Positioning the SMART™ Saddle

The flexible SMART^TM saddle should sit securely on the horses back.The unique design will not restrict the lift and swing of the horse’s shoulderbut will flex and move with it. This is particularly the case with the more forward cut models, where the knee flap can lie comfortably over the scapula without hindering the horses’ movement.

The tree points of a traditional saddle could restrict and bruise the scapula if the girth was positioned correctly. For this reason, treed saddles are usually fitted further back.

This Mule’s upright shoulder was impossible to fit with any jumping saddle other than the fully flexible design from SMART Saddles.

The SMART^TM saddle, when placed in the correct, weight bearing position on the horses’ back is supported by the girth, which is secured across the broadest area of the pectoral muscles and the sternum – it should not be further back where the girth could impinge on the xiphoid cartilage process.

Steps for positioning the SMART^TM saddle

1. Attached any SMART^TM Knee Blocks or Thigh Blocks to your saddle so that they are in position (they can be repositioned according to rider preference).

   

2. Stand the horse squarely and place the SMART Saddle Cloth on the horse’s back, positioning it well forward (as the SMART^TM saddle will flex snugly into position when you come to tighten the girth).

   

3. Place the SMART^TM saddle centrally, on top of the saddle cloth.

   

4. Put your thumb under the front of the saddle cloth and pull it up firmly into the gullet of the saddle, to ensure that the cloth will not pull down onto the wither or spine.

   

5. Check front and back binding are clear of the saddle base and that any seams do not sit under theweight-bearing area.

   

6. Before girthing, ensure the saddle cloth is sitting correctly by checking the centre seams are in line with the gullet and, if used, SMART^TM Balance Pads are sitting straight and fitted correctly either side of the spine.

7. Finally, follow our Graduated Girthing Technique, remembering to secure the saddle cloth in position by passing the girth billets through the saddle cloth loops and fastening all D-tabs after girthing up.

If you are fitting with SMART^TM Balance Pads, specific information on fitting pads can be found here.

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