Category: About the Horse

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How to Palpate Your Horse

Have you ever been curious about how to palpate your horse? If so, you’re in luck! In this series of videos, Cathy will guide you through the process of performing a full body palpation on your own horse.

Palpating your horse before you ride serves as an essential baseline assessment, allowing you to compare subsequent examinations and identify any changes. Not only does this help you understand how your horse is feeling, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your equine companion.

Over time, saddle fit is often overlooked, even though the horse’s body undergoes changes as they grow and condition. These changes can significantly impact the fit of the saddle. By palpating regularly before and after your rides, you can detect subtle variations. Preventing discomfort or soreness for your horse.

It’s also beneficial to perform a palpation a couple of days after riding. This follow-up examination can reveal any issues that may be caused by your saddle or even your balance in the saddle. Providing valuable insights into your horse’s well-being.

Remember, a horse’s back changes every time it moves a muscle. If a saddle’s rigid tree holds those muscles still, it restricts their full range of motion. Our ultimate goal is to ensure our horses’ comfort. Palpating establishes a baseline by identifying potential problem spots is the first step towards achieving that goal.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to palpate your horse. Feel free to enjoy the informative videos below and embark on this rewarding journey of understanding and connecting with your horse on a deeper level.

You can also view these videos and more on my YouTube Channel

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Saddle Fitting is a Science and an Art

Saddle fitting is both a science and an art, requiring careful consideration for both the horse and the rider. It’s important to understand that horses and riders undergo changes throughout their lives, making it rare for a single saddle to fit them perfectly for extended periods without adjustments.

Saddle Fitting Evolution

In the pursuit of better and longer-lasting saddle fit, saddlers have employed a combination of scientific principles and artistic techniques. English saddle makers, for example, have made significant advancements in accommodating shoulder movement by keeping the points of the tree high. While this addresses one issue, it simply shifts the pressure of those points higher up on the horse’s back.

The English Saddle

To further enhance fit, English saddle makers shape the flocking of their saddles to match the contours of the horse’s back. However, even with these measures, the flocking can still raise the rider off the horse by over an inch. Considering that a horse’s back undergoes significant changes during training, an ill-fitting saddle can impede progress and cause discomfort. This often leads to the additional expense of regular re-flocking to ensure continuous improvement.

The Western Saddle

Western saddle makers have also made substantial modifications to address the limitations of rigid tree saddles. By incorporating twists and flare into the saddle bars, they have mitigated the pressures exerted by the inflexible structure. Additionally, Western saddles feature fleece, allowing for the use of corrective pads and shims to achieve a better fit, provided the initial fit is already adequate. However, shimming cannot rectify a saddle that is inherently too small for a horse.

An Analogy

To illustrate this point, imagine having a pair of beautiful boots that are just slightly too small for your feet. No matter how many extra socks you add, the boots won’t fit properly. Similarly, a saddle that is too narrow cannot be effectively widened or improved through the use of any type of pad.

In summary, saddle fitting requires a blend of scientific knowledge and artistic skill to ensure the comfort and well-being of both horse and rider. It’s crucial to recognize the limitations of rigid tree saddles and seek professional guidance to find the best fit for your equine partner.

In the videos below, Cathy Tauer of Hill View Farms demonstrates and explains the science and art of Saddle Fitting.

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Horses In Motion

Have you ever observed your horse or a group of horses in motion, gracefully moving around the pasture? Notice how their muscles flex and ripple along their entire body, from nose to tail. It’s fascinating to witness such fluidity and grace. Yet, despite this natural fluidity, we often place rigid trees on these magnificent creatures.

Throughout the centuries, saddling our horses has primarily focused on the comfort of the rider. As a result, various saddle designs have emerged across different disciplines, creating interesting and diverse saddles. Unfortunately, the comfort of the horse has been somewhat neglected, leaving them to endure ill-fitting attire unlike any other animals.

Of course, saddlers have made attempts in the past century to improve saddle fit for horses. However, there are limitations to what a rigid tree can do for a constantly moving and changing back. On top of that, horses are expected to be obedient and docile while wearing contraptions that we would never subject ourselves to.

A Look at a Horse in Motion

Take a moment to watch the video above and observe the horse’s back, shoulders, and croup. Notice how the muscles ripple beneath the skin as the horse moves? Observe how the horse travels on a curved path, slightly bending from poll to tail. Now, consider how our typical fixed tree saddles, whether English or Western, rest on both the stationary and moving body of the horse.

Saddle fitters do their best to accommodate a moving body with an immovable object that carries weight while in motion. However, there are limitations when it comes to fitting a horse while it’s in motion.

Riders often feel more secure and perform better in a rigid tree saddle, while horses prefer a saddle that doesn’t poke, pinch, or restrict their movement. Is there a compromise that needs to be made?

horses in motion

Will a Compromise Need to be Made?

Watch the video above, focusing on the transition from trot to walk. Observe how the horse’s hind end comes under to carry the body through the transition and settle into the walk. Now, imagine the same transition with a rider in an ill-fitting saddle or a saddle that’s fitted while the horse is standing still. It’s impossible for a saddle that’s fitted to a stationary horse to remain well-fitted throughout the horse’s movement. That’s a fact.

So, what can we do as riders to address this issue? Is there something we can do to help our equine companions carry us better, longer, and more comfortably? How can we prevent shoulder blade pinching, girth galls, and sore spots forming behind the saddle?

Spine Relief

For a while, treeless saddles gained popularity as they eliminated the rigid fixed tree and offered a molded leather seat for a fairly secure feeling. However, they provided no spine relief for the horse.  Placing the rider directly on the horse’s spine and leading to additional back issues caused by poorly balanced riders.

Panels for Horses in Motion

Then came the panel saddles, featuring broad panels that promised more even weight distribution. While providing a secure feeling with their rigid tree, these saddles could fit a wider range of horses and offered necessary spine relief. The whole saddle was effectively lifted off the horse. This marked the beginning of the evolution that led us to the innovative saddles at Evolutionary Saddles.

At Evolutionary Saddles, we have taken the panel saddle concept to the next level. Our saddles feature movable panels that move and flex with the horse’s back as they move and change shape. The sturdy yet highly flexible panel allows for better weight distribution across the entire panel, eliminating the appearance of white hairs and pressure points often seen with rigid tree saddles.

The panel’s layered construction and strategically placed hardware enable the full range of motion needed for optimal performance. It accommodates the rocker, flare, and twist of a horse’s back during every gait and as they grow and change shape. The Evolutionary Saddle takes into account the horse in motion with the rider, resulting in a saddle with a rigid tree and mounted flexible panels. Surprisingly, despite being only 3/4″ above the panels, the rider feels remarkably close to the horse.

Special thanks to Riding Warehouse for the use of the clips from their video How to Lunge a Horse Safely

In summary, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of rigid tree saddles and explore innovative solutions that prioritize the comfort and well-being of our equine partners. Evolutionary Saddles has embraced the challenge by developing saddles with flexible panels that provide superior fit and spine relief, ensuring a closer connection between rider and horse.

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In Search of a Saddle – A Trainer’s Perspective

Background

Since about 1955, I’ve been searching for a better way to gain my horse’s cooperation, a better way to help him reach his potential, a better way to help him perform with enthusiasm and willingness. 

I know that if something hurts me, I don’t want to do it and neither does my horse.

Effectively I want to encourage his performance, not discourage it.

After the first dozen or so horses that I got in for training, I began to notice that their behavior changed when the saddle change or when I rode bareback.

Bucky

Bucky was one of the first.  A neighbor lady called because her 14 year old buckskin grade gelding that the bought for her ten year old son kept bucking the kid off. 

I went over and they saddled up Bucky and I rode him.  He had a jackhammer trot, it was awful!  No wonder the kid was falling off!  I took the saddle off and rode him bareback, he had a smooth, comfortable trot, for a trot.  Obviously better than with the saddle that they had presented him in.

The Paso Mare

Next a Paso mare came in for training because she wouldn’t hold still under saddle.  Quiet, willing, calm and cooperative on the ground but almost dangerous under saddle.  The owner said, “After you rider her in gain for a while she gets real hyper.” 

I thought I knew the problem. 

We took her to the arena and I hopped on her bareback, she didn’t move. The owner was surprised but didn’t want to admit it so I rode her in gait for a while and then asked her to stop.  She stood still.  The owners couldn’t believe that a saddle could make that much difference.

Cindy and Ruby

A real interesting example was a lady that I’ll call Cindy and her horse Ruby.  Every fall Cindy and 6 of her girlfriends went trail riding for a week.  They rode every day, all day long. 

Cindy had to pull on her reins with all her might to keep Ruby from running.  It didn’t matter if Ruby was at the back of the pack or 2 miles ahead, she wanted to run.  She never got tired and never quit. 

Ruby was huffing and puffing, dripping with sweat and all lathered up at the end of the ride.  But at the next ride, Ruby wanted to run again.  Cindy was scared and Ruby was out of control. 

Cindy and I worked with Ruby once a week for a couple of months.  I showed Cindy how to get Ruby to relax her back and neck, lower her head and respond rather than react.  

Cindy was gradually gaining control and not feeling terrified.  Then Cindy and Ruby went on a long ride down a gravel road with a couple of friends.  The longer they rode, the worse Ruby got. Ruby was dancing sideways, backing down into the ditch, and rearing.  Back to square one it seems.

Cindy called, very discouraged and told me about the ride.  I couldn’t imagine what had gone wrong so I went over to Cindy’s with my saddle and decided that I should ride Ruby and try to figure out what was wrong. 

Cindy, on another horse, and Ruby and I walked down the road on a loose rein for an hour.  Then we turned around and walked home on a loose rein.  Cindy couldn’t believe her eyes.  Poor saddle fit was a big part of the problem.

Now I knew saddle fit affected behavior.

Originally authored in 1997 – by Nancy Wong – Gaitway Paso Finos (Trainer & Recipient of national awards in gaited Pasos)

In 2003 – Revised by Cathy Tauer

Then again in 2021 – Reprinted and revised by Lara Kronberger

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Design Your Saddle

Are you looking for a saddle that fits both you and your horse perfectly? We understand that finding the right saddle can be a long and sometimes frustrating journey, filled with both disappointment and joy. You may find a saddle that fits your horse well, but after an hour of riding, you’re in so much pain that you can hardly dismount. This is a common struggle I hear about when new clients are looking for a new saddle for both their horses and themselves.  So I’d like to share my process of helping you design your saddle.

Things to Think About

What was your favorite saddle to ride in?

For the purpose of this question it doesn’t matter if it fit your horse.  What matters is whether or not it fit you and what you loved and/or hated about it.  The System X panels are designed to provide fit and comfort for the horse. So here is where I concentrate on helping the rider be as comfortable as their horse will be. 

What saddle did you hate to ride in but it fit that horse?

As people we tend to dwell on the things we didn’t like better than we can recall what we really liked about saddle. Which is why one of the first questions I ask you when helping you design your saddle is what you couldn’t stand about some of the saddles you have ridden in over the years.

What style saddle are you looking for? 

Something with a horn? No horn? An English style saddle? Flapless? Extra Blocking for security? 

Some of this is cosmetic and some is functional, while some is just personal preference.  For the different disciplines there are also requirements for the equipment used.  Dressage is a perfect example of specific requirements for the saddles used in competition. 

These are things to keep in mind, such as what will you be using the saddle for? Will it suit all those needs?

What seat and size is suitable for you?

Like clothing and shoes, saddles will vary in comfort even if they are the same seat size. The rise, waist and twist need to be considered along with the size of the seat. As these things allow a rider to sit centered and balanced.

Considering the size of seat there are thee things to consider, shape, weight and physical limitations of the rider.   Other factors include the build of the rider, their experience level when riding and the discipline that they have chosen.  These factors and others help determine for each individual rider what seat and size is best for them.  

How would you like the cantle finished?

In western saddles there are a variety of ways you can finish a cantle.  Although the most common are either a Cheyenne roll or a pencil roll.  There are some variations that are based off of those two styles, but most fall one way or the other. Some have a cantle where the seat leather just sweeps over and nestles under the seat jockey in the rear.  English and endurance saddles are often this style. 

Weight, is it a factor for you?

None of us are getting any younger, so the weight of the saddle we lift up to our horse’s backs can be a growing factor.  I know many that love their 50 lb saddles but can’t lift them anymore.  While I can’t make my saddle under 16.5lbs because of the solid wood tree and the System X panels. 

The weight of the saddle is a factor for many riders, and we’ll work with you to reduce the weight while still maintaining the quality and comfort of the saddle. Working closely with you throughout designing your saddle, ensuring that your vision comes to life in the way you imagined. We want to make sure that you’re not only happy with the saddle we build for you but also supported as you learn to use it and make all the necessary adjustments as you ride multiple horses.

The Experience

When you choose to design your forever saddle with us, it’ll be more than just the color of leather, style of saddle, and choice of tree. Discussing any physical limitations you have and any future plans you may have in your riding career. Let’s talk about your new saddle and start the process of building your custom forever saddle.

Schedule a Saddle Consultation
Plan Your Saddle
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Camping Must-Have Items for Horse Owners

Camping with your horse can be an enjoyable experience, but it’s important to remember to be prepared. In this article, we’ll cover these camping must-have items that you need to ensure a safe and comfortable trip with your horse.

The Camping Must-Have Items

  1. Conduct a Pre-Trip Check: To avoid complications on the road, make sure to conduct a preflight check on your truck and trailer. This includes ensuring that they are in working order, tires are aired up and ready to go.
  2. Know Your Horse: Bring a cooler or light blanket for your horse in case they get chilly at night. Traveling can be stressful, so it’s important to bring something comforting for your horse. Also, remember to bring food and drink for both you and your horse. Including electrolyte packets to entice your horse to drink unfamiliar water.
  3. Plan for Accommodations: Know where your horse will spend the night and bring your own fencing if necessary. Even if corrals are provided, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of conflict.
  4. Basic First Aid: Bring a first aid kit for you and your horse to be prepared for any injuries or accidents.
  5. Plan Your Route: Plan your route on a computer or larger screen to avoid any potential traffic issues and to stay aware of the progress of your trip.
  6. Leave on Time: Plan your departure to avoid heavy traffic during rush hour and ensure a smoother trip.

Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and relax! Camping with your horse should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t stress about the details. Focus on the essentials, like those camping must-have items listed above, and have a great time exploring the great outdoors with your equine companion!

Here is a list of places that I have camped at!

Want to talk about the experiences I have had there? Set up a free consultation!