Saddle Fitting - Accredited Saddle Fitters Australasia, ASFA, Spinal Problems Horses, Saddlefit 4 Life, CAIR, FLAIR, Saddle Manufacturers.

Whether one competes in dressage, eventing or show jumping, pony club, english or western or simply enjoys the pleasures of non competitive riding, the importance of a correctly fitting saddle cannot be overlooked. An ill fitting saddle can impact on the health of your horse and its performance. Therefore, a correctly fitting saddle is essential.

Wither Clearance The Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) teaches it pupils equine anatomy, horse bio mechanics and saddle fitting. This includes the position of the saddle on the horse and the angle, balance and weight distribution of the saddle on the horse.

As the saddle is the major interface between you and your horse, it is imperative that you understand how to correctly fit your saddle or have an accredited saddle fitter conduct an assessment. An accredited saddle fitter will teach you the key areas to assess saddle fitment on your horse such as selecting a saddle that best meets the requirements of you and your horse, identifying ideal saddle fitment including what this feels and looks like in contrast to a poorly fitting saddle.

In 2000, the ASFA was created. The ASFA has been developed as a qualification course for people interested in ensuring the correct fit of a saddle for both horse and rider. The ASFA are of the opinion that saddle fitting should be based on scientific evidence. The ASFA course has been endorsed and accredited by the Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association. American veterinarians, Dr Kerry Ridgeway and Dr Joyce Harman assisted with the development of the ASFA level 1 and 2 courses.

Dr Kerry Ridgeway DVM, Cert Vet Chiro, Vet Acupuncture.

Dr Kerry Ridgeway is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and in acupuncture by the Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Dr Ridgeway was a founding member of the International Association for Equine Sports Medicine. Dr Ridgeway has written a book titled "Saddle Fitting from A to Z: The Most Comprehensive Saddle Fitting Guide" which is available to purchase on Amazon and other online stores.

Dr Joyce Harman DVM, Cert Vet Chiro, Cert Acupuncture.

Dr Joyce Harman graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Harman is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and veterinary chiropractor. Dr Harman utilises a computerised saddle fitting device, the pliance^®-s test system. The pliance^®-s test system identifies the dynamic pressure distribution and can be directly compared to synchronised video pictures.

Dr Joyce Harman has written two books on saddle fitment. These are:

Dr Ian Bidstrup BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Equine Medicine), Master Chiro Sc, Cert Acup (IVAS).

Dr Ian Bidstrup has a dual university qualification in Veterinary Science and Chiropractic Science and has a post graduate qualification in Acupuncture. Having treated spinal problems in horses, a major concern for Dr Bidstrup is the importance of a correctly fitting saddle. Dr Bidstrup is a joint principal lecturer at the ASFA level 1 and 2 courses. Dr Bidstrup also teaches saddle fitting at RMIT - Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractic.

Dr Bidstrup has his own website relating to spinal injuries in horses and dogs, Spinal Vet. Dr Bidstrup explains spinal problems in horses including the symptoms which may indicate spinal problems in horses, treatment of horses with spinal problems, causes of spinal problems in horses and exercises to maintain better spinal health in our horses. Spinal Vet explains the basics of fitting saddles, improving the fit of your saddle, purchasing a dressage saddle to suit your horse and you as the rider, and the use and placement of wither shims. Dr Bidstrup also explains girth pain and dysfunction and effects on the spinal column including causes and symptoms.

Articles on spinal health by Dr Ian Bidstrup can be found on the Spinal Vet or Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association websites.

Ron Bates - Bates Australia.

Bates Australia (formerly Bates Saddlery) was formed in 1934 by George Bates from his home in Perth, Western Australia. Bates Australia is now run by George Bates' grandchildren; Ron Bates as managing director and Ken Bates in research and development. Ron and Ken Bates travel worldwide to receive feedback from a variety of areas in the horse industry to constantly improve the design and performance of their saddles. Ron Bates also provides assistance to ASFA as a guest lecturer. Ron Bates operates three Horseland stores around Perth and is one of the four directors of Horseland.

Tim Mills - Qualified Master Saddler.

Tim Mills is a qualified master saddler who operates a saddle fitting service in England. Tim Mills started his saddler apprenticeship in 1981, becoming a master saddler in 1993. Tim Mills worked closely with the Society of Master Saddlers lecturing and assessing. Tim Mills has also lectured in Australia and America and was instrumental in developing the Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia Level 2 qualification course.

Robert McCann - Level 2 ASFA, Overseas Qualified Saddle Fitter of SMS.

Robert McCann is based at Horseland in Ringwood, Victoria and also operates out of the Dandenong, Mornington and Narre Warren stores. Not only does Robert McCann conduct saddle fitting assessments but he also lectures for a variety of organisations, including the Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia Level 2 qualification course. Robert McCann provides practical demonstrations and has traveled within Australia and overseas providing consulting on different aspects of saddle fitment.

Horseland is 100% Australian owned and operated and is the creation of Michael Bucknell, his brother Peter Bucknell and Geoff Sinclair. Michael Bucknell is also the managing director of Weatherbeeta. ASFA courses are run by Weatherbeeta (the parent company of Horseland). ASFA courses are primarily for Horseland employees and people working in other equine fields such as massage therapists, chiropractors, etc. People not affiliated with Horseland are able to complete the ASFA course for approximately $1200. Horseland employees receive a discount off this amount.

Available to suitably qualified applicants are two levels of Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia courses. The two courses currently available by ASFA are:

ASFA Level 1 Course

The Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) level 1 course is an ASFA entry level qualification. ASFA level 1 applicants must meet certain prerequisites before commencing the two day ASFA level 1 course. After successfully completing the ASFA level 1 course, members must complete twelve months on the job training (OJT) followed by a practical and written exam. The ASFA level 1 course is a prerequisite for ASFA level 2 course.

ASFA Level 2 Course

Saddle fitters having successfully completed the Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia level 1 course and have completed "X" number of years practising saddle fitting may apply for the ASFA level 2 course. The Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) level 2 course is of four days' duration.

ASFA Refresher Courses

All Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) (level 1 and 2) are required to complete an Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) refresher course every three years to maintain their saddle fitting currencies and learn new advances in technology from industry experts.

For further information on Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) level 1, 2 and refresher courses, please contact Horseland Head Office or any Horseland store.

Horseland Head Office Administration

8 Moncrief Road

Nunawading VIC 3131

Phone: 1800 021 980

Dr Kerry Ridgeway assisted with the development of the ASFA level 1 and 2 courses. Dr Ridgeway teaches courses that are available periodically in Australia through the company Equinology. There is an extensive list of courses offered by Equinology such as anatomy, equine body work, equine massage and more. Check the Equinology Calendar of Events under Australia to see when the next Australian Equinology workshop is scheduled.

So, you way be wondering, what exactly is Saddlefit 4 Life? Saddlefit 4 Life was the creation of Jochen Schleese of Canada. After many years of making saddles and seeing first hand how many saddle fitting issues there were and still are, Jochen Schleese decided that saddle fit was something that needed to be taught worldwide. From this notion, Saddlefit 4 Life was created. Jochen Schleese, his wife Sabine and business partner Earl Rothery are the people behind Schleese Saddlery. Jochen Schleese, along with Peter Horobin, completed their saddle maker apprenticeship with Passier and Sohn in Germany, both graduating as certified saddlers. Peter Horobin created the family business Horobin Saddlery which is located in Mornington, Victoria. Peter Horobin continues to be affiliated with Schleese Saddlery through Saddlefit 4 Life in the Australasian market.

Both Jochen Schleese and Peter Horobin are accomplished riders in their own right. They empathise with and understand the requirements of both horse and rider. "The worldwide network of Saddlefit 4 Life professionals and adherents working together, are striving for products, systems and training methods that will protect the horse’s (and rider’s) back from long term damage. Never again should any horse have to suffer for the ignorance of the rider, nor will a once sound horse have to be farmed out or put down because the damage is so severe that nothing more can be done to help or change the situation". Jochen Schleese on Saddlefit 4 Life.

:: Saddlefit 4 Life with Jochen Schleese ::

Jochen Schleese created the AdapTree^® saddle tree design which allows the saddle to be adjusted to fit as the horse grows and develops. This saddle tree is controlled and changeable. Saddles made by both Schleese Saddlery and Horobin Saddlery are manufactured incorporating fully adjustable and flexible polyurethane/carbon fibre patented AdapTree®. They range in size from 15" to 20". The seat dimensions are available in narrow, medium and wide. The saddles also contain an adjustable gullet plate, allowing the saddle to be altered to allow for growth in your horse.

:: Jochen Schleese and Dr Gerd Heuschmann on Saddlefit 4 Life ::

Saddlefit 4 Life also looks at the difference in anatomy between the pelvic shapes of men and women, looking at how your seat bones interact with the seat. If the seat is not the correct width it can cause pain to you, the rider and discomfort in the way you are sitting in the saddle. Therefore the twist and waist of the saddle are made to accommodate your individual requirements. The Crotch Comfort^© is a properly positioned air pocket to allow you to sit straight on your pubic bones without any discomfort.

Saddlefit 4 Life is being taught at the National Riding School in Warendorf, Germany, state riding academies in Germany and in Australia, Asia, North America and other parts of Europe.

Dr Gerd Heuschmann.

Author of Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage, Dr Gerd Heuschmann now translates this wonderful book into a documentary titled If Horses Could Speak. View the movie trailer for If Horses Could Speak. The DVD, If Horses Could Speak is available to purchase from Horobin Saddlery for $89.95 AUD plus postage and handling. Saddlefit 4 Life is a proud supporter of Dr Gerd Heuschmann's philosophy and teaching.

Mr James Warson MD, with Ami Hendrickson.

The Rider's Pain Free Back: Overcome Chronic Soreness, Injury and Aging, and Stay in the Saddle for Years to Come is a book that explains the impact of horse riding on the human back. Do you suffer from back pain, stress or strain? Do you experience pain in the saddle or are you unable to ride at all? The Rider's Pain Free Back provides a guide to strengthening your body for riding through exercise and building core strength and provides guidance on horse and tack selection to assist in back pain prevention.

:: If Horses Could Speak - DVD Documentary by Dr Gerd Heuschmann ::

Heike Kemmer on Saddlefit 4 Life - Olympic Dressage Team Gold Medalist and Individual Bronze Medalist.

Are you a select retailer that may be interested in the Saddlefit 4 Life Retailer Education Program? For further information on becoming a Saddlefit 4 Life^® retail partner, please visit the Saddlefit 4 Life website. Interested in a Saddlefit 4 Life seminar? Contact Horobin Saddlery for more information on Saddlefit 4 Life Seminars and costing.

It would appear to me that the term 'Master Saddler' is used quite loosely when it comes to makers of saddles. I would ensure that your "Master Saddler" is a Certified Master Saddler (CMS) or a Master Saddler accredited with some form of governing body or organisation such as The Society of Master Saddlers in the United Kingdom. "The Society of Master Saddlers aims to ensure and achieve a high quality of workmanship through setting standards and overseeing the training of the membership’s workforce to give their customers a professional and quantified service. It continues its work to carry these standards through build, repair and fit, and to work towards the complete comfort and safety of horse and rider". From the Society of Master Saddlers.

Certified Master Saddlers are skilled and qualified in saddle and harness making and repairs. To achieve such a status, qualifications must be achieved such as completing a formal apprenticeship of approximately four years duration. They must then operate in this trade for a minimum of seven years (depending on the institution providing the certification). Certified or Qualified Saddlers are people who have completed a formal apprenticeship but have not yet met the minimum required time to become a Certified Master Saddler. Qualified Saddle Fitters vary in qualifications. Registered Qualified Saddle Fitters recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers must have been fitting saddles for a minimum of three years whereas ASFA saddle fitters fall into two categories - level 1 and level 2.

Australian Certified Saddlers

Unlike Germany, England and America, Australia does not have a recognised apprenticeship scheme for apprentice saddlers which I find quite disappointing. Certified saddlers within Australia have had to go abroad and seek their apprenticeship elsewhere, such as in England and Germany. The only certificate currently available in Australia relating to the saddlery trade is a leather production traineeship, certificates II and III.

Malcolm Byrne of Mal Byrne Saddlery (Calcutt and Sons, Sutton Scotney, England) - Werribee, VIC.

Peter Horobin of Horobin Saddlery (G Passier and Sohn, Hanover, Germany) - Mornington, VIC.

The Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) level 1 and 2 courses were developed as qualification and continuation courses for people interested in saddle fitting correctly for both horses and riders. Below is a list of Accredited Saddle Fitters of Australasia (ASFA) level 1 and 2 saddle fitters. Please contact a saddle fitter in your area to answer any of your saddle fit questions.

ASFA Level 1 Qualified Saddle Fitters

Ezra Gibbon - Shire Saddlery, Browns Plains, QLD¹.

Suzanne Gibbon - Shire Saddlery, Browns Plains, QLD¹.

West Burleigh Saddlery and Produce - 37 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh, QLD, 4219. Ph: (07) 5576 7007².

1. Shire Saddlery conduct ABC of Saddle Fit Workshops.

2. Do you know the web address for this saddle fitter/company?

ASFA Level 2 Qualified Saddle Fitters

Horseland ASFA Level 1 and 2 Qualified Saddle Fitters

See Horseland Accredited Saddle Fitters

Know of an Accredited Saddle Fitter of Australasia (ASFA) not listed? If so, please contact Warmbloods Australia to be added to the ASFA listing.

Peter Horobin - Mornington, VIC. (Apprenticeship with Master Saddlers of Hanover, Germany). Saddelfit 4 Life.

Graeme Aitken - Loganholme, QLD. (Overseas Qualified Saddle Fitter with Society of Master Saddlers, UK).

Jill Yeaman - Master Saddler with Society of Master Saddlers, UK.

Robert McCann - Overseas Qualified Saddle Fitter with Society of Master Saddlers, UK. Phone: (03) 9879 2988.

Tracey Aitken - Loganholme, QLD. (Overseas Qualified Saddle Fitter with Society of Master Saddlers, UK).

The outline below on CAIR, FLAIR Air and traditional flocking is not endorsing one form of saddle filling over another. The below mentioned information is high lighted to inform you of the filling styles currently available in saddles.

CAIR - Bates and Wintec Saddles. CAIR Air Panels have been available in Bates and Wintec Saddles since 2000. CAIR Air Panels replace the flocking from traditional saddles with air. There are two independently sealed air panels within each saddle panel. The air system is a fluid medium that constantly adapts to your horse's working muscles, distributing your weight evenly across the entire length of the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points.

The CAIR Air Panels are shaped and refined at the point of manufacture to provide an even thickness throughout the saddle's panel. The balance of the Air Panel System in Bates and Wintec saddles cannot be modified by the individual but can be easily altered through your retailer with the CAIR Panel Insert System. This modification does not compromise the performance of the air panels. The CAIR Air Panels themselves can not be over inflated which would result in bouncing or under inflation resulting in excessive saddle movement.

The CAIR Air Panels are created by capturing air at atmospheric pressure in opened celled foam. This foam cell is then sealed in the air panel. Once the air panel is welded, the open celled foam becomes irrelevant as it is the air trapped in the panel which is doing the work.

I purchased my first CAIR saddle in 2001. My mare has a high wither and the CAIR Air Panel System alone was causing the saddle to sit too low on her wither. At the time, this balance issue could be alleviated by adding flocking above the air panels, whether it be the front, rear or both front and rear panels. The flocking utilised in this fashion could be used to raise either the front or the rear of the saddle or to raise the overall height of the saddle. This alteration did not effect the performance of the CAIR Air Panel System as the air panels absorbed any unevenness generated by the flocking.

Over time through more research and testing, Bates Australia have implemented a different solution to rebalancing the saddle if required. Now, with the CAIR Panel Insert System, a range of inserts can be added to the panel of your saddle, above the air panels. From my understanding these inserts are constructed from foam. The air panels remain in contact with your horse's back, whilst the inserts increase the depth of the saddle panel where you require the additional height. Alterations can be made to your saddle by your retailer. These inserts can be monitored and changed over time without concern of affecting the performance of your saddle. One do-it-yourself alteration that you can perform on your Bates or Wintec saddle, is alteration of the gullet width. Bates and Wintec saddles have a easy change gullet system that come in six sizes ; narrow (yellow) to extra wide (white).

Remember to always read the instructions provided with your saddle! If you change your gullet, ensure you replace the gullet screws or place Loctite 243 on the gullet screws before reinsertion into your saddle. Loctite 243 is a general purpose, medium strength, oil resistant thread locker.

The CAIR Air System is available in a variety of Bates and Wintec saddles at an average cost of $200 AUD. Bates Australia offer a five year warranty on their CAIR Panel System.

Please note: The even bearing of the panel will not be evident until you are sitting in the saddle. It is only when your weight bears down that the air will fluidly move to hug your horse's back and distribute your weight evenly. It is at this point in time that you should assess saddle fit for your horse.

FLAIR - Peter Horobin Saddles. Flair Air flocking is similar in concept to the CAIR Air System. As with CAIR, Flair is a system of four air bags designed to replace the flocking in saddles. The Flair Air Bags surround a foam insert that displaces air so that your saddle's panels maximise the surface area on your horse's back. The Flair Air Bags do not require adjustment or special maintenance unless your horse changes shape. If this is the case, a simple adjustment by your saddler is all that is required.

When fitting your saddle, Flair links the front pair of air bags together as well as the rear pair of air bags. The air can move between the left and right front air bags and left and right rear air bags so that the saddle settles squarely on your horse's back. By fitting your saddle in this fashion, Flair automatically takes up asymmetry in your horse's back. This technique can be utilised to adjust the saddle whilst you are mounted and your horse is walking, engaged and rounded, allowing location of balance, support and position for you and your horse. The valves are removed once the saddle fitting is completed. Two dummy valves seal the saddle after fitment is complete.

All Peter Horobin Saddles feature adjustable gullets that allow both the width and angle to be adjusted. Flexible saddle trees are also available. The PH Liberty has a flexible tree which is composed of a composite material that is not rigid, allowing the saddle to flex with the lateral movement of the horse.

Flair Air panels are available in all Peter Horobin saddles at a cost of $750 AUD.

Traditional Flocking. The majority of saddles available on the market today consist of traditional flocking. More traditional forms of flocking consist of wool, deer hair and/or horse hair, rubber, foam, felt and now the inclusion of synthetic materials such as synthetic wool fleece. If you do own or are looking at purchasing a flocked saddle, ensure you monitor regularly for hardness and unevenness in your saddle's panels. Over time, flocking can become unevenly compacted, creating high pressure areas and areas where there is no contact at all.

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One of our largest purchases for our equine friends would be our saddle. What saddle do you choose? What size do you purchase? How do you know if your saddle fits correctly? There are so many questions relating to the purchase of your saddle and so many saddles to chose from: flexible trees, treeless saddles, adjustable gullets, variety of air panel systems and the list goes on. The best person to assist you with all these questions is a qualified, accredited saddle fitter.

Listed below are a number of saddle manufacturers' websites located both in Australia and overseas. These businesses are listed to provide information on the wide variety of saddles that are available.

Adam Ellis of UK Saddles - handcrafted leather saddles.

Albion Saddles - manufacturer of performance saddles.

Amerigo Saddles - designs to accommodate many different types of horses.

Anatomica Saddles - anatomical saddles: the connection between you and your horse.

Antarès Sellier - Xavier Lenrouilly, Thierry Guiberteau, Eric Guiberteau, Evelyne Cummings and Dominique Bauer.

Balance Saddles - form a comfortable 'flexible' and innocent interface between the horse and rider.

Barefoot Saddles - barefoot, treeless saddles from Horse Connection.

Barnsby - making handmade English saddles since 1793.

Bates Saddles Australia - (CAIR Panel System). Unique Y-Girthing System, CAIR and easy change gullet system.

Berney Bros - tradition, innovation and technical excellence are the hallmarks of the modern Berney saddle.

Black Country Saddles - master saddlers Rob Cullen and John Hartley.

Bruno Delgrange - quand votre sellier est aussi cavalier (when your master saddler is also a rider).

Cardanel Saddles - manufacturer of quality leather saddles which are individually manufactured.

Collegiate - (a Weatherbeeta brand).

County Saddles -

Courbette - sincere commitment to traditional values.

CWD Precision Saddlery - sellier de précision.

Daaleman Zadles - father and son, Wim Daaleman and Erik Daaleman, makers of Dutch saddles.

Devoucoux Saddles - luxurious and handcrafted fine French leather working.

Duett Deutsche Sattlerei - saddles designed for wide back horses.

E Jeffries Saddlery - the latest materials and technology with traditional manufacturing skills and craftsmanship.

GFS Saddles - Geoff Fieldhouse Saddles: master saddler and founder of Fieldhouse Riding Equipment.

Sellerie Fleur de Lys - custom made French saddles.

Forestier - wooden trees dressed in full grain leathers of French origin.

Frank Baines Saddlery - develops new ideas and works closely with innovative designers.

Frédéric Butet - Frédéric Butet, French sellier.

Fusion Saddles - craftsmanship, quality, design and fit.

G Passier and Sohn - Sättel, Zäume und Zubehör aus Meisterhand. Made in Germany.

Guy Chanel - saddler and luxury leather goods maker.

Jaguar Equestrian by Harry Dabbs - Jaguar Cars Ltd, creating saddles with Harry Dabbs.

John Whitaker International - Whitaker saddles by John Whitaker.

Hastilow Competition Saddles - custom made saddles, bridles and leatherwork.

Hulsebos Saddlery - manufacturer of custom 'made to measure' saddles.

Hunique - custom made Hungarian saddles.

Ideal Saddle Company - handmade saddle trees made in Walsall England with high quality leathers.

Jean Luc Maurel - technical innovation combined with tradition, made patiently by hand with the finest leathers.

Jeremy Rudge Saddlery - hand made saddles using traditional methods from high quality leather.

JRD Saddles - Mehrdad Baghai, owner and saddle maker of JRD Saddles.

KB Saddlery Company (Keith Bryan) - hand made saddles finished using only quality leather and materials.

Kieffer - saddles made from top quality leathers and manufactured meticulously by hand.

King's Saddlery - combines traditional skills and materials with a modern approach.

KN Saddles (Karl Niedersuess) - manufacturer of quality Austrian saddles.

Kottas Saddles - saddles by Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg.

L'Apogée - handcrafted in Austria, includes new range of luxury sheepskin bareback saddles and pads.

Laser Equestrian Products - owned and operated by Major and Mrs Jeremy Beale and Jim and Libby Seybert.

Lovatt and Ricketts - all Lovatt and Ricketts craftsman are members of the Society of Master Saddlers.

Luc Childeric - blending fine leathers with the design and skills of experienced craftsmen.

Mal Byrne Performance Saddlery - custom made saddlery, individually hand crafted from quality english leather.

Max Benz - superb German craftsmanship creating traditional, yet innovative saddles.

Morris and Nolan - quality and reliability in saddles for all types of equestrian events and riders.

Ortho-Flex Saddleworks - incorporates a rigid tree and two flexible panels.

Pariani - skilled craftsmanship and high quality of raw materials for custom hand made saddles.

Patrick Saddlery - hand made saddles by master saddler Patrick Keane.

Performance Saddlery - includes the Debbie McDonald signature series range of saddles.

Pessoa Saddles - saddles by Nelson Pessoa, launched in 1971.

Peter Horobin - range of Peter Horobin and Horson horse wear. Saddles contain FLAIR Airflocking System.

Prestige Italia - manufacturers of Italian saddles (formerly Prestige).

Röösli Sattelbau - saddles largely made by hand with traditional know-how and innovative materials.

Ryder Saddles - manufacturer of quality English saddles by Glen Farnell.

Sattlerei Otto Schumacher - expertise, craftsmanship and quality materials.

Schleese Saddlery Service - certified Master Saddler Jochen Schleese, wife Sabine and partner Earl Rothery.

Selleria Equipe - saddles for riders of all levels, with maximum attention to the comfort and well-being of your horse.

Smith Worthington Saddlery Company - designed with professional and amateur riders and trainers.

Sommer - modern technology and exceptional design combined with traditional craftsmanship.

Spirig Saddles - Spirig Pferdesport is owned and operated by master saddlers Hans Spirig and Michael Spirig.

Strada Saddles - designed by David Bowler.

Stübben Australia, Stübben Germany or Stübben Direct - UK store has worldwide delivery.

Sue Carson Saddles - custom hand made English saddles by Sue Carson.

The Balance Organisation - Balance saddles are made by Frank Baines Saddlery.

The Pennwood Saddle Company - quality saddles made of fine craftsmanship and design.

The Saddle Company - work closely with saddle fitters, retailers and riders.

Thorowgood - English synthetic saddle manufacturer based on a lightweight, SimaTree® saddle tree.

Tolga - traditional, hand sewn saddles. All saddles made in the Tolga workshop in Brussels, Germany.

Trainer's Saddles - do you know of the Trainer's website?

Vincent Gaffet - quality saddles made from fine leathers and designed with the greatest French tradition.

Wintec - designed by Ron and Ken Bates, owners of Bates Saddlery Australia.

Zadelatelier - made to measure Dutch saddles by Ninon Schutte.

Zaldi - blends tradition and technology. Saddles manufactured by Zaldi Sillas de Montar.

Disclaimer: Warmbloods Australia does not endorse or take responsibility for any content of the external saddlery websites listed above.

Girths

Bates CAIR Girths - Bates Elastic Girth with CAIR / Bates Elastic Stud Girth with CAIR / Wintec Elastic Girth with CAIR.

EquiPrene Pressure-Eze Girths -

Note: enquire with your saddler regarding the best length for the Pressure-Eze elasticised two buckle girth. The Pressure-Eze girths are constructed with two elasticised straps on both ends of the girth, being quite stretchy. You may require a shorter Pressure-Eze elasticised two buckle girth compared to your standard girth.

"Using a broad, cushioned girth, that has 10-15cm of elastic at each end, can increase your horse’s comfort and reduce the chance that an underlying problem will be aggravated if the horse has a fall when being ridden. (Avoid over tightening the girth – easy to do with elastic or western cinch systems)". Dr Ian Bidstrup on Management Options and Self Help for Girth Pain and Dysfunction.