How can a SMART Saddle accommodate asymmetry of the horses back?

Many horses are, to varying degrees, asymmetric in their musculature. Although when fitting SMART saddles, we’re not able to diagnose why the asymmetry is present, it is something that is noted and commented on, and most owners will already be aware of.  Whether historic and persistent, or new and different, asymmetry or one-sidedness should always be monitored and, where necessary, addressed. The root cause could be conformational, secondary to an underlying orthopaedic issue or lameness, or even due to poor saddle fit or rider asymmetry.

Although back asymmetry can prove challenging with traditional saddles, it is something that is more readily accommodated by a flexible SMART Saddle. Not only that, but time and time again, we see huge improvements in back asymmetry when clients move their horses into a flexible SMART Saddle.

Flexing independently throughout allows the SMART saddle to:

• Adjust to the contours of the back without being tipped or tilted – if your horse has one shoulder bigger than the other, the panel can simply flex over each shoulder differently in order to accommodate them; the saddle flexing wider on one side will not affect how the saddle fits the smaller shoulder on the other side. This results in better stability as the saddle moves with the horse, without it being displaced in the way that a rigid tree is likely forced to.
• Flex and lift over shims where they are used to support the saddle - it’s straightforward to use shims asymmetrically with a SMART saddle as the saddle will simply flex around the shim without the shim impinging on a finite amount of space, which could be an issue with a rigid treed saddle. Adding a shim under one part of the panel will not cause the rest of the saddle to tilt or create a peak pressure in another area.
• Whilst maintaining its form, the saddle can widen to allow the muscle to increase in dimension during exercise – an essential factor in healthy muscle development, which includes rebuilding asymmetrically wasted muscles and ultimately improving symmetry of the back.

Once your horse can lift and carry the saddle straighter and more symmetrically, and move without restriction or compensation through their body, they have the freedom to develop healthier, more symmetric musculature.

What type of asymmetrical shimming can we do with a SMART Saddle?

• Level up asymmetrical muscle development or atrophy
• Asymmetric front shim – can be used if the horse has asymmetric muscle atrophy behind the shoulder
• Asymmetrically rear shim – typically prompted by the saddle slipping to the side of a horse’s weaker hind leg (often a temporary measure while the horse straightens)
• Asymmetrical DSP – where asymmetrical support is required along the length of the saddle.