Shoulder freedom: it sounds complicated, but it’s not
We’ve all experienced it before: a saddle that at first glance seems to lie fine: straight on the back, nicely balanced. But as soon as you start riding, it starts to clamp. Or worse: the saddle slowly but surely slides forward, towards the shoulder blades. And before you know it, you’re sitting more on the […]
Sheep’s wool in saddle pads
Why we at Empire Saddles consciously choose gray wool At Empire Saddles, we make daily choices that are not always visible, but do affect how a saddle behaves in use. One of those choices is in the filling of the saddle pads: sheep’s wool. Sheep’s wool has long been used in saddle pads, and for […]
Why tall people don’t always need a seat size bigger
It’s one of the most persistent misconceptions in saddle fitting: “Tall rider? Then you must have an 18-inch saddle.” We run into it everywhere. In stables, in instructional videos, at clinics – and yes, even with saddle fitters. As if body height can be translated one-to-one into a seat size. While in practice we see […]
Getting up without a stool: old-fashioned and harmful
Getting up without a stool: used to be quite normal, but now we know better, right? Unfortunately, we still see it come by often, even as funny videos on social media in which riders show how fit and tough they are by getting on without a crutch (while the horse is running away). But getting […]
KNHS Theory Tour – Saddle fitting: facts and myths
On Thursday evening, June 12, during the KNHS Theory Tour, I (Jolanda) get to share my knowledge about common statements surrounding saddle fitting. As an MSFC- and SMS-certified saddle fitter, I know better than anyone how persistent some myths can be: ❓ “The saddle is too tight at the shoulder, so it’s too narrow.” ❓ […]
Does your girth have the right length?
Proper girth length is essential for the comfort and performance of both horse and rider. A well-fitting girth keeps your saddle in place, preventing discomfort and injury. Why is girth length important? An ill-fitting girth can chafe, pinch or even cause movement restrictions. In addition, it can affect the rider’s stability and balance, which in […]
Never hesitate again: This is how to place your saddle perfectly on your horse’s back!
A properly placed saddle will prevent discomfort and injury to your horse. A common mistake when saddling a horse is putting the saddle too far forward. If the saddle is too far forward, it can restrict the movement of the shoulder and cause pain. This can lead to resistance, uneven gait and even long-term injuries. […]
Check your saddle: Avoid these 3 common saddle problems
A well-fitting saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort and health as well as your riding enjoyment. But even with the best saddle, problems can arise if it is not properly maintained or checked. Do you check your saddle occasionally for these common problems? 1. Uneven Filling One of the most common problems is uneven […]
Keep your saddle in top condition: 5 tips!
With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your saddle even longer. Here are five handy tips to make sure your saddle stays in top condition: 1. Clean after use After riding, it is important to clean the saddle. First remove dirt and dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. Then you can use a damp […]