged IN ADDITION to stable call unless agreed otherwise with Sundance Saddlery. FLAIR system adjustments are charged at an additional $55 per saddle on top of the call out fee. All new saddle purchases require a 50% deposit at time of order. Prices subject to change without notice. Please contact us with any questions.
|
Serving: Black Diamond Turner Valley Millarville Okotoks High River Longview De Winton Calgary
|
|
