Positioning the SMART™ Saddle

The unique design of the SMART™ saddle allows it to flex to enable the natural lift and swing of the horse’s shoulder without restriction therefore, when fitting your SMART™ saddle, the knee flap can lie comfortably over the scapula without hindering the horses’ movement.

For this reason, even with forward cut saddle models, the SMART™ saddle can be positioned on the optimal, weight bearing area of the horses’ back and it does not need to be placed further back to allow for scapula movement.

This technique will ensure the saddle sits securely on the horses’ back and supports the rider in correct balance with the horses’ movement.

Steps for positioning the SMART™ saddle

Stand the horse squarely and place the SMART Saddle Cloth (with any balance pads in position) on the horse’s back.

 Place the SMART saddle centrally on the saddle cloth, then pull the saddle cloth firmly up into the gullet space of the saddle to ensure that it will not pull down onto the wither or spine.

Ensure the saddle and cloth are positioned together on the weight bearing area of the horse’s back.  Remember that as the SMART™ saddle will flex snugly into position when you fasten the girth, you can position the saddle further forward than you would a traditional saddle

Before girthing, check that any SMART™ Balance Pads are sat evenly under the base panels either side of the spine, leaving the gullet clear.

Follow our SMART  Graduated Girthing Technique, remembering to secure the saddle cloth in position by passing the girth billets through the relevant slots and fastening all D-tabs after girthing up.

The girth position should secure the saddle across the broadest area of the pectoral muscles and the sternum – it should not lie further back where the girth could impinge on the xiphoid cartilage process.

Once girthed up, check the saddle panels are clear of any stitching or bindings and that any seams do not sit under the weight-bearing area.

 

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