Taxonomy term

Should I Use a Half Pad?

Updated:

June 8, 2016

half pad, saddle fitting, jochen schleese, schleese saddle fitting, equine ergonomist, saddlefit for life, schleese, saddle balance, schleese saddle, pommel to cantle

Question: I frequently see half pads being used under saddles, made of either gel, memory foam, or leather. Do you think these pads are necessary or is a properly fitted saddle sufficient to cushion a horse’s back? Answer: There is an old wisdom that a well-fitting saddle should not need anything underneath it, save perhaps a thin cotton pad to protect the saddle from the horse’s sweat.

Riding Helmets Save Lives

Updated:

April 7, 2016

riding helmets, horse helmets, equine helmets, horse safety, equestrian safety, horseback safety

It is commonly said that if you ask ten riders a question, you will get ten different answers. But there is one thing we should all agree on - you should never ride a horse without a helmet. Horses are inherently dangerous due to their natural flight instinct. Even the quietest lesson horse is capable of spooking at an unusual object, and even the most experienced riders have falls.

The Great Canadian Equine Cover Up

Updated:

November 16, 2015

saddle fitting, short person saddle, short legs saddle, schleese, saddlefit4life

If you’re in the market for a new turnout blanket for your horse, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a great selection to choose from. Blanket technology has come a long way from the days of those heavy New Zealand rugs; today’s blanket shopper can select from a range of features and options to find the blanket that fits both their horse’s winter wardrobe needs and their budget.

How to Clean and Care for Your Leather Horse Tack

Updated:

August 12, 2015

saddle soap, clean horse tack, care for horse tack, Jochen Schleese, Equine Ergonomist, care horse leather, cleaning horse leather

Taking proper care of your leather goods will greatly enhance their appearance and lifespan. One of the greatest misconceptions in leather care has been with the correct use of saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are basically just what their names imply: soaps, and as such are to be used for cleaning only. In fact, sweat, which is acidic, and soap are the two greatest enemies of leather if they are not removed.

How to Tame Your Tack Room - 9 Tips

Updated:

January 30, 2015

organize horse tack room, horse tack, equine tack, organize equine tack room, horse tack

You’ve finally arrived at the barn after a busy day at work, looking forward to clearing your mind and enjoying some quality horse time, when you open the door of your tack room…. There’s your saddle pad, still damp from yesterday’s ride, in a lump on the floor. Now you’ve located one glove but the other is nowhere to be found.

Is Your Horse Left-Handed?

Updated:

September 5, 2014

Jochen Schleese, saddle support, horse saddle fitting, horse dominant side, symmetrical gullet plate

Do you understand the natural asymmetry of the horse and its implications for saddle fit? Most horses are left-handed – or what we refer to as dominant on the left-hand side – and it is usually very obvious. There are many theories as to what causes this predisposition.

Fitting the Saddle to the Rider

Updated:

August 15, 2014

Jochen Schleese, Equine Ergonomist, buying a horse saddle, fitting a horse saddle to your horse, gender correct horse saddle, horse empathy

When you are in the market to purchase a saddle, you want to ensure that the saddle you are investing in will not only fit your horse, but will also fit you. If you have ridden in more than one saddle in your riding career, you probably noticed that there were subtle or major differences in each saddle. When you spend your dollars, you want a saddle that you and your horse will enjoy for years to come.

Meeting Riding Helmet Safety Head-On

Updated:

August 8, 2014

horse safety, equine safety, horse helmet, equestrian helmet, horse rider safety, horse helmet expiry, horse helmet expiration, horse helmet fit, riding helmet safety, Equine Guelph, horse helmet fitting tips, purchasing equestrian helmet

Experienced riders know that riding is risky business. Falls and other horse-related injuries are a real possibility, and even top riders cannot prevent all riding-related accidents.

9 Points of Saddle Fit

Updated:

March 13, 2014

9 Point Saddle Fit, Jochen Schleese, proper horse saddle fitting, Withers Clearance, Gullet width, channel Width, horse saddle tree angle, equine saddle fitting

Saddle fit has become a huge buzzword in the equestrian industry over the last 20 years or so as saddle designs slowly evolve to better accommodate the needs of the horse. Saddle fitting is a truly comprehensive art and science that involves getting the fit right for both parts of the equation – horse and rider.

Tips for Choosing Quality Leather Tack

Updated:

January 28, 2014

Tips for Choosing Good Quality Leather Tack

By Anna Carner Blangiforti - Tack made from hides that were poorly tanned in caustic solutions, made from hides given bad dye jobs, made using leather cut from the stretchy belly portion of a hide, or made cutting any other manufacturing corners cannot be improved by after-market cleaners or conditioners. If you buy tack at a bargain price, be prepared to get what you pay for.