WE would always begin the process of saddle fitting by fitting the rider.

If the saddle feels good on the block it is going to feel even better on a horse. When the rider finds a type and style of saddle they are comfortable with, we then fit it to the horse.

We offer a free saddle-fitting service and always urge owners to bring their horse so that we can assess them both.

I look at the overall shape of the horse’s back, along with the height and prominence of the horse’s wither. The wither will usually fall into one of three categories: high (common in thoroughbreds), normal and no wither, sometimes referred to as mutton shouldered (common in breeds such as the Connemara).

All of our saddles come in different widths to cater for the different shapes of horses’ backs. These are narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide. Approximately 95% of horses are medium-width.

At this stage if any final changes need to be made the wool flocking we use in the panels of our saddles (the part of the saddle in contact with the horse’s back) can be easily adjusted. This might be necessary to maintain the balance of the saddle on the horse’s back. This can be done by simply adding or removing wool flocking from certain areas.

Essentially the wool flocking allows us to customise the saddle to the horse’s shape. Sometimes there is uneven muscling and the wool can be adapted and moulded to cater for this.

CHECKING THE FIT

There are two very simple ways to determine if your saddle is not fitting correctly.

  • Clearance on the wither is a key indicator. Simply tack up your horse (do not have numnahs or a thick saddlepad on when doing this) and sit in the saddle. Run your fingers all around the inner side of the pommel - you should be able to do this comfortably. If your fingers are being squeezed then the saddle is too tight and is not fitting correctly.
  • The saddle should be flush with the horse’s back. Girth-up the saddle (again without any numnahs or pads) and, from the ground, assess whether the saddle is lying flush with the horse’s back. If the front or back of the saddle has lifted then the saddle is not fitting correctly.

    • Sometimes a simple adjustment to the wool flocking within the saddle can remedy the above situations. Asking a horse to ride in an ill-fitting saddle is like asking a person to walk around in shoes that do not fit correctly. You might get away with it in the short-term but long-term you are going to have serious problems.

    SADDLE-CARE TIPS

    A saddle that is well looked after should last 25 years. Inside each of our saddles we stitch a piece of material labelled with the date the saddle was made. Just last week I adjusted the flocking of a saddle that was labelled 1943. The saddle is still in regular use in a racing yard in Kildare. If you mind your saddle it will last.

    Worn by Sea the Stars, the Berney's Punchestown Race saddle

  • The girth straps of the saddle get the most wear. Be sure to check the underside of the girth straps. That is where you will see the most wear and the girth holes starting to stretch.
  • I would always recommend people to oil the underside of a leather saddle, the part in contact with the horse’s back. Do this on a monthly basis.
  • If your numnah is wet or sweaty be sure to take it off the saddle when you are finished riding. The salt in a horse’s sweat is corrosive. Leaving on wet numnahs will cause the leather to rot over time.
  • When assessing if your saddle needs to be re-flocked, the first thing I would do is check, using the fore-stated techniques, if the saddle is ill-fitting. If the saddle is no longer fitting correctly it might be time to get it re-flocked.

    • If you have used the same saddle on one particular horse for years, the saddle will have moulded to that horse. It is important when you get a new horse and want to use your old saddle that you get it fitted to the new horse. To re-flock a saddle can be done for under €100.

    BENEFITS OF GOING TO A MASTER SADDLER

    Saddles have the ability to give horse and rider that competitive edge. Forty years ago we had five different models of saddle, today we have 35. Some saddles may look similar but it is the very subtle differences in material or design that can alter how the saddles perform. These subtleties are what can ultimately give a horse and rider that competitive edge.

    Berney’s has always been seen as traditional, known for the strength and durability of our products. In recent years we have worked to sharpen our focus on our competition saddles. We have worked tirelessly to come up with a line of saddles that still maintain the principles of traditional craftsmanship but now include cutting edge technology. Our new saddles are more lightweight, close-contact and shock-absorbent than any other.

    We use a combination of premium, French, calf-skin leather that is strong and durable but also gives the rider better grip in the seat. Orthopaedic memory foam and a monoflap design (a one-flap system) provides harmony and improved communication between the horse and the rider.

    Top riders are leading saddle design now. At Berney’s we work very closely with Ireland’s leading riders; this is how we test out our new designs and features. We can then tailor the saddle to meet the needs of horse and rider and at Berney’s you are dealing directly with the manufacturer. If there is an issue with the fit or feel of a saddle, it becomes our first priority.

    In summary we understand what it is like from both sides of the shop counter. We are horsemen who understand the requirements of the horse and rider and we have the necessary skills to fulfill these requirements. We are a small cog in a big wheel but we know that even the smallest advantages can mean a big difference in competition.

    Thomas Berney Master Saddler, Berney Bros Saddlery, Kilcullen, Co.Kildare

    Tel: 045 481228

    Web: berneybrossaddles.com